Outfits Not Just Clothes

top- Urban CoCo via Amazon , leggings- Champion via Target (similar here ), scarf- American Apparel , kicks- Vans So... American Apparel is back! Granted, I've sort of aged out of the key demographic for this brand, but I still love and wear their unisex v-neck tees, and I've been rocking this infinity scarf for years! But the real story of this outfit is the pairing of casual and athletic wear. I don't usually post active gear, but these leggings and their vibrant teal pattern, are graphic enough for an OOTD feature, no? This breezy top was another successful Amazon fashion purchase , that fits, flatters, and functions for a mom taking the stairs two at a time! 

cardi-J.Crew(similar here ), dress-DVF(similarish here via Poshmark ), leggings- Girlfriend Collective , slides-Old Navy(similar here ), necklace-Le Tote(similar here ) This OOTD started out with my navy n' black DVF shift dress. (Yes those are pockets!) Then some functional layering happened (what with the FREEZING AC at work ❄🏢), hence the oversized cardigan and leggings. Function aside, I'm kind of digging the minimalism that's happening here. Playing around with the cardi gives these pics some chic drama, and the athletic leggings plays into a mini-trend for me this summer, "office-leisure" as discussed in this post . Basic yes, but an outfit nonetheless! 

blazer- The Limited (similar from ThredUp here ), shirt- Mango , pants- Zara , kicks- Vans , necklace- chloe + isabel , watch-Michael Kors(similar here ) Well apparently The Limited has shut down all of it's brick n' mortar locations and it's website is temporarily "closed". I remember growing up The Limited was the most sophisticated store in our mall back home, so it's kind of sad to hear about this down turn. This blazer was purchased from a mall Limited back in 2008 (!!!!) which is probably the last time I bought something from an actual Limited store....so yeah, I sure as shit haven't been helping. Retailer fates aside, I'm still going strong this week with black n' white work wear, as seen here and here . This go round is a bit more casual with drawstring trousers, sneakers, and gingham shirt. The blazer, watch, and necklace bring some polish to the overall look making it work appro, hence I'm dubb...

dress- Porto via Dina Ellen , scarf- Thrifted , slides- Champion via Target This dress was an impulse purchase, but it checks almost all of my frock boxes. It fits and flatters, is easy to wear, machine washable, and is versatile, yet still interesting. The only thing it doesn't have is pockets, which is a shame because I love pockets. For a recent evening out I styled this dress somewhat haphazardly. Since, the dress has that "thrown-on-and-go" quality, I played into that with these slip-on athleisure-esque slides, and then loosely tided on a printed scarf as my "third piece".  I can also see this midi-number working with my trusty white blazer (last seen here ) and some heels for a summertime office look! 

scarf- American Apparel , hoodie- Asos , shirt-Zara(similar here ), jeans-Anthropologie(similar here ), boots / necklace -H&M, socks- Target Picked up this hoodie "dress" to feed my need for a variety of schmattas, which has become an obsession since having my baby.  And, I'm fully aware that my interest in baggy/free flowing smock dresses is a direct symptom of being apprehensive about my post-baby body. But, it's okay I'm #owning my issues!  Body consciousness aside, in general I've been digging oversized pieces, which thankfully have been having a moment here in fashion. I couldn't have planned my baby timeline better! 

sweater- Le Tote , trousers-Zara(similar here ), tee- Gap , scarf-J.Crew Factory(similar here ), boots-Shoe Mint(similar from Zara here ) necklace- chloe + isabel , watch-Michael Kors(similar here ) This "varsity" sweater on loan from Le Tote perfectly matched up with these athleisure trousers from Zara  for a preppy, androgynous chic outfit! The checkered infinity scarf kept the black and ivory color theme going, and combat-style boots gave the overall look some edge. So while, this ensemble seems pretty simple, there's really a lot of wonderful style elements happening, plus is was super comfortable and flattering, if I do say so myself!