Outfit of the Day: Age is Just a Number.

So, when I turned 40 I started feeling like I had to start worrying about dressing too young or trendy or or whatever. Is this trend too young for me? Am I too old for that? What does 40-something even look like anymore? Well, I will tell you that yesterday I turned 50 and over the past ten years have realized none of that shit matters AT ALL. Wear what you like. Buy what makes you happy (within reason or we'd all have ponies named Cupcake.) Have the best time mixing your nice stuff with that Stones tee you bought at Target.  Don't worry about dressing for your age! What even is age?  Here's an example:

Pretty typical jeans and a t-shirt and an awesome new pair of Vans Checkerboard slip-ons because I went to the Vans store with my boyfriend and accidentally tried them on. Aren't they GOOD? Such excellent retro Spicoli vibes, right? I regret nothing! I love these shoes so much. My t-shirt is fancy by way of the thrift store. It's this one by ATM and it's a nice t-shirt, but even nicer when it's $4. 

My jeans are an older pair of Madewell Cali Demi Boot, bought on Poshmark. This pair is probably the most similar in cut, but the wash here is better. I also want to try the pair with Tencel! This style is so fun and feels really fresh, especially with my rad new slip-ons. 

The jacket I'm wearing is my latest good thrift find - an American Giant Moto Full Zip. I've checked out the American Giant website before but never owned anything from them until now. Y'all. This jacket is nice. It has all the comfort and softness of a zip up hoodie but with the structure and construction of a really nice little jacket. It reminds me a bit of the Scuba hoodie from Lululemon - good, heavy quality cotton and such a flattering cut.

Just in case things were getting TOO casual, I pulled out an old friend. This Miu Miu bag is such a favorite but I just haven't been carrying it much in the past few years and I missed it. I can't find anything super similar but I love this cool black hobo from Rebecca Minkoff and this Marc Jacobs bag has a similar feel. I love the mix of something really nice worn with my best thrift finds, you know? 

Quick details! I'm wearing my usual array of jewelry - moonstone earrings from Three Flames Silverworks, and old Madewell horn pendant (similar) and my Gorjana Parker. Nothing super fancy, but it all feels like me. This is 50 and it feels great. 

Outfit of the Day: Springtime Stripes.

The weather has taken a springtime turn so I've been digging around in my off-season clothing bins for something to wear. My favorite thing that I bought last summer is definitely my Alex Mill boatneck tee:

They currently only have this tee in solid colors and I'll probably buy another one because it's the BEST - I just love how slouchy and easy it is to wear and the quality is excellent. I also love the look of their long sleeved striped tees - this one is pretty traditional and this one has cute puffed sleeves! 

Here's a weird closeup of my pants which are, of course, Athleta. These are the Brooklyn Ankle Pant and I wear them an embarrassing amount. I'm not crazy about the colors they're offering this spring but I do really like this navy windowpane print. These are the kind of pants that are great for work/work from home and for travel - they are comfy, they don't wrinkle and they dry super fast. Oh, and I'm wearing my thrifted Sanita clogs that are not particularly cool, but they are really comfortable and clompy. 

I tried on my Universal Thread denim jacket with trepidation but, oh thank God, it still magically fits. I bought it several years ago and Target still has it (or one just like it) and it's such a deal, you guys. Just so classic and not too cropped. And under $30! You can't beat it. I'm not going to lie, I've always been tempted by Madewell's denim jacket because I love the copper buttons, but so far my Target version has served me well. 

I'm wearing double the necklaces for double the intimidation. (Thanks, Tika!) My Dean Davidson tassel, which is sold out but check out this gorgeous labradorite lariat necklace! Eep. I'm also wearing half of my layering set from Madewell which is also sold out but they have this set which is so pretty. That's it for today! Now back to obsessing over raincoats. 

Outfit of the Day: But Make It Fashion.

