Outfits Not Just Clothes

            I've cinched this vest in the back here to create a more curvy shape.         vest-H&M(more options here ), shirt/trousers-Jcrew Factory(similar here  and here ), necklace- Cookie Lee , heels-DSW(sort of similar here ), sunnies-Ralph Lauren(similar here )   Two thoughts: 1) This outfit appeared much more dynamic in person then in the pictures above. 2) It may be that the vest and trousers aren't contrasting enough in their grey tones.  Possible, a black pant would have popped more.   Another thought. Is it a vest or a waistcoat? After a quick Google search I've realized they are interchangeable terms depending on where you're from. If I were in England it would be more appropriate to call this a waistcoat, but I can refer to as a vest here in America and still be correct. So, I've learned something today.  Now, here's a picture of a blue door,...

                blazer-Forever 21(really cute option here ), shirt-Gap(similar here ), crops/belt-Jcrew Factory(similar here and here ), necklace- Jewel Mint , heels-Banana Republic(similar here ), scarf-Street Market   Last spring/summer I wore these cropped trousers almost once a week and they made several appearances on the blog, here , here , here . Since late last summer I haven't worn them at all.  Not that I don't still find them to be so chic and fresh, I do. I just had other/newer things to wear. With this year of not shopping I'm starting to revisit garments that took an unexpected hiatus.  I'm looking forward to transitioning my fall items back into the closet, it'll be like getting "new" clothes. I'm expecting the same treat in April/May when I unpack my summer pieces next year!    The official count, by the by, (including today) is 47 ...

I made mention of a few looks/designers that I found Fashion Week in New York  here .  During my collection browsing I came upon a new, never-before-known-to-me designer-- Kaelen from Kaelen Haworth, owning and running her own label out of NYC. The technique of cutouts in this heavier fabric is so rugged-chic, which equals cool in my book.  Graphic Blouse and Skinny Trousers, yes please! The neckline of this dress caught my eye.   First off, LOVE the color palette of black and white with pops of mint. Something to keep in mind next spring. FYI: I think we'll see a lot of black n' white next year.   Having a bit of mint green up(or on) my sleeve will really make a b&w outfit pop.  Second, she showed a lot of cropped trousers and mixed patterns, which I am addicted to. The collection as a whole felt very fresh and straight-forward, with some standout design elements. Happy F...

      dress-Urban Outfitters(sort of similar here ), necklace- Martin & Osa , bracelet-Banana Republic(more bracelets here ), bag- Longchamp (available here ), shoes-Target(similar here ), sunnies-Ralph Lauren(similar here )   It has been a few very muggy days here in the 'Burgh and dresses have been my go-to garment keeping things cool and simple.  I featured this little sweater dress here in the early days of the blog. It's quite a versatile piece, worn alone or as a sweater-tunic layer. I've also paired it with a blazer and loafers.  Forecast has the high at 62' tomorrow thank goodness...

jeans-Madwell(more denim here ), sweater-Old Navy(super cute here ), shirt/sunnies-Mikkat Market(similar here and here ), shoes- Shoe Mint , necklace-Anthropologie(sort of similar here ), ring- Cookie Lee     The last two posts, here and here , were all black, brown, and beige. Here it's all about color! I picked up this sweater at the beginning of the summer. I didn't have specific outfits for it in mind at the time of purchase, but I knew I had similar colors in my wardrobe and that it would fit in somewhere. I think it'll be a go-to piece this coming fall.  If fall ever arrives. We're in the midst of a warm front here in Pittsburgh--muggy, hot, and humid--bleck! I'm ready for layers, scarfs, and boots. Until then, I'm keeping things simple in dresses and flats. Check back tomorrow for that post.

 Sporting Stila' s Stay All Day-Liquid Lipstick via Birchbox  dress/bracelet- Le Tote , belt-Asos(similar here ), cardie-Jcrew(more options here ), bag-Forever 21(sort of similar here ), booties-DSW(similar here ) I inadvertently had a beige, black, brown, and white moment two days running.  This post was day 1, here's day 2 on my way out for fancy cocktails at Acacia . I originally was going to wear a little black cardie (LBC) but couldn't find mine in the dark abyss that my closet has become. This argyle number was near the top of the pile so it won out.  I think it was a good call.  There's a variety of themes happening here--preppy with the cardigan, punk with the belt, tropical chic-with the dress, and vamp-with the bag and booties.  It comes together with a neutral color palette. When you stick with neutrals it makes pattern mixing way less scary. Speaking of which... ...