Outfits Not Just Clothes

 Experimented with some functional layering in this OOTD flannel-Urban Outfitters(similar here ), pullover-Columbia Sportswear(similar here ), leggings- Old Navy , necklace-Benevolence LA(more here ), ring- Mejuri , sneakers- Ascis I'm loving how the color blocking on both the pullover and leggings coordinate with each other. And I'm even more so loving the unexpected layering with a flannel shirt. My last flannel post  also experimented with layers and proportion. For this OOTD I went a more functional route with a flannel layer for warmth and to break up all of the blues and teals with some red-based plaid. I also love how the flipped collar works with the pullovers open neckline.  And in case you were wondering, I DID go for a hike in this outfit.  I've been hiking quite a bit wearing this look or a variation thereof.  For more thoughts on flannel check out my write-up here . 

 Or should I say winter flannel as we woke up yesterday to falling snow, well I guess there's "fall" in that.  😉😊 Just a little novelty pendant, the dear/antler theme is so right-on for fall! shirtdress/boots-Nordstrom(similar here  and here ) wrap top-eShakti(more options here ), pants-Zara(similar here ), necklace-Forever 21(something fun here ), ring- Skelton Jewelr y I last featured this flannel midi in this post and I'm struck by how different the styling is between these two outfits.  In the earlier look I leaned into the casual modern grunge vibe of this flannel. Here I went with an edgy layered take that is still casual, but feels more polished. One of the challenges with this dress is the length and side-slits. You can't really wear it solo, like a dress, nor can you tuck it in like a shirt. I've done some fancy half-tug here and added this cropped wrap top to create a more fitted silhouette. Proportion can be tricky with oversized pieces and it de...

coatigan-Madewell(similar here ), shirtdress-Nordstrom(similar here ), boots-Lifestride via DSW(similar here ), sunnies- Target   I love a brooding fall look, and this OOTD is serving up all of the brood with this black and grey, plaid maxi flannel shirtdress hybrid. There is some serious length drama with this garment, but at the same time it's so cozy and of course I'm loving the pockets. A coordinated coatigan and flat boots complete this autumn ensemble.  On a side note: I've been able to manage my hair better thanks to this Garnier Hair Mask . I can't believe it took me so long to figure out deep conditioning when you think about how adamant I am about moisturizer. Oh well, the important point is that I'm feeling better about my hair. 

So... I've been thinking of exploring a more romantic/feminine style as I gear up for another year-long shopping hiatus (more on that to come). I'm looking toward fall and hoping to find a few dresses that push against my usual striped/androgynous/blazered aesthetic. Here's two I've picked up thus far.  Floral Maxi Forever 21 I rarely wear maxi dresses. I think for busty gals like myself a maxi can obscure the figure, but this wrap version seems promising. And even though I'm not huge into florals, these dusty-pink roses against a black background aren't too busy and tend toward the romantic side that I'm trying out, stylishly speaking. Just In Timeless Dress ModCloth I've been thinking I sorely lack a versatile cute, printed dress that's a bit 90's-esque  and I'm hoping this number will fit the bill, and be the kind of piece I can throw-on for work, dinner, church, whatever. Sure, I have my fair share of wear-anywhere str...