Cold Weather Credibility

Hat: c/o Downtown Threads, Sunnies: Zinnia, Cardi & Flannel: Goodwill, Long Sleeve Top: Florence, Italy, Tank (not pictured): Charlotte Ruse, Floral Bracelet: shop in Portsmouth, NH, Ring: Street Vendor in Montreal, Resin Coated Jeans: Levi’s (via Plato’s Closet), Boot Slippers: TargetI had D snap these pictures as we were heading out for an afternoon of errands and Christmas Tree hunting this past weekend. It was a beautiful sunny day and I was more than comfortable thanks to my many layers. On our way downtown we walked past a couple who were bundled up in down coats, gloves, hats, and scarves. We both chuckled because neither of us was wearing a coat and we were plenty warm.

When D commented on how “cold hearty” I’d become I couldn’t help but feel a little smug. For all of the weather challenges Vermont throws at me at least I’ve got one aspect somewhat figured out… now all I have to do is figure out how to wear heels in the winter and I’ll be set!

Some layering tips:

• Avoid looking bulky by starting with your thin layers and building up. I usually start with a tank or tee that is somewhat tight fitting
• Play with colors, textures and fabrics to add interest to your layers
• Layering isn’t just for your top half. Layering tights is a great way to get a fun unique look and I’m really loving thigh/knee high socks over tights and under shorts or skirts
• A scarf is the perfect final layer, look for a color that ties all of your pieces together or opt for a bold color or pattern to add interest to a more monochromatic layered look

What are some of your layering tips?

You’ve seen it all before

Blazer: Vintage via my mom, Button up: J Crew Mens (via Plato’s Closet), Jeans: Levi’s, Heels: Michael Antonio (via Endless), Rings: GiftedYou’ve seen these heels a lot (here, here & here). They’re one of my favorite pairs of shoes and go with almost everything. I paired them with the boyfriend jeans that you’ve seen many time before (here & here) to give this casual look a more polished feel.

This camel blazer is one of my favorite hand me downs from my mom, (seen here & here) I love that I’m wearing it during the same time in my life (post college, pre kids) as she was. I wish she’d kept more photos from when she was in her 20s, I have a feeling she was rocking some fierce fashions.

The only item in this look that’s unblogged is the JCrew men’s button up that I scored at Plato’s Closet for under $5 about a million years ago. It’s long enough to wear it over leggings and has the perfect amount of pink striping. I’m not sure what prompted me to tuck in just the front but I’m kinda liking the whole mullet look.

What pieces do you find yourself wearing over and over again?

Perfect for Strip Poker

Blazer: Goodwill Kids, Necklace: Antique Store, Faux Fur Vest: Gifted, Belt: F21, Button up: Walmart, Tank & Flower Ring: Charlotte Ruse, Jeans: Levi’s, Boots: MIA (via 6pm)I don’t know if I’m doing my pageant smile because my friend Erin is behind the camera or because my face is frozen. The winter cold seem to come overnight and doesn’t it just figure that the first real snow storm would happen on the busiest travel day of the year. (I snapped these photos a few days ago as the snow this morning made outfit shots rather tricky.)

I wasn’t ready to break out my winter coat yet so I decided to layer some of my favorite pieces instead. When I layer I plan on wearing everything together but try to consciously use pieces that are easy to mix and match and can be worn individually. That way if you end up with tofutti smeared on your navy blue blazer or find yourself in an intense strip poker game, you wont miss a step.

Now… the boots. They were one of my last completely self indulgent purchases when I was working two jobs. The heel is the perfect height and I feel so Nancy Sinatra when I wear them. While this is the first time these boots has been blogged I have a sneaking suspicion that you’ll be seeing a lot more of them, specifically paired with my skinny cargos… stay tuned.

Safe travels & happy holidays all!

The Casual Hatter

Hat: Gap (via Goodwill), Sunnies: (Tom Ford) Gifted, Thermal Cardi: ?, Tank: Target, Necklace: Gifted, Bangles: Gifted & Thrifted, Jeans: Levi’s, Sandals: Payless

Hats are a new found love for me. I used to dread having to wear them when I was younger (I assumed that if I looked terrible in baseball hats that I’d look terrible in all hats.) How silly I was! Thankfully I’m over my anti-hat hump and fully embracing all types of hats; hats with feathers, slouchy hats, 70′s hats, even a fuax fur pillbox! So when I saw this straw hat peaking out from the miscellaneous accessories bin in Goodwill I knew that I had to have it.

