product review: Layerwear Basics

 shoes: cato brand. tube skirt: layerwear basics. shirt: gap. sash: from this shirt. bracelet: hawaii.

A few days ago, I got this tube skirt in the mail from the nice people at Layerwear Basics. It.Is.Awesome. The fabric is of super high quality and thick, and the seaming and finishes are flawless; I feel like it'll last forever.

And I hope it does, because it's a perfect layering skirt. Being a tube skirt, it's obviously tighter around my hips and waist, so I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing it with a shorter top. (You're welcome, Society-At-Large.) But I'm finding it to be a perfect balancing piece with longer tunic-style tops, especially flowy or more voluminous tops that work best paired with a smaller-scale bottom. Or a schoolboy blazer...wouldn't that be chic?

One thing about wearing this skirt is that, despite being fairly form-fitting (fine, let's be honest: "tight"), it's easy to move around in because it's stretchy. But, after walking my dog around the block in it (relatively brisk walking), I had to pull it down every block and a half or so. But I didn't have to do that just wearing it around the house; I'd reserve wearing this skirt for times that don't require a longer stride. Like jogging. Summary: Tube skirts aren't ideal for doubling as running skirts...

The waist of this skirt is fold-over...able (new word. use it in conversation this week to make yourself sound super smart.), which is nice for adjusting the skirt's length, which is in and of itself flattering and modest at the same time. Score. I can't wait until the weather cools off a bit to wear this with colored tights. Layerwear Basics offers this skirt (and other stuff) in a variety of colors, which is useful to coordinate it with whatever's already in your closet.

Below are some shirts I'd love to have and wear with this skirt. Some of these may or may not already be in my shopping carts across cyberworld. I'm click-happy awesome that way.

More J.Crew...

So, in a nutshell: as long as you're not heading out for a hike or marathon, I'd absolutely recommend this skirt based on its top quality, fit, and style. Check out the other products at Layerwear Basics! 

Happy Thursday.

we all live in a greenish-blue submarine...

 sandals: don't recall. skirt: gap. shirt: gift. watch: target.

So, solids & color-blocking are hot now. Which is great--who doesn't love color, especially in big chunks? It's like eating a milkshake with enormous hunks of butterfinger in there. Which, actually, is a point of contention between my adorable husband and myself. He prefers his milkshakes to be smooth, flavored ice cream. Me? I want them to be a crunchy, chunky food group.

I know. It's a huge marital compromise when we have to share a milkshake. Frankly, it's a miracle we've made it almost ten years together. But there are solutions to every problem, and this obstacle in our marriage is no different: Fortunately for us, we both firmly believe that sharing ice cream is for wimps, and we get our own.

Problem solved. Not to brag, but I think we're masters in diplomacy. It's a shame we're not in politics. And also a shame that politicians don't deal in ice cream.

So. Solid color-blocking. Awesome and all, but this girl [Editor's note: Two thumbs pointing backwards at myself] loves prints. Solution? Block together prints of the same color. Which, when that color happens to be a greenish blue like what dominates this ensemble, doubles as a costume for a walking piece of seaweed. Total win-win. 

 Happy Monday.

Want this look(ish)? Shop below. No, seriously, click on some of this stuff...

More Asos...

a wide belt and some knee-high socks

 shoes & socks: don't recall. skirt: gap. shirt: gift/secondhand. necklace: forever21. belt: kohl's. bracelet & earrings: hawaii.

 And an early Christmas present to you all: a little photo I like to call "Most Awkward Outtake EVER"...drumroll please...

This week I'm grateful for:

- family reunions.

- food at family reunions.

- relaxing afternoons at a beach, including a short swim in the waves and a cuddle with my tired toddler and a riveting book in my hands.

- freedom and peace and safety. I've been reading "Unbroken," which you should all rush out to your local libraries and/or bookstores and pick up and read. It's fascinating, appalling, amazing, life-changing.

- sunglasses.

