My Style: Style Remix with a Simple Solid Colored T-Shirt

A couple months ago, I started a new series based on some feedback on my PocketfulofJoules Instagram account. A very sweet Instagram friend sent me a DM saying how much they enjoy seeing different ways to style the same items over and over again as inspiration for their own looks. (Psst…you can find a bunch of these saved under the “OOTD Breakdown” highlight on Instagram). So, I thought it would be fun to start highlighting some remixes here on the blog.

You can find my previous posts here:

For today’s highlight, I’m going to focus on remixing a simple solid colored t-shirt.

You can pretty much buy these LITERALLY everywhere – including high-end brands, low-end brands and the thrift stores. I prefer a v-neck cut and my current favorites are the Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee or the Universal Thread Short Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt. For both of them, I like to wear a size XL so that it is a little roomier in the bust and I don’t have to worry about any shrinkage when I wash and dry them a million times.

Source: Madewell.com (left) and Target.com (right)

And believe me, I do wash and dry them a million times. Solid t-shirts are an absolute MUST HAVE staple in my closet.

I have them in a variety of colors, but black is the most important when mixing and matching with my wardrobe, so I own multiples. I also have: dark green, plum, pink and a few shades of blue and gray. I wear them all year long in my casual life – with jeans, joggers, leggings and denim shorts. However, for this post we will be focusing on how they make a great layer for building an office casual outfit.

Here are just a few ways I’ve styled my black t-shirts for work:

Here are a few ways I’ve styled my other solid colored t-shirts:

I hope you like this new series and please let me know if you have a particular item you want me to highlight for you!

Like what you see? Share me with your friends!

My Favorite Things About the Summer to Fall Transition

I love summer. I really do with the sunny days, trips to the beach, and all the ice cream and snow-cones you could want. However, autumn has a special place in my heart. My birthday is in September. We were married in October. I geek out over the foliage changing color and my husband and I do that weird thing where we point out especially beautiful trees to each other.

Maryland is pretty much known for our crazy seesaw weather – we might get a nice day or two in August, only to suddenly have the heat and humidity punch us in the face. Same with September – sure we may have some days in the 70’s where you want to pull out your comfy cardigans and motorcycle boots. But as soon as you look forward to dressing like a ‘basic fall girl’, the weather flips again and you’re digging out your tank tops.

The last couple of weeks have been absolutely perfect though, with sunny days in the mid 70’s and low 80’s. So, I thought it was time that I channel Taylor Swift with her Autumn Lovers post/poem and wax poetic about the summer to fall transition.

Things I Love About This Time of Year:

Buying a New Day Planner. Sure, school starting is no longer a year-start for me, but I love the promise of buying a blank day planner and adding everything to it nice and fresh. And yes, I color code. (PS, did you know that erasable highlighters are a thing?! I’m OBSESSED with them)

An End-of-Summer Purge. This is the time of year when I like to do a nice cleanout of my unworn/unloved summer clothing items. With my eyes pointed towards fall, it just seems a little bit easier to let go of those items that I never bothered to wear over the last season. So, I go through and make my piles for Poshmark or to donate, and I start the new season with a little extra room in my closet.

Fall Home Projects & Décor. I haven’t gone full pumpkin yet, but it’s right around the corner. I typically like to get past my birthday first, but then I enjoy switching out a few things around the house to make it feel a little cozier for the shorter days/longer nights just around the corner. That means adorable pumpkins, apple and vanilla scented candles, and lots of fluffy blankets and thrifted hand-crocheted afgans for all the snuggling. I also always feel a bit of an itch to do some home projects, and this year I think I may finally repaint my upstairs hallway.

Cool Nights & An Oversized Hoodie. YES, I love my dresses and skirts. And I wear them year-round… but there is just something about a chilly night and throwing on an oversized hoodie. It’s cozy and comfy and perfect for all the snuggling – whether it be with Travis, Jack, Ollie… or all of the above.

{Yes, I know we are not wearing hoodies in this photo, but this little cuddle pile was too cute not to share}

The Smell of a Bonfire When You’re Driving Around. I love having our own outdoor bonfire. However, there is just something about driving home from dinner in the evening and having the window cracked just a bit for some cool air… and smelling that whiff of bonfire as you drive by. Absolute heaven.

Disclaimer: This post contains an Amazon affiliate link — because I’m obsessed with my erasable highlighters. This means that clicking on a link may help me earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Like what you see? Share me with your friends!

Jack’s First Day of 7th Grade

Today is the first day of school in our county and Jack’s first day of 7th grade! He is officially in the middle of middle school – as our school goes from 6th to 8th grade. Last year, we marveled over how the 6th graders look like little kids and the 8th graders are full grown… so this must be the year that it all happens!

And I’m not ready.

Or maybe I am.

I don’t know.

This was a fast and hectic summer for us. Jack broke his arm the first weekend of the summer, had emergency surgery, was in a splint for a week, then a cast for 4 weeks, then got it off. And now, he’s going through physical therapy to help get his range of movement back. He was home with me on my telework days and on days I went into the office he either hung out with dad, visited his grandparents, or spent time at a local summer camp. We also had some wonderful days at the beach and ate a lot of ice cream.

And now, I send him off to 7th grade. And I know he’ll do great because he’s an awesome, smart and hilarious kid. He’s also delightfully weird and an absolute powerhouse at video games.

I’m hoping he finds ‘his people’ this year, whether he becomes better friends with classmates, or meets new friends through school clubs. Last year, we had some sporadic issues with bullying, so I’m on high alert for any problems that I need to nip in the bud.

So, here’s to hoping that 7th grade is a fantastic year!

{As previously noted here on the blog, all photos and/or posts about Jack are run by him first for approval. Jack has approved this message and says ‘hi’ to everyone.}

Like what you see? Share me with your friends!