 Hello! I am currently very tired, having just done a whirlwind long weekend trip to the west coast to try and find a house. (So far: unsuccessful.) However, upon my return another pair of new-to-me Madewell jeans were waiting for me:

Whee! Finally, I have a pair of the Cali Demi Boot style. I've wanted these but just wasn't sure if I could truly pull them off but ya'll, I LOVE THEM. I really think these are the kind of jeans that make the most of your shape and they're kicky and very current. So cute with flats or sandals! Probably also really cute with boots, but I haven't tried that yet. My pair is an older version but these with the raw hem are probably the most similar or maybe these. Here's a closer look: 

They just feel fresh after so many skinny styles (which I still love, don't get me wrong.) My top is from Quince and it's the super soft fleece crew. I have the matching lounge pants (reviewed here) and they're my current favorite comfy-wear set. It's a sweatshirt, yes, but it's lightweight and soft and fits me nicely enough that it can function as out-of-the-house wear without looking sloppy. 

I'm accessorizing with a super-old locket from J.Crew which is still one of my favorite things. You can probably find it on Poshmark or eBay but if I were to buy another one, it would be this one from Lulu Frost. Now, let's make jeans and a sweatshirt fashion, yes? 

YAY. Can you believe I've had this coat for months and forgot about it? I bought it from Nina last summer- it's from that one really good season Talbots had in 2010. She held onto it and then passed it on to me and I put it away in a closet for fall except I never remembered to pull it back out. Now here it is spring and I'm like, fuck it, I am WEARING THAT VELVET LEOPARD COAT (...to the grocery store.) You might be able to find one secondhand, but J.Crew has this cute sherpa version and how cool is this one? You could also just get my cute leopard moto jacket and be done with it.

Here's the whole thing. I am wearing this amazing coat with my red Everlane flats (similar style here at Madewell) and my Lo & Sons Pearl crossbody with it's original strap. I am definitely wearing this to Trader Joes later because it's good, right? Errands, but make it fashion. 

Outfit of the Day: New Jeans and a New Life.

That title is pretty intense, eh? It's not my new jeans that are life-changing it's my news: I am moving to the Portland, OR area next month! My boyfriend's job is transferring him there and I'm going with him. I have only ever lived in Richmond, VA, so this is pretty huge for me. I'll be taking some time off from the blog while all of this is happening but then I'll be back with some fresh PNW content. (And if you're from the area, I need your recs, please! For, like, everything.)

Now, on to more mundane things, like having a pair of jeans that fits. Like a lot of folks, I have gained an unexpected amount of weight in the last year, so a really good chunk of my wardrobe doesn't fit right now. Rather than continue to feel bad about it, I'm just trying to live in my current situation and that situation needed a pair of cute, straight leg blue jeans that actually fit me comfortably. Crazy, I know. Marianne recently found a pair of the Madewell Slim Straight on Poshmark and loved them, so I immediately tracked down a pair too. (Ever the creeper, right?) Here you go:

They don't actually make the slim straight anymore but this current style is really similar (and is actually what I wanted to buy...when they go on sale) and I also love this style but they're out of my size. My t-shirt is another Quince purchase and it's fine. The style is a bit slimmer of a cut than I was hoping for but it's a decent gray tee - nothing to complain about, just not magical. 

This is my Gap utility jacket back from when I bought a bunch to review. It's a great lightweight layer and so comfortable! The old link to mine claims it's sold out so I linked to the newer version which looks like the same exact jacket? Who can say. There's also this cute quilted utility jacket which is a bit more fashion. On to details:

I'm wearing a tiny compass pendant similar to this one and also my beloved labradorite tassel necklace by Dean Davidson. There's nothing even remotely similar, but I thought this tassel necklace was striking. 

Finally, I'm carrying my Miu Miu bag (reviewed here) which is probably my favorite thing I own. This Cole Haan turnlock bag is probably the most similar! My leopard flats are Madewell from last year, but this pair is pretty cute and these loafers are the same print as mine. 

Outfit of the Day: Thrifted Treasure.

