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Showing posts with label layers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label layers. Show all posts

Friday, February 13, 2015

indigo pants + sweater #30






It's tough to see, but I'm wearing a pink button up shirt under that white cable knit sweater. And these pants. Let's talk about these pants for a hot minute.

They're navy blue.
They're skinnies.
They're stretchy.
They fit like a glove.
All of the above are good things,

BUT...

They're also some special indigo dye, and they have been rubbing off on whatever I wear them with. By the end of the day, this sweater was turning a wee bit blue on the sleeves and around my waist/hips. So, that's frustrating. However, I'm supposed to wash them by themselves the first few times, then I should be ok. 

We'll see.

The price of fashion, my friends.
The things I do for the pants I love.


button up: Eddie Bauer
sweater: Old Navy
scarf: gift
pants: target
boots: Nordstrom

Thursday, January 15, 2015

the sweater saga, part 3 + sweater #12





part 1 and part 2 of my Sweater Saga

I used to be of the "more is more!" mindset, but I find myself lately adopting the "less is more" / "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication mindset." At times, I feel overwhelmed with the amount of stuff I have/own, and subsequently have to maintain and upkeep. So, I'm trying to make a conscious effort to limit my "stuff." And that includes clothes.

I know my closet could always stand to lose a few items, and I'm becoming more and more comfortable with getting rid of things that don't flatter me, don't fit me well, or don't reflect me. I really enjoy "playing in my closet" - trying things on, pairing unlikely things together, further solidifying things I know I like to wear, and also getting rid of things. It's a more grown-up and real life version of dress up. 

All of that to say, I'm by no means a minimalist. But I can really appreciate many minimalist ideals - less is more, quality over quantity. I don't really need several of the same items, and I'm learning that less items = less maintenance. Which means more time to do fun things, like love on my pup, and read, and run, and ski, and sleep.

And those are things I'm into.


tunic: Hollister via a local consignment shop
chambray: Old Navy
sweater: Eddie Bauer
leggings: c/o Aéropostale
snow boots: SOREL

Sunday, December 21, 2014

purple + blue






It's difficult to see in these pictures, but my shirt, sweater, and vest are different colors. The shirt and vest are navy blue, and the cardigan is dark purple. I think this is the first time I've paired these two dark colors together, and I like the dark, mysterious & wintery look that resulted.

There are obviously many ways to pair colors - complementary, analogous, and warm & cool colors. And then there's wearing colors that are the same saturation - dark blue and dark purple. mint and baby pink. mustard and burnt orange. You can pull off any color combination, as long as the colors are the same "depth." It makes a look more cohesive and intentional, instead of "I got dressed in the dark." Not to say that you CAN'T pair different color saturations (and you should!) but sometimes the best color combinations come from neighboring colors on the color wheel, but in the same tone.

Really, though - try it sometime: deep jewel tones, pastels, navy and purple, forest green and deep red (Christmas colors!), and let me know how it turns out.


shirt: thrifted (Target)
cardigan: Ann Taylor
vest: Old Navy
jeans: thrifted (Old Navy)
shoes: DSW
necklace: from my Grandmother

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

running gear (and boots and earrings) from Aéropostale

Like I mentioned yesterday, my friend, Chelsea, and I did some shopping when it was gross and snowing. We went to several places, but one of the first places we stopped at was Aéropostale. I was looking for some new black boots, and their activewear line, Live Love Dream, is something I'm always drawn to. Below are the new goodies I picked up this trip!


First up, these cropped leggings: LLD Solid Crop Leggings. I've already got a few pairs of cropped leggings from Aéropostale, and I knew I wanted to size down this time - the current pairs I have don't like to stay up around my hips while I'm running...I sized down and these are snug and a perfect fit! I really don't like to have to tug or push&pull anything when I'm running - it makes me more likely to quit my run halfway through. ..

The bright pink shirt is from my latest half marathon, The Equinox Half Marathon (my post about that here). And the headband I'm wearing to keep my hair back is from Aéropostale last fall.



Next is this awesome LLD Solid Active Popover Hoodie. It's the same blueish/gray color as the cropped leggings. This sweatshirt is fleece-lined, so it's incredibly warm, and soft. It's also got moisture-wicking technology, so it wicks sweat away as I'm running (and sweating). Normally, I would have gone a size up, but this time I got an extra small, because of the fleece and the moisture-wicking properties. I figure with those two features, I should wear the sweatshirt as it's designed, instead of with several layers underneath. Hence, the smaller size and more fitted "fit."
Oh oh, and thumb holes!! Is there anything better? nah


My running shoes are from Mizuno - the Wave Inspire 10s (in a wide). I talked about them for my last half marathon here. So far, we're still pretty much in love, except for during my half marathon. I also wear SuperFeet inserts in them - I was having pain in my arches this past spring, and the SuperFeet really helped. Their website explains the science behind the inserts, as well as provides customer testimonials. They're great, but IF you do get them, give them at least a week - I hated them at first, but after two weeks of running in them, I wasn't able to go back to the flat soles that came with my shoes.


