OUTFIT 1 and 2 DETAILS:
1 Kimono jacket: thrifted (super similar, only $8!)
1 Black top: Uniqlo (exact - a really nice basic camisole with a washable, yet dressy poly crepe fabric. I highly recommend as a wardrobe basic. The straps are spaghetti straps, super pretty if you can wear a strapless bra, but looks fine with a regular matching color bra strap. I'm wearing a medium.)
2 Pattern top: thrifted (similar, similar)
1 & 2 Pants: Gap (exact - on sale, similar)
1 & 2 Earrings: vintage shop (similar)
1 & 2 Necklaces: gifts and vacations (similar top necklace, similar middle chain, similar longest pendant, similar 3 in one layered necklace)
1 Black sunglasses: LOFT (close to exact, restocked)
2 Tortoiseshell sunglasses: Forever 21 (similar)
1 Black slide sandals: Zara, thrifted (similar)
2 Gray metallic sandals: Fly London, thrifted (similar)
1 Basket backpack: thrifted (similar)
2 Crossbody bag: thrifted (similar)
These are the outfits I considered for wearing to BottleRock 2018, a music festival in Napa. I actually ended up wearing something similar to the first option, but with gray jeans (the white ones kept getting stained - twice! - before I even wore them) and a thrifted denim jacket that I spruced up by removing the collar and hem and leaving the frayed edges, and cropping the sleeves and fraying them. It ended up being much colder than I had anticipated, which is why I decided not to go with the chiffon kimono layer - not very helpful in cold weather!
Here's what I learned about this planned outfit once I actually went to this event.
1) Wrong shoes. I mean, I wore them, and they were fine, I didn't get blisters or anything, but open-toed, slide shoes are not ideal for grassy, potentially muddy fields, nor are they the best option for walking in crowds. Since it ended up being much cooler weather, I would have been better off with short ankle boots, or maybe a chunky brogue "Doc Marten" style shoe. I've been to other music festivals in the Midwest that are hosted in fairground locations, so everything is paved. My feet would have stayed much cleaner... Now I know this event (and probably many other, smaller music festivals on the West Coast) is different!
2) The adorable basket backpack would not have been the best bet. I ended up not choosing it anyway, and I'm so glad I didn't. In a large crowd, a delicate bag that sticks out behind you can be difficult to manage anyway, but you would certainly want one that closes, for security. I ended up using the basket bag for small winery wine tasting the next day. Much more appropriate.
3) I didn't bring a water bottle - me, the person who always carries some kind of liquid - to the one event that had a whole tent for water bottle refill. We ended up just buying one bottle of water and refilling it all day, but I should have known better.
4) I needed a hat - thankfully it was mostly cloudy so I was okay, but under normal circumstances, in this area being outside all day at this time of the year, I would definitely require a sun hat, not just sunglasses. I own lots, I just should have carried one!
5) I didn't bring a blanket. Not that we would have used it for the big concert that evening, but earlier in the day, there was always space to put a blanket down and sit on the grass. We just used Mike's jacket, but we own several packable blankets for picnicking that we never have an opportunity to use.
6) Bringing more layers would have been good, it did get chillier at night. I did use the hat, gloves and the raincoat Mike graciously loaned me (getting himself wet when it drizzled) on and off all day, but especially in the evening. Like a dummy, I forgot about this packable jacket I bought that would have been perfect to carry with me in my bag. Somehow I forget I own this, but it's so useful!
However, these are still cute outfits for other summer activities. Just thought I'd share them, as well as my thoughts.
Here are some buying options if you're looking for similar items:
KIMONO:
TOPS:
PANTS:
SHOES:
BAGS:
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Activity: Meeting for worship
Coat: Talbots, thrifted (similar)
Dress: Boden, thrifted (similar)
Earrings: From Brazil (similar)
Bracelet: ebay (similar)
Bag: Kate Spade, gift (similar budget, similar)
Shoes: Franco Sarto via DSW (similar)
Outfit inspiration? Completely these earrings that I had just purchased from a friend who brought jewelry from Brazil to sell. I wasn't sure I'd have the items to match this mod feel, but with a basic shift dress (definitely a wardrobe basic, in my opinion), and this fun bright minimalist coat, the outfit came together.
I'm starting to realize what my closet goals are - versatility. Not necessarily trendy, although I enjoy incorporating a popular trend if it fits my personal aesthetic (especially if I can thrift that item). Within a range of looks I enjoy, I like being able to morph basic pieces into completely different feeling outfits. I've had some hiccups along the way, choosing looks that weren't really my style because they were trendy, but thankfully outfit photographs often have kept me from wearing those items more than once (someday I'll share some of those photos, but ugh... not today).
