Since becoming an ambassador for thredUP, a women’s and children’s online consignment shop, I started putting together a little outfit inspiration board on Pinterest. I share my favorite looks from that board on Facebook once a week, which has made me pay much closer attention to the things I’ve pinned (because, let’s be honest, I usually forget about my pins 3 seconds after I save them).

One of the things that has surprised me is that I apparently have an obsession with ankle boots.

For some of us (um, me) t-shirts are pretty much our uniform. I would say that 95% of the time I wake up in the morning and put on some sort of basic tee (usually v-neck and usually from Gap or Old Navy). Boring? Maybe. Pathetic? Nah.

As a busy momma running all over the place, a t-shirt makes sense. It’s easy, comfortable, and I never have to worry about a wardrobe malfunction. Still, it sometimes feels a little lackluster.

When I got an email from my sister with her newest edition of Versatile Files, I was pretty excited. Aside from all of the links she just wrote one sentence: Justification for buying a $25.00 white tee shirt from American Apparel.

Tell me more!

When it comes to buying new things versatility is key in my book. If I’m going to drop money on something, you better believe there are a variety of different ways I can wear it and unlimited places where I can prance around in it. I’d much rather get rid of my debt or buy things for my girls than dump money on something with a limited shelf life.

That said, I decided to start a new series called Versatile Files which focuses on versatile pieces that can work for just about anyone just about anywhere. I enlisted the help of my super-talented sister, Michele Frechette, to come up with ideas and sketch out the looks for me.

Today we’re taking a look at the versatility of faux leather shorts.

It’s been a while since we’ve done one of these posts (since October actually!). But my sister, Michele Frechette, and I finally got it together and are teaming up again to show off a trend that is surprisingly versatile.

As I said in the first Versatile Files post, I’m way too cheap to spend my money on pieces that have incredibly specific uses. If it can’t be dressed up and dressed down, I generally can’t be bothered–especially when it comes to trendy pieces that could end up looking dated by next season. Versatility is key and it’s our mission to show you pieces that will work for you no matter where you need to go.

This time it’s the peplum top.

You can tell what time of year it is by what kind of food I’m stuffing in my face. This morning it’s apple slices with peanut butter and shredded coconut.

Oh yes, my friends. The New Year is upon us with it’s magical clean slate and “new year, new me” attitude that usually doesn’t live long enough to know whether or not that damn groundhog sees his shadow.

Still, I always find the idea of a fresh, clean slate enticing. Why not start the new year off with a bang to let it know that you plan on owning its ass? And what better way to do that than wearing a fabulous outfit?

If I had big plans tonight (and more money and no body issues… and pretty much an entirely different life) this is what I’d wear:

Topshop sequin skater dress  / Forever21 collar necklace / Express opaque tights
Express bracelet sleeve blazer / Jessica Simpson Devin platform pumps
BCBGeneration foldover clutch

Sparkle, legs for days, and amazing shoes that (even more amazingly) don’t hurt. It doesn’t get much better than that, does it?

Except, it kind of does. Instead of wearing this outfit, I’ll be in jeans and some (actually) comfy shoes. And instead of a shmancy dinner and drinks, I’ll be at a local restaurant and pub with my family where my youngest brother is playing a show. My babies will be there (possibly cranky because they’ll be out passed their normal bedtime) and the food and company will be good.

Maybe I’ll wear something a little sparkly in homage to that other life I don’t have. But maybe not. After all, I have everything that’s really important to me in this one.

What are your plans for tonight?