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

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june. the. list.

Just in time for the official arrival of summer (mark your calendars for Monday!), I’ve rounded up all my June favorites. Hint, hint: You can expect a lotta color and a lotta J.Crew — and a splurge (or two) mixed in. I don’t know about you, but come the summer months, I can’t help but gravitate toward preppy gingham prints, vibrant statement pieces and anything with a laid-back ‘tude. Take a peek at what I’m currently coveting below!

1. Gingham Cotton Shorts (J.Crew) // I know, I know. Navy gingham shorts for summer… how groundbreaking?! As far as preppy summer prints go, gingham will always do you right. Toss on some white canvas sneaks and a chambray shirt for the ultimate weekend look. 
2. Charlotte Olympia Bobby Sandals (Shopbop) // Can’t get away? Bring the tropics to you a la these multi-colored sandals featuring round perforations. They’re guaranteed to add instant charm and whimsy to all your #OOTDs. Be forewarned: They don’t come cheap (but that doesn’t stop me from still wanting 'em). 
3. Rivet & Thread Embroidered Japanese Denim Skirt (Madewell) // Thank goodness for Madewell’s dedication to effortless cool girl-approved staples. I straight-up need this denim embroidered skirt in my life — it couldn’t be more perfect. I recently bought a striped tee from Madewell’s Rivet & Thread line (this one actually) and it’s already been on repeat.
4. Iridescent Tote (J.Crew) // I have to admit the first time I saw this holographic tote in stores, I was a tad skeptical. It looked… interesting. Now that it’s popped up on my radar a few times, I'm starting to come around. I think it would be a fun statement piece for running errands or heading to class (or work!).
5. Short-Sleeve Popover Shirt in Candy Stripe (J.Crew) // Hello, summer stripes! When your same old chambray shirt grows stale, how about adding this short-sleeve popover shirt (with an extra playful twist) into the mix? Not only am I obsessed with the vintage stripe print, but the colors scream SUMMER.
6. Top Knot Headband (J.Crew) // Sorry (not sorry), but I’m so excited that top knot headbands are having a moment again. This gingham one is no exception. I imagine pairing it with a LWD, navy chino shorts — you name it. 
7. Tenoverten Nail Polish in Delancey (Net-a-Porter) // If I had to pick between pink and red nail polish, pink would win by a landslide. Between pastel pinks, hot pinks, neon pinks, and now this bright + punchy pink from Tenoverten, the limit does not exist.
8. Flights of Fancy Banana Coin Purse (Kate Spade) // The real question here is how could you not want a playful banana-shaped coin purse in your life? I digress.
9. Meli Melo Ortensia Saddle Bag (Shopbop) // This pebbled leather Meli Melo saddle bag is so, so pretty. Dress it up with a little black dress or pare it down with denim shorts and a lightweight sweater for a chilly evening around the bonfire. Your move.

What are your summer must-haves? Leave a comment below!

xo, 
A

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rainy. day. chic. #ootd.

Rainy day trench... with a playful twist!

Spring is officially in full swing and it’s only a matter of time before the April showers arrive. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of seriously cute rain jackets and wellies to go around. (Like so cute that you secretly want it to rain just so that you can whip out your favorite rainy day essentials. Well, almost anyway.) To prove that rainy day chic can be done, I’m sharing an #OOTD that I wore despite the not-so-pleasant weather. Now, if only I could find a way to combat frizzy hair!

As I like to say: Rainy days are just an excuse to get dressed up. Am I right?!

LOVE the pop of red! Every rainy day trench needs this much personality.

Ugh, someone please tell me how to combat frizzy hair on a rainy day! This was taken earlier in the day before I decided that a ponytail/messy bun was obligatory.

After snagging the cute navy rain coat above at a J.Crew Warehouse Sale back in November, I had been anxiously waiting for a rainy day to wear it. Can you blame me?! I proceeded to pair it with a "fun" ruffled sweatshirt and gingham pants for a preppy-whimsical look. Since it wasn't a downpour, I was able to top it off with a pair of old sparkly ballet flats.

J.Crew Navy Rain Jacket (similar)
J.Crew Ruffled Sweatshirt (similar)

Ann Taylor Geometric Necklace (different but I love this necklace)
Paige Verdugo Ankle Skinny Jeans (similar)
Sam Edelman Sparkly Ballet Flats (similar-ish)

Shop more rainy day essentials below!

What’s your secret to rainy day dressing? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A

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currently. craving. // gingham + buffalo check.