 

These are my new boots I was on the hunt for, the 50/50 Riding Boot. I can't find the exact ones, but here is a link to some similar styles. They're black, but they're distressed, so in the right light, they look like a dark dark charcoal gray. They zip up the inside shaft, and have nicely placed elastic that not only adds to the aesthetic of the boot, but also keeps them on my calves. They don't have a heel, and I sized down from a 7 to an 8, because the last few pairs of boots I've gotten have really stretched out, so I end up having to wear thick socks so my feet don't clop-clop around with every step.


I grabbed these two knit long-sleeved shirts, because WINTER. snow. COLD. layers.
I can't find the exact ones on Aéropostale.com, but here are some similar long sleeve shirts, and I previously wore the blue one here.


I also picked up these cute bicycle earrings, because (1) I have pierced ears, and (2) I really enjoy riding my bike. It's a pink beach cruiser - one speed, with back-pedal brakes, a big seat, and a basket. It's perfect. It's my favorite mode of transportation when it's warm out. So, bicycle earrings. These aren't the exact earrings, but here is a link to other pretty ear jewelry: earrings.


And, if you can believe it, the Mr. doesn't have as many clothes as I do. Shocking, I know. So I picked him up a Long Sleeve Solid Thermal Tee (also similar: Long Sleeve Solid Thermal Henley) in blue. And then I made him wear it under his Broncos jersey when there was snow.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

texture play










I put together ALL THE TEXTURES in this outfit. Stripes, chunky knit sweater, paisley print, lacey-ish/crochet-kinda skirt, herringbone tights, and leather boots. I figured I could get away with neutrals and light pink with a dusting of snow if I layered up and "texturized." And coffee, of course.
Always coffee.

and thanks to my sweet friend, Laura, for taking these pictures for me!


shirt: thrifted (Ann Taylor LOFT)
sweater: Macy's
scarf: gift from sis-in-law (with my monogram on it!)
skirt: Nordstrom
tights: Old Navy
boots: The Frye Company via Nordstrom

Saturday, December 6, 2014

layered up





this is my "I'm cold out here" face
faux leather stripe on my leggings. fancy, huh?

What do you wear when the highest expected temperature is 9 degrees?

Answer: at least 4 layers up top, warm fuzzy boots, fancy pants, and a blanket scarf.

I hadn't originally planned on wearing the chambray, but added it at the last minute, and these pants are ponte knit leggings with a faux leather stripe up each side from Aéropostale (from last year). 

Let me tell ya about this scarf. I was inspired by the blanket scarf trend of last winter and this year. It sold out quickly everywhere, and I can't really justify spending more money on more scarves. So, I went to WalMart and checked out the fabric section. I found this houndstooth print, and a gray and red buffalo plaid (worn here), and purchased a yard of each. They're nice and big and square and warm and bulky - I fold them in half to a triangle shape, and loop them around. Sometimes they look more structured, and sometimes bulky or a bit lopsided. I have yet to master the art of tying/looping/wearing a blanket scarf, but just winging it seems to work for me.


teal shirt: Target
chambray: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's
sweater: Eddie Bauer
scarf: WalMart
leggings: Aéropostale
boots: SOREL via Jax

Monday, December 1, 2014

versatile





I had no idea when I picked up this scarf over the summer that it would be so versatile. I've worn it for every American-pride day that has passed: Labor Day, Veteran's Day (the day I wore this), Election Day, probably going to wear it for Pearl Harbor Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, D-Day, the Air Force's founding date (September 18th - so proud, Dad??), y'know, any and every day I can get away with wearing an American flag-inspired scarf. 

I paired it with a striped tee for some print mixing, added the red cardigan and white down vest for warmth, but also so I'd be wearing red, white and blue for Veteran's Day :)


shirt: Old Navy
sweater: from a friend (Banana Republic)
vest: thrifted (Aéropostale)
scarf: Aéropostale
jeans: Aéropostale
booties: Old Navy

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

blues & greens







I found out yesterday that my high school football team is playing in the state championship (again!). And what do you know? Our school colors were navy blue & forest green. Above I'm wearing navy blue & neon green - close enough, right?

I also did some print mixing with the polka-dot scarf and plaid. Can't believe I haven't worn this combination before. Taking off the scarf and vest create a different look - so consider this vest an "accessory." At least today...


plaid: Old Navy
scarf: Aéropostale
vest: Old Navy
jeans: Aéropostale
booties: Old Navy