I’m going to call this my ‘getting stuff done’ look.
Some weeks there are days when I just have to crank out a lot of work. Those days include juggling laundry, meal planning, groceries, kids’ needs, miscellaneous errands, appointments, etc. And for those kinds of days, I need two things: a reliable list and a reliable look.
1) A reliable list. A few weeks ago I came across this blog post where successful blogger Abby Lawson writes about her secret to getting things done. I haven’t exactly done all of it, okay, maybe not even a quarter of it, but I had a few big takeaways, including the importance of goal setting. It may seem obvious, but I hadn’t sat down and written out my goals in a long time, if ever! It’s a great time to take stock of the big picture of your life, which ultimately trickles down to what happens in your day-to-day life. I find when I have goals in mind, I tend to be more intentional about my days. The other big takeaway for me (literally!) are the printables. I have been using Abby’s ‘Peek at the Week’ and ‘Planning my Day’ for a few weeks now, and they’ve been so helpful. Blocking out my weeks and days helps take the stress out of trying to remember it all. Before I would write stuff down of course, but I often ended up with little notes all over the kitchen and my desk that inevitably got buried or they’d bury me and I would be overwhelmed by the sheer number of lists! Using this system has streamlined my ‘lifeflow’ if you will.
2) A reliable look. For me to easily transition from car to store to sidewalk to city stompin’ I need to wear something that feels good and looks good. I think I have this secret fear of looking old or frumpy. Not that I am obsessed or ever judging others, but for myself, I like to feel my best whenever I can. Slouchy summer-wear is high on my list of feel good items this year. The draped fit of this shirt and shag of the shorts make me feel pretty effortless and cool (literally and figuratively!). The chambray topper is great for breezy mornings and chilly grocery stores. The long-strap bag fits diapers and wipes and leaves my hands free. And the shoes, oh these shoes, how I love them. Chic, comfortable and sweatshop free! They are made from vegetable-tanned leather, so I am pretty sure they’ll just get better looking with age.
What about you? Do you have any outfits that mean business?
[tank, Everlane / chambray shirt, J.Crew (similar) / shorts, thrifted (similar) / shoes, Everlane / necklace, Loop Handmade Jewelry]
My favorite outfit that flows seamlessly from home to errands is a simple printed sundress I picked up this season for a mere $8! It’s as comfy as my yoga pants and as cool as my nike shorts, but looks far nicer! I can dress it up with jewelry and pretty shoes for a night out, or throw a jean jacket over it for chilly shops. It looks good with sneakers, flip flops or sandals so it is one of the most versatile piece of clothing I own. I always feel pulled together when I’m wearing it, even if it is at home with flip flops and covered with an apron while I cook.
As far as your lists….I wish I was so organized! I use lists only for big projects like dinner parties or when I am getting ready to travel. Perhaps I should incorporate them into my daily life, I may get more done!
Your dress sounds perfect! And I feel like I live in my apron when at home!! Thankfully, it’s a cute one, haha. Oh I am far from organized! That’s why I need all the lists! ;)
This outfit is so breezy and cute for summer! I had to pin it. Question – do you find that the Everlane tanks are see-through? Especially the white one. I’ve been looking for a great basic tank that I can dress up. Also, do the tanks pill?
Thanks!! :)
Hey Nicolle, great questions!
1) I have worn Everlane in cotton and rayon, and find neither to be very see-through (especially if wearing a nude bra).
2) The cotton line does not pill at all. I have had a few shirts for the better part of a year, and they still look brand new. I am pretty careful with my laundry and do not dry them though. The Ryan line which is made from Rayon tends to pill pretty easy.
Hope that helps!
Hi Andrea. Do you find the Everlane tanks made out of rayon to be too stretchy? I made the mistake of buying a tee that was 100% viscose and with my two boys constantly rough housing on me, it completely stretched to the point where it just hangs off my should (it started out as a round collar shirt). I haven’t purchased anything from Everlane but would love to.
Stephanie they are definitely stretchy! In fact, I try not to wear my rayon tank around the kids too any more much unless I have a vest or shirt on on top of it. I DO have this cotton tank from Everlane, and it is MUCH for kid appropriate, less stretching for sure. And for $18 it’s hard to beat!! I am 5’7″ and I wear a medium because I like my tops loose. :)
This is a great practical look and I kind of want to steal it and wear it daily. Those shorts are like summer in clothing form. I love it!
The goal setting comments made me remember my long forgotten (since summer started, anyway) Passion Planner, which has all the same features as the planner you linked to but in a bound form. Maybe I should get it back out! Intentionality is necessary, even in the summer!
Kate
kateintheclassroom.com
Katie, that Passion Planner sounds pretty interesting, might have to look into that! Thanks for stopping by. :)