- summertime sleeping in...drawing to a close too swiftly...

- fly swatters.

- my now-3-year-old Little Miss Independent. She is one unique duck, and my husband and I adore her.

- air conditioning.

- night swimming and watching my kid experience the exhilaration of jumping off the diving board time and time and time and time again.

- having a waffle iron, waffle batter, and a fresh batch of huckleberry syrup all at the same time and place. As in, this morning, my kitchen. Mmmmm...

Happy Sunday.

stripes + plaid = a glorious day to be alive & dressed

 shoes: forever21. skirt: american eagle outfitters. shirt: don't recall. cardigan: gap. necklace: gift. watch: target.

 This outfit was extremely comfortable and functional. I mean, look--I could even talk on the phone in it. (Because usually I wear stuff that doesn't allow for that kind of elbow-bendage or something? Please...)

Hey guys, it's Friend Friday! Today's topic is: goals, dreams, & aspirations. Aside from being able to decide what's for dinner every night (default: quesadillas. Guess how often we eat those guys?) (You may or may not have nailed it with "at least three times a week." I'll never tell), I have fairly simple aspirations. 

1. Fess up - if you could do anything professionally what would it be? I've always had a dream of being a librarian. But lately I wish I had a natural knack for interior design. What a dream job that would be.

2. What draws you to this? Beautiful spaces are inspiring to me, and I'd love to be able to actually create those. Combining and balancing color, texture, pattern, layout...it's all so awesome when done right.

3. When did you first start dreaming about this ideal? Maybe a year or two ago. But...I think I've gone off the wrong track in answering these questions again. That's a dream of something I would love to do but don't necessarily have the talent/ability to do it. So. Wee clarification.

4. What's holding you back from going all in? Oh, let's see: my shortage of taste, vision, ability, and skill, just to name a few. And, when I'm not basking in the view of beautiful spaces, really, being a mom is my #1 thing. And, bonus, I can be "successful" in momhood even if my house looks like a pigsty or is a throwback to the 90s or is a one-room-dirt-floored shack. As long as there are fresh homemade sweet rolls available on occasion. So.

5. Sometimes the first step is the hardest... what's one step you can take now on the way to realizing your dream? I enjoy home design blogs and magazines and books. I enjoy fiddling around in the building I'm lucky enough to call home. And I can bake sweet rolls while doing it. I think I'm probably living my dream.

Happy Friday!

Want this look? Click on stuff below...

More Miu Miu...

How to hem denim & keep the factory edge

Hey guys. So, some of you have asked how I hemmed my denim skirt by myself while keeping the factory-edge look. I've got bad news and good news for you. The good news: I'm not a great seamstress but it still wasn't hard! The bad news: I have nothing to hem right now, so for me to show you how I did it, you'll have to make do with the pics of the finished product.

Basically, you can do this to any garment in which the original hemline is as wide as or wider than the new hemline. As in, it won't work with skinnies or tapered anything. Here's how:

First, figure out how long/short you want the denim garment. Measure it. Measure it again. Make sure, then once you're sure, cut it. Then head on down to the original hem (where the factory-edging resides) and cut it about a 1/2" up from the original edge seam. This will give you something to sew on that's not 18 layers thick. See the photo below.

 Then pin the cut-off factory hem to the cut-off garment, right sides together and cut edges together. Here's a tip, though: depending on the garment you're doing, you'll want to match up any perpendicular seams first. For example, my skirt has a seam going all the way down the front-middle, so I lined up that seam as best as I could first, then pinned outward toward the back of the skirt. See photo below.

In the case of my skirt, because it originally was a slight A-line, the factory-hem piece was longer (horizontally) than the new hemline. After lining up the front seam and the back edges (where the skirt slit is), I then determined where the side seams needed to be and took in/shortened the cut factory-hem piece there. Does that make sense? As in, because there's a side seam anyway, that's where I adjusted all the pieces so they were exactly the same length and all the factory seams could then line up when I sewed them together.

