The outfits look great, and you're right, all you need is some snappy accessories to help brighten your looks. Three really easy accessories that won't do you wrong: long necklaces, scarves, and cuff/bangle bracelets. For instance, a long shiny necklace with the second outfit would bring the eye to the vest and show off how it flatters your waist. A bright scarf would make your third outfit pop a little bit more and would be far enough from your shoes to not take away from how awesome they are. I'd suggest looking around Forever 21 and Laila Rowe for some cute on-trend and inexpensive ideas.

Hi Christine, I think you are off to a great start. I agree with Eve that a few accessories will really add to your look. My no-brainer accessories of choice are long necklaces and scarves.

With the necklaces, experiment with lengths to to see which ones look good on you. If something is a bit too long, you can loop it around your neck one or two times.

Same thing goes for scarves, even if they are longer you can tie them in different ways so they are just closer to your neck. I like to pick multi-colored scarves that can work with different solid shirts. If you want you can also experiment with animal prints.

Forever 21, Claire's and Target are good places to start experimenting with accessories. I especially like the selection of scarves I've seen lately at Target.

Also, your little boy is adorable. What a cute smile!

I am wearing a necklace with the black/grey/copper sweater. It's looped twice around my neck because it is long. Do you think chain type necklaces, or something with color, like beads or stones, would be better? I'm working on my scarf collection. I got a chance to hit H&M for just a few minutes on the weekend (we don't live in a very large city & shopping is a little limited) and picked up a teal scarf that I want to wear this week. I checked F21 (my first time in that store) and they didn't have anything that caught my eye. They had some plastic beaded necklaces, but they looked really cheap.

Thanks for the ideas so far.

How cute that your son wanted to be in the photo with you!

The ideas the others have offered about accessories are just right. Another thought is trying a button-down shirt under the vest and sweaters. Do you have any in your closet?

Nice outfits! I struggle with trying to liven up my outfits too. I seem to have all but eliminated prints from my wardrobe for some reason and everything is looking so blah lately.

Not sure if it's your style but I would also try some shorter chunkier necklaces too - for example with outfit number one (which is fab by the way!) , you could try something like:

1. http://www.target.com/Merona-T.....#38;page=1

2.http://www.target.com/Merona-Row-Frontal-Shell-Necklace/dp/B001NFYUPW/qid=1235001976/ref=br_1_16/188-9895903-9379939?ie=UTF8&node=295965011&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=295965011&rank=-product%5Fsite%5Flaunch%5Fdate&rh=&page=1

3.http://www.target.com/Xhilaration-Row-Pink-Beaded-Necklace/dp/B001NG0IZM/qid=1235001976/ref=br_1_9/188-9895903-9379939?ie=UTF8&node=295965011&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=295965011&rank=-product%5Fsite%5Flaunch%5Fdate&rh=&page=1

Target actually has a great costume jewelry selection and the prices are very affordable. I am also seeing alot of print scarves in spring colors in stores like Target, Marshalls etc.

I'm by far not a vest expert so maybe someone else would disagree but something about outfit number two seems a little off to me. I'm not sure if the shirt is maybe too long or the vest a little too snug or short. You could try the necklace from outfit three with this look - a longer necklace seems just the thing.

I really like your top from outfit three and I think you might liven it up with a different color bottom (although the bottom that you are wearing is a great fit & PPL). It looks a little boring to me because it is so monochromatic. Maybe try it with black pants, dark denim or even ivory or cream pants. Of course skirts & boots would be great too!

Cute son, Christine. I have nothing left to add other than that I love your little waistcoat and that you look fab in purple :-)

Hi Christine -

I would second the idea of scarves or chunky necklaces. It seems to me the current style is moving away from delicate necklaces to bolder options. It is something that changes with the seasons, I think.

I would also agree with Shana that something seems a little amiss to me with the vest. I think it's the proportions between the vest and the shirt.

Thanks so much everyone. I wish we had Target in Canada - those necklaces shana posted are great. I'll keep my eye out for something similar around here. I'll also try wearing my button downs more often.

I so appreciate everyone's comments. I feel like I'm learning so much!!!

I just looked at your photos and wanted to add how great you look. You have some good basic pieces that just need a touch of accessories. I love the color of the first sweater on you and could see it over a collared shirt. My thoughts were that a longer cami that peeks out from below the sweater or a fitted untucked buttondown shirt showing beneath the sweater might be good. Chunky beads with the outfit as you wore it. With children, a scarf or long necklaces might get in the way for everyday, otherwise great ideas.
I think the vest fits you very well. Maybe what is a bit off is the volume of the shirt underneath or maybe needing something to fill in the neckline a bit (scarf or beads).
I really like the last outfit and feel the red shoes are a perfect touch. With a bright bag and/or a wide bangle or cuff bracelet you are set. I like the necklace you've worn with it bringing out the metallic in the sweater.