I thrift shop on a semi-regular basis and every now and then I find something super fun that I might not have bought full price, but for $3 or $4 I know I can enjoy having for a while. This striped shirt is VERY me. A striped cotton tee with a gold lightning bolt patch? Are you kidding me:

It's a size or two bigger than what I wear but who doesn't love an oversized tee? This one is from H&M but is long gone from stores. I'm pretty sure you can find it on Poshmark or eBay but for something similar, that Old Navy tee I keep talking about (and clearly don't need) has a very similar vibe, which is obviously CDG Play, right? I also think it has a Kule Modern Tee feel and how cute is this Kule/Madewell tee? 

Still happy with my gray Madewell jeans (cropped version here) and I've been wearing them a lot. I definitely want another pair of gray jeans, perhaps this Perfect Vintage pair? (I'm pretending they aren't on sale.) And oooh, look at this Pilcro pair at Anthro! I freaking love those. 

I just kept adding stuff. I'm wearing my AllSaints Dalby jacket and dusted off my neglected Cambridge Satchel Co bag which is such a cool bag. I've decided to stop being a bad bag mom and give it a turn in the rotation. I don't think they make this exact style anymore but this one is quite similar. 

A quick detail shot of my lightning bolt and also my pendant, which is hard to see. It's my very old Giles & Brother fish hook. They still make a tiny version of it! 

And finally, my awesome boots. These are Esska Mash boots and they're so much fun, how could I not wearing them with my lightning bolt shirt? They're sold out but they have a whole line of boots and shoes with the lightning bolt. And, if you're just like, damn I want cute red boots, this pair at Madewell is a steal. (And they're more wine than red but whatever. They cute.) 

Outfit of the Day: Trader Joe's Fun-Casual.

As we've discussed, sometimes I dress up to go to the grocery store because where else am I going to go? And for me, sometimes dressing up actually means dressing down but in a fun way. It's like an invite to a wedding with a really confusing dress code: Trader Joe's Fun-Casual! 

Anyway, it's been too cold and rainy lately to wear anything fun but we finally got a few warm days and I went for it:

Yay! I finally got the buckle replaced on my Veda Jayne leather jacket and couldn't wait to wear it. Definitely an improvement. I bought my jacket on eBay but for something similar, you cannot go wrong with the AllSaints Balfern and I also found this lovely number by SOIA & KYO. For a faux leather option, this one is cute! 

My jeans are an older pair of my favorite Madewell Slim Boyjean! I prefer the mid rise version over the high rise, but both are good! It's just a personal preference. You can't really see my most excellent t-shirt so here you go:

Yes! This was a fantastic gift from Marianne and it's by Letluv who also made my thermal lightning bolt tee. They are expensive, but I have been really happy with the quality of both. I have my eye on this sweatshirt and also love this Stones tee. And, if you're looking for a Bowie tee, Chaser does a nice job as well. 

More details! I added a very soft plaid scarf I got for my birthday and I'm wearing my red Everlane Day Glove flats, which I like more than I want to admit. Madewell also has a similar pair!  And, finally, I'm  carrying my old faithful Marc Jacobs hobo (similar style.) I've had this bag for five years! It's such a reliable friend. Aww. 

Outfit of the Day: Making Half An Effort.

 I have a uniform now, a happy rut where I wear the same exact thing every single day because who even sees me? Stretchy Athleta pants, Quince sweater, t-shirt, boots or Birkenstock clogs. It's comfy but it bums me out to see my whole closet being unworn and unappreciated. So, on days I have meetings, I've been trying to wear something I haven't worn in a while. I'm trryyyyyyyying, y'all. Anyway, this was my effort the other day:

This blouse is Dolan Left Coast and it was thrifted last year (on my last visit to Marianne, pre-pandemic!) It's pink and has tiny ruffles which is definitely Not My Thing but it's also gray leopard print which is My Thing. Plus, it's nice to have something that's just pretty, you know? It's good for Zoom meetings and for cheering one up. There are a few on Poshmark but it's otherwise long gone from stores. For something similar, I love this blouse that has a good drape-y feel and this one is a bit precious but the print is nearly identical! For a similar boho style, I love this at Anthro and OMG how beautiful is this Maeve blouse?

