OUT + OUTFIT

Today I am participating in Polyvore’s weekly Uniquely You outfit challenge, where I was asked to build an ensemble around Modcloth’s Rainy Day Rendevouz dress.   I was super excited to be chosen this week given this dress.  Florals are something I cannot get out of my mind.  I’ve been on the hunt for something floral to add to my wardrobe because I don’t know, we’ve been living in a perpetual snow globe for what seems like weeks on end and I’m over it.  So imagine my glee when this showed up in my inbox.  I’m all over it.

When I started poking around Modcloth’s site with the Rendevouz dress in mind, I was drawn to the Getting Batter and Better trench and Uptown Errand bag immediately.  Feeling the neutrals and pattern mixing of trench and dress, it seemed only natural for me to keep the accessories simple with the Nectar in Line necklace and Wrap Time watch.  Then in this perfect world, I’d throw on the Bali Breeze wedges, stow the Rainy Daisy umbrella in my bag, and have my matching iPhone cover to tie the whole look together.  Batta bing, batta boom, good to go.

If you like what you see here, head on over to Modcloth to not only check out the Rainy Day Rendevouz dress, but  their other cute dresses as well.  I’m keeping my eye on this one and this one and this little ditty.

Ally is on the blog again with another look and all we need to talk about is this jacket.  Leather, sherpa-lined, draped collar – all great moves.  And per usual, she scored this from Gap Outlet.  I’m started to think she has some Gap Outlet super power.  I haven’t been out there in years, but it’s finds like this, and the fact that my mom also completely dominates that place, that is making me think I should start making some trips out there on a regular basis.  Ally, keep showing us your ways.

MM Coutour jacket (similar ideas here and here) | Mink Pink top (tank version here, similar idea here) | Banana Republic booties (similar-ish) (all Gap Outlet finds) | vintage Dooney and Burke bag from a vintage store (similar)

images by Aaron Strasser

I had this post waiting in the wings and thought that by the time I got around to posting it, the snow would seem out of place because winter would be behind us.  Then Mother Winter was all like hiiii, still here.

But let’s talk about this sweater.  Kelly to the rescue again.  This was a super score for her that I need to brag about.  She first saw it on Happily Grey but it’s from Sheinside.  This site is worth talking about because not only does it have great clothes, at excellent price points, but for any item you click on, you can also find a number of images that people send in of them wearing that item.  That way, you can see what the piece looks like, see how it can be worn and styled, all of which can be extremely helpful when deciding on something, or getting ideas for a look.  Pretty smart move on their part.

So hop on over there and check out what they’ve got going on.  As I’m sure Kelly can attest, this sweater is pretty awesome.  There is nothing better than a long, drape-y, warm sweater in the winter.  Although I’m good now winter so byeeee.

(Kelly’s) Sheinside sweater | Madewell blouse (similar) | Banana Republic pants | Toms wedges | Urban Outfitters sunglasses (similar)

images by Jenn Mercer

For today’s outfit post, I’m excited to feature another local blogger, Hillary from Make Statements.  She too favors a more pattern-mixing preppy look, so of course I think everything she wears is adorable.  And clearly given the name of her blog, she’s the queen of statement jewelry and pieces, to which I give the three-finger salute.  She always knocks it out of the park with what she pairs together.  So good.  Follow her lead.

Now hop on over to Make Statements to see the full look.  Then come back and let’s talk about that bag….

J.Crew Factory vest | J.Crew Factory tee | Ann Taylor Loft denim (similar) | Mossimo Supply Co booties from Target | H&M necklace (similar idea here and here and here) | Richter & Phillips watch and bracelets | Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM bag

I’ll address the pop of the hat in a second, but first a word on this dress.  I bought it on super sale from Madewell and only half loved it.  Great fabric at a great price, but I wasn’t entirely in love with the cut.  Alone, it seemed a little frumpy and off.  I even kept the tag on it for the first few wears (don’t judge) and I thought I’d ultimately take it back in exchange for this.  But the more I wore it as a jumper, the more I liked it.  I don’t know if it’s my incessant need to layer or if the dress was always meant to be this way, but now I’m all in.  The tag has been removed.

As for the hat, Kel brought it along and I had to rock it.  I planned on wearing my favorite blue one anyway, but I begged to trade up for this bright piece.  Again, if I worked in an industry with a more lax code, I’d be pulling this off a thousand times.  But just because I can’t actually wear this during work hours doesn’t mean I can’t throw it on on my way to happy hour.  Totally goes back to what I can’t get enough of – putting casual and dressy together.

Madewell dress (still on sale) and blouse (also on sale) | Frye boots | Urban Outfitters sunglasses (similar) | Gap hat (borrowed from Kel and similar here)

images by Jenn Mercer

I solicited my friend Ally Davis to be part of the blog here because, um, look at her.  Definition of cool.  I’ve known her since high school and when I run into her here and there when out and about, I’m always complimenting her hip-ness.  I just don’t think it gets any cooler.  Self-describing this look as “casual go to” she’s rocking layers and boots and high waisted jeans!?  Yes and yes and yes please.  My other favorite part about her is what she said here:

“Most of the things I wear are vintage finds, Gap Outlet finds and I mix them with Anthropology and Madewell staples.”

A woman after my own heart.

Tulle coat via Gap Outlet (similar) | Cheap Monday sweater (similar) and shirt (similar) via Gap Outlet | Urban Outfitters denim | vintage find boots from secondhand shop (similar) | Urban Outfitters infinity scarf (similar)

images courtesy of Aaron Strasser  (the above’s fiancé, fashionist-o in his own right, and A Tavola bartender-in-chief. check.him.out.)