wardrobe wednesday

I can't believe it's not butter.

I've been on the hunt for a versatile ivory sweater this fall to fill a rather large job opening in my closet. My requirements dictated it be slightly oversized, casual and comfy, (but also with the potential to be dressier should the occasion arise) and in a perfectly neutral ivory that's not-too-gray, not-too-yellow. It also needed to be as soft as a baby's butt without the slightest itch factor. And OH! All this for preferably under $30.  Not asking much, right?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A New Day Casual Fit Sweater
Old Navy Rockstar Jeans 
J. Crew Leopard Heels
(cheaper options here & here!)
BedStu Purse (similar; similar)
Double O Ring Belt

 

 

Of course, it's no surprise that I found this perfect sweater in the hallowed aisles of Target. I love the dropped shoulders, slightly flared sleeves, and easy relaxed fit. It's a gorgeous cream color that plays nicely with other colors. But most importantly: it's so incredibly buttery soft that you'll want to sleep in it, an activity I can enthusiastically endorse from experience. I also enthusiastically endorse any food with lots of butter, but that's another blog post for another time.

 

So yes, it's the kind of sweater that you want to reach for every.dang.day, something I am more than happily going to do. And since Target is currently running a BOGO 50% off sweater sale, it's the perfect time to grab it in a few more colors (it also comes in a charcoal gray, pale gray and rust.) Go getcha one and you can butter me up with thanks later!

 

 

You're the Skirt that I Want.

Proving that this skirt is definitely not a one-trick pony, I grabbed it today for a schedule of work meetings and other various engagements that required I look somewhat professional (i.e., no flannel pj pants) and here's the resulting outfit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mossimo Moto Jacket (similar; similar)
Black bodysuit
Leopard Skirt (similar; similar)
Frye "Reina" Booties
Druzy Tassel Necklace

 

 

To make things super easy, I stuck to the brown and black color palette of the leopard print. I originally reached for my black leather jacket, but the look was a little too much like the "after" version of Sandy in Grease. And since Halloween is still a week away, I switched to the brown moto jacket for my final outfit since it's a warmer. more approachable vibe. But you know I'll still be humming You're The One That I Want for the rest of the day.

TGIF!

Mad for (Pumpkins &) Plaid.

When the air gets crisp and the leaves start to fall, those ancient survival instincts of foraging for winter food and storing up sources of heat definitely kick in. And by that, I mean i stockpile bags of candy corn and spend many a night adding cozy warm sweaters to my shopping cart. Another sure sign winter is coming? The amount of plaid in my wardrobe starts to rival any bona fide lumberjack.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boutique Tunic
(similar; similar; similar)
AE Jeggings
J. Crew Tote (similar)
Marc Fisher Bootie
Victoria Emerson bracelet

 

There’s not many plaids I don’t get googly-eyed for, but I’m always partial to ones with autumnal hues this time of year. Give me the crimson, rust, mustard and pumpkins! Not only do these colors nicely usher in the season, they tend to be very forgiving should you spill pumpkin-flavored treats down your front. And that’s my wardrobe tip of the day: Always match your shirt to your meal.

This plaid tunic is from a local boutique, but I’ve linked a few others that are similar (and are just as great for hiding spilled latte stains!)

All hail the season of plaid!!

Spot On.

Apparently Fall 2019 will be the season I wear all the leopard. All.the.time. Nothing like whole-heartedly committing to a trend! And since these leopard pants are currently on sale for $5.99, I figure my cost per wear to be about $1.00 (and dropping rapidly!) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leopard Trouser
White V-Neck Tee
Denim Jacket
Converse Sneaks
Ray-Ban Wayfarer

 

 

This is one of my favorite casual looks and one of the easiest ways to wear the leopard trend because it's perfect with denim. Top it with a favorite jean jacket or soft denim shirt, grab a pumpkin spice latte and you're ready for all things fall. And at this price, you're probably spending more on the latte.

Happy Spot Season!

All About The Sweater Weather.

The first snowfall in Colorado is always a much-anticipated event, even if it seems to come earlier every year. I typically wear sweaters way before the weather warrants it, and end up looking like the sweaty idiot who can't read her weather app. But with the temps dropping to 15º last week, it was definitely the perfect climate for all things knit & cozy, so I grabbed one of my favorites to style while the storm rolled in! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J. Crew Fairisle Sweater (similar, similar)
J. Crew Factory Gingham Shirt
AE High-Waisted Jegging
Hunter Boots

 

 

I'm a huge fan of the Fairisle sweater because the knit combines multiple colors, making it super versatile for layering - my favorite part about cold weather outfits! Being the self-proclaimed pattern-mixing addict that I am, I paired this sweater with a navy gingham shirt. I love the "organized chaos" of mixing two patterns with similar color palettes (and J. Crew never fails to provide inspiration for perfect pattern combos!) I also wore my bright red rain boots and then had to endure countless fireman-related jabs from my husband: Where's the fire? Do you get to drive the fire truck tonight, Chief? Don't forget your hose!

(He's not a fan of Hunter boots, if you can't tell. And I happen to hate when men wear sports jerseys for sports they don't actually play. But we worked out a compromise, snide comments notwithstanding.)

