Outfits Not Just Clothes

jacket-Target(similar and super cute here ), skinnies-Saks off Fifth(sort of similar here ), tee-Madewell(similar here ), shirt- Gap , boots-Landsend(more boots here ), scarf-Thrifted, necklace/bracelets- Jewel Mint A bit of a weekend warrior outfit here even though I was more of a weekend lay-about this past Saturday and Sunday. Which is kind of continuing into today as I can't think of any further copy for these pics.  Yep, wearing a hooded coat, cargoes, boots, and a scarf. And you may be able to tell it was really freaking windy. That is all... 

coat-H&M(similar here ), sweatshirt/scarf- Le Tote , "skirt"-Jcrew(similar here ), necklace-Urban Outfitters(sort of similar here ), rings- Jewel Mint , heels-Nine West(similar here )  This "skirt" is actually a dress, in fact it was a bridesmaid dress from a few years ago, last seen  here . I went the semi-casual route with the sweatshirt. However, this isn't humdrum with the leatherette accents on the sweatshirt and this statement necklace which goes to show that casual and comfortable doesn't mean you're not wearing an outfit. 

coat/necklace-Jcrew(similar here and here ), dress-Tory Burch(similar here ), belt-Urban Outfitters(similar here ), boots- DSW , ring- Jewel Mint I know it may sound cliche, but this winter just does not seem to want to let go. And I know this outfit is very similar in spirit to this look , but anymore these days for work I just want tights, boots, and a simple dress. This dress is kind of special for us here at Outfits Not Just Clothes, because it's the dress I wore in my VERY FIRST POST HERE !!! Two and half years later it still holds up as a classic piece that wears well and is quite flattering, which you can't see that well here with the coat but trust me. This dress has been a go-to for so many events when I needed to bring the grownup/professional lady realness. And because of the quality and silhouette I'm sure this garment will stay with me for many more years to come. It's the kind of piece you can grow since it's appropriat

I have an alumni dinner next Friday for my MFA program and if there's ever an occasion to dress to impress this is it! So, I've reserved a killer frock from Rent the Runway Elie Tahari My last RTR experience, from this post  was also with an Elie Tahari number so I feel confident this dress will work and fit.  I also considered this dress... Badgley Mischka But felt it was a bit too glittering, short, revealing for the occasion. Plus which I don't have an appropriate event/venue during the rental time to get an additional wear out of it. The one above I can totally wear to work before the dinner and possibly restyle for the closing event the following night.  Speaking of the closing event, it just so happens that Edna O'Brien will be giving a talk in commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of my graduate program at Carlow ! If you're in Pittsburgh next weekend you can get more info and register to attend here !

I like to keep up on the latest trends even if I don't follow or agree with them. I think personal style should be about an individual playing up their strengths and enjoying expressing themselves and their feelings. With that said, I feel more than comfortable in expressing my negative feelings toward the following spring shoe trend--Mules! Zara Yep, that's right Mules are back in vogue this spring and I for one am quite glad my Year of No Shopping has saved me from even thinking about attempting to try them out. Whenever I see a pair of mules I think about the '90's when clogs came back around and I was upset at my mother for not keeping more of her clothes and accessories from the 1970's.  This pair in particular is cringe-worthy: UGG Australia  I don't mean to be a hater (as the kids say) in fact there are some pairs of mules that have caught my eye. For example: 10 Crosby Derek Lam Now these are fierce and I highly appreciate a

blazer/boots-Target(similar here and here ), tee-Jcrew(similar here ), pants-Saks off 5th(similar here ), necklace- Jewel Mint And here's my standard weekend uniform in yet another variation.  You may recall similar looks here and here . I'm a big proponent of "uniforms" in the sense that's it's a good idea to have go-to pieces/silhouettes/styles in your wardrobe when outfitting.  However, I think I may be on the edge of rut. I'm thinking it might be time to reinvent my uniform for spring...What say you?  Also, I LOVE this tweed tee, it has amazing texture and wears so easily--two great characteristics for a weekend outfit.