If there’s one print that I’m currently obsessed with at the moment, then it’s gingham + buffalo plaid. Seriously, I’ll take one of each of the dresses above, please! On a day-to-day basis, my favorite dresses are those that I consider daytime casual at best. In a nutshell: I like anything that can be tossed on with flats (or boots in this cold weather), dressed up with a scarf or worn as is for a totally on-point and slightly effortless look. My style philosophy these days is definitely to do less. Bye-bye heels and overly tight silhouettes... comfort is luxury, people! With all that being said, I could definitely see all three of these gingham and buffalo plaid dresses above making the transition from winter to spring, spring to summer and so on. And from day to night, with just the right pair of ankle booties and a leather jacket.

1. Courier Shirtdress in Buffalo Check (Madewell) // YAS. Madewell always gets it right with their buffalo plaid prints. (Speaking of which, I may or may not have just snagged this buffalo check skirt and this ridiculously comfy flannel shirt on major sale with the code: xoxomw.) Come springtime, I think this black-and-white shirtdress would be perfect with a field jacket or an oversized cardigan for a day trip to D.C.

2. Menzie Silk Babydoll Dress (Anthropologie) // OMG, just how sweet is this babydoll dress?! Everything from the pockets to the button detailing on the back and the above-the-knee length reads school girl to me. Throw a Barbour jacket (preferably this one) and riding boots into the mix and I'm sold.

3. Gingham Boxy Dress (Topshop) // Of all three dresses, this one is definitely the most formal. It's form-fitting but not too tight. The oversized pockets on the front coupled with the classic gingham print make this option great for the daytime and after-hours. Just toss on a statement necklace or a classic timepiece — or ditch the accessories all together for a minimalist look.

Are you loving gingham and buffalo plaid as much as I am? Leave a comment below!

xo,

A

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february. the. list.

I don’t know what your feelings are toward January and February (aka the coldest months of the year), but I think I’ve finally become acclimated to the frigid air.  As far as I’m concerned, six more weeks of winter (as opposed to an early spring) is a-okay with me.  In fact, if spring were to arrive tomorrow, I think I’d be kind of disappointed.  I can’t believe that I’m admitting that...but it’s true! 

For this month’s edition of “the list,” anything and everything pastel-colored is on my radar. Whether it’s pale pink or lovely lilac, you can count me in.  No surprise, a new pair of ballet flats and a simple drop waist dress have also somehow managed to woo me once again. Happy Monday (and belated February), everyone!

1.  Tennis Drop Waist Dress (French Connection)-  To wear now and then transition for spring with a cardigan...

2.  Mod Floral Hinged Bangle (Kate Spade)-  Every now and again, don’t we all yearn for a statement piece that is this sweet and sophisticated?  I know I do. 

3.  Gingham Shirred Skirt (Madewell)-  The result of my browsing through Madewell’s new arrivals:  major skirt envy, of course! 

4.  Printed Silk Snood (J.Crew)- The vibrant color palette.  The Aztec-inspired print.  THE tassels.     

5.  Stripe Play Pullover (Madewell)-  Stripes and symmetry at its finest. (Not to mention the pockets, oh my!) 

6.  Emma Bow Ballet Flats (J.Crew)- In high school, I remember owning a pair of navy flats that I wore so often that the heel part came apart.  Though I still own these said flats, they’ve most certainly seen better days.  I have a hunch that this bow-adorned pair from J.Crew would be the perfect replacement.      

7.  Shane Crew Neck Union Hearts Print (Equipment)-  Call me cliche, but I couldn’t resist featuring at least one heart-printed item in honor of Valentine’s Day.  

8.  Wes 57th Sunglass Case (Henri Bendel)-  A new home for your favorite pair of sunnies, perhaps?

9.  Daisy Place Tray (Kate Spade)- To be placed on your bedside table or dresser.  Thanks to this too-perfect tray by Kate Spade, you’ll never misplace your keys/favorite lip balm/hair ties again!

10.  Petal Collection Ring (Henri Bendel)-  Talk about pretty and dainty...I’m positively coveting that shade of lilac.

11.  Porter Magazine (Net-A-Porter)-  Online luxury retailer, Net-A-Porter, just launched their debut print magazine Porter, and to say that I’m excited would be an understatement. Available now on newsstands, I can’t wait to see what’s inside!  Blog post to follow, I’m sure...

What’s on your February wish list?

xo,  
A

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