Oh the Pressure!

So, now that I have launched a fashion blog, I have set a frightening expectation: that I myself am stylish at all times. Oh dear reader, this is sadly not so.  As much as I want you to believe that I cruise around my house in great jeans, fabulous heels, and a cutting edge military jacket, the truth of the matter is I am more often than not in Juicy sweats (bought from ebay - great deals!) and a deep V tee with remnants of milk and a Gerber biter biscuit as my only accessories save my wedding ring. 

When I step out, however, I do try to put my most stylish foot forward.  I love fashion and I love styling looks for myself, others, and occasions. The Internet, great designers, malls, and online retailers provide endless possibilities.  But, unfortunately, my personal budget and current closet does not.  I have always said if I (or anyone for that matter) had enough wealth (and free time!) needed for a personal chef, trainer, stylist, plastic surgeon, masseuse, hairstylist, make-up artist, etc.  I would look ravishing at all times too -- I could maybe even a fan club where 12 year old girls wrote me postcards and told me they loved me. (Oh wait, I am just flashing back to the letter I wrote to Brooke Shields when I was 12).

This is not to say that is do not have my share of clothes.  I do.  And, most of them are pretty darn affordable.  But, having a 9-month old son means that many of them were purchased pre-pregnancy or during pregnancy since it takes awhile to come up for air after a new addition.  A lot of what I have in my closet now is 1) a bit out of fashion (18 months is longer than you think in fashion years) 2) oversized (because they accommodated my baby belly) 3) not focused - since I have only recently vowed to start buying more versatile, quality pieces even if they are a bit more costly.

So why all the excuses? Because I am asked a lot what I am going to wear places and lately I feel like it better be good. If the gal behind Stylish Dish is really a Style-less Schlump, who would read?  And, because this was a drawn out introduction for this post where I will share, as requested, an outfit I recently styled for myself.  Voila! (Click to enlarge)

Nothing too fancy, but this is what I wore yesterday for a day at the races (Del Mar race track, that is). A day where we got to throw our money away at ponies based solely on their name and watch the surreal Neal and Super Diamond in concert. "Sweet Caroline...so good, so good, so good...!" It gonna be a long day with races and concert so I ditched my wedge heels for sandals 5 minutes before jumping in the party van.

The main reason I am sharing this look is because of the green top from Anthropologie.  Yes, it is really just glorified cotton for almost $50 but I love it.  Great details, great color (although available in many others), soft, and versatile (dress up, dress down, under blazer, with skirt, with jeans)  And, I had to get white jeans in before Labor Day (what is that all about? get the dish on this outdated rule here.)

The shoes and accessories are not exactly what I have, but very similar (and all great bargains!) My husband brought me a quilted brown leather satchel from his recent trip to Scotland which this cross-body bag resembles.

So, do it, shop my closet.

Green Molded and Melded Tee from Anthropologie
Braided Metal Cuff from Charlotte Russe
Paige Premium Denim Laurel Canyon in Optic White
Bronze AK Anne Klein Almquist Sandals
Quilted Crossbody Bag from
Click the Express logo above and search on "quilted crossbody"