[scarf: pattern, yarn / cardigan, old J.Crew (better option) / blouse (similar) / pants (similar) / shoes]
All I want to do is be cozy right now. I want hot drinks and cushy couches. Feet up and some chocolate would be nice too. And silence. Golden silence.
However cozy is the only thing I can attain at the moment.
The quickest way to get there (besides flannel sheets and pajamas) is to throw on a scarf, particularly this one. It’s an updated version of one my mom made for me a handful of years ago. I wore it so much that I politely commissioned a second one in a more neutral color (thanks mom!). This scarf is particularly amazing because the yarn is incredibly soft merino wool, so it keeps me very warm. I know, infinity scarves are so over but I can’t stop because they are also so easy. I don’t have to figure out a way to style them, tie them, twist them, nor do I have to worry about it falling off. I just throw it on, and – instant cozy.
Speaking of trends, I saw a stylish woman wearing brown oiled Dansko clogs yesterday and it totally made me realize just how ‘back’ clogs are. I mean it’s obvious that brands like Swedish Hasbeens and No. 6 are popular and chic clogs, but Dansko’s? Calling Andrea circa 2002, your shoes are missing. It kind of makes me wish I had kept my Danskos. (Confession: I do have one pair reserved for when I photograph weddings, maybe I’ll have to pull them out and put them in my regular rotation.) I had one reader comment yesterday about the ‘return of comfy shoes like clogs, birks and menswear inspired looks.’ Is orthopedic footwear really becoming the trend again? You will hear zero complaints from me because I am all about functional style, but it is interesting because I was just wearing clogs like 10 years ago, and some people are still wearing their clogs from 10 years ago, so I guess we have come full circle really quickly?
Something to chew on…
xo
andrea
I really love this outfit on you!! So cute!
Thank you Meg! It is super cozy and easy! I love to be cozy. ;)
Yes, clogs have been a thing now for about two seasons. Don’t like them, never will. However, I do like those shoes you are wearing. I guess your jeans are unhemmed? Which is why the strings are hanging down? Not sure I can go there–it would annoy my ankles all day! Love infinity scarves–how else can I walk the dog, bend down to pick up his *ahem* and not have my scarf fall off? :)
Ha! You are cracking me up Pinda. :) And yes, my pants are unhemmed, and that’s 100% to do with my laziness in not taking the time to hem them after I chopped off the extra length. #3kids ;)
I actually still have my oiled brown Mary Jane style Danskos! I ran across them recently while digging out hats and gloves ( why they were in that bin no one know) and I thought to myself that I’d bet they are back “in” soon. Seems here in CO they’re never really “out”, especially amongst the teacher crowd. Maybe I’ll dust them off. And you know I love Birks! ?
Woohoo! Excited to see how you style them!
I’ve never stopped wearing clogs, and I’ve noticed that others are joining me again. You’d be surprised at some of the styles Dansko has made in recent years, too. (Clog boots, like the Maria, have people responding with an incredulous “those are Danskos?!” when I am asked about them.) I for one am thrilled that clogs and Birks are back! :)
Oh man! I just looked up the Maria, daang! That is super cute! Totally looks like swedish clogs. Agreed! I am so thrilled too! I love happy feet.
They’re so cute, right?! Ah. Happy feet.
Umm, infinity scarves are out??? ? Oops!! I have several! But none as cute and cozy as yours! ?
Haha!! Probably not *out* but not the height of fashion trendiness right now. But trendiness is totally overrated! :) ;) And thanks for stopping by!!
Oh man, but I love infinity scarves – I’m not very good at tying scarf knots and infinity scarves are just so easy. I think that’s super sweet that your mother made yours, that makes it really special and something that would survive any trend. I am really happy that so many comfortable and heavier style shoes are becoming popular, stilettos really are not my thing and I prefer a shoe with a little more visual weight. I noticed Danskos are making a serious comeback, I’ve seen them for the past two years on quite a few of the street style blogs, especially the Seattle and Portland ones. (I have a pair that my aunt bought for me years ago that I still wear, Danksos make a really durable, sturdy shoes and I think they’ve got that whole “ugly-cute” thing going on, much like the Birks. Birks forever!)
I really like your winter capsule, it looks like such a versatile, cute wardrobe and I love these jeans with the tan shoes, it’s a super cute menswear-inspired look and it really seems to fit your style.
Thank you for the comments the other day! I’ve been following your blog since before the name change and I’ve really admired your dedication to shopping ethical. It’s something that’s really challenging and difficult (because it seems like it’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole of ethically made and grown materials and labor and it’s not always easy to get a straight answer) and I’ve enjoyed your posts about it. You’re also really sweet and relatable, I know I’ve been put off of a few ethical/capsule wardrobes just because the blogger seems judgmental and not everyone is quite to the same place. I personally don’t always feel it’s ok to put down clothing as being the most evil industry out there, I work in the travel industry and it can be quite awful both environmentally and in regards to labor can be very much on par with sweatshops but people are very quick to put travel as something that’s better. (I know one company that has had five people die in the past three years because they will not educate their employees about their surroundings and throw 18-year-olds into very dangerous situations – only to fire them before their contract is up so the company will not have to pay the bonus or full wages due and then confiscate entire paychecks to pay back for terrible lodging, not to mention illegally working employees overtime without payment.) It’s the same with food but most people don’t realize that slave labor is also a large put of the food we buy at the store, same with electronics. It just seems sometimes that because style and clothing is viewed as something women like, that it’s okay to trash it and dismiss it as damaging and to praise other industries that are just as damaging as “better.” I know you haven’t done that and it’s part of why I enjoy reading your blog, you’re very thoughtful and don’t put people down.) I apologize, this came out as a book! I do really enjoy the entire discussion around thoughtful shopping and I think you do a good job at it without falling into some of the pitfalls that I’ve seen others do so. (Plus, your style is really cute and I enjoy seeing your outfits. But I would still read even if you didn’t post outfits because I enjoy your writing.) I thrift or ebay my closet but I know I still have a long way to go so it’s nice to read your bog and feel positive about the whole thing!
Wow, Katie, thanks for sharing all this! First off, I can’t believe you’ve been reading my blog since the name change, hehe! Thank YOU for being here and reading. People like you make this blogging journey worthwhile. :) So thank you for al your feedback!
You bring up a spectacular point! I am not sure why the clothing industry gets more fingerpointing that others. Maybe it’s because the trend among shoppers and chains is to go cheaper and cheaper? But yes, so many other awful things going on in other industries too. Your stories about the travel industry are downright scary! It’s just so unfortunate that there are enough selfish people out there to cause industry wide problems like this. :( :(
Thanks again for your comment! :)
In Charlottesville, comfort shoes are weirdly the thing, but it’s been that way for years. I was startled when I moved here 4 years ago to see very wealthy and otherwise stylish people out and about in huge, ugly sandals. I’m really into Birkenstocks nows, but I find Danskos uncomfortable.
A middle school girl in the youth group at my church got three pairs of shoes for Christmas: Uggs, Chacos, and Birkenstocks.
Interesting. Uggs I just cannot do. Okay, full disclosure I have the costco version in my closet, but they are almost exclusively slippers. Chacos are too hippie for me! I feel like all the kids on campus wore them when I was in college at UO, and they are just so not my thing!