Whole Lotta Layers

Hat: UO, Sunnies: Downtown Threads, Faux Fur Snood: Gifted, Moto Jacket: Forever 21, Knit and Button Up: Goodwill, Hurley Jeans: Plato’s Closet, Blowfish Boots: Macy’s, Vintage Bag: Gifted Hello from the tundra where layering is key to survival and two pairs of socks are always batter than one. This Forever 21 moto jacket (similar here) is made of a faux suede material that is surprisingly warm and wind repellent, especially with a thick knit cardigan and thermal button up layered underneath. Add my warmest piece of neckwear (seen here, here, and here) and Blowfish Boots (similar pair here) that are roomy enough for legwarmers and fleece socks and suddenly 12 degrees isn’t so daunting.

what are that warmest layers in your closet?

An Edgy Ellen

Hat: Downtown Threads, Dollar Store Sunnies, Gifted Scarf, Moto Jacket: Forever 21, Sweater: H&M, Polo: Ralph Lauren, Jeans: Revolution, Bag and Wedge Sneakers: Steve Madden

Between the skinnies, my unseen sweater polo combo, and the sneakers I  felt like a edgy version of Ellen in this outfit. Not that I wouldn’t love to be Ellen, she’s got dance movies, a smokin hot wife, heck she’s a CoverGirl, but I was going for a  more of a casual Friday at the office followed by beers and wings with friends kind of look. Either way I like it. It’s comfortable, the weather is mild, and it’s almost the weekend so I’m happy.

What your Friday look?

Ruffles up Front

Dollar Store Sunnies, Scarf: Carol Maguire Home, Jacket: Wilsons Leather, Blouse: Goodwill, Belt: Target, Jeans: Gap, Heels: ALDOHave I mentioned how much I love this jacket? For the chillier mornings it’s warm and windproof without being bulky. To keep the look from being too dark I added a pop of coral with my Carol Maguire Home peony scarf and ALDO heels. This outfit is just another riff on my favorite look, jeans and a tee. Blue ankle length pants in lieu of traditional jeans, a ruffle front blouse a feminine twist on the white tee, and a leopard belt for fun.

What’s your favorite look to recreate with new pieces?

peacock and leather

Dollar Store Sunnies, Scarf: The Clothes Exchange, Jacket: Wilson’s Leather, Bag: Ebay, Skirt: Old Navy, Skull Ring: Gumball Machine

I bought this jacket in August, in the middle of a heat wave, for a song. Hands down, one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. I walked into Wilson’s Leather with a vision of the perfect jacket. I fully expected to be in and out of the store but I happened to walk into the middle of their summer sale.

After explaining exactly what I was looking for the wonderful sales associate brought me four or five options. I was shocked at how right on his choices were, this guy really knew women’s jackets. I’d narrowed it down to two, expensive (perfect) vs reasonable (pretty close) when another customer approached the salesman helping me. She wanted the jacket I was wearing, the expensive perfect one, but since I was wearing it I had first dibs.

Without taking the jacket off I had the sales associate scan it so I could see the sale price. I nearly kissed the guy when I realized it was over $250 off the original price. I paid without hesitation, apologized to the other woman, and wore my perfect leather jacket out of the store and into the 98+ degree August sun with a huge smile on my face.

It was hard for me to wait till fall to wear it again so when the first hint of cold crept into the air I pulled out this jacket and haven’t taken it off since.

What fall pieces did you wait all summer to wear?

Standard Weekend Wear

Dollar Store Sunnies, Hat: UO, Jacket: Wilsons Leather, Gifted Scarf, Tee: Target, Boyfriend Jeans: Levi’s, ConverseFor me a great weekend involves good food, good wine, time with friends, and a chance to get outside and play. Similarly a great weekend outfit should be comfortable, versatile, and as classic as it is effortless (it is the weekend after all).

In my world nothing requires less effort than slouchy boyfriend jeans and a white tee. The knit topper, moto jacket, and pop of pink lipstick give this staple look a fresh twist. The converse are not only practical for busy weekends but they’re stylish enough for an impromptu coffee or brunch date.

what’s you’re perfect weekend outfit?

Flora, Fauna, & Stripes

Sunglasses: Dollar Store, Jacket: Forever 21, Floral Print Scarf: H&M, Striped Sweater: Gifted, Polo: Ralph Lauren Outlet, Jeans: Target, Blowfish Boots, Cameo Watch: Dub’s Duds, Ring: GiftedMy stripe kick continues. I thought the motorcycle jacket and grey boots were the perfect contrast to the sunny yellow striped top and floral scarf. The cameo watch was a gift (thanks Dubs) and the kidney bean shaped opal ring found it’s way to me via a friend’s mom who had QVC/HSN on speed dial. I love hand me downs, they come with so much personality.

What pieces in your collection have the most personality?

Goodwill Glasses

Sunglasses: Goodwill, Scarf & Tank Dress (worn as skirt): Plato’s Closet, Moto Jacket: Forever 21, Mock Neck Turtleneck: Boutique in Georgia, Tights: Target, Boots: Old Navy, Lipstick: Iris Apfel for MAC, Party Parrot, Ring: Montreal St VendorFriday after work D and I made a quick trip to Goodwill to and as we were checking out I spotted these shades (and their $2.99 price tag) and decided that I couldn’t leave without them. I was drawn to the grey and gold color combination and the classic shape of the frames. They’re different from the sunglasses that I already have and since I’m rarely without my sunnies having a variety to choose from is key.

I thought that these glasses in particular were the perfect way to add a bit of softness to an otherwise dark outfit. This grey ribbed tank dress has proven to be one of the best layering pieces in my arsenal. Pulling double duty as a skirt or dress it looks great with layers over or under it and is curve hugging without being suffocating, basically it’s one of my favorites.

Speaking of favorites I’ve been wearing these Old Navy boots all winter and with each wear I only love them more. Paired with my new moto jacket from Forever 21 I was worried it looked like I was trying to hard to be tough so I tried to soften things up with a chunky knit scarf and bright pink lipstick. I bought the moto jacket for the winter to spring transition thinking it would be the perfect weight to wear over spring skirts and dresses but as usual I couldn’t wait to wear it. I’m not sure if this outfit struck the perfect balance but I think everything came together well in the end.

What spring pieces are you itching to wear? Do you have a variety of inexpensive sunglasses or do you prefer to invest in one nice pair?