Happy Tuesday!

 

Overall, it's finally fall!

Like most of you, I look forward to fall for the fluffy sweaters, blanket scarves and of course, comfy leggings. It's the perfect attire to accompany my autumn diet of candy corn and caramel latte. Warm and cozy clothes are awesome, but muffin top camouflage is the real reason we love fall, right?!  Which is why I also look forward to donning my beloved denim overalls this time of year (not to mention the added bonus of not having to shave my legs for days (ok, ok, WEEKS).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boutique blouse (similar; similar)
Old Navy Overalls
Universal Thread Tote
Universal Thread Bootie

 

Overalls are also perfect for transitioning into fall with a light blouse and cut-out booties like I've worn here... and layered with a long chunky sweater, scarf and boots when the weather gets even colder. Most styles that are in stores right now have a higher rise and sleeker fit than the ones we rocked back in the 90s, so they're definitely more figure flattering. Not that there's anything wrong with wearing pants that can hold a huge bag of cheese popcorn and several bottle of Boone's Farm. And not that I'm speaking from personal experience.

This Old Navy pair is a great dupe for the popular Madewell version if you're not quite ready to commit to the trend - super stretchy with a flattering waist, slimmer front bib and currently on sale for $25. I personally love the Madewell style, too (and own them in a dark wash & black) and firmly believe they're worth the price. In fact, I may have spent a few months drinking Boones Farm instead of my usual wine just to save up for them. Like I said, worth it.

Happy Fall, y'all!

 

When the Leopard Tries to Change Its Spots.

I recently mentioned that I've been adding several new leopard pieces to my closet this season, but this newest cardigan definitely stands out in the normally neutral palette of animal prints. I grabbed it at Old Navy (and they also have the traditional leopard colorway) and am loving the cherry color with subtle hints of pink!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old Navy Cardigan
Lace Trim Cami
Levi's 721 Skinny Jean
Freebird "Rock" Bootie (similar)
A New Day Bow Clutch

 

And an unexpected bonus of this cute cardi is that it hides red wine spills quite nicely. And yes, I'm speaking from personal experience. Because just like a leopard won't change his spots, I'll never stop being a clutz.

Happy Tuesday!

Combatting the Mondays.

Facing another Monday is never easy, but I've found that strong coffee, gangster rap and a comfy-casual uniform always help. For me, that means leggings, tee and a cardigan that almost feels like a bathrobe. I love this camo version by Rachel Zoe because it adds just a little bad-ass edge that the start of the work week usually demands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rachel Zoe Cardigan (similar, similar)
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
Old Navy Tee
Nike Archive '83 Sneaks
Sunglasses

 

 

Add in some sneakers (or an ankle boot if your office is fancy like that) and it almost feels like it's still the weekend. At least until you boot up the computer and realize your inbox has 152 new emails requiring your attention. Well, hello MONDAY. Let's chug some caffeine and turn up the Tupac...it's time to kick some ass!

Sticks and Stones.

In the past, the bulk of the patterned pieces in my closet have been of the stripe, polka dot, and plaid variety. But recently, animal prints are starting to creep in as stealthily as a jungle cat on the hunt (an appropriate simile, given that I seem to have a penchant for all things leopard). I grabbed this wrap skirt on a recent trip through Marshalls, and while it can be styled so many ways, I love the casual pairing of a band tee and sneakers.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leopard Skirt (similar)
Rolling Stones Tee
Denim Jacket
Converse Sneakers
J. Crew Tote (similar, similar)
Sunnies

 

While the Rolling Stones artwork makes for some of the best graphic tees out there, I firmly believe you shouldn't be wearing a band tee if you don't have at least minimal knowledge of their discography. Otherwise you risk looking like a complete idiot, stylish outfit notwithstanding. Case in point: my daughter recently wore her brother's old Jimi Hendrix tee to school and was asked by a teacher what her favorite Hendrix song was. No surprise that she responded with a blank stare. I, of course, realized the horrific shortcoming in my parenting skills and promptly downloaded the entire Jimi song catalog for her to study. As a result, she's discovered she likes his cover of Strawberry Fields Forever, so I guess she's now allowed to wear Beatles tees, too.

(And just for the record...my favorite Stones songs are Angie and She's a Rainbow.)  Happy weekend, my friends!

It's Officially Candy Corn Season!

Every year about this time I get just a little giddy, because for me, it's truly the most wonderful time of the year. Candy corn is in season! Can I get a HELL YEAH?!? And yes, you can definitely buy this sweet treat well before October 1, but due to an unfortunate incident in my not-so-distant past that involved the disappearance of a Costco-sized bag of candy corn (otherwise earmarked for a elementary class party), I have self-imposed limits on my candy corn intake. I'm only allowed to purchase and eat it during the hallowed tenth month of the year. It's for my own good, believe me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Madewell Striped Sweater
Joe's Jeans
Freebird "Lasso" Booties
(similar)
Universal Thread Necklace

 

 

But just because I can't eat candy corn all winter doesn't mean I can't wear it (or at least a colorful ode to it with this Madewell sweater!) It's soft and cozy and slightly oversized, which works perfectly with my plan to eat.all.the.candy. 

Happy candy corn season, peeps!