As someone who can’t leave the house without sun lotion (no matter the season) this hat provides oodles of shade and kept me from crisping while we watched the Giant Pumpkin Regatta this past weekend. I kept the rest of my outfit simple, opting for  jeans and a tee (my weekend wardrobe most times). These Levi boyfriend jeans have become my go to pair of jeans and I’m excited to see how they transition into fall and winter. I think they’re going to look great with booties!

Are you a hat person? What’s your weekend wardrobe?

Flirting with Fall

Sunnies (that I’m clearly obsessed with): Zinnia, Button up: Walmart Tank: Charlotte Ruse, Belt: Goodwill, Jeans: Levi’s, Wedges: Target

This week a chill has crept into the air and the mornings and early evenings are really starting to feel like fall. I bought these skinny jeans in July when D and I went to the Levi’s Outlet in Kittery, ME. Not only do I love the color but the skinnies are made with brushed denim giving them a wonderful almost suede like feel.

I snapped these pictures yesterday in between periods of rain and just general cloudiness. I tried to keep this outfit somewhat light because the temperature still managed to climb into the 70′s (but only briefly) so I opted for dark brown wedges and a loose off-white tank. Both brought summery elements to the look and kept it from being too fall too soon.

For some reason I just could not get comfortable. I tried moving my belt around and playing with my different layers trying to find a look that I loved but it just made me more frustrated. I finally settled on wearing my belt through my jean’s loops and buttoned up just the middle of my denim shirt. It wasn’t perfect but it worked.

How would you have styled this look? What color(s) would you pair with these jeans?

Saver’s Scarf

Scarf (worn as a headband/wrap): Saver’s, Sunnies: Tom Ford (gifted), Blazer: Target, Blouse: H&M (via Clothes Exchange), Belt: Possibility Shop,  Jeans: Levi’s, Wedges: Charlotte Ruse, Multi-Colored Bracelet: Gifted

Believe it or not I think this is the first time I’ve done two outfit posts featuring pants in the same week! Finding jeans that fit can be a struggle, hence why I avoid pants most of the time but these boyfriend jeans by Levi’s are pretty darn close to perfect. The fit is loose without being saggy/baggy and they provide the perfect amount of cling around the booty area.

Taking jeans and a tee from casual to chic is all about accessories. Adding a black blazer and a pair of simple wedges to my casual ensemble gave it just the right amount of polish and class. I was having a rough hair day this morning so I used this bold scarf that I found at Saver’s while I was in Maine last weekend. By adding a few simple accessories I was able to pass jeans and a tee off as business casual. Often times accessories are the cheapest way to freshen up a look or your closet. As we head into fall look for accessories that are on trend (bold striped scarves, fun felt hats, cross body bags…) to give your favorite staples a trendy boost this season.

What accessories are you looking to pick up for fall? Would you wear jeans and a tee to the office?

Let’s be Honest, it’s ALL about the Shoes

Sunnies: Downtown Threads, Vest: Charlotte Ruse, Tee: Target,

Jeans: Levi’s, Ring: SZS Designs (gifted), Bangles: Gifted & Thrifted,

Gold & Ribbon Bracelet: Zinnia,  Heels: Zigi Girl (via: Clothes Exchange)

Despite their appearance these Zigi Girl heels are rather comfortable and easy to walk in. I wore them to the office and was on my feet all day without any problem. I picked these heels up at the Clothes Exchange for only $10!

I bought these Levi’s boyfriend jeans while D and I were on vacation and I’ve been loving (and living) them since. They are so comfortable and I love how they looked rolled up or cuffed. I’m excited to start styling them with ankle booties come the fall. I usually dread jean shopping but the staff at the Levi’s store were so helpful and worked with me to find not one but three ah-mazing pairs of jeans.

What shoes hold a special place in your heart? Is there any type of shopping that you dread?