wardrobe wednesday

OOTD Round up | 03.28.2021

The weather is all over the place right now, with some days luring us into thinking it's definitely spring...only to dump snow on us the next day.  But truthfully, I love dressing for spring (and fall) because of the many layers it requires. You just add and subtract pieces based on the temperature changes! Here's what I wore this week!

Jean Jacket  |  White Peplum Tee  |  Leopard Spanx  |  Doc Martens 

 

Target Blazer (similar)  |  Graphic Tee  |  Levis 505 Jeans  |  Adidas Sneakers

 

Jean Jacket  |  Graphic Tee  |  Floral Joggers  |  GGDB Sneakers  |  Wrap Bracelet

 

Gap Cord Jacket (similar) | Graphic Tee | Thrifted Skirt (similar) | Freebird Booties (similar)

 

Floral Dress |  Olive & Pique Hat  |  Freebird Booties (similar)  |  Sundance Necklace

 

So bring on all the schizophrenic weather, Colorado - I'm ready for ya! (Though I'm totally planning a tropical escape if it snows much more this month....)

Pattern Mixing 101 | Leopard + Plaid

One of the most frequent styling questions I hear is how to successfully mix patterns in an outfit. For me, it's always been a visual process - I can see if two patterns are playing nicely together in terms of color and scale.  But trying to explain why they work together isn't as easy. So I started to deconstruct the process and I found a few basic concepts that help when combining two prints. (Check out this post for some starter tips!)

Two of my favorite patterns are plaid and leopard - my closet boasts a crazy amount of both - and while they may be a bit more challenging to combine than other patterns, I am always up for the task! Here's five outfits that combine the two, as well as a brief explanation of what makes them work!

 

Old Navy Jean Jacket  |  Buffalo Plaid Shirt  |  J Crew Skirt (similar)  | GGDC Sneakers

WHY IT WORKS:  The buffalo plaid and leopard print are both similar scale, and while this could result in an abundance of busy pattern, the bright red of the plaid makes it the star of the show. The neutral colors in the animal print help it act as a base that compliments, rather than competes with, the plaid. The solid jean jacket also helps to marry the two patterns with it's solid color.

 

A New Day Sweater (similar) | H&M Plaid Pant  | Frye Booties  | similar necklace

WHY IT WORKS:  The bold plaid pants are a larger pattern, and paired with the smaller leopard print, they become the focal point. Both prints also share a common color - the soft tan - and it helps tie them together visually.

 

Old Navy Sweater | Plaid Shirt | Leopard Pants (similar) | similar heels | similar necklace

WHY IT WORKS:  Because leopard print is technically a neutral, it will almost always work with a pop of red. A festive red tartan shirt might be too busy top these pants, but layered under a black sweater it adds the perfect accent of color but still allows the leopard to have the spotlight.

 

H&M Dress |  J. Crew Scarf  | Dr. Martens Boots | Fishnet tights

WHY IT WORKS:  Both the plaid scarf and leopard dress share a predominant color - black - and it gives the eye a "resting point" between the two patterns. The plaid is also a relatively large, loose pattern while the leopard is a tighter, more consistent print, and that contrast makes the two work well together!

 

J. Crew Blazer (similar) |  J. Crew Plaid Shirt  |  A&F Jeans  | H&M Heels 

WHY IT WORKS:  This versatile leopard blazer is a simpler print consisting of just tan + black, so it's not overly detailed. When layered over a predominately black plaid, the two patterns play nicely. They are relatively the same scale, and the common color of black helps tie them together. And once again, a pop of red in both the plaid and the statement shoe adds a festive touch to the ensemble!

 

So are you ready to try combining these two prints in your next outfit? While there's no hard and fast rules, these tips just might help you take the leap!

Corporate Clowning.

