Outfits Not Just Clothes

cardi- Free People , dress- London Times via Le Tote , necklace-Gifted, boots-Zara(similar here ), bag-Nordstrom(similar here ), watch-Wenger(similar here )  Taking a break from my schoolboy-androgynous style with this boho midi-dress on loan from Le Tote . And, I have to say this frock is fairly flattering, no? I will admit to having a bit of help in the silhouette department from these shaping shorts . I've posted before about having no shame in one's shape-wear. But, of course not everyone is a fan, it comes down to how you feel comfortable, and what makes you feel good in what you wear. I for one am very pleased with the result of shape-wear for this dress in particular, but it's not something I'd advocate for daily wear by any means. 

Rock n' Roll around my neck.  Preppy stripes on my feet! Birds & stripes in between!  cardi-Vintage/Inherited(similar here ), shirt- Wildfang , pants-Uniqlo(similar here ), loafers-J.Crew(similar here ), necklace-Gifted, rings-Jewel Mint(more options here ) No, I'm not posing in front of a dog kennel, just some cage fencing that sets off this grey, navy, & white ensemble. This cardigan was my Grandpa's he wore when delivering mail back in the 60's & 70's so pure, and personal vintage to complete this print-mixing look! This outfit was originally inspired by some street style photos via Refinery29 : Not an exact match, but that's not the point of outfit inspo, it's about taking the vibe, feel, even color scheme and making it your own. Success! 

blazer-Gap(similiarish here ), hoodie-J.Crew(similar here ), dress-Need Supply(similar here ), flats- Dr. Scholl's , watch-Michael Kors(similar here ), lip- PBJ Smoothie Stick via Birchbox You may recall the past two years' " sprinter " posts, here and here . Well that warm surge of late winter/early spring has come sooner this year than expected. And I'm once again outfitting with transitional pieces that call to both seasons, while at the same time layering up for the shift in temperatures/weather. This white schmatta is pure springtime breeze, while the black tights, hoodie, and blazer are ready to take on the nips still left in the air. PLUS, there's a subtle contrast of this very romantic dress layered under a business-like blazer and sporty hoodie. But, isn't that was sprinter is all about--the duality of nature and the contrast in seasons... whoa.. outfitting as philosophical thought right there my friends!!!!

Blazers have been a HUGE part of my outfitting style/personal uniform for well over a decade. In my mind a blazer is the perfect third piece , and a no-brainer way to bring some polish to a look. Here's a quick rundown of some of my favorite blazer moments-- A knitwear blazer, like this striped piece from Uniqlo , is the perfect cardigan alternative.  It has the ease of a sweater, but the structure of outerwear for a pulled together, yet comfortable office outfit!  This "sea creature" blazer from Anthropologie has been a major part of my summertime work wardrobe. Novelty/whimsical prints on traditional silhouettes are a "low risk" way of pushing yourself outside of the style box.   A closeup of a tweedy grommet-ed blazer from Saks off Fifth is a statement piece that can really go with anything, even a horse-printed button-down! My good old navy blazer from J.Crew , a versatile classic! From BB Dakota , this olive-green blazer is

jacket- BB Dakota via Le Tote , shirt-Gap(more options here ), pants- Uniqlo , loafers-Zara(similar here ), necklace-J.Crew Factory(similar here ) This look was partially inspired by Burberry Spring 2014 Men's collection featured in this post ! Black, straight-cut pants and simple shoes ground the ensemble, then bright and bold layers up top make it into an outfit! You need a strong base when mixing prints, especially such disjointed ones as hearts and plaid. Hearts being more girly and silly, while buffalo plaid is traditionally a man's workshirt print. It's key that both are rendered in similar colors--red & black. It also helps that red and blue are a dynamic color-combo. So, this seemingly simple look really had a lot going on! And yes, I DID wear this on Valentine's day, and yes a heart pattern may be a bit "on point" if you will, but the jacket, menswear-inspired loafers, and simple black trousers kept the l