I'm always freezing so I threw on my J.Crew cashmere cardigan, which is old but it's easy to find this style in cashmere. This one is well-priced and comes in a bunch of good colors and this one at NR is even less expensive and gets great reviews. My gray skinny jeans are, of course, Madewell and they also come in a cropped version! I want all the gray jeans now. On to details:

I'm still obsessively wearing my Gorjana Parker Wrap necklace with a labradorite stone pendant I bought from Etsy. And now, let's talk a minute about these boots:

My Blundstone 587 Classic Chelsea boots have been amazing. No crazy break-in period, no discomfort, just a solid, warm boot that works well with my style. I dig them a lot and I've been wearing them a lot. I got them in rustic black, which makes them very casual, but I have my Cole Haan Chelsea boots if I want something dressier. Right now, the Blundstones are working out great since our weather has been nothing but crappy. Yay February. 

Outfit of the Day: Let's Redefine "Flattering"

 I go thrifting on a regular basis and occasionally I find something that isn't quite "me" but it's weird or interesting enough that I buy it anyway. Recently I found a COS top with the tags still on and I bought it even though I didn't quite understand it:

I'm not sure it's super flattering, but what is that anyway? When something is flattering, do we mean it makes us look thin? I really hope not. Honestly, if something fits me correctly and makes me feel good or cool or whatever that's what matters. 

I think of COS as high concept, well-cut clothing that isn't trying to make you look thin, it's trying to create an interesting, clean silhouette, which is much more interesting to me. My top is two layers - a long sleeved top with a...cape-like overlayer. It's weird and fun and it moves when I move. 

I couldn't find my exact top but this one at COS is exactly my kind of thing and I love the shape of this sweatshirt. I also think this looks like a really excellent long-sleeved tee. And ugh, I love this one too!

I'm wearing my cool-ass new top with an older pair of Madewell skinny jeans very similar to this pair and some Madewell leopard boots that I love beyond all reason. I should wear them to the grocery store soon - give them an outing. My pair is almost sold out but they also have this pair that looks great.

There is really only one bag that would work best with this and it's my Miu Miu. What a beaut. There's one for sale here but this Coach bag is quite nice and very similar and this bag is gorgeous and much easier on the wallet. Details: 

I still get a little thrill every time I carry this bag. It's true love. Finally, I'm wearing the necklace I posted about recently:

It's the Gorjana Parker wrap necklace which I fancied up with a labradorite charm I bought from Etsy. I also found this Gorjana lariat style necklace on sale which has a similar flair.

Outfit of the Day: Rock 'n Roll, but Classy.

 Okay, so I mentioned on Monday that I bought these gray skinny jeans from Madewell and y'all, they are apparently exactly what I needed in my life. I've always wanted a pair of gray jeans and could never find the exact wash I had in mind. These pretty much nail it:

Gray is my favorite neutral (or, as my friend Nina claims, I like the colors of sadness) and I am so pleased at how easily gray jeans work with basically everything I own and they have a weathered rock 'n roll vibe that just feels like me (or inner me. You understand.) They have magically been restocked at Madewell but they're final sale, so I'd go with Nordstrom or Zappos! Of course, now I want more jeans with a similar gray wash. Like, why no gray Boyjeans? I do have my eye on this pair of the Perfect Vintage though.

My big leopard cardigan is by Design History and it's very on sale at Off 5th! It's really thick and cozy but totally made from synthetics so it's not itchy at all so I can wear it with short sleeves. I am a fan. My incredibly plain black tee is the J.Crew Vintage cotton crewneck and it's currently my favorite t-shirt. The next time they go on sale, I am stocking up. On to details:

Okay, this necklace. So, while watching Stylish With Jenna Lyons I became obsessed with her long gold paperclip chain that she wore in a variety of different ways (often as a lariat) with gemstones attached or not. OBSESSED. I finally found her necklace and y'all. I WEEP AND WEEP. I obviously cannot bankrupt myself so I decided to figure out a poor-girl version. First, I found this long wrap chain from Gorjana that has a cool little hinged closure pretty enough to wear in front, but more importantly meant I could attach charms or stones or whatever. Obviously I went with a really nice labradorite stone I found on Etsy because I'm predictable:

This is how I most often wear it, but I also love it as a lariat style and I'm going to wire up some other stones and charms I already have so I can mix and match according to my mood. 