What are the outfit moods in my range - currently, anyway? Modern minimalist, like this outfit, slightly bohemian minimalist (like this outfit), classic (seen here and here), a bit preppy (here), a bit romantic (here).
What are your favorite outfit moods?
Here are some shopping options, if you're in the market:
JEWELRY:
BAGS:
COAT:
DRESS:
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OUTFIT DETAILS:
Activity: Volunteer ministry
Hat: Parkhurst new on ebay (exact in cotton, similar on sale)
Trench: J. Crew, thrifted via ebay (similar - on sale!)
Tee: H&M (exact - 2 for $10 in store)
Skirt: thrifted (similar)
Shoes: Cole Haan Air, thrifted via ebay (similar - on sale!)
Bag: thrifted (similar)
Sunglasses: surf shop in SF (similar)
Necklaces: various trips (similar black bead, similar chain, similar pendant)
Earrings: vintage shop in SF (similar)
That's a really bad, title. I know. I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist. Anyway, the outfit is still cute, in my humble opinion. It's another outfit that will work just as well in 5 or 10 years, because it is made up of classic wardrobe staples: cropped trench coat, white tee, black pencil skirt, cognac mules, gold jewelry, and the fun addition of the red beret and basket backpack, which are both trendy and classic at the same time. It could also easily be adapted for different seasons by adding a scarf and tights, or a warmer trench coat or a hidden layer underneath this one (like this awesome roll-up coat - now on sale - that is perfect for traveling with when you never know what the weather may turn out to be).
I was also thinking this outfit would be great for traveling with, because adding a different hat and shoes or bag could completely change the look without adding much weight to your suitcase. Think I'll keep this look in rotation for a while!
Here are some buying options, if you're in the market:
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Activity: Volunteer ministry
Jacket: J. Crew schoolboy jacket, thrifted (similar)
Top: LOFT (similar)
Skirt: DKNY (similar up to size 12, similar in more inclusive size range)
Shoes: Madewell (similar - 70% off in sizes 37-41)
Bag: unbranded, thrifted (similar)
Sunglasses: SF surf shop (similar)
Earrings: Renegade craft fair, Chicago (similar)
I love outfits that feel timeless and classic enough to be worn in any decade. I feel like this outfit is a look I'll be able to turn to, even 10 years in the future, and it will still look just as classic. I could choose to add a trendy detail to make it more "of the moment", or leave it as it is, and it will work either way. In this case, I feel like the key is the classic schoolboy blazer. It's been one of those "bucket list" wardrobe items I'm always on the lookout for while thrifting, and when I stumbled across this one, I was thrilled. (So thrilled, apparently that I didn't notice 3 sleeve buttons were missing - I'm usually better at noting the details that that. However, either way, I would have bought this - buttons are easy to fix, as opposed to a fit or stain issue.) I previously had a navy blue version by Gap, but it just wasn't the right color - and a really dark navy just doesn't combine as easily with black as gray does. So, that version went out of the closet and this version came in.
The other components of this outfit are also quite timeless - a light blue chambray shirt, black maxi skirt and cognac oxfords. These are also all items I mix and remix again and again and would never be without in my wardrobe.
What are your wardrobe basics? Do share! (And would you like a wardrobe basics post someday? Let me know!)
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OUTFIT DETAILS:
Top: Harlowe & Graham, thrifted (similar full-length sleeve, similar 3/4 sleeve)
Skirt: thrifted (similar)
Earrings: ebay (similar)
Bag: thrifted (similar)
Bracelet: street seller in SF (similar)
Shoes: Pour la Victoire via DSW (similar)
I have always liked this color. As I mentioned in this post, it combines with almost everything well - all shades of blue, all shades of brown or khaki, and I wear it with black often, as well, though some may feel that's too Halloweeny (Halloweenish?). Although this top was recently thrifted, I've spotted this color often in spring releases - Everlane has several items, including an adorable lightweight full-zip anorak/raincoat in this color (they call it "poppy red", don't be fooled, I've seen it in person), Athleta offers the tulip back top (that I reviewed in this post) in this color ("on fire") in all sleeve lengths, and I saw several things in this color during a recent foray into a LOFT store, like this and this (called lava red and deep red on their website - though I've seen them in person and they are this flame orange/red color, not straight red). So, the good news is, if you're interested in this look, or just this color, you will be able to find it, as opposed to some of my looks. (One of the side effects of blogging while thrifting...)
