Mix it Up

Mix It Up by mixandmatchmom featuring converse shoes

We unexpectedly had today completely free from commitments, so I grabbed the same oxford shirt that I wore yesterday and paired it with a fresh pair of jeans. I added the turquoise for a bit of unexpected fun. I wear my pants twice (unless they are visibly dirty) and wear some shirts twice to cut back on laundry, especially when we're not leaving the house.

Playdate at the Park

Playdate by mixandmatchmom featuring deep v neck t shirts

It's been unseasonably warm these past few days; yesterday I wore shorts and a t-shirt while doing yard work! We're going to the park today with friends, so I'm keeping my look casual.

Mad for Plaid

Mad for Plaid by mixandmatchmom featuring pointed flats

Today's an at-home pajama day for us, so I decided to scope out some new accessory ideas. Plaid is very popular this fall! I've only added two plaid items to my wardrobe so far (a scarf and a shirt), which I found on clearance at Target for less than $4 each. Plaid shirts were a staple of my wardrobe in my college years and while I'm not sure that I'm ready to go back to that look, I'd love to find a cute purse or barrette to mix in with my fashion basics.

Afternoon Outing

Afternoon Outing by mixandmatchmom featuring drop earrings

While I typically don't wear a lot of black clothing, one item I love is a basic black draped cardigan. It hides a few flaws, adds an extra layer of warmth and, when paired with coordinating accessories, it pulls an outfit together. Draped cardigans are also great for nursing moms.

I tend to stay away from black, because it easily shows that I have pets and kids. I have a few black pieces in my closet that I typically wear for date nights and funerals, but prefer charcoal gray or chocolate brown.

Nature Walk

Nature Walk by mixandmatchmom featuring a scoop neck shirt

It was windy today, but after several days of rain, we couldn't resist getting outside for a nature walk. Sturdy shoes or boots are must when chasing after my kids on nature trails and mountain paths!

Rust & Gray

Rust & Gray by mixandmatchmom featuring flats

Basic dark-wash jeans are a staple of my mom-on-the-go wardrobe. They match most of the other items in my closet, they can be dressed up or down and they can be found at almost any price point. This outfit can easily be put together for less than $100, excluding jewelry and shoes.

Chill in the Air

Chill in the Air by mixandmatchmom featuring a sheer shawl

This is a typical autumn outfit for me. A t-shirt (long or short sleeve) with a scarf and a fleece jacket for warmth when needed. Unfortunately, my shape doesn't work with the skinny jeans shown here, so I wear a looser cut. I love fun shoes and jewelry that mixes simple with sparkle. A large purse for is a must carrying all my necessities, plus odds and ends of things my children ask me to hold.

At the Library

Library Card by mixandmatchmom featuring a silver necklace

This is an easy, casual outfit to wear to the library and on other errands around town. I would love to own the bag shown here! For now, I typically carry a handmade tote in a fun print for carrying library books and purchases. I have a variety of reusable totes that I've sewn for carrying groceries; these double as totes for other purchases and daytripping with the kids.

Wearing a camisole underneath delicate hand-washables can reduce the need to launder them every time, as can wearing an apron or changing into something else while around the house. When I had babies and toddlers, I often stayed in my pajama top or an old t-shirt until just before we were ready to leave the house. Otherwise, Murphy's Law would always prevail!

Autumn Ideas

Shirt Collection by mixandmatchmom featuring old navy sweaters

My ideas for a basic autumn wardrobe are built on the nine shirts shown above. In addition to the tops, I'm working with two pairs of jeans, a pair of khakis, two skirts, two draped cardigans, three jackets, one plaid shirt, a belt, five pairs of shoes, plus five purses and a wallet. I've mixed in three scarves and some jewelry for a total of 50 items.

Clicking the image will take you to the Polyvore page with links to the individual shirts and buying information. Please note that some items may not be currently available.

One Season, Fifty Items

Here in New England, autumn usually lasts from mid-September until Thanksgiving. Give or take, that's about 80 days. And since it is New England, that's 80 days of not knowing if the weather is going to be warm, breezy, humid, chilly, rainy or downright cold. I've seen snow in early October and 70° F at the beginning of November. In other words: autumn is 80 days that challenge my wardrobe!

Using Polyvore, I put together a collection of 50 sample items to mix and match my way through the season. Our activities this fall will include apple picking, park days with the kids, trips to the library and dentist, Thanksgiving dinner and other family dinners, potlucks, leaf peeping, lots of errands and plenty of days at home, so I'll put together outfits with those in mind. If I'm lucky, autumn will also include a Mom's Night Out and a date with my husband.

I don't have these exact items of clothing in my closet, but in most cases, the ones I chose are similar to what I normally wear. I've chosen items from a variety of price points, because that is a good match to what I own. I like quality jackets, shoes, purses and jewelry, but don't invest a lot in my every day clothing. It's often stained or torn during the course of a season between cooking and the kids, so I don't want to spend a lot.

In the coming weeks, I'll put together some outfits to show how easy it is to create a variety of interesting looks with a limited closet.

Shoes & Bags by mixandmatchmom featuring deck shoes