Outfits Not Just Clothes

  leather jacket- TopShop via Nordstrom , sweatshirt- Hanes , button-down-Wildfang(more options here ), leggings-Zara(similar here ), ring- Skelton Jewelry , watch-Wenger(more options here ), sneakers- H&M I featured this jacket here in an autumnal purchase post. Now that fall has finally arrived I'm layering it with this button-down tunic and unisex sweatshirt. In years past I would have stayed true to the punk rock aesthetic of this jacket pairing it with tough and edgy pieces.  But, we are living in strange times and I'm loving the sporty mix added by this sweatshirt, leggings, and sneakers. To be fair, there really is no wrong way to wear a leather jacket, this time of year, right? 😁😜😉🍂 For more thoughts on leather jackets (and trench coats) check out this write-up here ! Also, the background of these shots is a mural outside of the Brew House Artists Lofts in the South Side . 

Some recent purchases: Threadflip   Nifty Thrifty   Nifty Thrifty I'm thinking all three of these items will be included in my suitcase for a trip out to the West Coast.  In July Mr. Keller and I are going to Portland and then out to Vancouver Island, quite an adventure.  And when I think of Adventure I think overalls. Of course I'm no Huck Finn so a blazer will nicely class up an overall outfit. Hehehe, get it? An overall outfit and I'm packing overalls, :)  Yeah, it doesn't take much to make me giggle.  But seriously, walkable boots and a straw hat (again calling back to a Huck Finn theme) would be a great outfit for a Northwest Vaca.  Don't you think?    Portland Vacation Outfit by bernadetteulsamer featuring oska

With Spring right around the corner I'm thinking about new ways to layer that aren't as bulky as winter layering can be.  I really like the idea of vests.  They act like a blazer in terms of pulling a look together/topping off an outfit, but they can be less cumbersome.  And if there's one thing I love about Spring it is the lack of cumbersomeness in outfitting.  (Is cumbersomeness a word? Is outfitting? They are now!)  Here's what I'm thinking in terms of vest options Uniqlo Shopbop Top Shop Zara Asos The structure in these vests is what appeals to me.  They aren't the average buttoned up waistcoat, they are more like sleeveless jackets.  Spring can get a bit floral and flouncy in terms of outfits and I'm envisioning a structural open vest/sleeveless jacket can provide some edge, help things from becoming too precious. 

So next weekend I am headed to Philadelphia to visit some friends and family.  No set plans yet, but I definitely want to explore Center City and Old City and of course the Magic Gardens .  So I'm thinking I'll need to pack a great pair of rugged boots and the right layers to stay warm.   I like the idea of a knit dress under a chunky sweater and military jacket.  Cute, but practical and an interesting take on an urban explorer outfit, especially with some delicate jewelry, big sunnies and a bright colored hat .