On a side note, I'm starting to be done with bell sleeves. What about you? Since I loved the color and the price was right, I figured I could always turn this into an elbow length sleeve top by removing the bell sleeves. We'll see. Any recommendations?
Here are few flame orange options for you - all of which I've seen in person and can vouch for the color:
Activity: Acupuncture appointment, errands
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Coat: Zara, thrifted (similar)
Top: Merona (similar)
Jeans: LOFT (similar)
Sunglasses: Surf shop in SF (similar)
Earrings: Robin Indira boutique (similar)
Bag: thrifted (similar)
Shoes: Cole Haan via ebay (similar - on sale)
A casual look! I do wear these regularly, I just don't photograph them that much... The focal point of this outfit was this awesome woven backpack I recently thrifted. I had it in mind for a music festival we'll be attending in late May, but thought I'd see how it works as a hands-free bag on a regular city day. It seemed too delicate to be useful, but in reality, it worked great! Some options you can purchase are below.
I kept the rest of the outfit classic and neutral, making the outfit timeless - and versatile! Change it for a black heel and black top handle bag, you're ready for evening.
Here are some similar lightweight statement-making backpacks for you:
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Sweater: LOFT, thrifted (similar)
Top: Who What Wear (similar)
Skirt: Forever 21, thrifted (similar color and length, similar with buttons, though shorter -$8!)
Shoes: Pour la Victoire via DSW (similar)
Bag: thrifted (similar)
Earrings: Chicago Renegade craft fair (similar)
Necklace: LOFT (similar)
Watch: Apple, gift (current model)
Nail polish: Essie Gel Couture nail polish (no light needed) "Style In Excess" (exact)
Lip: Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker lipstick in "Wine Not" (exact)
Is this springy (spring-like?)? It felt like it, whether it appears like it on film - or in person. That's good enough for me! What's your criteria for a spring outfit? I'm all about how it feels. And sandals help, right?
This was another look that came together at the last minute, mostly thanks to this awesome peplum top which I would rebuy again and again if I could - it gives every look a little extra something (perhaps even more in person). The driving force was this skirt, a faux suede, faux snap front pencil skirt - this type of skirt has always been on my bucket list, but this one was even better than I thought - faux snaps are the answer, people! No gapping when you're walking or sitting, or worrying your skirt will pop open. Sadly, I couldn't find any close dupes right now (other than a couple of really expensive designer options), but I feel like this type of skirt is a classic that pops up every so often. If you see it, grab it!
TOP:
CARDIGAN:
SKIRT:
SHOES:
BAGS:
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Activity: Volunteer ministry, errands, school pickup and droopy
Coat: Forever 21, super old (similar, Everlane makes a nice basic one, as well)
Top: Lucky, thrifted (similar)
Skirt: Old Navy, old (similar)
Shoes: Born, via ebay (similar)
Hat: Parkhurst, via ebay (similar)
Earrings: ebay (similar)
Bag: Ashley Brooke via DSW, old (similar)
Full disclosure, the hat came in the mail today, so I didn't actually get to wear it all day. But this morning I really did wish that it had already come, since I planned this outfit based on adding this little cotton beret. I've always loved berets, and have been seeing some really cute looks around San Francisco recently that I wanted to recreate (my favorite was a college student wearing a maroon beret with maroon boots with an otherwise casual neutral outfit), plus I saw this article mentioning berets were about to get some fashion love again for 2018. I used to have a black wool beret, which I liked, but the wool would make my forehead get a rash (I'm slightly allergic to wool but refuse to remove wool completely from my wardrobe). So I had been itching to find (haha, sorry) a cotton beret. I really debated between gray and red, but since I had recently found these shoes, and saw somewhere that cherry red was a hot color for spring this year (couldn't find the article to link, sadly) - AND, most importantly I really like red - I took the plunge and went for the bright instead of the neutral.
Am I the only one who struggles with buying the practical neutral color versus the fun bright color? It seems to be a constant decision making process for me, surely I can't be the only one.
I think this outfit is a great example of taking basics many may already have in their closets (trench coat, black top, striped pencil skirt) and making it completely fresh by adding a couple of new accessories like a hat and shoes in a fun color. I can't wait to find other outfits to which I can add a pop of red...
Here are some options if you're in the market!
Hat (I couldn't find a red cotton beret from the site I use for these widgets, although these below are super cute, but the link above in my outfit list is almost identical from Amazon):
Shoes (I actually think loafers would be much cuter, but I only need one pair of red flats):
Athleta Heathered Sunlover UPF tulip back top (above):
NOTE: I tried this item on in medium and large in regular sizing, and ended up buying a large in petite sizing. I'll include my comments on all the versions I tried. I usually wear a medium in Athleta tops (other than bra-top type tops, which I don't usually buy or try on).
