Outfits Not Just Clothes

shirt- Mango , pants-Banana Republic(more options here ), necklace-H&M(similar here ), flats- Dr. Scholl's Just a simple top and pants for this OOTD. Or, are they? The fabric and buttons of this shirt, along with the boxy cut give off a whiff of menocore , which I'm totally down for. (Check out my combo meno/normcore board here on Pinterest ). Meanwhile the side-stripped pants and leopard flats are standard, yet sleek officewear staples. So we have a bit of aesthetic contrast, but we also have textural contrast with the rougher top and slighty sateen bottoms. Not so simple after all, eh? 😉

sweater-BCBG(more options here via Poshmark ), culottes- Mango , watch-Michael Kors(similar here ), loafers-Zara(similar here ) I love the "cuts" of this outfit. The side slits in the sweater, and it's subsequent high-low hem, the cinch of these high-waisted culottes, their front crease, their wide cropped leg. The overall silhouette may seem simplistic at first glance, but when you take a moment to notice the details there are these juxtapositions of a push-pull/loose-fitted framing of the body. That's one of the things I love about culottes, how they create shape and push the silhouette of what would normally be a simple top and bottom. 

cardigan-Free People(similar here ), blouse-Gap(similar here ), joggers- Le Tote (similar here from Asos ), oxfords-Sole Society(similarish here ), watch-Michael Kors(similar here ) Trying to keep things light and breezy during these hot-sticky days. At first blush this OOTD may seem a bit basic. HUHEVER, if you look closer you'll see some subtle outfitting occurring: Exhibit A. the mesh vamps of these oxfords mirror the pattern of these joggers!  Exhibit B. this high-low hem cardigan is the perfect " third piece " over this shirt and pants.  Exhibit C. The overall vibe of this look is laidback chic, no? YES! I rest my case! 

vest- Old Navy (similar here via Nordstrom Rack ), dress-Wren & Ivory(similar here ), bracelets-Banana Republic(similar here ), ring-Jewel Mint(similar options here via Poshmark ), watch Michael Kors(similar here ), bag- Crabtree & Evelyn Originally I bought this shift from Wren & Ivory as a potential beach coverup for our September vacation, but then I realized there's no need for me to hide this dress the whole summer. The rest of this OOTD came together rather haphazardly. Since this frock does not have pockets, I donned this vest. Then I leaned into the rugged boho vibe that was happening with this straw bag and "Jesus Boot" sandals. Since the tassels were more than enough of a statement, I opted for bracelets instead of one of my usual necklaces. Viola folks, a midsummer weekend look with layers, texture, and unexpected accessories! 

shirt/short-Wildfang(similar here and here ), tank-J.Crew(similar here ), necklaces-H&M(similar here ), sneakers-Zara(similar here ) I last featured this matching shirt and short two summers ago(!!!) in this post . I've loosen things up, literally, by unbuttoning and un-tucking the shirt, and sporting some patriotic color with this red tank. This isn't an obvious "4th of July" type of look, but the under-the-radar red, white, and blue of the sneakers (along with the tank) gives a subtle nod to the holiday, while the overall laidback vibe of this OOTD is ready for some hotdogs, hamburgers, beer, and fireworks!  Happy 4th!!! 🎇🎆