July means summer is finally coming to San Francisco, which means I have about two months (August and September) to cycle through all the sleeveless pieces in my closet. Having an efficient HVAC system is necessary—what if the ac unit not spinning outside? If the AC unit’s fan outside is not spinning, start by checking the circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped. If the breaker is fine, consider hiring an efficient air conditioning repair service to inspect potential issues with the capacitor or the fan motor.

When you rely on a reliable company like honolulu ac repair service, you ensure a consistently comfortable home environment. Their expertise keeps your system running smoothly and maintains optimal performance.

When your ac is leaking water, it may signal an issue with the drainage system or a clogged condensate line, both of which require immediate attention. It’s also best to contact a professional air conditioning repair service to diagnose and repair the issue promptly.

If you are wondering about how to keep cool when ac is broken, make sure to consult a trusted hvac professional. If you need assistance with electrical panel upgrade, experienced technicians like electrical panel upgrade puyallup wa can help.

This dress has been sitting in my closet for a while. And by a while, I mean years. I had bought it at a whim from Juicy Couture of all places (and no, I have never owned those velour pajama pants), but unlike some other pieces I have purchased without thought, this one is a piece that I have always loved but deemed too “dressy” to wear for every day. So it sat in my closet, untouched.

That is, until I accidentally found this light wash denim jacket at Anthropologie. I was looking for something else at the store when I spied it on the sales rack. It was the only one left, in my size, and at a heavy discount. Sometimes you know things are meant to be.

A denim jacket, I have discovered, is an easy way to dress down pieces. Add some boots (which are my every day shoe), and you’ve got an effortless outfit that is both stylish and comfortable. Who says they can’t both go hand in hand?

By the way, this may be my favorite blog photo series ever. I did a photography shoot with San Francisco photographer Maggie Beadle recently and couldn’t be more pleased. She made me feel really comfortable in front of the camera, and I think it shows in these pictures!

All photos in this post by Maggie Beadle Photography

What is something that you love but has been sitting in your closet, untouched?

I have never been much of a Bohemian girl, but the flowy shift dress (some call it a swing or trapeze dress) became my friend when I was pregnant with Little V. Stylish yet comfortable, they’re easy to pair with everything from sandals to boots. Plus they cover your stomach whether you’re pregnant or full from a big dinner (a constant problem). I’ve been wearing this old Urban Outfitters piece on repeat the last three years, and figured it was time for an update. I loved the idea of a feminine lacy white dress in contrast with my go-to brown boot, so I’ve been on the hunt for such a piece.

The key to the swing dress is that it should be properly fitted in the shoulders and arms to prevent a baggy, frumpy look. And to balance the loose silhouette, it’s best to find one that ends above the knee. For those who hate their legs, you can still wear this style by adding on leggings and tall boots (though it would then be more appropriate for the fall season).

I ordered a few cheaper options from ASOS (the Broderie Trapeze dress and the Tiered Trapeze Mini) before landing on this Speechless piece from Nordstrom (the same one is also at Target for $15 less! Grr). The ones from ASOS all ran large overall, which made me feel like I was wearing a large lace bag. Although I’m not totally in love with the Speechless one (the lace looks a bit cheap to me), it does fit well and I have already worn it many times. My favorite combination is with a light blue denim jacket, but I have also paired it with this green cargo jacket and a gray cardigan. When the weather warms up, you can’t beat the ease of throwing on a dress and shoes.

As a side note, I also tried on this white eyelet dress from J.Crew. It’s cut very strangely – The “waist” of the dress sat uncomfortably on the widest part of my rib cage and I have a short torso to begin with. Other online reviewers seem to agree. I’m not sure who this would fit!

Do you have a little white dress? What is your go-to outfit for the spring/summer season?

Speechless Lace Shift dress | Pilcro Denim Jacket (new version) | Madewell Simple Crossbody Bag (black on sale here) | Rockport Cobb Hill Bethany boots

You guys. I can wear olive again.

After it made me nauseous during my pregnancy (crazy, right?), I got rid of everything related to my previously favorite neutral including my beloved cargo jacket. It used to be my almost everyday go-to, and it’s something I tell my clients they should have in their closet whether they’re 16 or 60. Add some jeans and a white blouse or tee and you’re good to go. I’ve been without one for the last 2.5 years, and it’s a staple that I’ve never found a comparable replacement for. While I love my faux leather jacket (edgy) and khaki trench (classic), a utility jacket is that effortless casual piece you can throw on over anything and call it a day.

So you can imagine my excitement when I reached for this parka on my latest visit to H&M, closed my eyes as I shrugged it over my shoulders and opened my eyes expecting my hormones to tell me this was a bad idea. Nothing. I waited for a wave of nausea. Nothing.

Could it be possible? Could I wear olive again? After I wore this jacket around the store for another 10 minutes (and picked out this adorable skirt for Little V from Michelle Morin’s kids collaboration), I decided it was a done deal. This jacket also fit me better than my old Aritzia Trooper, so I would definitely recommend it for petite frames. The H&M size 2 runs more fitted than Aritzia’s XXS with a more flattering cropped hem. I wish the sleeves were a little shorter and the quality could be better (the zipper feels cheap), but the price is also more affordable than others I’ve seen.

