Outfits Not Just Clothes

blazer-J.Crew Factory via Threadflip (similarish here ), shirt-Old Navy(similar here ), tee- Style Mint , jeans- Zara , boots- Shoe Mint , bracelet- Michael Kors I'm sorry, I couldn't resist that post title after looking at these pics. Is it me, or is this not the chicest way to wear orange and black in the fall and not look Halloweeny-cartoonish? Because let's face it, if it's late October and you're sporting some orange-and-black combos you're in danger of coming off a trifle cliche, by that I mean tacky. (Pulling no punches here people.) There is definitely no tackiness with this look - the silhouette, the layer of chambray, the stripes, and these badass boots keep it cool, urban, and, once again, chic! Season three of OITNB set to release June 2015, as the song says " and you've got time..."

blazer / pants - Ines de la Fressange for Uniqlo , top-Lemieux via Le Tote , necklaces- House of Harlow /Gazel(similar here ) via Le Tote , bracelet-J.Crew Factory(similar here ), sneakers-Old Navy(similar here ), sunnies- Cookie Lee , watch -Nixon via Urban Outfitters   Yes, this a tuxedo(!!!!) from the ongoing Ines de la Fressange collaboration with Uniqlo. The jacket is velvet--perfect for the holiday season--and the pants wool. I've paired them with this vibrant cobalt blue top, and played off the formality of a tux with sporty printed slip-on sneakers. It's a fun mix of dressy and casual that I think will be a perfect aesthetic for the upcoming holiday party shebang! Also, I love wearing a two, or even up to three, delicate gold necklaces tiered, or layered. It feels intentional with a bit on nonchalant chic.

Now that I am back to shopping after a year-long hiatus I've become much more selective in my shopping. I've had several posts on items I've ordered and how I plan on styling potential outfits. For this post I wanted to share all of the items I've returned.  Jacquard Skit from Banana Republic . This skirt was such a trial. I ordered it and returned it, in one size. Not willing to give up as easily re-ordered in another size and when that didn't suit me returned it again.  Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice Banana Republic, then yeah that's on me.  Altazura for Target shirt. Technically I own this shirt, but I ordered two sizes at the same time to see which would best fit.   Uniqlo Plaid Pants more pants here . Again, another "ordered 2 sizes" situation and sent back one. However, I think I should have kept the more fitted size... This Matching Set from Asos   was an epic journey. Again, ordered two sizes. Two size tops and t

jacket- Old Navy , cords-Gap(available in other colors here ), sweater-Uniqlo(similar here ), scarf-H&M(similar here ), jewelry- Cookie Lee , boots-Forever 21(sort of similar here ) I have been thinking about red cords for quite some time, as evidenced by these posts  here , here , and all the way back in 2011 here !  I ordered these from the Gap and when they came wasn't 100% sold on them. Then I ordered two different sizes from Landsend , which I ended returning both pairs in favor of the above. It's been quite a journey, but I feel like I've made a solid choice. 

blazer- J.Crew , shirt-Old Navy(similar here ), jeans-Asos(similar here ), scarf/sunnies-Ralph Lauren(similar here and here ), boots- L.L. Bean , belt- Gap , jewelry- Cookie Lee , bag-Coach(similar here ) This outfit is the epitome of classic fall casual chic! Dark demin, chambray shirt, wool blazer, silk scarf, leather bag -- a great mix of materials. I wore this outfit to a family brunch and it was quite a hit. I'm really digging this silhouette (skinnie bottoms, scarf, blazer) in general, I'm thinking I'll mix it up with cords and a pullover. Check back soon!