Move over denim, there's a new neutral in town. 
     And it's called stripes.  Today I will be talking about the black and white variety.  Referees everywhere have no idea they are wearing one of the most versatile pieces of clothing maybe of all time.  Is that a stretch?  Maybe a little bit.  Point is, we all like to be frugal these days and sometimes that means a little more than just "buying cheap, and buying less."  It can mean maximizing the uses of the things you already have.

  I have been looking for one of these black and white pencil skirts for quite some time now.  The other night when Randy and I were out for a date, we swung by the mall to look at appliances and the tvs were playing the Duck basketball game.  And folks, it was destiny, because in the few minutes Randy was watching the game and I was browsing around, I found this nifty little number.  Hello, backbone of my entire wardrobe!

   I actually thought about conducting a fun little experiment called, "I think I'll wear this skirt every day until someone notices" but I'm pretty sure I could pull it off long enough for it to get rather boring.  So.  I digress.  Here you are, with six different ways to wear the same skirt.  Trust me, I could come up with many, many more.  There's really no end to the ways you could mix and match this thing.  Use your imagination! But here are six ideas to get you started.

 #1. You can start off with a safe, neutral base by pairing it with a black top, and then you can have fun with accessories and change the entire look of the outfit with the simplest of ease! Colored tights, chunky jewelry, a fun scarf or hat....there are so many options within this first outfit.

    #2. To make the stripes a little less formal, add a denim shirt (or tee) and a pair of sandals.  I love how this outfit is suitable for spring, summer, or fall!


 #3. The variations within this outfit are once again, nearly endless....any color of cardigan or sweater would work with your choice of tank or tee underneath, and you could add tights or leggings or boot socks too for extra warmth.

 #4.  If you're feeling hesitant about pattern mixing, play it safe like I did by sticking within the same color scheme.  But really, a host of different patterns would work well with the stripes.  A bold graphic tee, floral, etc.

 5. I read somewhere about building outfits by first selecting one piece you want to wear, and building off of that.  It is amazing how much easier that makes it!  You don't have to envision the entire outfit.  Just start with one item (like the skirt) and then throw on a pop or color, another pattern to add interest (scarf) and coordinate the belt with the shoes to keep it from all becoming too busy.

 #6.  I didn't realize until right now how similar this outfit is to #5...I just added tights and exchanged the scarf for a hat and a different top....I must've been running out of creative juices. :)  In my defense, Charlotte was napping in our room so I just grabbed an armload of random pieces and was trying to just throw oufits together...I'll do better next time.:)  But this all goes to prove how easy it is too mix and match with this skirt! I guarantee it's as versatile as a denim skirt, only 1,000 times more fun. 

   Outfit #3 is my favorite.  Why? Because I love how the typically dressy pencil skirt gets a makeover of sorts and is causal enough for story time at the library, catching a soccer game, or a playdate at the park.  In my line of work we need lots of durable, comfortable, versatile KID-friendly outfits, and sometimes it seems so impossible to find interesting options.  We may be moms, but we still like to play dress up.  It's just not very practical anymore.  And so anytime a piece of clothing that is normally rather formal can double as a casual piece....it's an instant favorite.  Oh and also because of the Hunters.  In this rainy, wet, soggy Pacific Northwest....those boots see a LOT of use and re-use.  I never really put them away from about October to May.  They just sit near the door, ready to be slipped on at a moment's notice. 

   Now it's your turn.  Which outfit is your favorite and why?  What are some of your closet staples?  I'd love to hear from you! 

P.S. All photography credit goes to Randy:)