Do you own a cargo jacket? Which brand do you own?

H&M Short Parka with Hood | H&M skinny jeans, old (similar) | Madewell The Simple crossbody bag | Rockport Cobb Hill Bethany boots

I know “best” is one of those terms that’s often casually tossed around, but I have finally found a pair of boots that are more comfortable than nearly every other sneaker I’ve tried. And let’s be honest, they’re a lot more attractive!

My physical therapist had long recommended that if I could find comfortable lace-up boots, it would be better for my weak ankles than sneakers. Laces allow a customized fit and therefore additional stability. Wanting to find a pair of non-athletic shoes I could wear, I spent the last year scouring forums and reading hundreds of Zappos reviews trying to find one that could work. I bought a pair of Timberlands that people swore they could hike all day in, but I couldn’t even make it down the block before I hobbled home. Cute ankle booties were out of the question, as most of them were too wide for me in the ankle and the buckle straps are usually more decorative than useful.

I finally landed on this pair by Rockport, which not only has adjustable laces but a slight platform and heel that gives it a cushioned feel. Best of all, it has a classic look despite the brand’s comfort shoe aesthetic. The almond leather color goes surprisingly well with everything from skinny jeans to shift dresses, and I am beyond thrilled I can have an easier time putting cute outfits together again. I only wish they would come out with a black leather version without the contrast stitching.

With my orthotics, these are nearly as comfortable as the Vongo sneakers I previously posted about. I’ve worn these boots out for an entire day with only minimal pain. If you’re in the market for some comfortable boots, I highly suggest giving these a try. They do run a touch wide in the toe box compared to the average shoe, but I think that’s also what makes them so comfortable for me.

Do you have any shoes that you swear are more comfortable than sneakers?

Rockport Cobb Hill Bethany boots, MTLA fleece leggings (from Stitch Fix), Cuyana Leather Backpack

]]> http://www.lifeunrefined.com/the-best-boots-for-chronic-foot-pain/feed/ 8 http://www.lifeunrefined.com/new-years-eve-outfit-in-lace-and-ruffle/ http://www.lifeunrefined.com/new-years-eve-outfit-in-lace-and-ruffle/#comments Fri, 29 Dec 2017 23:48:18 +0000 http://www.lifeunrefined.com/?p=1350

Can you believe 2018 is only a couple of days away? Though I’ll likely be in sweatpants (or asleep) when the ball drops, I thought this beautiful Slate & Willow top I recently rented from Rent the Runway would have also made a great option for the big night. Both its ruffle detail and lace sleeves give it a unique look I haven’t seen anywhere else.

Since I can’t wear heels anymore, I paired the top with wide leg pants, which mostly covered my sneakers. I must have tried on nearly two dozen pairs this past season, in search of one that didn’t dwarf my petite 5’2” frame or make me feel frumpy. How I miss the days when slipping on a pair of pumps would immediately elongate my figure by two or three inches! I finally landed on Bailey44’s Boardroom Pants, which have a high waist to create the illusion of longer legs. I wasn’t sure if the elastic waist would make it look too much like yoga pants, but it ended up being very flattering. The waist band keeps the silhouette streamlined, without the annoying gape that comes from pants with a button or hook and eye closure. I didn’t have any bunching issue that another reviewer complained about.

I finished the look with an old Zara necklace. I’m typically not a statement jewelry type person, but I found this piece in a jewelry shop and it was too beautiful to pass up. The white beads contrast nicely against the black fabric, but any color will do. Those who love collecting antique jewellery Sydney may visit the shop of Kalmar Antiques.

When it comes to your hair, you may want to use hair care products for scalp treatment to make your hair healthier and easier to style.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! How will you be ringing in 2018?

Christmas came early for my husband this year, in the form of his first Stitch Fix box. This guy dislikes shopping so much that I can only drag him to the mall if he finds a Pokemon worth catching. He buys maybe a few new pieces a year, so I thought having his own personal stylist *wink* would be a positive experience for him.

One of the ongoing challenges for Mr. Wonderful is that long-sleeve shirts are usually too long for him in both the sleeves and the overall length. At 5’8″ he has a shorter torso and it can be frustrating that brands such as Banana Republic don’t better cater to his proportion. Two of the shirts from Stitch Fix clearly show this issue:

It was no surprise, then, that he loved the next shirt he tried on. For once, a shirt fit him just right!

His absolute favorite though, was this Pieter dobby shirt by Scotch & Soda. He loved the soft feel and the unique print, though not the price ($125). It fit very nicely along the torso, although the shirt and sleeves were once again on the long side.

For reference, I thought I’d compare the sleeve lengths of three of the shirts. Definitely a significant difference between the chambray and the dobby!

This pullover fleece by Tavik was a keeper. Mr. Wonderful kept commenting on how soft it was, and ended up keeping it on (and wore it again the next day).

We ended up purchasing three of the five pieces, which is actually more than I expected given Mr. Wonderful’s pickiness. If you’re interested, sign up through this referral link to get your first $20 styling fee waived! Works for both men and women. Doesn’t hurt to take a risk when it’s free, right?

