It took until nearly Thanksgiving (which by the way, can you believe is next week??) but I finally got the cooler weather I’ve been longing for and you can bet your layers I’ve been taking full advantage. For this past Sunday’s walk in the park, I took a cue from Portland/Seattle style (two places I’m dying to visit while a west coaster) in cozy flannel, denim, and chunky knits piled one on top of the other. If you follow along here you already know I’m not really a pile it on type girl when it comes to accessories but instead try to add just a few key pieces. Here, a standout hat (last seen here), solid pair of boots, vintage bag and a well chosen necklace (this one from virtual friend and fellow multi-interest designer Kikay Jewelry) was more than enough here.Hat – similar here // Tulle Sweater c/o // Paige Denim Shirt c/o // Kikay Necklace c/0 // Nordstrom Jeans – similar here // Restricted Boots c/0 // Vintage Bag
weekend flashback
While I’d like to tell you all I spent the weekend off on an exciting adventure – the truth is I spent most of it working. Between a day at the office on Saturday and freelance design work (plus my usual household chores and errands) there weren’t many hours left. But sometimes, that’s what being an adult is. And these days I’m in a place where I’m okay with that and simply choose to look for the silver lining. Like the fact that Southern California cooled to the 60’s all weekend and I broke out jackets. And the fact that on Satuday night the boy built me a fire and came home with Ben & Jerry’s. And then there’s you, sweet readers, and all the exciting things that are in store over the coming weeks. It’s almost enough to make me not dread Monday. Almost.
business casual
There are few items in my closet that can pull together a look the way this blazer can. Even in my oldest ripped up, accidentally paint splattered (note to self: always paint in clothes you don’t plan on wearing in public every again) jeans, a t-shirt I wear all too often, and my usual messy hair – I felt presentable enough to stroll around Century City once I had thrown on this blazer. I don’t wear it often, but like a little black dress, it’s indispensable in having on hand when the occasion calls for it. Another way to dress up your otherwise slightly rumpled look? A pair of heels this slick. Perfect for that whole work to weekend transition today. Happy Friday! Rogan Blazer – similar here // F21 Striped T-Shirt // Gap Jeans // Ruche Bag – still available in navy // Sole Society Heels c/o
country strong
I’m going to go ahead and confess something to you. In an alternate life, I would have loved to have been a country music star. Like picture Loretta Lynn meets the wardrobe of Rachel Bilson on the (embarrassingly addictive) show Hart of Dixie. Blame it on the fact that I spent a good deal of time growing up with my Southern grandparents who listened to old country tunes on AM radio but I just seem to have a deeply instilled love for short swingy skirts, gingham and cowboy boots (these ones a score from a thrift store back in New York – most likely because no one else there wanted dusty old cowboy boots the way I did). And even though these days I’m singing along to country songs down the busy freeways of Los Angeles – the look remains. You can take the girl out of the country…J.Crew Factory Gingham Shirt // Urban Outfitters Dress // H&M Scarf – similar here // Thrifted Cowboy Boots // Bag via TJ Maxx
on the bright side
If you’ve been following along this Fall, you already know that the temperatures in California have thrown me for a bit of a sartorial loop (it’s going to be a high of nearly 85 degrees by Wednesday). At this point on the East Coast I’d be bundled up in my trusty camel coat, black hat & scarf, and dark leather boots. But here in sunny Los Angeles this past weekend I finally just decided to look on the bright side and threw on my brightest cobalt (lightweight) sweater and a colorful floral silk skirt. Then balanced the whole look with a neutral grey bag and shoes. Speaking of bags? This perfectly structured satchel is from the magic makers over at Sole Society and is the new shining star of my handbag family. I usually carry vintage bags (as evidenced here and here) so when I choose to go new, I’m pretty discerning. Versatile, structured and not too large – this one passed all my tests. Here’s to keeping an open mind.
Forever 21 Sweater – similar here // Madewell Skirt // J.Crew Factory Belt // Sole Society Lisette Bag c/0 // Dolce Vita Oxfords via TJ Maxx – similar here
(linking up with Walking in Memphis in High Heels here)