Outfits Not Just Clothes

It can be tricky to build an outfit around "merch" which is usually gimmicky or niche or sports themed. Here I felt up to the challenge of creating an eclectic, greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts look using pieces that each contribute to a very specific vibe.   vest-thrifted from Phoenix Boutique originally Halogen from Nordstrom (similar here ), tee-Etsy seller  Warungnyabagus  shorts-H&M (similar here ), hat- Every Outfit Podcast Merch , earrings-Amazon seller Woworama ,  kerchief-Etsy seller  indiancottonaura , ring and bracelet-- Ana Luisa , bag- The Frick Pittsburgh , shoes-- Madewell I'm not sure what that specific vibe is, but I am loving how this outfit came together. Tori Amos has been a bedrock for me since the 90s. I wouldn't be the redheaded woman I am today if not for her, hands down!  Her rendering on this tee really pops with my hair, and then we have the unexpected pairing of leopard shorts with a long office-setting vest. It shoul...

 I've had this classic Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress since 2009! I originally  posted it was in 2014  here !  Now 12 years, a masters degree, and two kids later it's still going strong! trench-Gap(similar here ), dress-Diane von Furstenberg(similar here ), pants-Uniqlo(similar here ), necklace-Banana Republic(similar here ), bracelet / ring -Ana Luisa, bralette- Three Bird Nest , boots-Vince Camuto (similar here via DSW) And apparently I also had this trench back then because I wore it with this dress in the original post! I was 33 in the above pick and wearing heels! Now at 45 I'm still rocking this wrap, but in a more eclectic take with the layering over pants and bralette. Who wore it better? 33-year-old me or 45-year-old me? 

 Another post in front(ish) of a river. This time the Allegheny with PNC Park in the background. Shooting downtown always yields striking pics. This is what I wore for the Mae Martin show The Possum at the Byham Theatre last week.  cardi / earrings --Amazon, turtle shell-Gap(more turtles here ), pants- Uniqlo , sunnies- Diff Eyewear , necklace-Slide Jewels(similar here ), bracelet / ring -Ana Luisa, tote- Handsome Podcast , sneaker-Cole Haan(more options here ) These pants are part of  "matching set" featured here . I love the idea of olive green with graphic black and white stripes, just feels so fresh, but easy. These leopard print sneakers stand out, while also being seamlessly part of the outfit.  My tote is from the Handsome Podcast which Mae is one of the co-host, but even if we weren't attending the show, I think the bag still works no matter the destination of the look.