Despite the fact that my work environment is anything but corporate (covered in dog beds, dog hair, and OH YES, dogs!) I tend to love the traditional corporate staple that is the blazer. And when I wear one, it's with a decidedly casual flair, lest I be mistaken for a professional grown-up that actually has a handle on life. Spoiler alert: I DO NOT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gap Basic Blazer
Flower Wild Tee (similar)
Levis 721 High Rise Skinny Jeans
Dr. Martens Oxfords
Target Clutch (similar)
Bali Clicks Bracelet

 

When paired with a graphic tee, ripped jeans, and what could only be described as clown shoes (though in defense of clowns, they know a comfortable shoe when they see one) this blazer lets everyone know I don't take life - or myself - too seriously. Because in the midst of viral outbreaks, and more importantly, toilet paper shortages, we all could use a good dose of flippant frivolity, no? 

Stay healthy & happy, my friends!

It all started with What Not To Wear.

While there’s certainly nothing wrong with solid colored clothing and outfits based around it, I find when I style an outfit with pattern I’m always happier with my ensemble. Maybe because it's a bit more challenging to mix and match stripes with animal print or plaid with floral. Or maybe because I always (not-so-secretly) wanted to work alongside Stacey and Clinton on What Not To Wear so my mind is endlessly turning with new pattern combos that would blow the Louboutins right off my fashion heroes. I'm constantly repeating their famous mantra of Pattern, Color, Texture, Shine! when styling outfits and since pattern is listed first, it must be most important, right??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J. Crew Blazer (similar; similar; similar)

J. Crew Sweater (similar. similar)
Old Navy Jeans
Old Navy Circle Purse (similar)
Frye Anniversary Boots (ebay; Poshmark)
Wrap Bracelet

 

 

 

 

For this look, I wanted to mix another pattern with my tweed blazer, which has threads of blue, gold, gray and burgundy running through it. It's pretty much a neutral, so figured it would play well with my other favorite neutral - leopard! So why does it work? Both patterns have similar tones, and while the colors don’t match exactly, they do coordinate well. The smaller, tighter pattern of the tweed also mixes well with the larger, bolder leopard. Mixing different scale patterns is key - if they are the same size, they compete for attention.

 

To add in the element of color, I grabbed my yellow circle purse (which once again, doesn’t “match” but pulls the gold color from both the jacket & sweater.) And my small touch of shine comes in the form of sparkly bracelets, jeans with exposed buttons, and a few simple rings.

 

So there you have it - pattern, color, texture & shine - and an outfit that I love! (With gracious thanks to the gurus of What Not To Wear, who taught me everything I know about fashion!) #callme #imnotastalkerreally

For the Love of Leopard.

I've added more leopard patterned items to my wardrobe in the past six months that I ever thought I'd need (or want) and I'm pretty sure my 13 year-old self is dying in humiliation at the grown-up I've become, because who wears leopard except little old ladies? Well, my dear pre-teen self, this old lady is proudly rocking the leopard in 2020.  Who knows what's next - orange lipstick and a beehive, maybe?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J. Crew Parke Blazer (on ebay; similar)
A New Day Turtleneck
AE Jeggings
Steve Madden "Holly" Boots
XIIX Crossbody Bag (similar)
Madewell Necklace

 

 

My newest leopard piece is this amazing blazer from J. Crew. When it first released, I was stubborn and refused to fork over the $178, waiting because I was certain it would go on sale. But instead, it sold out. And I cried. Then a few weeks later I happened to be perusing my local Nordstrom Rack and I stumbled upon one IN MY SIZE. MARKED DOWN TO $65. AND YES I (NOT SO SILENTLY) SQUEALED IN ALL CAPS.

It was a happy day indeed! And proof that patience sometimes does pay off - an adage that, in repeating, makes me sound like the little old lady I am apparently becoming. So with that, I'm off to send a fax and clean out my pocketbook. Have a great Friday! 

Long Live Crazy Pants.

