Outfits Not Just Clothes

 I wore my watch OVER my sleeve for fashionable and functional purposes... Fashionable in terms of highlighting the watch, and functional as in I can see the time without having to lift up my sleeve.  blazer-J.Crew(similar here ), shirts- Le Tote , cargoes-Saks off Fifth(similar here ), belt- Gap , boots-Target(similar here ), necklace-gifted The Limited(similar here ), sunnies-ViVI, watch- Nixon via Urban Outfitters I doubled up on the shirts in this outfit for warmth and for color. I've worn this necklace before in this post here . It's a fancy piece and I like to contrast that by wearing it casually. It's fun to "play against type" with certain garments/accessories. Plus this necklace adds a feminine touch to a straight up androgynous look of a plaid shirt, blazer, and flat boots. 

jacket- Thrifted Guess(similarish here ), sweatshirt-Gap(simiilar here ), cargoes-J.Crew Factory(similar here ), sneakers-Old Navy(similar here ), scarf-Gifted, sunnies- ViVI , watch- Michael Kors I'm a huge fan of statement necklaces as evidenced by these posts-- here , here , here , and here . Switching it up in this look with a scarf in lieu of the standard necklace. The scarf is also bringing a bit of chic to a casual cargoes-and-sweatshirt look. The jacket,last seen here , and the fun sneakers add a sporty-chic vibe to play off the scarf.  You may recall the "Rule of Three" post, here where I breakdown how a third item turns clothes into an outfit. Well here, it's more a Rule of Four with the jacket and scarf being the 3rd and 4th pieces. So much math for a simple look.... 

With Easter less than two weeks away my 40 Days of No Shopping (announced here ) will be coming to an end. So in order not to go hog wild I'm taking direction from Who What Wear's Shopping List for Spring Who What Wear The majority of trend-driven items aren't really in my wheelhouse, which is a nice way of saying cropped culottes are stupid, as are lace-up gladiator flats, but I don't want to be all mean-girls up in this piece. Anyway, I'm using this list as a grounding point and a means of reviewing my seasonal basics to discover what I lack and/or what may be in need of upgrading.  After we celebrate Jesus' resurrection from the dead I'll be on the lookout for quality/dressy tees & tanks, sturdy ankle boots, funky sneakers, chic flats, and a carryall leather bag.  Here's what I have my eye on... Everlane Everlane Converse Eddie Chelsea Boot from Asos Faux-Snakeskin Sandal from Asos The Paperback ...

jeggings- Joe Fresh , sweatshirt-Gap(similar here ), shirt-Old Navy(similar here ), sleeveless blazer- Thrifted , boots-Loehman's(similar here ), necklace- Duro Olowu for JCPenny , watch- Nixon via Urban Outfitters You may recall my last outfit inspiration post here . I've done it again with this outfit. Inspired by this street style look from Brooklyn Blonde Original Post here Again, it's not an exact replicate, but it takes the idea of a sleeveless jacket/blazer over a jeans and sweater combo. Originally I wasn't going to wear the sweatshirt, but added it at the last second. I've been thinking about sleeveless blazers/blazer-like vests for like two years now, as evidenced by this post . After a year of no shopping, and waiting for various versions to go on sale I FINALLY found an acceptable candidate at the Goodwill of all places! Actually, my friend Tess discovered it while we were on a thrifting adventure and immediate...

coat- Thrifted , dress-ModCloth(similar here ), necklace-Bauble Bar(similar here ), boots- Nine West  (more options  here ) You may recall this coat from my haircut reveal post here . I'm wearing it in the same way with this outfit, playing off the blue and black pattern by wearing a cobalt dress over black tights and boots. It can be tricky to outfit around a statement piece like this coat. A good rule of thumb is to let the statement garment be the star keeping the rest of the outfit simple/neutral. Another approach, which is the one I'm employing here, is dressing to match or coordinate with the standout piece. A third route, and one that only a experienced outfitter should attempt, is to pair the statement piece with OTHER statement garments for an overall out-loud look. If successful that would certainly be badass.