[Editor's note: You guys, I just realized, I'm terrible at explaining things. Sorry if this is muddled. But now you know how my husband feels, and he's stuck with me forevah, so you guys really don't have it so bad. In fact, I redact my apology to you all.] [Assistant Editor's note: Not sure if "redact" is actually a word...]

So. Now we've cut everything, lined up the seams, taken things in if necessary, and pinned them (right sides together). Next, you just sew a straight line as close to the factory hem as possible. (See below, although I labeled this spot better in the first photo.) Here, I also took the opportunity to zigzag the raw edges together to minimize fraying.

 Wah-lah. (Or "viola" if you're French.) Open up what you've sewn (as in, unfold it. Not rip it out...hopefully...) so that you're looking at the right sides. Iron it flat if you want or need to (I didn't). Then, to keep it flat, sew a topstitch. Ideally, you'd have a matching thread color. I didn't, so mine's chocolate brown. Surprisingly, though, it's hardly noticeable, so whatevs. See how the factory edge looks almost seamless here, even though you actually transplanted it? Magic.

 Maybe it looks obvious in these ultra-close-ups, but I promise...this is a great way to keep that professional-looking factory edge after you've done a home-grown hem job.

If you're not convinced, check out how this skirt looks in "real life." It took about 20 minutes to do and saved me at least $50 for a new skirt. Worth it.

Happy Wednesday!

Want this look but are confused by my tutorial? Shop below...

More Levi's...

does this skirt make me look domestic?

 shoes: steve madden. skirt: secondhand (old navy, but then altered by moi). shirt: gift/vintage. belt: forever21.

p.s. [Editor's note: Technically that stands for "post script," but I'm taking artistic license here and saying it stands for "pre script." Don't try this at home, though, kids. I'm a professional.] This skirt used to be this skirt, but because of its previous awkward/unflattering/frumpy length, and because I've worn it only once (ONCE!) since doing this blog, I re-hemmed it today to make it knee-length. I've been wanting a knee-length denim skirt (aside from my more formal denim pencil skirt) for a long time, and I think I'll get more mileage out of it this way. So. Pat me on the back and give me a popsicle, I guess.

This week I'm grateful for:

- classic (albeit cheesy) movies like "The Music Man" that I can and do start introducing to my children.
- a husband who comes home from a 2.5-day fishing trip unshaven, fulfilled, and happy to be home. And who also didn't get mauled by a mama bear when he & the guys spied a lone grizzly cub on the trail. Yipes...
- Campbell's chicken noodle soup for lunch. My kids love it. And I love Ms. Campbell for creating it. It's mmm-mmm-easy.
- Internet.
- Internet shopping.
- craigslist scores and the reupholstering/refinishing projects that ensue.
- having cute kids and taking the time to notice and appreciate their cuteness.
- chips-and-salsa as a snack.
- dishwashers. Specifically, mine.
- freshly shaved legs.
- my husband's employment.
- living in peace and (globally relative) prosperity. Believing in God. Enjoying good health. Being free. I'm so humbled to be so blessed.

Happy Sunday.

bed head + tie dye = you're welcome

I craigslisted some sweet (but in need of some major TLC) furniture this morning. Two chairs, a coffee table, and a stainless steel work table. Add that to the chair I got a few months back that needs reupholstering, and I've got myself a workload. Which is why I spent all morning in my paint clothes. Which is why I thought I wouldn't get dressed today. Which is why, when I woke up (no, seriously, about 2 minutes after I woke up. Welcome to my face au natural, folks), I took pics of my morning hair to make good on my promise from yesterday.

(Which is why 82% of you might never visit this blog again. Which is why I stink at math, because the percentage I should actually be quoting here is much closer to 100%.)

 But then I decided that's not fair to you guys or my talented hair-girl or myself. So, around 4:00 this afternoon, I showered and got dressed. In ultra-comfortable clothes and nothing to write or even text home about, but clothes nonetheless. Because it feels like Saturday today, and that means comfort.

 sandals: forever21. skirt: kohl's. shirt: gap (tie-dyed myself). earrings: hawaii.

