Floral Fog

Dollar Store Sunnies, Moto Jacket: Forever 21, Talbots Blouse: Goodwill, Lucky Necklace (similar) c/o 6pm, Vintage Skirt: Downtown Threads, Tights: The Sox Market, Boots (above): Old Navy, Michael Antonio Heels (below)
One of the best parts about living in Downtown Burlington is the walkability. I’m lucky in that I’m able to walk to work, however that means most days (especially during the winter) I’m carrying a change of shoes in my bag. As much as I’m a slave to fashion I’m even more of a realist and platforms just aren’t practical, especially in Burlington. Besides I love these heels way too much to subject them to the salt, muck, and grey snow matter that’s currently covering the sidewalks. I leave that to my trusty Old Navy boots, the more wear and tear they endure the better they look.

Does your commute affect your wardrobe? Are you fashion focused or rooted in reality?

Mama Brady

Dollar Store Sunglasses, Sweater: Gap (similar here),  Belt: Charlotte Russe (similar here), Vintage Wool Skirt: Downtown Threads, Cole Hann Booties c/o 6pm

As I was editing these photos D leaned over my shoulder and dropped this little jewel, “I like this one, you look like the Brady Bunch mom,” I paused. I had being going for a 70’s vibe but not a Carol Brady 70’s vibe; D seeing my furrowed brow quickly interjected, “that was a compliment, the Brady mom was hot for her time!”

Carol Brady resembelences aside this vintage wool skirt from Downtown Threads was handmade and I love it paired with this old Gap sweater. I played up blue and brown notes with my accessories to help keep this look from feeling dated. These Cole Haan booties are the answer for anyone who thinks heels are uncomfortable. Their Nike Air Soles make them unbelievably comfortable and they have a tread that’s practical but subtle.

What practical but pretty accessories do you love? Have you been channeling any vintage styles or celebrity moms lately?

January Spring

Vintage Trench Coat: D’s Mom, Knit: Shalaom Shuk, Top: Forever 21, Tiger Eye Necklace: Zinnia, Vintage Wool Skirt: Downtown Threads, Tights: Target, Steve Madden Cowboy Boots (similar)

Yesterday’s spring like temps were the perfect excuse to break out this classic trench . It was made by D’s grandmother for D’s mother over 20 years ago and couldn’t be more beautiful. I love that it’s as on trend today as it was when it was originally made and I already know I’ll be wearing it for years to come.

Luckily I like how it looks with these boots because fingers crossed I’ll have these boots forever. I bought them right before I headed off to college and after years of near constant wear I finally had them resoled last winter. The cobbler was appalled at the condition they were in when I dropped them off, he literally chided me; but in the end he was able to work his shoe magic and after a complete resoling and new heels they’re better than new.

what pieces do you hope to be wearing for years to come?

 

Boots, meet Skirt

Hat & 70’s Cardigan: Downtown Threads, Dollar Store Sunnies, Lux Coat: Classy Closet, Orvis Wrap Skirt: Originally Grandma’s, Frye Boots: Originally Mom’s, Tights: The Sox Market, Knee Socks: TJ Maxx

Hello boots, meet the perfect amount of skirt. Plenty of space to show off the boots in all their braided, vintage glory and just enough skirt to keep it interesting.

what’s your perfect boot to hem ratio?

Bright and Light

Hat & BB Dakota Jacket: Urban Outfitters, Necklace: Downtown Threads, Leopard Ring: Charlotte Russe, Bag: ALDO, Sweater & Dress: Goodwill, Tights: The Sox Market, Frye Boots: originally my mom’s

There’s something about wearing winter white that makes everything feel lighter. As someone who is used to spending the winter months swathed in black and grey I was surprised how much I felt the difference. I’m not ready to give up my black basics yet but I’ll be working more winter whites and brights into my cold weather wardrobe. Anything to make all of these layers feel lighter.

How do you keep your winter wardrobe fresh and bright?

Get to the Gate

Dollar Store Sunnies, Hat & Skirt: Downtown Threads, Gifted Scarf and Faux Fur Vest (worn under blazer), Blazer: Saver’s, Sweater: Zara Tights: The Sox Market, Frye Boots (passed down from my mom)

At this point I’m just letting my hair do its own thing. There’s no combating the friz and frumple that comes with a winter hat season that is almost three months long. Luckily I have a great collection of toppers to hide my static charged do all winter long. That’s right I’m finally declaring it winter. The colder weather has started to settle in and there’s no more denying that frigid temperatures are on the way. All you can do is bundle up, the more layers the better.

What style concessions do you make during the winter months?

Desert Boots

Jacket: Ann Taylor, Vintage Dress (formerly a maxi dress last seen here): Downtown Threads, DIY Charm Bracelet, Boots: Target

Now that it’s almost two feet shorter I am loving this dress. It was too a bit much yellow for me as a maxi dress so this length is perfect. Somehow these boots found their way into my shopping cart during a trip to Target for contact solution (am I the only one this happens to?) and while they’re a much cheaper version of the Steve Madden Boots I’ve been on the fence about buying for quite some time, they’re pretty great in their own right.

What money saving fashion substitutions have you made lately?

the Jumpsuit and a Green Jacket

Dollar Store Sunglasses, Blazer: Talbots (via Goodwill), Vintage Jumpsuit: Downtown Threads, Belt: Target, Micheal Antonio HeelsA jumpsuit isn’t exactly a practical piece for me to have in my wardrobe but I just couldn’t say no to when I saw it at Downtown Threads. It’s not sexy in a “conventional” way, in fact if you’re not careful you could end up with wicked camel toe making yourself look short/stumpy, but I think there is something to be said for the confidence they inspire. My inner studio 54 disco diva came out when I put this piece on and I felt incredible.

Am I ready to wear this to the office? No. But who knows, a couple more spins around the block in this one piece and you just may see me doing my best Travolta impression in the produce section at the co-op.

What unconventional pieces are hanging in your closet?

all photos taken by Julie Howk Photography – find Julie on Facebook

midday chiffon

Sunnies and Sheer Blouse: Downtown Threads, Khakis: Gap, Booties: Forever 21

I’ve had this this sheer blush blouse for less than a week and it’s already been a game changer. I scooped it up at Downtown Threads (though it’s originally Forever 21) last week. I was uncomfortable in and unhappy with the outfit I’d thrown on that morning so I stopped by Downtown Threads on my lunch break; bought this shirt and then insisted that James take photograph me in my new “blush blouse” in the alley behind the store.

So a huge thank you to Caro and James of Downtown Threads for not judging me on the frequency of these midday outfit changes and for not being creeped out when I try to coax you into alleys with my camera.

Do you ever change your outfit midday?

My Masters Jacket

Dollar Store Sunnies, Jacket: top half of a Talbot’s skirt suit (via Goodwill), Dress & Lace Slip: Downtown Threads,  Locket: Antique Store in Maine, Heels: Guess (via TJ Maxx)When I came out in this outfit D’s first response was, “woah babe you look like the first woman to win The Masters in that jacket!” Somehow everything comes back to sports.

For your comparison; an actual  Masters Jacket… Not only is my jacket a totally different shade of green, but the Masters Jacket above just sold at auction for over $7,000. While my Masters Jacket is the top half of a Talbot’s skirt suit I found at Goodwill for $7.99. Ballin’! In all seriousness after reading about the origins and somewhat mysterious history of Golf’s most coveted green jacket, I would love to get my hands one for real.

What piece of sports memorabilia would you most like to get your hands on? A Superbowl ring? The leaders yellow Tour de France Jersey?