Size: True to size, perhaps even a tiny bit roomy as I find most Athleta items to be. Semi-fitted, as the sizing states - skims the body in your size. I wanted a more relaxed fit at the hips to wear over leggings in non-gym activities like hiking or playing outside with the family, so I sized up from my usual Athleta size, though I bought the petite version of that size.
Fit: Somewhat wide in the shoulder, even in petite sizing, especially in regular sizing (probably because my shoulders are on the small side) but overall a regular, perhaps slightly relaxed fit to the collar and shoulders, flaring down to a wider, quite relaxed hip hem.
Fabric: Smooth, soft performance fabric that feels like it won't pill (I'll update that later to see if it's true when I wear it more and have washed it). And, it's got sun protection for UPF 50+ - perfect if you're lazy about applying sunscreen like I am.
Length: The front is longer than the back. The regular sizing was a tiny bit longer than I wanted (I'm 5'2"), which was why I ordered the petite. The top is still a low hip length in the front, even in petite sizing, which was what I wanted since I plan to wear it primarily with leggings. (According to Athleta's website, the regular sizing is 26.5 inches in front, 20.5 inches in back, petite is 24.5" in front, 18.5" in back and tall is 28" in front and 22" in back. Petite sizes are pretty much only available online, FYI if you're hoping to try both in store.)
Sleeve length: The regular sized sleeve was ridiculously long on me, both in medium and large, the petite sleeve fits the way it should, with the thumbhole hitting my thumb at just the right place. I'm not sure I even need the thumbhole, but it's a nice detail, and I could always alter that if I decide I don't want it.
Quality: Feels very nice, as expected from Athleta. Well-sewn seams, high quality finishes and fabric.
Value: I do not usually spend $59 on a top, especially as a die-hard thrifter. However, I have looked at lower-priced brands for a a "swing" style workout top with a regular fit on top and relaxed fit at the hips, and it is nowhere to be found new, so I certainly wasn't magically going to be able to thrift it. So, when I discovered this top, and it came in petite sizing, AND it came in my favorite but elusive gray color, I knew it was time to pull the trigger (I did use a small Athleta/Gap/OldNavy/Banana Republic credit card reward coupon to ease the pain a tiny bit). Based on my previous experiences with Athleta, I feel like I'll wear and love this item for a long time, so based on cost-per-wear pricing, it should end up being a good value.
Color: I'm in love with this heathered gray color - it's dark enough to hide stains (yup, I'm a messy monkey) and it goes with everything just like black does, BUT it doesn't make you look goth when paired with black leggings like a black top/black bottom combination can. COLOR NOTE: Be aware that this same top DOES come in other colors - currently navy, black, white, light pink, fuchsia, cobalt blue, orange, dark green and mint green - but this "heathered Sunlover UPF tulip back top" in heather gray only is a separate catalog/website entry from the regular "Sunlover UPF tulip back top", which includes all those other colors. Just be sure you check both website entries so you see all the beautiful color choices. The same is true for the other sleeve options - the heather gray color option is a separate entry from the regular colors.
Back tulip detail: I've tried these types of tops before, and didn't like how they would easily open and expose your back (since I wanted to wear it also in regular life, not just a class at the gym). What I like about this top is that it is designed to stay layered over itself completely, so that the most that comes open when you bend down is a bit of your lower back, just above your waist, no higher (at least on me, again, I'm short, especially in the torso - it could hit a bit higher if you're taller and long in the torso).
Overall: This is another item with the perfect mix of performance fabric and real-life style. I've been searching forever for a top that was fitted at the shoulder but relaxed at the hips - something that would be comfortable and flattering with leggings of any length. This is the first I've found after much searching, and the back detail makes it even better. I LOVE that it comes in gray - to me the perfect neutral to go with all my black leggings (yes, I'm boring and wear mostly classic black when it comes to leggings), but can also combine well with other color bottoms I might want to wear. For a casual basketball shooting session with my son, I paired it with stretchy black denim frayed-hem jeans, slip on sneakers and a red puffer vest. I felt ready for action, but also cute enough to have run errands without embarrassment if I had needed to. Just what my mom-life wardrobe needs!
I told myself I only needed one of these tops, but after wearing it once, I'm so tempted to order another long-sleeve version (in navy? ballerina gown/pink? on fire/orange?) and perhaps a short-sleeve version (and is it greedy to want the sleeveless version too?).
Here are some links to the various versions of this top. The only one I couldn't find is the heathered short sleeve version, but it is on the Athleta website.
