This week’s outfit run is a testament to how much I like simplicity. Over and over, simple looks are always my favorite. I think that’s why I like dresses and jumpsuits so much.
The key to simplicity is choosing the right items. If you’re on the hunt for something – a striped top or a great clog – don’t settle on less than what you want, compromising color, fit, fabric, style or quality. It’s worth it to save and wait for the right item to come along, otherwise you’ll never be quite happy with it. Then you will struggle to style it, and the item will often end up being a waste of your resources.
And just for clarity’s sake, I wanted to touch on affiliate linking for a moment. I use them throughout my site, if you click them and make a purchase I usually make a commission. I only link to brands and products that I know to be manufactured in the US or made responsibly overseas. It’s easy for me to assume all of you know this, but you know what they say about those who assume… If you ever have questions about affiliate links, please ask away.
SUNDAY:
Sweater, thrifted (similar 1, 2) | Striped top, thrifted Ralph Lauren (similar w/zipper) | Cropped flares, old Madewell (similar, made in the USA) | Clogs, c/o Bryr Studio (sienna leather in a mid-heel) | Classic Tote, c/o Cuyana
Whoops! Almost forgot to take my picture, but squeezed it in after sundown. Here’s a look at my very compact living room (send decorating help!) and what I wore on Sunday. Spring is layering season in Oregon, we’re tired of jackets, so cardigans have to do the job. I’ve been pretty happy with my poshmark-sourced vintage fisherman sweater. It’s very warm, and easy to throw on over those tops with large sleeves.
MONDAY:
Cocoon dress, c/o Sotela | Cardigan, c/o Grana, no longer available, try this | Cons, thrifted (ethical version) | Sunglasses, Ray-Ban | Bucket Bag, Baggu | Crescent Necklace (28″) c/o Loop Jewelry
This is my favorite look from the week. Pairing tennis shoes with a shirt dress is the best kind of elevated-casual in my opinion. Of course the blue skies and 70-degree temps felt pretty great as well, which could have influenced my opinion. I got this dress when I collaborated with Sotela last spring. It’s been exciting to watch Hanna’s business grow. If you haven’t shopped Sotela yet, I highly encourage you to check them out.
TUESDAY:
Lou Jumpsuit, (on sale!) REIFhaus | Luzon Tie Top, c/o Only Child | Clogs, c/o Bryr Studio (sienna leather in a mid-heel) | Bucket Bag, Baggu | Necklace, BYCO
Picking shoes for this outfit really stymied me. I like the combo of a shirt underneath the Lou Jumpsuit, but I think a sandal would have worked better. I still have my Moheda clogs from last year, which I initially picked out to wear, but they don’t feel as comfortable as I remember on my old lady feet.
WEDNESDAY:
Hat, Cuyana | Dress, c/o Only Child | Sandals, Birkenstock | Bucket Bag, Baggu
Another simple outfit takes the cake! I was very happy wearing this. Again, it was warm and sunny, so that could have been a factor. I have made a few select purchases for summer, and two of them are in this outfit…
This hat covers my dirty hair with ease. I had been eyeing it since last summer, and when my Target version got smushed beyond repair I replaced it with this one from Cuyana. Not only does it keep me cool, but it also keeps the sun off my face. Gotta fight the wrinkles!
I upgraded my Birkenstocks after chatting with a sales associate at Nordstrom who informed me that they only stock this style, the Arizona, in narrow. I tried it on, and it fit so much better than my older Arizona’s which are so floppy on my feet. (Pretty much the only time I’ve ever had a problem with shoes being too wide.) Because I spend 80% of my summer in Birks (we walk a lot) I decided it was worth making the switch. Plus, they make my feet look way less mannish, so I’m pretty thrilled.
Side note: I bought the ‘soft’ footbed because it’s all the had, and whoa nellie, it’s a game changer. I’ve been wearing Birkenstocks for the better part of two decades (I come from hippie land, remember?) and I staunchly held out on this footbed because I’m a prideful purist. Turns out, the joke’s on me! These are even more comfortable, if you can imagine that for Birkenstocks.
THURSDAY:
Striped top, thrifted Ralph Lauren | Wide leg pants, c/o Everlane | Cons, thrifted (ethical version) | Tote, c/o Cuyana | Cuff, FashionAble
A cold front moved back in, so adjusted the wardrobe as necessary. This is probably my favorite ‘cold weather’ look from the week. Combining navy and black is always a favorite of mine!
