Sweater: Madewell; brass necklace, c/o Everything Golden (it is a beautiful, well-made piece that I have been wearing almost EVERY day since receiving it!); skirt: Hackwith; boots: Rachel Comey (a gift from my lovely mama — sold out, but find similar pair here); leather bag: Baggu
I have a confession. I’ve kind of gone a bit overboard in buying fall/winter clothing. Blame it on the current neutral trends (hello oatmeal and gray and ivory everywhere!!!) or a bit more money coming in thanks to some writing assignments. But this does not mean I have thrown my “less is more” philosophy out the window. For every single thing that comes in, something goes out. I took another serious, hard look at my closet and what was in it, and put together another pile of clothes to sell or donate.
I have found that I am outgrowing certain looks; for instance, my love of polka dots a couple of years ago now seems a bit juvenile and whenever I put on this skirt, I felt like a little girl. And, not feeling comfortable looking like a little girl, I stopped wearing it. So that (along with a bunch of other stuff along the same lines) was sold.
I have stocked up on a few soft cotton dresses and henley tees that have a bit more grown up silhouette, and have been very particular about the sweater area. After several failed attempts at finding the perfect chunky knit sweater, I spotted this one and ordered it, fingers crossed. And when it arrived, I was so pleased! It is the perfect fit – nicely snug in the arms, just a bit cropped and boxy to wear with my more fitted jeans and skirts, or over the top of more form-fitting dresses.
I just have a couple more things in mind before my fall/winter purchases are complete, but they are little, like some fun patterned tights and this handmade slouchy hat in my favorite neutral: oatmeal (or mushroom?). Then, let’s see what combinations are in store this fall!
Styles evolve . . . that’s life. I love the look of neutrals and then put them on and looked so washed out. But then I put on something in a deep brown, blue, or green and I look so much better. It’s too bad I am easily seduced by oatmeal, white, off-white, etc. – I could save a lot of time trying on clothes!
White skirt? I can’t even believe it. I could not wear a white skirt for any length of time. Looks great though. That sweater does too, I’ve been dreaming of knitting a chunky, light grey moss stitch sweater. Of course, by the time that’d be done, spring would be here 😉 You look lovely and mature as always. I too have been trying to wear slightly more grown up, less romantic styles, simpler things. So far, sort of failing.
t — That’s funny! I feel like that with pastels. I am sometimes drawn to them, but they wash me out pretty badly (I have olive undertones so I have to stay away from those soft colors), but neutrals look best on me. I have the worst luck with pink. Luckily, I hate pink. 🙂
Milla, I LOVE this white skirt! It gets plenty dirty, but nothing a little bleach and pre-treating can’t help!
very pretty! you always look so nice and put together. i sometimes wonder what i look like to other people…maybe i don’t want to know 😉
I have to confess that I love the girly polka dot skirt! I like neutrals with weird pieces mixed in… and I always know I’ve put together one too many of the weird pieces when James looks at me like I have three heads 😉
So I actually have a style question for you. I realized in the last few winters that my winter coat really becomes my full fashion statement most of the time (plus boots, it’s all you can see when I’m out and about). I need to invest in a new coat this year and I’m so torn which direction to go in. I like being warm, but also want to look less like I’m walking around in my sleeping bag. I don’t think I’ve ever seen your winter coat(s)… What do you look like when the snow is falling? 😉
I am such a sucky for a chunky knit! I love this whole outfit, looks great on you! Now I’m off to catch up on your blog… It’s been forever and I miss reading about your sweet family.
Oh, Lilly, the coat issues. I have them too!
I desperately need a new winter coat. Usually here in St. Louis it doesn’t get terribly cold, but last winter it was below zero for so many days, I had to bundle up. If it’s just in the 40’s or even upper 30’s, I layer like crazy with thermals and sweaters and scarves and hats, then I forgo the coat. But realistically, I’d like to get a nice coat that will last me for years and years.
But the ones I think are classic and timeless are SOOOO expensive! I actually really like the way the modern parka looks (again, dream world with the price):
Canada Goose has some beautiful parkas! http://www.canada-goose.com/shop/womens/
If I’m going to be honest, this one is my favorite: http://www.stevenalan.com/110609.html#cgid=womens-clothing-jackets-and-outerwear&frmt=ajax&view=all&start=0&hitcount=57
But this one is half the price and I really like the way it looks with basics: http://www.stevenalan.com/F14_NA_F14_JULIE_AND_CANDY_.html?dwvar_F14__NA__F14__JULIE__AND__CANDY___color=1585#cgid=womens-clothing-jackets-and-outerwear&frmt=ajax&view=all&start=0&hitcount=57
Oh, man. Good luck. I’ve had too many dilemmas to go through with it yet! Let me know if you find something you love!
Is this a joke?
Hi Dave! Good to see you’re still reading along! And no, it’s totally, 100% no joke. 🙂
I live in Michigan, where we have to take our winter coats seriously! I bought one from lole when we moved here 5 years ago and it still looks like new and is super warm. They don’t have it anymore, but they’ve got some really cute ones.
http://www.lolewomen.com/outerwear
I was bored and couldn’t think of anything funny to say. Any way you could have Andrew provide this type of wardrobe analysis on a weekly basis? Not one where you dress him, but one where he goes through his old college wardrobe of mini Hawaiian shirts and khaki shorts, and just sort of discusses where one might purchase such pieces of cloth at this juncture?
Thanks for the recommendation Amy! Yes, some areas of the country must take their winter coats seriously!
And Dave, I think that’s an excellent idea. I’m sure Andrew would be happy to discuss.
I love this outfit on you! The colors suit you very well! May I ask where you purchased your Henley tees from? All of the ones I have been finding are either too sexy (for my liking) or too campingish looking! I’d love to check out some fresh options! Thank you
Sure, Jessica! I really like James Perse henley’s, which are (thankfully) on sale here:
http://www.shopbop.com/high-gauge-jersey-henley-james/vp/v=1/1591118539.htm?folderID=2534374302023782&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=17890
I like this taupe color (fossil) but white is also great. These are somewhat sheer, but with a nude bra, totally fine. Also, they are as soft as can be, so are the perfect base layer under sweaters that might be a bit itchy. Hope that helps!
These are great! Great price too. Thank you!
This skirtis something, it looks like a vintage one, love it