Happy post-holiday week to ya!
We all had a long stretch off work and school, and it was fabulous to be off our regular routine. I definitely ate too much, shopped a bit, watched some good TV and spent lots of time with family. It was a great way to enjoy Thanksgiving.
But this week it’s back to life, back to reality. Back to 5:30 A.M. alarm bells and regular school, work and writing schedules.
[ striped dress | turtleneck | jeans (similar w/distressing + similar w/o distressing) | booties (similar for less) | bag ]
I’ve mentioned a few times how much I struggle with dressing in layers. (Too many elements to coordinate!)
But I think I pulled it off here. It works for me because the shapes are streamlined and the layers don’t feel fussy. I styled this dress over jeans in the summer but I wasn’t sure I could make it work in colder weather. I find it’s really easy to style outfits when you can have an open-toed shoe or a cute pop of ankle. But when the weather is in the 40’s, my ankles like to stay warm. This time the slim jeans, and slim-ankled boots help the leg line look proportionate when layered with the long, wider silhouette of the dress.
In general, when it comes to layers, it’s helpful when I try on various configurations ahead of time. Which tights work with which dresses? Which chunky cardigans work with which style of jeans? As I step into the waters of new denim silhouettes (straight and wide), I am experiencing a styling learning curve. Studying my proportions ahead of time helps keep me from being stymied in the moment. If I don’t, I end up just sticking to my safe zone of a cropped pullover sweater or sweatshirt. What about you – do you have any tricks for successful layering?
And on a very honest note, I am really struggling with a case of ‘the wants’ lately. I never seem to be satisfied, there is always one more thing that I think I need. Deep down, I know the truth is that satisfaction will never come unless I am intentional about it. There will always be one more thing turning my head. The fix is how I react to my ‘wants.’ Do I mull them over and spend too much time window shopping online? Am I giving too much mental space to the unimportant? Perhaps there is a better way. I love Laura’s retail recess, it is inspiring. This week I’ll be thinking through I how I can make a mental shift away from entertaining my ‘wants’ all the time.
xo,
Andrea
Love those boots! Layering is my jam! Sometimes I find summer and spring harder for me as far as dressing goes because I have a hard time feeling comfortable with less layers one – true story. It can be difficult not to feel bulky or bunched up, though. I find that I have a few uniforms when it comes to layering. Things I know work for me and feel comfortable and sophisticated with making me look or feel like a blueberry.
I love the idea of the retail recess, and truth be told I could probably use one as well.
You’re so lucky Savannah! What is your secret? Tell me about your layering uniform!
Love this look on you Andrea! You rock that duster lady. :)
And thank you for mentioning my retail recess in your space — feeling rather honored!! :)
Thanks Laura!!
And of course! I always love what you have going on over at the Blanton house. ;)
So cute. Great stripes. :)
Thanks girl! And BTW, I cannot stop thinking about clogs! ;)
That last part really spoke to me. I’ve been eyeing the Utility jacket from Seamly, and then it went on sale…do I need the jacket? Why do I want it? Will I really wear it? What if it doesn’t fit me right?!
Totally!! I try to only buy stuff on sale if I was already planning to buy it. But that is definitely hard!
Hi there,
I just spent the last two weeks (off and on, of course) browsing every single post you’ve ever created and now that I’m done, I felt it necessary to say hi. I’m so glad I found your blog – I love your style, I love your hair (even though you don’t seem to like it based on various comments you’ve made; however, I definitely think you should do a tutorial one day!), and I love your Weekly Rundowns! I don’t mean to sound like a creeper/stalker – I seriously just wanted to express my admiration for your approach to all things fashion.
Now excuse me while I go through withdrawal :)
Jessica
PS I’d love to see you style your Steven Alan skirt for fall/winter – I always have problems with skirts in the ‘darker’ seasons.
Hi Jessica, you are so great to share this!! ;) I’m glad you’re here and it means a lot to me that you’ve been through the blog cover-to-cover. Ha!
GREAT idea on the Steven Alan skirt. Will style that very soon!!!
I also have a bad case of the wants. Stress often does that to me and couple stress and weight gain and I am doomed! Unfortunately, the weight gain justifies the new purchases, but it is a fine line between “want” and “need”. Love your booties in this post, and you are rocking the layers!
Stress gives me the wants too!! It’s like going to a ‘blankey’ or something! So funny how our minds work. Thank you for the kind words. Good luck with navigating what and when to add. You are so mindful, I know you’ll do a great job!
Oh, wow! I absolutely LOVE this on you! It’s so simple, yet makes such a statement and is so…you! And I love how easy layering season makes working with a small wardrobe, but it definitely requires more thought. If I don’t plan an outfit ahead, I rarely create creative layered looks on the fly.
Thanks girl, that means a lot coming from you!!
You make a great point, layering IS easier with a small wardrobe. I hadn’t thought of it that way, but it’s true.
When I get the wants it’s usually because I’m craving something that’s not 100% practical and planned out. So I go to the thrift shop with three rules. Does it fit? Can I wear it with something in my closet? And most importantly, do I love it? And if/when I find it, I buy it! It’s rarely more than $5 and it’s all about moderation in life, right
What a great idea Kaci. And you nailed it! When I get the wants, and I give in, I often end up returning the item because it wasn’t planned out, and therefore doesn’t fit well with my wardrobe. That’s a really good thing to keep in mind!