Not to be all, "let's talk about my hair, my whole hair, and nothing but my hair" today (buuuut...kind of, yes, to be exactly like that, actually), but I can't tell you how much I love this cut. It's easy and it embraces the crazy-waves that is my natural hair. Win-win-win. (In case you're keeping track, that third "win" is for the tie-dye shirt.)

Happy Friday.

Want this look? Shop below...

More Quiksilver...

bacon by any other name...

 shoes: converse brand. skirt: american eagle. shirt & bracelets: forever21. sash: off a shirt from kohl's. watch: target. earrings: hawaii.

Today's jumping-off point was EBEW's "pattern mixing" theme. You all probably know by now that I love me a mixed print or eight. In one ensemble. Which, really, if you took that exaggerative statemet literally, would be equivalent to a hole in one, a 3/4 court buzzer shot, and three Heath blizzards from DQ, all in the same day.

So far, I've only mastered the DQ blizzard, but that's okay because those puppies are delish. Do I feel a little white-trashy proclaiming that? Sure. But it's not that different from how I feel after settling in with a gigantic bowl o' popcorned butter to watch Swamp People and finding that, after awhile, I really don't even need the subtitles. If you've seen the show, you'll know what I mean.

So. Enough about you, let's talk about me. I like the irony of the girly pink satin bow/belt and the Chucks in this outfit. Unexpected & Maybe Awesome for me here. Like bacon in our salad for dinner last night. Something is definitely right in the world when everyone at the table is happily gobbling up salad as the main course, as long as that "something" is spelled B-A-C-O-N.

Happy Tuesday.

p.s. Ad slots are available for the coming month; contact me if you're interested! brittneynesmart [at] yahoo [dot] com

Want this look? Shop below.

More Converse...

a one-track mind...and a reorganized living room

 shoes: steve madden. skirt & belt: kohl's. shirt: j.crew. necklace: downeast basics. bracelet: forever21. watch: target.

This week, I'm grateful for:

- the fact that I can eat what I want, when I want at home and not worry that bears are going to come sniff me out.

- family vacations and camping (read more about it here if you'd like).

- beef jerky.

- hot showers and soap and shampoo and razors.

- waterproof tents.

- truckbeds.

- campfires...and getting to the point where you stink so bad that campfire smoke actually improves your self-aroma.

- watching kids get creative with playing outside all day every day, no electronics, no toys, no nothing but their own brains, some sticks, and siblings & cousins.

- national parks.

- mosquito deaths. Seriously. Each one is a victory for mankind.

- barbeques and game nights with friends who have kids who are friends with my kids.

Happy Sunday.

post-camping, a mascara wand looks pretty fancy...

 shoes: thrifted. reversible skirt: gap. shirt: j.crew. belt: husband's. hair barrettes: don't recall. watch: target.

 Please notice which shoes are on which feet on my 2-year-old below. She dresses herself, p.s. In a word: colorful. :)

Hey guys, I'm back from the camping trip. It was awesome on many levels and un-hygienic on many others. Amazing to me how, at the first footfall into campground territory, I'm all about the 18-second-rule for eating off the ground, letting (who am I kidding...encouraging) my kids to pee on trees, and feeling incredibly refreshed after using a single baby wipe as a daily shower. But I'm back, my washer & dryer have been running full-tilt since Wednesday night, and I'm making up for some serious unbrushed teeth time.

Anywho, more on my disgusting camp habits later. (You're welcome.) It's Friend Friday! Today's topic is: Locational Influences.

1. What part of the world do you blog from? Utah, in the United States.

2. If you had to describe the overall mode of dress for where you live what would you say? I'd say that, overall, people dress conservatively. And, for most, a few years "behind."

