wardrobe wednesday

The Bright Blazer

There are countless guides on style that list essential wardrobe pieces: the tailored white shirt, the little black dress, the perfectly cut trouser. All good items to own, but seriously? Snooze. I'm here to shake things up and tell you what you need to make your closet more FUN (next to having a wine cooler installed in it) and that's the bright blazer!

I love how a structured jacket can take the basic Mom Uniform of jeans + tee and make it look a little more polished and professional. Of course, in this bright hue and paired with the old stand-by sneakers, it sends the message that you don't take yourself too seriously. Because who wants to be that girl?!

I've styled this orange blazer lots of different ways (you can see other options here and here!) and I can honestly say it's one of the hardest working pieces in my closet - proving that the basic, neutral clothing isn't always what gets the most wear. In my case, at least, it's the pieces that make me feel lighthearted and happy that I tend to reach for over and over again.

My coral jacket was a Target find a few seasons back, but here's a round-up of some of my favorites currently available:

01// Annabel Blazer in Rich Turqouise (Boden, $148.00) 

02// Textured Neon Pink Cropped Blazer (Charlotte Russe, $39.99)

03// asos Ponte Blazer in Chartuese (asos, $63.33)

04// JCP Tipped Blazer in Deep Ruby (JC Penney, $39.99)

05// Fitted Blazer in Red (H&M, $24.95)

 

Here's hoping your Wednesday is bright & happy (and if not, there's always wine!)

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Target wool coral blazer (old) | similar
F21 graphic tee (old) | similar, similar
Joe's Jeans (added distressing by me)
Converse All Stars
asos leather clutch (sold out)
Warby Parker Roosevelt frames
Mossimo belt
Fossill watch

Track Pant Convert

 "You know the message you're sending out to the world with these sweatpants?
You're telling the world, 'I give up. I can't compete in normal
society. I'm miserable, so I might as well be comfortable.'"
-JERRY SEINFELD

At the top of my to-buy list this season was a pair of track pants, Seinfeld be damned. Yes, I know this particular garment may have a less-than-chic reputation, but after seeing various offerings from J Crew, Nordstrom and Old Navy, I knew they had styling possibilities far beyond what George Costanza ever dreamed. 

Plus, I'll pretty much wear anything if J. Crew tells me it's trendy. I'd probably jump off the proverbial bridge if they asked me to, so long as they gave me a cute cardigan to wear while doing it.

So even though I am decidedly not miserable (but am definitely pro-comfort) I grabbed this pair at Target and gave them a go. This was my first stab at styling them, and was also several weeks ago before the snow started flying and sock-less and jacket-less were still viable options.  I love that the ensemble has a sporty vibe, but doesn't scream I-just-came-from-the-gym-and-never-got-around-to-changing. 

Not that that's ever happened to me.  Ahem.

I have a whole slew of other outfits planned around these babies, including a dressier version with heels, proving that these track pants really can go the distance. And (bonus!) when you're tired and worn out from competing in normal society, they also happen to be perfect for curling up on the couch and watching old Seinfeld reruns. 

Hope your Wednesday is wonderful!

 

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Target slim jogger pant
Old Navy slub knit tee
pink gauze scarf (old) | similar; similar
Jack Purcell sneakers
Kenneth Cole tote | on ebay; similar
Rayban sunnies

Transitioning to Fall | Part 3

 

 

We've been having an oddly warm fall and while I'm anxious for boot-and-sweater weather, I have to admit that it's kind of nice to be approaching Halloween with any trace of snow. And my kids are definitely happy not to have to plan their costumes around a ski jacket!

While I've already packed away my sandals and shorts, I am still holding on to a few of my favorite summer pieces  - like my white denim - and getting every last wear I can out of them. Yeah, I know the whole white after Labor Day can be a polarizing topic (or maybe just for me and my fellow Fashion Police addicts) but when paired with more wintery items, I think it's totally do-able. Besides, I've always been a fan of breaking the rules any time you can get away with it!

Here, I added a favorite heathered tee with velvet elbow patches, a plaid scarf and booties for an easy fall look. Also easy? A messy top knot when you (uh, meaning ME) are just too lazy to style that hair.

And with that, I'm off to enjoy the lingering days of Indian Summer, content to keep the sweaters on the back shelf for a bit longer. Please remind me of this come February when I'm complaining about cold and snow and can't wait to ditch the sweaters for tank tops, umkay?

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H&M heathered tee (fall 2013) | similar
Old Navy jeans | similar
asos plaid scarf - on clearance!
Jack Wills clutch (sold out) | similar
nicole booties | similar
Warby Parker "Roosevelt" frames
vintage belt & buckle