My closet always seems to contain a few pairs of what I’ve dubbed “crazy pants” - those pieces that add a nice little wallop of fun amid the sea of plain denim and otherwise neutral trousers. I can trace my affinity for eccentric pants back to my sophomore year in high school, when I purchased a pair of teal green haram - aka MC Hammer - pants and proudly wore them (with perfectly matching mock turtleneck) to school. And while I may have looked like complete jackass, I felt incredibly fashion-forward. Never mind that I could have toted a complete turkey dinner around in the crotch of those pants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H&M Sweater
H&M Plaid Pants
Marc Fischer booties
Thrifted purse from @thriftstyleboutique
Bracelet

 

 

 

Fast forward to today, and I’m still game to try out peculiar pants (see here, here, and here for proof!) I actually set out to buy the matching plaid blazer to these pants, but after coming up empty handed, I settled for the pants instead. They are a great piece for spicing up a simple ivory or tan sweater, and if the local clown college needs a substitute teacher, I have the perfect ensemble ready to go.

 

(In all seriousness, though, these pants are super comfy with a high rise, pull-on styling, and lots of stretch. And HELLO they are only $18 bucks!)

 

So while you may not admire my taste in crazy leg ware, hopefully you can appreciate my commitment to the trend. Long live crazy pants!

The Superhero Blazer.

It’s been years since I worked in a traditional office setting and while I don’t miss daily car commutes and that one coworker who always brought in stinky tuna sandwiches, I do often miss the opportunity to dress in professional work attire. Sure, pajama pants, oversized sweatshirts and optional bras are definite perks of working from home, but sometimes it’s nice to wear an outfit that makes you feel confident and chic instead of like you just crawled out from under a rock. And one of the easiest ways to level up an outfit is with a blazer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vintage Blazer (similar; similar)
J. Crew Sweater (similar)
AE High Rise Jegging
Marc Fisher Booties
Anthro Clutch (similar; similar)
Wrap Bracelet

 

 

 

I’m a self-professed blazer fanatic, and I own way too many for a girl who doesn’t work anywhere near a corporate setting, but a simple black blazer is a wardrobe must-have. It can easily give an otherwise unremarkable outfit instant credibility and authority, both of which come in handy when meeting with clients (or dealing with insolent teenagers!) This vintage black number was a thrift store score from Bergdorf Goodman and proves that thrift stores are a great place to find high quality blazers. Look for clean, classic lines - I prefer a single button style - and a wool blend as they tend to hold their shape and structure.

 

Just like Superman’s cape made him faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, a black blazer can activate your superpowers, too. (Or at least make you look super fierce while fighting the bad guys!)

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!

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!

On Wednesdays we wear pink. (and sometimes Thursdays too).

Shein Waterfall Cardigan + Sonoma Essential Tee + Old Navy Rockstar Jeggings
+ Freebird "Lasso" Booties

Never let it be said that I am prompt. If you tell me when and where the event is, you can count on me being there....20 minutes late. Which is why this pink outfit I specifically planned for Wednesday is actually making it's debut on Thursday. But honestly, this pink waterfall cardigan is good any day of the week. It pulls together a simple tee + jeans like I'm wearing here, but is also perfect over a dress, or as a blazer with a blouse and trousers. I'm a big fan of pink for these typically dreary weather days of January and February (and here in Colorado, most of March too!)

Another thing I'm a big fan of? These distressed Rockstar Jeggings from Old Navy. When I first got them in the mail, I was certain they were not for me. They looked like leggings (pull-on styling; elastic waistband) but with jean details (faux stitched fly and pockets) and they totally conjured up thoughts of PajamaJeans. But after I pulled them on and wore them around for a bit, I was hooked. They are seriously comfy and oh-so-flattering! I've worn them a ton already and style them similar to my faux leather Spanx (as in, I wear tops that will cover my rear) and the blown-out knees and distressing makes them a bit more casual than the Spanx, so I can justify having two pairs of black leggings in the closet.

So there you have it - and only a day late. But remember, it's always better to arrive late than to arrive ugly. Here's to all of us that are constantly running behind!