FRIDAY:
Jacket, Reformation | Linen top, Everlane | Jeans, vintage | Tote, c/o Cuyana | Huaraches, Nisolo
Doing that blogger thing, where we drape our coats over our shoulders instead of wear them. I wore this out with a friend and, when I showed up at the event we were going to, I felt so pretentious with the coat draped I couldn’t go through with it. I put it on and wore it like a normal human. But it sure looks good in pictures.
SATURDAY:
Cardigan, c/o IMBY (sold out, try this) | U-neck tee, Everlane | Jeans, Levi’s (similar) | Sandals, Birkenstock | Earrings, Seaworthy
Today was a slow day, in a good way. I didn’t leave the house. I didn’t put on makeup. (Okay, brows and mascara, but whatever.) I cleaned, sorted, laundered, cooked, tried hard not to get too distracted by social media. I just enjoyed being home. I love feeling cozy on chill days, but I still am not one to wear loungewear. I prefer to ‘get dressed’ each day. I don’t know why, I’ve just always been that way. I don’t like wearing workout gear outside the house, unless it’s to school drop-off in the morning right before I work out. And even then I don’t really like it.
You could say this is my version of loungewear.
In Review:
FAVORITES: Monday + Thursday
KEY LESSON: Keep it simple and, when shopping, don’t settle.
I’m a lover of simplicity too (though I can’t be bothered to photograph any of my outfits, oops) so this is giving me lots of inspiration. I’m actually kind of jealous you’re still wearing sweaters. The South is unbearably hot already :(
You should do a house tour! I’m obsessed with seeing other folks’ homes. I have been told again and again I should decorate interiors for others (meh, typing that out sounds so arrogant), so maybe I could give you some advice on your small space ;)
Gabi, our turn is coming, it’s supposed to hit the 90’s next week, eep! I have considered doing a house tour, but I feel like you guys have pretty much already seen it! But I still might though… just gotta get cleaning. I love, love interiors advice. Most of my rooms are doing well, but the living room, not so much! I need a couch, a rug, a coffee table, and a buncha money to pay for it all. ;)
I love this series – and all of your looks! They are so simple and (if this is something you can say about an outfit) relatable. Keep up the great work :)
Cheers, Lisa
Thanks Lisa, I appreciate that! ;)
Monday is my favorite as well, but Wednesday is a close second. Seeing that hat reminds me I need to replace my Target hat. (I had the same one as you and it’s seen better days!) Your comments on Friday made me laugh! I’ve had that happen before where I try to copy some look and end up feeling ridiculous! The coat drape sure looks good in the picture though!
I am a pretty simple dresser, too. I actually verge on frumpiness during the week, but make an effort on the weekends when my husband is home. Lately I’ve been trying to make a little more effort during the week with my clothes, even if I don’t wear makeup. I invested in some mid-weight loose linen tops from designers on Etsy and have a couple loose fit cotton tops from Everlane that I wear during the week. They help me stay cool when I am out walking the dog or working in the garden but are heavy enough to avoid snags. They also can all be thrown in the regular wash and even the dryer! (Although I have been trying to use my clothesline.) These tops paired with jeans or denim shorts make me look pulled together enough so I am not embarrassed if someone stops by!
Sometimes I verge on frumpiness too, because I just have more important things to do and I need to be functional! It sounds like you’ve settled on some good pieces! If you have a linen top that you particularly love, do share the etsy link! I really like the ones from ES, but I am hesitant to pull the trigger because of the wide sleeves.
Yes, I am pleased with both of my Etsy linen tops. I bought the linen tee from Misses Country https://www.etsy.com/shop/MissesCountry and had her scoop the hem. I want to order her 3/4 sleeve tops in heavy linen for fall! I also ordered the minimalist tank from Zoe Loomis, https://www.etsy.com/shop/ZoeLoomisHandmade. The tank was very long, so I had to have it altered and taken up about 2.5 inches, but even with the cost of alteration the price was reasonable. Next time I order from her I will just specify length. She also makes very cute kids clothes and I ordered a tunic for my granddaughter.
Ahhh such a great week!
I love black and blue together, wear it all the time.
I like your jumpsuit with those clogs… in the motto of KISS it might look good with a plain white crew neck tee on too?
Our weather here was warmer in April, so I’ve been wearing a lot of sweaters instead of coats too. Finally warming up today so yay!
Also got my first pair of Birkenstocks last summer and they are so comfy. I have the thong style.
Have a good rest of your week! :-D
Yes, definitely a good idea to try the crew neck. Will give that a shot soon.
Yay for warmer weather! I am definitely utilizing my cardigans quite a bit too. It’s so nice to leave the house without a big coat, haha, I feel so light and free!