Have you tried Stitch Fix? What do you think of the service?

Zara Check Bow Dress (so cute with black leggings and this red coat)

Zara – 30% off all clothing, which is a rare deal for this retailer.

Top Picks: Panels Shirt with Pom Poms, Gingham Shirt with Bows, Contrast Frilled Dress, Pom Poms Dress, Metallic Maryjane

Janie & Jack – 30% off everything. This normally expensive retailer has some great deals today!

Top Picks: Horse Print Top, Bow Top, Peplum Vest, Sweater Cape, Petal Pink Trench Coat

Gap – 50% off everything, don’t miss their $9 sleepwear sale with code BLKFRIDAY

Top Picks: Plaid Flannel Ruffle Shirt, Tiered Long-Sleeve Top, Shimmer Bow Headband, Glitter Hi-Top Trainers, Cozy Fleece (great boy options, too!)

Old Navy – 50% off everything, a great place to stock up on basics

Top Picks: Printed Thermal Top ($5!), Pintuck Baby Doll Top, Flannel Tunic, Cowl-Neck poncho, Milk & Cookies Pajamas (Little V’s favorite!)

J.Crew – 40% off everything

Top Picks: Sequin Heart Tee, Max the Monster sweater, Sequin Tulle Skirt

Plus, Target is running a special where if you spend $50 today, you’ll get 20% off a future purchase. Time to stockpile on household goods or get a head start on Christmas shopping!

Thanks to my sister and brother-in-law, Mr. Wonderful and I were able to get away for a weekend trip recently. It was only the second night we’ve been away from Little V since she was born, so it was quite a big deal! I threw on a casual gray-on-gray ensemble and off we went.

J.Crew sweater, Wit & Wisdom Ab-solution skinny jeans in Grey, Saucony Guide 10 sneakers in Marl

Living in San Francisco means Napa is only an hour’s drive away. We didn’t have much planned since we had been there many times before, but Mr. Wonderful wanted to try out Corison Winery. Did you know Cathy Corison was the first woman winemaker-proprietor in Napa Valley? Not to mention, the 1999 Kronos Cabernet we had as part of our tasting was stellar. Unfortunately, the $300 bottle was not in our budget to bring home with us.

After the wine tasting and a scenic drive, we headed to our hotel where I changed out of my jeans and into a tulle skirt. It’s one of those fantasy pieces that I had always secretly wanted but couldn’t rationalize. When I found this Monique Lhuillier on a rack for 90% off though, I caved. Pairing it with a cozy sweater makes the outfit more approachable. And honestly, one of the best parts of the weekend was sitting in our hotel room in my tulle skirt, watching TV, not having to keep track of time or wonder when Little V would wake up from her nap, crying. It was nice to not have to be practical or grown-up, even for a short while.

J.Crew sweater, Monique Lhuillier skirt (sold out, but still on Ebay)

What does your perfect weekend look like?

I started with Target leggings, because why spend $100 when you can spend $10? But honestly they were a little scratchy and a bit thin for my liking. Plus I wanted something with an edgier style, so I dropped into a local Athleta store on my way home from yoga class one day.

I tried on every style of leggings they had in the store and liked the Excursion Tight (photo below) the best. I also picked up a pair of Polartec Power Stretch Tight, which is a fairly basic piece but amazingly warm. I’ve been reaching for it when the temperatures drop below 50s at night.

At a recent Shopbop sale, I gave the Michi Storme Pocket Leggings a try. I thought the sheer paneling was tastefully done, and was curious what leggings at over $100 felt like. I can tell you the fabric was incredibly comfortable, and truly felt like a second skin. While I haven’t tried every premium brand out there, these were definitely a step above the Athleta ones, so the quality seemed worth the price. Of course, how much you ultimately want to spend is a personal choice.

For sake of comparison, Calvin Klein recently had a huge sale and I picked up a pair of leggings that had a similar style to the Michi Storme leggings. There was definitely a difference in quality, as I could feel the ridges where the solid fabric connected with the mesh and you could tell the stitching on the hem was not done as well. Though the fabric was thick, it didn’t feel as nice as the Athleta ones, and at regular price ($55) I would prefer to settle for Target.

Do you wear leggings? If so, what are your favorite brands?

I had a couple of events to attend recently, and was at a total loss on what to wear. Due to my foot injury last year, wearing anything but these sneakers was not an option. I was hoping to wear a short, fitted dress for the sporty, flirty look that many celebs are rocking, but it wasn’t right without black and white sneakers. A maxi dress seemed like a safe idea, but the few I own have longer hems that were meant to be worn with heels. Since I didn’t have enough time to get one altered, I turned to Rent the Runway.

This dress ended up fitting me perfectly, and for a $30 rental price it’s a good deal. It was perfect for my small-busted 5’2” frame, and it barely grazed the ground when I wore it with sneakers. For petites that don’t have any foot issues, flats would be perfect! I paired it with a soft cardigan for one event and an edgier pleather jacket for the other.

Readers – do you have any ideas on what I can wear to more formal events with my sneakers? I would love your help!!