Outfits Not Just Clothes

If you are a lover of all things fall, like me, then I'm sure you're excited for sweater vest season. Similar to sweater weather, the vest season comes both in the autumn as well as spring, seen here . Sweater vests act as transitional pieces, as well as gateways into full sweater-dom for fall, while helping us peel off the chunky sweaters of winter-to-spring.  bodysuit-Gap(similarish here  but most similar here ), sweater vest- Banana Republic Factory , culottes--Mango(similarish here ), sunnies--Coach via Groupon , earrings- Amazon , kerchief-- Esty Seller Indian Cotton Aura , bag- Everlane , pin-Michael's(similar and even more progressive here ), boots--Marc Fisher via DSW , ring--this past year's Yart Sale And yes, if you look closely I am wearing one black compression sock and one navy, which means there's probably ANOTHER pairing of black and navy socks that I'll have to find in a sock drawer clean out. UGH! However, this an outfit fairly easy to recreate...

 With winter in full swing it's fun to experiment with layers. Not only are they a practical means of dealing with the cold, but when done well, can also create new shapes and silhouettes. Here I've layered a wrap crop-top over a very warm gingham shirt for a corseting like effect that cinches in this oversized shirt.  coat-J.Crew(similar here ), crop top/boots-Nordstrom(similar here and  here ), gingham shirt-Mango(similar here and here ), skit-Uniqlo(similar here ), sunnies- Diff Eyewear There's a Victorian feel to this silhouette, no? This gingham print makes me think of Anne of Green Gables  especially when paired with this full skirt and lace-up boots.  This coat, that I've had for over a decade(which really speaks to the value of investing in outerwear) "chic-ifies" the over all look, which being in black and white is also kind of edgy. So there's deceptively a lot going on in this outfit, which just goes to show you the power of layers! 

With this recent thaw and warmer days, spring is definitely in the air. And while most think of floral dresses and pastel colors for spring, this outfitter is drawn toward leather! Leather Jacket/Combat Boots-Nordstrom(similar here and here ), blouse- Pavement , sweats- Mango I love the mix of seemingly disparate elements to this look.  The leather jacket and combat boots obviously go hand-in-hand, but this feminine blouse and very unexpected pair of joggers come together for a surprisingly low-key chic outfit.