3. Do you fit in with the status quo around you or do you break the mold? I feel like I dress conservatively but with flair and/or unique style. So I fit in but don't blend in, if that makes sense.

4. If you have lived or traveled to another part of the country/world did your clothing choices evolve? Not really. I've traveled a couple of times in Europe and different states in the U.S. and pack more for weather or travel itinerary than for "fitting in." I don't buy clothes that are otherwise abnormal for me just for a trip, in other words.

5. If you had to describe your style by naming a specific city, what would you be? Okay, this is probably totally lame, but I'd say Twisp, Oregon. It's this dinky little town we drove through once on a family trip when I was little, but the town was totally unique and proud of every last square inch of itself, if my memory serves correctly. There. Hard question. But fun to think about.

Happy Friday!

Want this look? Check out stuff below...

More Volcom...

singin' (and wearin') the blues

 shoes: converse brand. skirt: american eagle outfitters. shirt: vintage/gift. belt: forever21. bracelets: don't recall. earrings: gift/homemade.

 I'm super grumpy today, guys. My poor children. I thought that throwing on a pair of Chucks would help, and it did, for sure. Meaning that everyone's still alive, and I'm keeping my voice pleasantly neutral 87% of the time, despite my wanting to yell and/or lock myself in my room all day and let the forces that be...be. Like the force of milk spilling out of the carton alllllllll over the floor. And the force of polly pockets being flown at siblings' heads. And the force of toy box after toy box being dumped out everywhere.

So. Here's what I wore. It's nothing out-of-control inspirational. But it's cool. And it's comfy. And it's not a full-length spandex bodysuit in color: nude, like what I spied a team of female runners wearing for a recent race. So, I figure, that's 3 points in the black. Booyah.

Happy Wednesday.

Want this look (sans grumps of course)? Click below...

More Converse...

in which a girl waxes poetic about her knitwear...

 shoes: saltwater sandals. skirt: kohl's. shirt: vintage/hand-me-down. watch: target. necklace & flower clips: gifts.

The sunlight randomly went all pinkish-crazy with me in the photo below... Meh. It's sunlight. It can do whatever the heck it wants, and what are we mere mortals going to do about it?

 So, do you have a knit skirt?

Ohp. Oops. Someone once facebook-statused (yep. verb.) the fact that, at work, they walked into someone's office and started in on asking about a work project without a "hi" or "how's it going" or "good morning" and didn't realize until later how rude that was and how lame they felt.

Color me rude and lame, but only temporarily, because...HI! How's it going? Good? Good.

Now. Back to knitwear.

I only have one knit skirt, myself. I've got plenty in cotton and denim and cuorduroy and even some wool blends, but only one down-on-the-farm-meat-and-potatoes kind of knit skirt. This thing is stretchy. It's comfy. It's versatile. It's cashe. It's not too lightweight or too heavy but is the perfect middlegroundweight. It's, in a word (plus two), awesome to wear.

The only prob is that it's a little faded, a little worn, a little aged. So in the "does-this-skirt-make-me-look-rich" department (and who doesn't open up conversations that way? I mean, c'mon), we're coming in about last place. Panting. With a sprained ankle and mud-splattered cheeks. I don't even know if its skin-hugging would fare much better in passing the age-old "does it make me look fat" test. But the beautiful truth, my dear readers, is that this simple knit skirt has won my heart. And during summertime, my heart calls the shots, with authority surpassed by none 'cept the Body Thermal Index Regulator Organ, whatever that may be. Maybe the spleen? Yep. Prolly that.

Annnd, for those of you still with me (gold star for all 1 of you), a little outtake for your viewing pleasure. I call this one "The Armpit." Lovely, I know. You're welcome. And I'm sorry. And it wasn't me. And I'll pay you back...

Happy Thursday.

Want this look? Seriously. Get yourself a knit skirt today and be happy for the rest of your life. Shop below (remember, you can lop off a maxi skirt if you want, and depending on the knit, you might not even have to hem it!)...

More Express...