Outfits Not Just Clothes

Living in Pittsburgh, rivers come into play in various aspects of city life. We cross over them everyday, they and their bridges are considered when deciding on how to get where, and they also provide recreation whilst be stunning backgrounds for outfit pics!  jacket-Mikkat Market(similar here ), shirt-Old Navy(similarish here ), trousers- J.Crew Factory , sunnies-Versace(similar here ), scarf-Ralph Lauren(similar here ), belt-Gap(more options here ), ring / bracelet -Ana Luisa, bookbag-DSW(more options here ), boots--Land's End(similar here ) This spring look takes inspiration from a more autumnal preppy vibe. A button-down, cropped pant, and "blazer" has been one of my go-to outfit formulas for almost two decades.  And while it feels mostly grounded in fall looks, it actually works no matter the season if you have the right pieces.  And of course the Monongahela River in the background makes for a standout backdrop to these shots.  This of course is not the first t...

 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...

 This past year there's been a cycling through of so many core styles. I actually wrote a whole piece about the various cores focusing on cabincore last fall, here ! For today's post I'm revisiting the #cottagecore dress I featured on my birthday last September! #thisisforty coat-Asos(similar here ), dress-Anthropologie(similar here ), headband-Soel(similar here ), necklace- Benevolence LA , rings- Mejuri , socks- Kansas City Kitty , boots- Landsend I love that this OOTD is made up so so many unique pieces that run the full gamut of shops, stores, and retailers. The dress and boots are from major American brands with both online and brick and mortar locations.  My coat is from a British online-only company, while the rest of my accessories are from independent, women-owned business(I think) with store fronts and online shopping access. Everything comes together for a perfect cottagecore, romantic, bohemian, springtime ensemble! 

 As we inch closer and closer to spring, the days can still be chilly and spring time sweater dressing is in full effect! coat-Asos(similar here ), sweater-Thrifted, dress-Landsend(similar here ), boots-DSW(similar here ), pin- Shiny Apple ring- Mejuri , bracelet- BaYou with Love I'm channeling some English Countryside Equestrian vibes in this OOTD. You may think the from-across-the-pond aesthetic is exclusive to fall, but early spring, when things are still bare, yet bright is also a time of earth tones, plaids, and texture. Just like fall, spring is also a season for strategic layering and transitions. This cherry blossom pin is a small gesture towards the lush season to come.  Once May hits then we'll see more traditional spring style--pastels, florals, etc. For now, bring on the sweaters, boots, and classic outerwear.