Outfits Not Just Clothes

All the textures in this post with this nubby sweater, knit hat and gloves, plus I'm kind of loving the wooden background. And it's a leather party on the bottom! That didn't come out as I meant it.... sweater- Madewell (more sweaters here ), pants- Zara , gloves & hat-Old Navy(more options here ), boots- Nordstrom (similar Dr. Martens here ) From fringe and jeans to oversized and leather, #sweaterweather season is at its peak in this #OOTD. I love the cozy factor of this sweater against the badassery of these leather trousers and combat boots. As mentioned above there is so much texture here! That's one of the great things about colder vs. warmer weather outfitting, is that you have more opportunity to mix/layer colors, materials, and prints.  

blazer-J.Crew(similar here ), pants-Gap(similar here ), shirt- H&M , vest-Vintage(similar here from Patrick James ), scarf/sunnies-Ralph Lauren(similar here and here ), boots-Forever 21(similar here ) In celebration of the turn toward cooler weather I decided to play around with some layers and menswear in this in OOTD! There's only one piece of actual menswear--this 70's vintage vest (that is reversible!!!!) I "borrowed" from my Dad 20-odd years ago. The shirt and blazer are classic autumn staples, and when paired with simple cropped pants, rugged boots, and a designer scarf, not only does this look have an androgynous feel, but it's also giving off some major English Country Side--it's not too late to catch that Downton Abbey movie, eh? 

blazer-J.Crew(similar here ), shirt-Anthropologie(similar here ), pants-Uniqlo(similar here ), flats- Gap I'll readily admit that I don't really feel like myself without my personal style. Lately my style has been wavering (at least in my own estimation) as my body is still transitioning/settling after having baby #2. Not being able to fit into my clothes, especially workwear, has given my self esteem quite a blow, which you can read more about here .  Also, what the F is happening with my hair?  Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that I only feel good about myself when I look a certain way. OR, that I need to look a certain way in order to have self worth. What I'm saying that I'm currently in the midst of negotiating a new sense of myself(what with motherhood and getting older in general) and how I want/can reflect/express that in my personal style.  Speaking of which, this OOTD is yet another iteration of m...

No necklace, but check out the texture and play on fringe going on in this shirt!  cardi/trousers/top- J.Crew Factory (similar here , here , and here ) loafers-Anne Klein via DSW (similar here ), watch-Wenger(similar here ) Didn't realize when putting this outfit together, that the three main pieces all hail from J.Crew Factory. I was actually working off of this outfit inspiration via Who What Wear : original slide show here I built this from the plaid pants up. Went with a textured tee, as opposed to a polka dot top, and then added a cardi in lieu of the jacket from the inspiration pic. Of course it's not an exact match, but taking elements from a look, style, or trend and making them work with pieces you already have is part of the fun with outfit inspo! Another part is seeing how items you've never worn together work as a brand new ensemble!