the. reign. of. waxed. field. jackets.

Was it just me or was January a doozy? In the midst of unseasonably warm weather (for the most part anyway), I still somehow struggled with an extreme case of the winter blues. How many days until spring again? Do I even want to know? Probs not, but according to Punxsutawney Phil, we still have at least six more weeks of winter to endure. Womp, womp. 

On a positive note: The blasé days of January inspired me to keep the outfits coming. As a rule of thumb — whether it’s a rainy day, an important class presentation (I’m no longer in school anymore, but you get the idea) or a mundane Monday, an extra on-point ensemble can never steer you wrong. For the sake of having a productive work sesh, I often times will pull out all the stops just to feel more in the zone.

One particular pièce de résistance that’s been on repeat lately is this long waxed downtown field jacket from J.Crew featuring military-inspired details and a corduroy collar. The dark forest green hue doesn’t hurt either. It’s no overstatement when I say that I reach for it almost every. Freaking. Day. Rain or shine, work or play, it always comes through. What can I say? I love it’s off-duty appeal and the fact that it can be dressed up or down. While I love wearing it with plain ol’ jeans or black high-waisted skinnies, I’m equally obsessed with how it looks teamed alongside a mini skirt or a casual dress. To show you how it’s done, I’m sharing two different ways that I’ve styled my go-to topper of the season.

 

field jacket (similar) | gingham shirt (similar) | the margot highrise (industry standard) | cross-body bag (different color) | d'Orsay flats (similar)

Outfit #1: I call this my unofficial weekend uniform. There are few things that I love more than a gingham button-down — even better if it’s knotted into a bow. I paired it alongside my favorite Industry Standard Margot high-waisted jeans and a pint-sized Kate Spade cross-body bag (which holds just the essentials BTW!) for a look that reads girl-on-the-go. Perfectly put-together with a hint of prep, just the way I like it.

field jacket (similar) | sweater (different, but I love those tassels!) | skirt (different, but another great CM style) | tights (similar) | penny loafers (similar)

Outfit #2: Though a smidge more on the dressier side, I would also consider this to be an off-duty #OOTD. My field jacket instantly dials down the appearance of my jacquard mini skirt and lace-trimmed blush pink sweater (so pretty!) making it more suitable for the daytime. Since it was a bit nippy out, I opted for polka dot-printed tights and velvet penny loafers. 

What are your go-to ways to style a field jacket? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A

4

a. denim. story.

And then it was December... I can't believe that the holidays are officially in full swing. Here's to hoping that the days don't fly by too fast (especially since I have yet to decorate my miniature Christmas tree, bake sugar cookies or complete any holiday crafts). Another thing that I've been super pumped about: These unseasonably warm temps! While the tights have finally come out to play, I haven't had to pull out the boots and mittens just yet — and I'm not complaining one bit! Before Old Man Winter shows up for real (mark your calendars for Dec. 22), I have one more fall-esque #OOTD to share. These snapshots were taken a few weeks ago on what I consider to be the perfect fall day. 

For a minimalist + casual look, I teamed up a plaid Equipment button-down with my favorite Industry Standard jeans. Luckily, it was warm enough outside that I was able to get away with just a lightweight cardigan that I snagged from Club Monaco a few years back. I finished off my easy-going daytime look with some black d'Orsay flats from J.Crew (which have been on repeat lately). Side note: I also loved this color palette. The peachy pinks from my shirt offset my gray cardigan and ink blue jeans perfectly. 

In case you were wondering, the inspiration for this outfit came from the book, A Denim Story: Inspirations from Bellbottoms to Boyfriends by Emily Current, Meritt Elliott and Hilary Walsh. (Which I totally recommend investing in if you consider yourself to be a denim connoisseur.) One of the quotes from the book especially hit home for me: "Every pair of jeans has a story and tells a story." Naturally, I had to wear my go-to Industry Standard jeans... it only seemed fitting. 

I've put together a few #winning outfit combinations below, so that you can get the look:

What's been your go-to fall uniform? Leave a comment below or link to one of your favorite fall #OOTDs, so that I can check it out! :)

xo,

A

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june. // the. list.

Despite already being over halfway through June (how?!), I wanted to share a snapshot of some things that I'm currently loving and/or lusting after.  With this Sunday marking the official first day of summer, everything included in the "june list" is FUN + upbeat + effortless.  Take a peek below!  

1. Annie Costello Simple Scallop Cuff (Clare Vivier) // It's no secret that I have a teeny obsession with scallops. This pretty cuff is no exception.  I love how minimalist and simple it is — perfect for wearing by itself or stacking with another bracelet. 

2. Woven Straw d'Orsay Flats with Ankle Tie (J.Crew) // Is it really summer if you don't have straw d'Orsay flats?  I say no.  

3. Skinny Liquid Liner (Eyeko) // Relatively speaking, I am not a makeup junkie.  Aside from eyeliner and mascara, I don't typically get too excited for new products. Considering this skinny liquid liner has Alexa Chung's seal of approval, I'm more than willing to give it a try.

4. Hello Goodbye T (Chinti & Parker) // I'm pretty sure I've never met a stripe that I didn't like. This t-shirt by Chinti & Parker is simply adorbs. When styled with white jeans or the quintessential LWS ("little white skirt"), how can you resist?

5. Earla Printed Stretch-Cotton Skirt (Alice + Olivia) // This skirt was made for twirling. The tropical parrot print and flattering silhouette make it an A+ in my book.

