Back in Beige

 

Gifted Faux Fur Snood, Talbot’s Blouse: Goodwill, Belt: Target Tweed Shorts: Old Navy, Calvin Klein Tights: TJ Maxx, Michael Antonio Heels, Ring: GiltThese tweed shorts were in a forgotten newly discovered box of winter clothes I found while digging out the holiday decorations. Rediscovering these pieces reinvigorated my cold weather style and created dozens of outfit ideas, including this one. There is something about wearing lace and tweed together that just works. It’s a bit prim and proper but the faux fur and Michael Antonio platforms round it out nicely.

What’s been working for you lately?

Lumberjack Lookalike

Knit Hat: F21, BB Dakota Jacket: UO, Dollar Store Sunnies Gifted Faux Fur Vest, Boy’s Polo: Saver’s,  Jeans: Gap, Socks: ? Boots: Nine WestI am surprised by how much I like this look. In a way it’s almost a caricature of early winter in New England with the flannel, knits, and wool socks peeking out from shearling ankle boots. The faux fur vest and colored denim add modern elements and helped take the overall outfit from “antique alpine” to “alpine chic”.

What outfits have surprised you lately?

Boyish Charm

Dollar Store Sunnies, Scarf: Plato’s Closet, Jacket: Ann Taylor, Gingham Button up: Goodwill, Gifted Necklace, Jeans: Hurley, Vintage Shoe Company BootsFor me seasonal transitions are an opportunity to hit the reset button stylewise. Before tackling another season’s styles I like to go back to my casual basics; a military inspired jacket, classic brown boots, gingham, and denim. I stuck with slim silhouettes to round out the rougher, somewhat boyish elements and a big soft scarf and light floral fragrance added the perfect softness.

What style/pieces do you always go back to?

 

sorry I’m not home right now

I’ll be back to my regularly scheduled posting soon; in the meantime enjoy the perfect song for what’s sure to be a chaotic throwback Thursday

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?

Leaf Peeping in VT

Sunglasses: Zinnia, Scarf: Gift Shop, Jacket: Ann Taylor, Bag: Forever 21,  Flannel: Levi’s (via Goodwill), Leggings: Target, Wellies: Dick’sAfter almost a week straight of rainy days it felt wrong not to get outside and take advantage of an only partly cloudy day so our friend Tim, his dog Boss, D and I drove to Richmond, Vermont and spent the afternoon tromping through the woods along the Winooski River in search of fall foliage.

In the end the best foliage was mostly off in the distance but that didn’t stop us from enjoying our wooded surroundings. I’d forgotten how much I loved the smell of fall and how it clings to your clothes and lingers for a while. It reminded me of the way my clothes would smell after jumping into the piles of leaves my dad would rake when we were kids.

What are your favorite fall activities/memories? 

sustainable seamed

Dollar Store Sunnies, Mock Turtleneck: Boutique in Georgia, Leopard Belt & Pumps: Target, Seamed Pendleton Wool Trousers: The Bobbin Slow Fashion and Sustainable Design The years I spent struggling to find flattering pants in poorly lit dressing rooms faded away as soon as I stepped into these seamed Pendleton wool trousers made by Gyllian Svensson of  The Bobbin Slow Fashion & Sustainable Design.

Made with Pendleton wool (from Gyllian’s private fabric stash) and lined with yellow and white checked cotton these cropped trousers are perfection. They hug all the right places (thanks to Gyllian’s amazing design) and are much more  versatile than I originally imagined. I love the fit and plan to wear them with everything from booties to boots well into the fall and beyond.

What game changing pieces did you add to your closet this fall?

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

Troublesome Booties

Dollar Store Sunnies, Blazer: Silence + Noise, Tank: Downtown Threads, Skirt: Kohl’s, Ankle Boots: Old Navy

I bought these ankle boots late last winter.  When I tried them on in the store I loved the color, height of the heel and fit. However it was an entirely different story once I got them home…

At first I hunted up photos of other ladies wearing the same booties (and of course loved how they looked in them) but when I would copy the look it always seemed to fall short. Frustrated by numerous failed styling attempts I stowed the booties for the summer, deciding to face them again in the fall with a new perspective.

Well fall is here and it’s back to square one with these booties. It’s do or consign time and while I’m still on the fence about these grey ankle boots  I think this outfit was a step (albeit a baby step) in the right direction.

What pieces have you struggled to style? How do you know when it’s time to consign or sell pieces?

old khakis & a new canoe

Sunnies: Downtown Threads, Denim Button up: Miley for Walmart, Tee: Target, Pants: Gap, Boots: LL Bean, Ring: Kohl’sIf only Monday’s were this fun.

Early Saturday morning I bought D a canoe for his birthday but since the weather was so beautiful I surprised him with it a month early. Less than an hour after D received his gift we were paddling down the Winooski River. It was the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful fall weather.

I kept my attire classic; perfectly worn in kahkis, white tee, and denim camp shirt paired with LL Bean’s dainty duck boot create the quintessential New England weekend outfit.

What’s your ideal weekend ensemble?

Marc & Jessica sitting in a tree

Sunnies: Zinnia, Vintage Necklace, Dress: Marc Jacobs via Second Time Around, Peep toe Booties: Jessica Simpson via Marshalls When my J. Simp ankle boots met my Marc Jacobs babydoll dress sparks flew. They’re not an obvious pair but the first time I saw them together it just made sense; like they were meant to be together all along.  Luckily for the happy couple I plan to keep them together into the fall with wine colored tights and a chunky knit cardigan. Don’t you just love happy endings?

What ‘happily ever after’ pairings have you found?