Oh, and my boots! I have been really enjoying my Esska boots - they are the pop of joy that I need in an outfit even if I'm just going to the the grocery store. So rock 'n roll! Ha. 

Outfit of the Day: This is What Happens.

 I swear to you my at-home style is slowly evolving (devolving?) into "jaunty moto lumberjack" which I am pretty sure is not a thing, but maybe it is now. Today I decided I couldn't wait one more day to wear my new Sorel boots so I just threw them on with what I was already wearing:

I mean, not awful, right? It kinda works. I have so far only worn my cute Sorel boots around the house but they are SO COMFY. Like, immediately cozy and comfortable. My feet are warm and happy and it's  nice to take a break from my usual around-the-house Ugg boots or Birkenstock clogs. I'm also wearing my Athleta moto Headlands Hybrid tights (sold out, but the Delancy Tight is similar moto style) and my striped Old Navy sweater which I posted a quick review of back in December.) It's a really great cheap-and-cheerful purchase that I do not regret at all. I really love that it's basically tunic-length so I don't even have to wear it with real pants. 

I love red with a black and white combo, so I dusted off my red leather Longchamp Le Pliage bag which feel so BIG after mostly just carrying my tiny crossbody. It's lightweight and smooshy, though, so still easy to carry and wear. The updated version and the nylon version are both on sale at Off Fifth right now and it's available in pink at NR. 

Details! Man, I do love this bag. I'm also wearing some jewelry which you can sorta see here:

My pendant necklace is by Pyrrha Jewelry and my moonstone earrings are Three Flames Silverworks (who is so talented! Please check her out.) 

One more look at my Sorel Explorer Joan boots! I obviously haven't had a chance to try them in snowy conditions but so far I am delighted by their fit and comfort. And they cute, duh. There are a few sizes on sale here and they're also available in more sizes and colors on Zappos. (Ever the enabler!) 

Outfit of the Day: Shopping My Closet...For a While.

YOU GUYS. Marianne and I have decided to do a no-buy on clothes, shoes and other unnecessary purchases, like beauty and candles. So, basically we decided to start the year off as a Big No Fun Bummer. Yay. It's totally fine, though because I like to buy things and stash them away as Christmas gifts for myself and then eventually pull them out all, surprise! 

Ooh, these Esska boots, remember? Okay, so the maiden voyage was to Trader Joe's but that's as exciting as it gets around here. I still felt really cool wearing them because how could I not? I'm also wearing a new Quince sweater! I'd originally ordered the cashmere sweatshirt in the same color but exchanged it because it just wasn't a good shape for me. The regular $50 cashmere crew neck is fantastic, though. ($10 off your first purchase if you use my link! I also get $10 credit, just fyi.) I've worn both of my Quince sweaters quite a bit and they do pill a bit under the arms, but otherwise they're great - soft, warm, cute as hell. 

Here's a quick closeup to show you my sweater and my jewelry - a Madewell horn pendant (similar to this one but I really want this one!) and my Whimsey jewelry Bowie necklace that I mentioned in yesterday's post. 

Here's the whole look! I'm wearing my Athleta Headlands Hybrid leggings because I never take them off and I've added a Barbor scarf (mine is sold out, this is similar-ish) and my Veda Jayne leather jacket (which is good but seriously, if you're a size 2 or 8 in jackets, this AllSaints jacket! What a price.) 

Oh! And my bag is an old Marc Jacobs Single which is such a nice bag. You can find it secondhand in various versions but there are a ton of similar bags out there. I love this Minkoff flap for it's tonal hardware and this gorgeous H&M version is under $40! The quilted flap is such a classic style but it feels super fancy too. It really balances out the sweatpants or whatever. Heh.