Thanks Jodie, enjoy that cute baby bump while he’s still on the inside. ;)
Andrea! I just love all your jeans. (I definitely asked you about some Imogene + Willies a little while ago, haha.) Do you happen to know the name of the Madewell jeans from Sunday’s look? Prepared to scour all of Poshmark for them. That look is too cute. Thanks so much :)
Hi Lenna! They are the Flea Market Flares from a few seasons back. I chopped them off myself! :)
Whaaa no way! They are perfect :) Thank you!
In love with this week! The pockets on that Only Child dress are sooooo good. Do you have any sizing notes for your Reifhaus jumpsuit? I’m very tempted….
YES! I am wearing a M, but she changed it up a bit this season and it has a longer torso. So if you want it more fitted (and I use that phrase loosely) size down, but if you want it looser size up. What size do you normally wear?
I’m somewhere between a small/medium (like in Everlane/Madewell stuff), but usually opt for medium, because I like things a little baggy. :) Thanks!
I love Sumday’s outfit! It definitely sounds like your ready for summery clothes
Thanks Heather! My husband said that outfit looked very ‘cozy’ ;)
I really like the 7 Days of Outfits series! I’m visiting my sister and her family in Portland next weekend. Seeing cardigans and jackets still out in full force only amplifies my excitement. You better believe this Texas girl is ready to escape the already 90-degree weather!
Reading your thoughts on Friday and Saturday’s outfits was really interesting for me. I actually feel pretentious wearing activewear out and about if I’m not being active. However, I have no problem draping my jackets around my shoulders. I do this ALL the time, especially in the office or at a chilly restaurant. I fluctuate from too-hot to too-cold so quickly that I find it much easier to drape than to keep putting my jacket on/off. I never once thought of it as a ‘fashion blogger’ look, for whatever that’s worth.
Stephanie – check the forecast!! It’s supposed to heat up quite a bit over the next week! But yes, it’s still nice and cool in the mornings, in the low 50’s.
Ha! I love hearing your contrasting views on jacket draping. I could totally see how that would make sense. I think functionality-wise, it works best when sitting or not moving too much, I could see how a draped coat could work at dinner or in the office. And honestly, it’s quite comfortable! Sometimes I want a little warmth and don’t want something so snug on my underarms.
I have the Sotela jersey swing dress and I wear it multiple times each week! I first learned about the brand through your blog.
Do you have any sizing notes for the cocoon dress? Also, is the tencel twill fabric breathable? Do you find that it wrinkles a good bit when you’ve been sitting?
:) thanks!
Hi Erin! That is so awesome! I think that swing dress is really pretty.
For the cocoon dress, I just got the smallest size, and I usually wear a 6. I have mixed feeling about tencel. I really like how it is sturdy, it holds up way better than jersey-type material. There is no pilling and it always looks new. I does wrinkle a bit, but the wrinkles seem to fall out pretty quickly. I have a handful of tencel pieces and I rarely am concerned about them wrinkling. It does feel slightly less breathable than cotton, on my underarms, but that also might just be the texture of the fabric on my skin. Silky fabrics are not my favorite. But the dress is loose enough that it definitely feels breathable throughout the body.
I hope that helps!
Haha, the coat draping! I did that one time as well and felt like such a fool but like you said, it does look good in pictures. ;)
I have really been enjoying your weekly 7-day-outfit posts, with these your style really comes through and I personally always like seeing what people are really wearing. Shoots for blogs are nice but the best thing about blogging is seeing what other people really wear and it’s really cool to see which items you pick over and over again. You look SO CUTE in your converse outfits – they are adorable on you and fit your style so well and I love seeing what interesting items you wear them with. I don’t think it was something I’d noticed before you started doing these posts and it’s a post that I look forward to each week now. You seem like you really have your style down pat right now, everything looks very “you” and man, you are making me think cropped flares are such a good thing…
Hey Katie!!! I am pumped you are still reading regularly. :) Thanks for the nice comments about my style. Yeah, Cons are just SO EASY to wear. I have a rascally three year old boy, so they just make life easier on most days. Plus they remind me not to take myself so seriously.
Cropped flares = super fun. I DIY’d mine.
Hi Andrea! I LOVE all your outfits, and it makes me excited about styling things I have in my closet in different ways! I wish I could pull off your Friday one, but I need to lose a few pounds and *gulp* exercise to even try it.
HAHA, I bet you would look great! I realize that peekaboo of my soft tummy isn’t the most flattering thing, but you know what? I don’t particularly care. >< But, exercise is always a good idea!
I’m seriously fingers crossed that Everlanr will restock the cropped pants in black. They are exactly what I’m looking for.
Love reading your blog!
Hi Becca, I bet they will! They seem to be one of their best selling items! I checked on the blue cropped pants and it looks like those are restocking in July!