Outfits Not Just Clothes

On this last day of April I wanted to share this ready-for-the-rain outfit! Wore this on what we starting calling a "Cutey Day" when you go to cute shops, drink cute coffee, buy cute things, have a cute look. We explored one of our favorite neighbors, Lawrenceville and shopped small.  rain jacket--Asos(similar here ), overalls- Cider , shirt-Gap(similar here ), sunnies- Diff Eyewear , earrings-- Amazon , necklace-- Boheme Vendor , boots-Nordstrom(similar here ) I usually wear these overalls in the fall, as seen in this post here . But they are actually kind of ideal for spring, no? Went with a basic top, pop-of-color boots, and black floral jewelry. The polka dot rain coat, was of necessity, but I think it actually works for a fun bit of pattern mixing/contrast.  Check out the shop small/shop local haul over on Instagram here . 

A few weeks ago we went for a grown-ups only trip to our local neighbor museum The Frick Pittsburgh  and I wore what has been a kind of go-to look for outings this past winter/spring. I donned these same toadstool printed overalls for the neighborhood light-up night last December and as well as an  I Made it Market event back in February. This bright Henley-style top has been the usual undershirt and on colder occasions I topped everything off with the shacket from this post .   trench-Asos(more options here ), shirt-Gap(similar here ), overalls-Cider(similar here and here ), boots- Columbia Sportswear , tote- The Frick Pittsburgh , sunnies-Ralph Lauren(similar here ) For this warmer "field trip" I switched out the shacket for this trench, but kept the hiking boots and carried along a branded tote for gift shop purchases.  Say what you will about women over 40 wearing overalls, a traditionally juvenile garment, especially when rendered in a novelty print. True...

 In looking back on past posts comparing pieces worn over the years and currently outfitting through another winter season I started thinking about all of the outerwear items I've sported over the past decade... Here's a look back in fairly accurate chorological order of some OOTD posts featuring jackets, coats, and vest, Oh My! From Fall Layers This outfit was from 2014 (!!!)  And I'm counting this puffy, pinstriped vest from J.Crew as outerwear. I've layered it over a blazer, which in turn is layered over a shift dress and collared shirt. In looking at this picture now, I feel the proportions are slightly off, the skirt needed to be longer and maybe the dress belted underneath. But I do love the bit of orange on he upturned blazer collar against the navy.  From Militant Newsie      Oversized quilted jacket from H&M paired with a vintage cardigan, tunic, and jogger style pants. I took a cue from the gold snaps and styled gold jewelry to elevate this...

 A few weeks ago I had a very rare weekend home alone, during which I made some interesting online purchases... hence these floral overalls.  I can't say vodka wasn't involved. I can say that before the frigid temperatures came upon us here this week I was able to get some outfit pics featuring said overalls with some late afternoon sunshine in the background.  coat-Nordstrom(similar here ), shirt /boots- Gap (similar boot here ), overalls- Cider , sunnies- Kate Spade With any overall, whether shorts or full-length the shoulder-strap-to-crotch ratio is a vital concern. What you want to avoid is a droopy bib and a tight crotch. Here the portions are working well enough, it could be better, but the shoulder ruffle on the shirt helps balance out the look. While some may think overalls on a middle-aged woman is a case of mutton-dressed-as-lamb, I think the dramatic, while not being twee floral print of this pair is just enough quirk for a grown woman.