6. Lauren B. Beauty (Net-a-Porter) // Add some major pop to your current mani (or pedi) with one of Lauren B. Beauty's fast-drying polishes.  I'm currently smitten with this vibrant shade of teal called "Venice Beach Venus." 

7. Frosties Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag (Anya Hindmarch) // In the words of Tony the Tiger, this bag is GRRREAT! In all seriousness though, I do get a kick out of this bag every time I see it simply because it's Tony!   

8. Zoey Round Sunglasses (Henri Bendel) // Shades for summer... how groundbreaking?!  I'm still not sure how I feel about white frames, but these would certainly be a drastic change from my classic tortoiseshell sunnies.

9. Nuria Leather T-Strap Sandal (Club Monaco) // #BowsOnToes, that's all I'm sayin'.  From day to night, these stunning black t-strap sandals will elevate any look. 

10. Foldover Clutch (Clare Vivier) // Behold, the perfect clutch to hold just the essentials. In my mind, Clare Vivier can do wrong. I'm also obsessing over this clutch covered in the cutest tennis ball print everrr.

What are you currently loving this month?  Feel free to share a link to your must-haves for June or leave a comment below!

xo,

A

2

cutoff. shorts.

Phew!  What a week this has been!  You know how sometimes you enter into a week thinking it’s going to be a breeze and then out of nowhere it suddenly becomes borderline crazy/busy?! Well, I think that’s how I would best sum up my week, but not necessarily in a bad way.  Since I’ve been a horrible blogger as of lately — no post on Monday (oops!) — I obviously had to get something up for today.  For those of you who don’t follow me on Instagram, I realize that you probably have little to no sense of my personal style. While I won’t be posting my daily outfits here on the blog anytime soon (sorry, if I did, then they would be headless shots only!) I did want to share two of my recent #ootd posts, which coincidentally enough show me wearing my prized elephant necklace.

As it’s almost “officially” summer (the countdown begins NOW, only eight days away!), I’ve been in a complete shorts-state-of-mind. Although I’m really loving my 3’’ J.Crew chinos, I’m quickly becoming obsessed with my denim cutoffs from Madewell.  I purchased them back in November (it was actually on Black Friday!) from J.Crew Outlet and they were such a steal. Besides the major “pop of color” that they bring, they’re also extremely comfortable and effortless.  Not to mention that they have an undeniably youthful feel to them, which I love.  Long story short:  if you’re ever on the fence about buying shorts from Madewell, then I’d strongly recommend it!

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite cutoff shorts from around the web, have a look below:


Are you digging cutoffs as much as I am?  What’s your go-to shorts style?

xo,
A

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november. the. list.

First, can I just say that I can’t believe it’s already November?!  (I remember just tweeting a month ago about how I could not believe it was October.)  Am I the only one who feels like time is flying by? Sometimes, I wish we could just push pause... 

From here on out, I think I’m going to make it a personal goal to stop dwelling over how fleeting the days are and just live a little more in the moment. 

In honor of the new month and the approaching holiday season (don’t worry, I won’t be talking about all things Christmas just yet...), I thought it would be fun to pull my favorite clothing items and accessories of the moment. What I’m currently lusting over, if you will.  Take a glance and don’t forget to leave a comment sharing which new arrivals you’re obsessing over!  

1. Tim Tim Striped Raglan T-Shirt (French Connection): Nothing beats a good ol’ striped t-shirt in my book, especially when it’s as versatile as this navy/white one by French Connection.  

2. Shane Ivory/Black Polka Dot Crew Neck (Equipment): I have to say I’m digging the mega- sized polka dots featured on this cashmere crew neck sweater.  And it’s black and white, so the style possibilities are endless.  

3. It by Alexa Chung (Barnes & Noble): For fellow fashion-devotees (or shall I say Alexa-devotees), this is for you.  I don’t read much, but when I do, I make sure that it counts.  The next time I’m ready to welcome a new book into my life, you can bet that it will be this one.     

4. Contrast-Collar Topcoat (J.Crew): Dreamiest coat of the season — there, I said it.  While J.Crew seems to excel in, well...pretty much everything, their outerwear is especially swoon-worthy. 
5. Collection Chelsea Monk-Strap Boots (J.Crew): One thing that my fall wardrobe is severely lacking in is boots. While the temperatures are still bearable, I wouldn’t mind adding this menswear-inspired pair of ankle boots to my collection. 
6. Print & Shine Bobbi Set (ban.do): This bobbi set by ban.do is too good. Gimme polka dots and I’m all set! 7. Taylor Cardigan with Contrast (Equipment): It’s cardigan weather and there’s always room for one (or five) more cardis to come home.  This buffalo check one by Equipment is all sorts of cute.  I need it.

8. Double Pave Bracelet (Club Monaco): As I’m not a fan of major arm parties (a stack of two or three is my limit), I adore how simple and sophisticated this double pave bracelet  from CM is.

9. Cedar Street Monday (Kate Spade): Although much too small to be practical, that shade of robin’s egg blue is too lovely for words.  (Just FYI, It also comes in ballet slipper pink…)    

10. Demi Flat (Coach): Ballet flat connoisseur and bow-delighted, I am.  These cream-colored ballerinas (with a black cap-toe!) by Coach are spot-on.   

Although, I plan on compiling monthly “I Need It” lists, in the meantime, feel free to check out/follow my board on Pinterest appropriately titled, “Things I’m Yearning For…”  I’m a Pinterest fanatic (#fact) and am always adding new goodies to it.  Enjoy!

xo,
A

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