A bevy of bangles

I've always had an affinity for a more worldly aesthetic.  I distinctly remember being twelve years old on a lakehouse vacation.  I had a PB Teen catalog along with me, and I brooded and obsessed over a room featured in the magazine.  It showed stacked suitcases for a side table.  The bedspread was a beautiful bounty of colors strewn together, and a mysterious and foreign-seeming lantern hung peacefully in the corner.  I wanted it so bad.  I wanted to jump inside it and live there.

I tend to be a bit omnivorous when it comes to trends and fashion -- jolting between preppy stripes and rugged neutrals, but the worldly look always comes back for me.  Never one to leave my house without an armful of bracelets stacked up, I'm more than delighted to see that the layered trend has resurfaced for yet another season.

Unlike a showstopping statement piece, layered jewelry takes a more tame route.  But, in its quantity and careful placement, it tells a great deal about the wearer, and gives an in-depth story.  The beauty is in the balance -- a few larger pieces with a bevy of small ones.

The best part of it is that it seems there are no rules.  Even mixing metals has made its way into the mainstream.  So, worry not if your favorite tiny bracelet is silver and your big statement guy is gold.  Put them together and let that be that.

Shopbop.com Designer Women's Fashion Brands (clipped to polyvore.com)

Shop Free People Catalog at Free People (clipped to polyvore.com)

Gorjana Boa Ring (see more Gorjana)

Giles & Brother Multi Chain Bracelet (see more bracelet bangles)

Free People Vintage Deco Hammered Cuff (see more vintage jewellery)

Vita Fede Mini Titan Two Tone Bracelet | SHOPBOP (clipped to polyvore.com)

Free People Chainmail Cuff (see more mesh bracelets)

eternal circle gold filled eternity necklace by PetiteCo on Etsy (clipped to polyvore.com)

tiny gold heart bracelet - dainty everyday jewelry - 14kt plating / gift for her under 15 usd (see more charm bracelets)

mint hexagon tiny geometric necklace color pop by PetiteCo (clipped to polyvore.com)

candy skull bracelet - color pop beaded friendship bracelet/dainty jewelry - gold, coral, mint and cream (see more gold charms)

The perfect jacket.

Once upon a time, I had this silly idea that I only needed one coat.  Maybe two.  One fancy, one puffy.  I kept my bases covered, and life was easy.  Which jacket to choose?  Oh, but I only have two, so one will do. 

... said the girl who hadn't seen the light when it came to coats!  The concept of layering as a necessary process of dressing came to knock me in the face at my first retail job.  As a matter of fact, it was mandated.  Unless I was wearing at least three pieces, I was considered under-dressed.

The college-girl in a sweatshirt and jeans came face-to-face with the graduate who needed her wardrobe to grow up.  I began to costume myself in these layered ensembles, waltzing into work feeling quite... different.  All these layers weren't necessarily my thing, and I felt a little strange.  But then, over time, I realized what fun it is!  You can only wear the same shirt the same way so many times, but when you introduce a layer above or below it, it becomes totally different!

"Layering" is something I've been getting a hold of over the years.  It's about knowing what pieces to throw together, and doing it in a way that looks authentic to your personal style.  So, naturally, when I find a layering pieces that screams "me" and would work with a hundred things in my closet, I freak.

Enter, this Free People jacket I saw online today!

 
The embroidery is so pretty, but so classic with its black and white.  And I love how even though it's all embroidered, it's not over-the-top girly.  The chunky hardware and sleeve zippers make it just grounded enough.  Did I mention the embroidery?!?  What's more, I love how this has the opportunity to be both outerwear and a great layering piece.

Santa, baby.  Just slip a jacket under the tree for me.

Wardrobe Checklist Fall 2013

1) Vintage tee: Whether or not it has a print, pick one with a super soft hand and faded colors.  Have fun with it!  Here is a great blog post about how to find the best vintage tee.

2) Leopard flats:  Leopard is the new neutral!  They're super practical because they go with anything and they're comfortable for walking in all day.  Dress them up for work and down for the weekends.  Get a pair now!

3) Sparkly necklace: Pick one in a shorter length and it will top off any outfit.  Watch it glam up that vintage tee or play up a classic buttondown by tucking around the collar.

4) Plaid buttondown:  These aren't just for cowboys anymore.  Just like leopard, plaid is a great neutral.  You can even pair it with another print, so long as the color palette is the same.  Or, pair it with a micro print, like on the skirt, and you're set to go. 

5) Printed skirt: Pick your silhouette (a-line, short and full, pencil) and find a great little print.  When the print is small enough, the skirt reads as a neutral, even though it has so much oomph!

6) Black skinnies: So versatile.  Wear for work or for play.  Add a blouse and heels for a sexy weekend look or pair with a chunky sweater and booties for a cozy fall look.

7) Denim chambray: Classic.  Goes with everything.  Throw it under a dress to make it casual, throw it over a tee and wear open as a jacket, or tie at the waist.  Or tuck it into a skirt.  The options are endless here.

8) Tan suede booties:  The neutral color goes with everything in your wardrobe.  We all love tall boots, but update yourself with this shorter style.  Wear with a playful dress to give it some fall-ish weight, or wear with cuffed skinnies for a rocker look.

9)  Chunky sweater:  Such a fall staple.  Wear alone or over a buttondown, and let the color and sleeve cuffs show.  Pair with jeans or with a skirt.  Cozy and sophisticated!

10) Moto jacket:  Here's a new staple in your coat closet!  Pick a neutral color with lots of hardware to toughen up your look a bit.  Its clean lines and neat tailoring keep it polished, though.

