Outfits Not Just Clothes

culottes/cardigan-J.Crew(similar here and here ), tunic-Gap(similarish here ), necklace/ring-Jewel Mint(similar via Poshmark here and here ), boots-DSW(similar here ) The sheen on these shantung culottes is giving me LIFE!!!! They really amp up the chic factor on this OOTD, while this grandpa-esque cardi brings in some low-key balance. This outfit was originally inspired by a cardigan styling slideshow from Refinery 29 , here's the original inspo pic: I took the general idea of culottes topped with an oversize striped cardigan and made it my own with more of a navy palette, plus boots! Really pleased with the results, what say you? 

It's always a pleasure to find a new company/brand/product/website especially at this time of year when searching for unique gifts. Thanks to a beauty article in the October issue of Glamour I came across Rituals -- Inspired by the wisdom and ancient traditions of Asian cultures, we created an extensive collection of luxurious yet affordable products for home and body. We hope to enrich your life using unique signature fragrances that are carefully designed and composed by the world’s finest perfumers. So far I have these items in my cart as potential gifts: Night Balm for Hands I'm thinking of picking up several bottles of this night balm for those "just in case" for when someone unexpected surprises with a present and you feel obligated to gift in return. Also, this will be great for daycare teachers, work friends, the neighbor lady who gets the mail when you're out of town, etc.   Mini Fragrance Sticks Hello, hostess gift! Especially f

trench- Costco , sweater-Madewell(more options here ), shorts- Anthropologie (similar from Asos here ), legwarmers- American Apparel , boots-DSW(similar here ) I've had this oversized statement sweater for years, when chunky knits were having a moment. The current knitwear trend includes off-the-shoulder silhouettes, prints, and embellishments, like fringe and tassels. And while this pullover isn't necessarily "of the moment" it's a great piece for late fall/early winter AND a comfy option for holiday dressing. To balance out the bulkiness of the sweater I went with these tweedy shorts, tights, and legwarmers. Loving how these shorts "match" my basic Costco-brand trench! 

vest-Anthropologie(more options here ), shirt /necklace-ModCloth(more options here ), leggings- Zara , boots-Nine West(similar here ) Technically, this "vest" is more of a gilet/outerwear piece, and definitely the star of this OOTD. The black, grey, and pink palette is a fresh take on plaid for autumn, and is actually a subtle move toward transitioning from fall-to-holiday dressing. I'll definitely be wearing this piece as we head into December festivities! 

cardi-Piperlime(simialr here from Asos ), top- Cupcakes and Cashmere via Le Tote , pant-Zara(similar here ), necklace-Gifted, boots- Gap This OOTD came about in a rather random, yet organic way. I started with these side-striped trousers, which scream fall with their olive/grey shade and tweedy texture, then worked my way up with this crochet overlay top (again more texture, perf for autumn), and topped it off with a tennis cardi to mirror the trim of the pants. Voila--some eclectic midweek work-wear!  Sidenote: this shirt was somewhat of a summer staple, as you can see in these posts, here and here . Now that's its chilly outside, the boxier silhouette allows for an "undershirt". Look closely and you can see a striped cuff of a Uniqlo heattech long-sleeved T