Outfits Not Just Clothes

cardi-Martin & Osa(similar here ), dress- French Connection via Le Tote , thermal- Gap , boots-G.H. Bass(similar here ), bracelet-Banana Republic(similar here ), pendants-Gifted It's been several weeks since my last post. The holidays, illness, and dark days with bad lighting for outfit pics have all contributed to the unintended hiatus. But I'm back in a midi-dress via Le Tote . The print here is very summery, but the cool tones are spot-on, as fall becomes winter. I kept the cool blues and greys going with the cardigan and boots. I also played around with filters, warmth, and clarity in the editing of these photos, what do you think? 

vest-Mango(similar here ), dress-Zara(similar here ), pants- Uniqlo , sneakers- LOGO by Lori Goldstein via QVC , watch- Wenger I was a late arrival to the " dress-over-pants " party, but once I tried it out earlier this year, it's been a fun and functional outfitting go-to, as seen here , here , and here . My approach has been to pair shorter, tunic-like dresses with straight, cropped trousers. For this autumn version, I've donned a leaf-motif dress with black bottoms, and an oversized sweater vest. Loving the pocket options with the vest and pants, and the color combinations of teal, grey, and black feel so fresh for this time of year. Plus, these tweedy sneakers are a mom-on-the-go's dream! Fun and functional all around! 

That's right, these are hearts ♥♥♥ not just dots!  vest-J.Crew(similar here ), sweatshirt/shirt-Gap(similar here and here ), pants-Uniqlo(similarish here ), loafers- G. H. Bass , scarf-Gifted, ring-Jewel Mint(similar here over on Poshmark ) Yes, I featured this vest in yesterday's post . It's such a versatile layering piece and perfect for this time of year. Here, I've paired it with this heart-printed scarf (a gift from my Mother), which nicely mirrors the bird motif on the pants. A hint of stripe from the undershirt can be seen in the closeup shot, for another fall-fantastic print-mixing look!   

Click on this pic for a close up of the pendant that oddly enough resembles the maze map in Westworld !!!! vest-J.Crew(similar here ), dress- Le Tote , boots- Lifestride via DSW , necklace-Gifted Yes the pendant on this necklace is very similar to the maze map in the HBO show Westworld  and in keeping with that theme is this plaid dress. I added a preppy-esque vest and equestrian-inspired boots to complete this autumnal ensemble. 

blazer-Gap(similar here ), shirt-Target(similarish here ), cardi-J.Crew Factory(similar here ), leggings- Forever 21 , boots-Nine West(similar here ) This houndstooth-printed, ruffle bib shirt represents my mid-twenties style. Back then I was trying to be very business formal in my outfitting, going for the whole "dress for the job you want, not the job you have." Then I went to grad school for poetry and realized my creativity shouldn't just be restricted to the page, so I chucked a lot of my boring office pants and shirts, but kept this piece because it had a fun pattern.  With shorter hair I feel that certain girly styles aren't seamlessly part of my wheelhouse, like there's a discordant feel to the overall ensemble when I don stereotypical feminine pieces. I'm not saying I CAN'T wear frilly frocks etc, but that there's a visual disconnect. By point is, this ruffly blouse would be something I usually shy away fro...