Outfits Not Just Clothes

March is winding down and spring trends are ramping up. From last summer's outrageous Brat Green , which I never even attempted to incorporate into my style, this spring is seeing a resurgence of pastels and deeper tones. Here's my take on a monochromatic look with olive green and sage hues.  jacket--H&M(similar here ), shirt / pants --Uniqlo, sunnies--Versace(more options here ), necklace--Banana Republic(similarish here ), ring / bracelet -Ana Luisa, boots-Vince Camuto(similar here ) from Nordstrom This "matching set" from Uniqlo features the trending barrel pant silhouette, not my usual fit, but you can't argue with it when paired with the cropped adjustable button-down and a pair of statement boots. I may also style this look with combat boots for messier days. This oversized quilted jacket is almost over a decade old, but it's utilitarian vibe keeps it in style. I've worn it with a pop of pink in years past and it would work "playing against...

I know delicate jewelry is on trend at the mo' and statement necklaces are waning, but I couldn't NOT pair this pink and green necklace with a pink and green dress, right?! Or, is that too matchy-matchy?  dress- Le Tote , vest-H&M(more options here ), necklace-Bauble Bar(similarish here ), watch- Wenger , shoes-Zara(similar here ) As mentioned on the necklace above, this vest, is also "off-trend" as we're currently in a wave a longer, looser, drapey-er gilets. But, a proper vest never really goes out of style, and the cinch-factor of this waistcoat is banging on my bod! Also, this vest-with-a-dress look feels very 90's, no? Especially when paired with these studded loafers. Overall, it's a cool contrast of menswear-inspired pieces(the vest and shoes), with this printed wrap-dress and color-coordinated statement necklace. 

scarf- Debbie Martin via Le Tote , blouse-Banana Repbulic(similar here ), joggers-H&M(similar here ), ring- Le Tote , flats- Dr. Scholl's , watch-Micahel Kors(similar here ) I've long been an advocate of the Rule of Three aka A Third Piece as an go-to outfitting strategy. Here, we have the standard (somewhat) blouse and pants, with this summer scarf as the third, finishing piece. A scarf for summer, at first, may seem ridiculous, but it's a great substitute for a necklace, it can be used as a shawl in frigid AC, and it can help soak up some sweat on those really blistery days. Just make sure your summer scarf is machine washable, and of course in a light-to-mid weight material.  

Dapper Dan here with the argyle socks and two-toned loafers.  jacket- J.Crew , shirt-Uniqlo(similar here ), sweater-H&M(similar here ), pants- Zara , loafers-JustFab(similar here ), socks-Target(similar here ), watch- Wegner Nothing says spring like a white denim jacket, amiright?! And it's the prefect add-on to any outfit for a breath of fresh air. AND it's a great alternative to a blazer for a no-frills day at work, which this day ended up being. This striped sweater started off layered over my (by the end of the day wrinkled) shirt, but as with the wrinkles things became a bit laissez faire, and the sweater got tied around my waist for a very laid-back look, which was further supported by these drawstring trousers. Speaking of drawstrings, I'm loving the athleisure trend towards office wear. I recently discovered a new online vendor with an athleisure-esque suiting collection (more on that in tomorrow's post)... But regardle...