Outfits Not Just Clothes

This past weekend I visited one of my favorite shops here in Pittsburgh, Pavement  in Lawrenceville. Unfortunately this was my last visit, as it's closing here on March 31st . I first discovered this store back in 2013 making occasional visits and always finding great items, as seen here , here , and here . I even did a write-up on the store way back in 2014 for the now defunct Union Hall Times. So, while I'm sad to see them go, I'm hoping for the best for the owner and her next chapter. Definitely glad I got in once last visit. Here are a few dressing rooms pics! I really wanted to love this dress for the pattern, length, and pockets, but the neckline and top half were off fit-wise. Which is a shame since this dress went great with my Bombas socks. 😜🧦 top--Boden(similar here ) skirt-- Three Dots Cute, right?! Look at her! Did I question whether or not I was too old for this top/skirt combo? Yes, of course I did. Did I let that stop me from purchasing both, hell no! Wil...

 One of my standard go-to outfit formulas around the holiday season is layering a sweater over a dress, revolutionary I know... 🤨 and truth be told, a sweater/dress combo can veer toward the dowdy, as kind of seen here . But it can also be a bit romantic... cardigan-Ava via Le Tote , dress--Boden(similar here ) earrings-- Wisteria Sky Boutique via Etsy , sunnies- Diff Eyewear , loafer--Anne Klein(similar here ) For this take on a sweater with a dress I went with a nipped-in cardigan and printed jersey.  The mix of patterns and textures elevate the outfit playing on a sense of whimsy and romance. The jewelry, especially the earrings help dress-up this knit and soft frock. This is definitely a festive, yet subtle look that can be worn over the course of the winter into the beginnings of spring. For why else do we light  up trees and inflate Santas in our yards if not to mark the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun, shining hope toward the new life of spring!  That ...

tee-Style Mint(similar here via Poshmark ), shorts-Old Navy(more fun options here ), sunnies- DIFF Eyewear , watch-Wenger(similar here ), wedges- Eileen Fisher via Nordstrom This week #funshortsfriday is brought to you by lobsters! 🦞 I love a nautical themed short as seen here , and I also love dressing up like a WASP dude going to brunch seen here and here . So I leaned in and paired these shorts with a striped tee and a summer/waspy classic--wedged espadrilles.   I've had these novelty printed shorts for a LONG time as seen here  and just like in that outfit, for this #OOTD, I have an eclectic mix going. I think when it comes to patterns and prints, you can stick to styling them with other neutrals and basics, or go in a more dynamic direction and pair with bold colors and coordinated prints. However, it can't be all statement-makers, you DO need some grounding pieces, whether it's an accessory or a solid-colored third throw-on piece.  If I WERE going to a wasp...

blazer-J.Crew Factory(similar here ), blouse- Old Navy , trousers-Anthropologie(more printed pants here ), loafers-Zara(similar here )  You may recall these toile trousers in this post here . For the OOTD above I kept the black, white, and grey color palette going strong, switching out the textured top for a more basic blouse, and the cardi for a blazer. Looking at these pics, it appears I have some grey hair happening in the back... but no, that's some dry shampoo residue, from this early morning photo shoot. I also neglected to dab on some lip color, so yeah no one can accuse me of being a beauty queen! 💄👸😉😜