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| Top | J. Crew (thrifted) Skirt | Theory Boots | Bally (vintage) Necklace | J Hannah x Winden "Fine" |
I was struggling the other morning when getting dressed. I kept trying on pieces, and then shrugging and thinking - maybe different pants...maybe with a different color sweater...I ultimately pulled this outfit and was so pleased - I will probably be re-wearing it many times this winter.
I am particularly pleased with this look because it incorporates so many elements of my personal style, such as:
1. There Are No Rules
Just as true today as it was in the Matrix - there is no spoon, and there are no rules. One rule that you often hear is around color - you shouldn't mix brown and black, as well as you shouldn't mix navy and black. This outfit has black (the sweater), navy (the skirt) and brown (the boots) and I think it all going together quite well. I think all three might vibe so well because they are all heavily saturated, rich versions of their color - i.e. I don't think a baby blue or a faded black would work as well in this outfit.
Another rule, at least that I think about, is the idea of which length's and cuts look good on petite women. I've heard short women shy away from both longer or midi length skirts, as well as tall boots. I think, again, it is about proportion. Here, picking a longer skirt that comes down to meet the top of the boots feels very cool, rather than that my skirt is too long or the clothes are just too big for me. I think the fact that the skirt is high-waisted helps with this, since it makes the bottom half of my body appear longer. Similarly, the leather boots are sexy enough so that this very covered up look doesn't seem overly conservative.
2. Mixing New/Old + High/Low
This outfit is a great example of mixing vintage and modern with varying price points. This cashmere-blend sweater, which is J. Crew, I got at Goodwill (almost a year ago to the day), and cost me a whopping $5. The skirt, while it is suede, and Theory (both of which, as you imagine, increase the retail price) I found at mark-down clearance at Nordstrom Rack. The necklace is totally contemporary, and also comes in rose gold.
The piece-de-resistance, however, is the boots. These boots actually belonged to my mom, and are from the 80s. I'm not sure why she kept them all these years since they did not fit her anymore (especially because she is a famed de-clutter-er) but I am really glad she did. She gave them to me when I was in high school - and all I had to do was have them re-soled, and they were perfect. The condition is great, and they totally look like they could be a contemporary find. I'm not saying everyone has awesome boots sitting in a parent's closet, but there are a lot of great consignment and thrift stores where you can shop for vintage and thrift pieces that are a lot cheaper than what you'll find new, online or at the mall.
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| It's "fine" jewelry...get it? |
Also, I hope you have a relaxing and wonderful holiday, and go forth and create (or break) some style rules of your own.
Below are some articles to peruse while you're standing in line at TSA:
1. From the WSJ, How a Zara Coat Went From Design to Fifth Avenue in 25 Days.
2. I was fascinated by this article on the designers behind dolls clothes (such as Barbie, etc.) (Racked)
3. Looking ahead - a Guide to the 2017 Fashion Calendar, thanks to Glossy.
4. And lastly, be prepared for the emotional roller coaster that is the NYT's Year in Pictures.
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