Outfits Not Just Clothes

blazer/pants/necklace-J.Crew(similar here , here , and here ), shirt-Gap(similar here ), loafers- G.H. Bass So many wonderful outfitting elements happening in this OOTD. First, it's so seasonally appropriate with all the lovely autumn foliage in the background, can you even stand it! 🍂 Then there's two of my favorite prints--stripes & plaid--and one of my go-to styling tips of mixing those patterns together. I've got some androgynous stylings going on with the navy blazer and matching weejuns. Lastly, is a statement necklace, which historically as been my accessory-of-choice.   Oh but wait, there's one more thing... I've gone back to my classic red hair! I've been muddling around with blond and brown for the past year and decided somewhat spur of the moment to return to red here before the holidays hit.  I've been through various body transitions over the past few years, what with having babies and all.

blazer-Gap(similar here ), sweater-BCBGMAXAZRIA(similar here ), skirt-H&M(similar here ), booties-DSW(similar here ) The pleated midi-skirt is quite the hot item here this season. And like all trendy numbers you have to find the best version that suits you. I'm on the fence about the midi in these OOTD shots. In truth I'm on the fence about pleated midi-skirts in general. Don't get me wrong, they can be super chic, but they tend to be an easier garment to pull off for the naturally wasp-waisted/hourglass gals. Fuller, pleated skirts in general lend themselves to a more feminine styling, which isn't my usually bag, so I tried to counter that with the blazer and boots to create a bit of sartorial tension. In reviewing these shots, I think the blazer doesn't work, too much material, a more fitted/cropped sweater would have been a more flattering option. What say you? 

cardigan-J.Crew(similar here ), shell-Banana Republic Factory(similar here ), shorts- Anthropologie ,(similar here via Poshmark ) watch-Wenger (more options here ), boots-L.L. Bean(similar here ) There's a very narrow window for fall shorts, and unfortunately with Thanksgiving right around the corner and yesterday's snowfall I feel the window has closed. But thankfully (speaking of giving thanks) I got to sport this pair right in the prime of autumn with the leafy background to proof it!  I last featured these shorts on the blog two years ago, here . I styled them in a more rugged fashion with a trench, knee-high boots, and oversized sweater. For this year's wearing I went more feminine with this embossed shell, delicate necklace, and a simple cardi.  

blazer / sweater -Gap, culottes-Mango(similar here ), boots-Nine West(similar here ), bracelet-Michael Kors(similar here ) There's nothing more classic than a camel blazer to top off an all-black outfit. To give this OOTD a more modern twists I went with an oversized blazer, and these dramatic culottes, instead of a skinny cropped trouser. I hadn't planned on looking so chic and grown-up, but that's what happens when you outfit with urbane pieces, the classiness just oozes forth. 😉😜