11) Bootcut jeans:  Where have you been?  While skinnies are really great, a good pair of bootcut jeans is SUCH a classic.  They give curves to those who need them.  They complement curves for those who have them.  They're sexy, but casual.  Get a good fit (read: go tight or go home).  No baggy booty!

A couple tips:

- Experiment with layering unexpected combinations.  Most of the above pieces can be mixed together.  Never thought to tuck a band tee into a tailored little pencil skirt?  Give it a try!  But also throw a jacket over it so you don't feel too nutty. 

- Squint your eyes.  Look in the mirror and squint.  Something look off?  When you squint your eyes, you focus less on the detail and more on the overall balance of the outfit.  That's the key to looking/feeling put together. 

- Stay true to yourself.  NOTHING is going to look good if you don't feel confident.  Try picking just one piece to play with, and don't force yourself to be someone you're not.  It's good to challenge yourself, but you don't want to try to look like someone else!

On Wednesdays we wear pink (bags).

Levi's denim buttondown, Supply and Demand leggings, Free People cami (old), Hot Mama necklace (similar), Kate Spade bag

It's funny -- now that I'm seeing these photos, I'm realizing just now NOT small this pink bag is.  When I saw it Monday at the Kate Spade outlet store, I thought Oh great, a small crossbody bag I can switch up with my big tote!!!  Nonetheless, it is smaller than the gargantuan suitcase-of-a-bag I'm normally sporting.  Plus, the deal I got on this thing shouldn't even be legal.  I'm super excited to get it in my rotation!  Fantasy football?  No thanks, handbags for me. 

When we unpacked these leggings with the leather tuxedo stripe, I thought there was no way I was cool enough to wear them.  After trying, though, I fell in love!  The tuxedo stripe makes them kind of cheeky rather than tough.  Since the leather on the leggings can be kind of edgy, I like to offset them with something not-so-edgy for daytime.  As of late (and as all my stylists at the store know), my favorite wardrobe piece is my denim buttondown.  My obsession has become somewhat of a joke, but it SERIOUSLY goes with everything!  (I can just hear the snickering!)  I added a striped tank to layer underneath for dimension.  Stripes really are a neutral, so long as the colors jive. 

To top it all off, I added a couple of my favorite accessories: my boots and my zany flower necklace.  The founder of Hot Mama, Megan Tamte, says that you should never leave the house without a piece of statement jewelry, and I couldn't agree more.  What a fun way to wake up an outfit!  Even paired with a simple tee, it makes your look seem more elevated.  Just so happens Hot Mama is having a 25% off accessories sale, so check it out!

If you need me I'll be in my denim buttondown.

Fall Fun Sunday

Today was such a great day!  It started with sleeping in.  I kept waking up thinking it was time to get ready for work, and each time was a sweet reminder to roll over and close my eyes again.  I stayed in bed until it became boring -- which took a WHILE!

With my husband being the gamer type he is, he wanted to check out an XBox event in the city where he could preview a whole bunch of games for the new system before it launches.  Needless to say, I felt a little out of place standing amongst all the gamers speaking a language other than my own, but I tried to get into it!

Afterwards, we stopped by one of my favorite lunch spots, Milk & Honey Cafe.  A pleasant sidewalk lunch and a few boutique stops later, it was time to go.

I love adventures and new experiences, so in my book, today was pretty perfect.  We're planning on grilling our dinner tonight, fully knowing that it might be one of the last times we get!  The cold is sneaking in, and the air today was almost chilly.  Fall is bittersweet with its beauty, but after a long summer of weddings (my own and others!) I'm ready for the change.

Jacket: Hudson, long sleeve tee: Free People (old), knit pants: KUT, scarf (similar), flats: Clarks

Tuesday Ten: Summer Bangles

In the summertime, in the lovely heat, we wear less clothing, leaving it up to our accessories to help us make our statement.  Nothing like a gorgeous bangle (or stack of bangles) on tanned skin (using SPF!) to look summery and wonderful.  These are my current favorites!  Click each image to be taken to the site where you can purchase, if you love it!

#1) From Ann Taylor:

#2) From ASOS:

#3) From Forever 21:

#4) Also from Forever 21:

#5) From Anthropologie:

#6) Also from Anthropologie:

#7) From Michael Kors:

#8) From David Yurman:

#9) From The Limited (There's a BOGO sale on Jewelry, too!)

#10) From Alexander McQueen (via Zappos):

Especially with the smaller bracelets, you can load them up for a really dimensional look! It's great for fancying up a basic tank and skirt/shorts/pants. Let your accessories be your outlet for showing your personality!

Cheating

It was a Tuesday morning.  There was still a whole lot of week left, and I wasn't feeling it.  I wasn't feeling stiffy, uptight, "dressy" clothes for my subbing day.  I felt like pajamas, coffee, and my fuzzy robe.  "How," I thought to myself, "do I make it to school in this mood and still look good?"  I had to cheat!!!  The answer came in these great cropped cargo pants from Loft.  I adore them!  Not only do they feel like lounging-around-all-day-and-there's-nothing-you-can-do-about-it-pants, but I think they're pretty darn cute!  After I managed to get them on, I wasn't feeling creative up top, either.  I added some neutral basics, a couple sparkly things, and walked out the door.  And, ya know what?  I felt pretty good.  So, take that, no-jeans-during-the-week dress code!  I felt pulled together and still remained comfortable.  I think there really is something to dressing for your moods.  If I walked around all day wearing something that made me uncomfortable, I'd feel kind of fake.  I think my best outfits are the ones that match my mood.

sweater: Gap || tank: Target || cargos: Loft || necklace: dogeared || earrings: I made them! || bracelet: F21 || shoes: Anne Klein

Lesson learned here, chickadees? Be sure to keep lots of neutral layering clothes around for the mornings you just don't feel like it!