OUTFIT: Sporty pants as "trousers"

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Blazer: Gap, old (similar)

Tee: J. Crew Factory (similar)

Pants: Athleta (exact - reviewed here)

Shoes: thrifted (similar)

Bag: vintage Coach via ebay (similar)

Sunglasses: RayBan (exact)

Don't you love outfits that feel like pajamas, but look nothing like them?  (And I'm talking regular people pajamas, not fancied up blogger-wear silk or satin "pajamas".)  When I put this outfit on (it was an unplanned amalgam of the sport pants and tee I wore to bike in the morning with a blazer and flats added to run to the store), my son asked, "Are you going to take outfit pictures, Mom?". So it apparently looked more put together than my typical around-the-house outfits (at least to a 5 year old...), yet I noticed how comfortable it felt at the store, basically like a set of pajamas with a blazer and flats.  How can you go wrong with that combination?  I will definitely be remembering to wear these pants more often!

OUTFIT: Cargo vest for winter

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Vest: Old Navy (similar)
Sweater:  my husband's, by Banana Republic (similar)
Skirt: Athleta (similar)
Boots: Dolce Vita, thrifted (similar)
Bag: vintage Coach via ebay (similar)
Earrings: via Groupon Goods (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors via ebay (similar)
Scarf: Target, in store purchase this season (current colors available online)
Tights: Merona (exact)
Sunglasses: Ralph Lauren (exact)

I recently saw this pin, and thought it was a great idea for using my cargo vest during winter, something I never would have thought of by myself.  Only problem? I don't currently own any non-cardigan sweaters.  I know.  But, true.  I'm still trying to find a version at a thrift store, and I know I will at some point, but in the meantime, I decided to try to use my husband's sweater.  Hence the bulky, oversized sleeves.  But, it's a starting point, and definitely an outfit idea I plan to elaborate upon.  Isn't Pinterest great?

OUTFIT: Buffalo plaid

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Top: LOFT (similar)
Vest: Lands' End (similar)
Jeans: LOFT (similar)
Scarf: Target (exact in available colors)
Shoes: Vans (exact)
Bag: vintage Coach via ebay (similar)

I didn't plan on posting two buffalo plaid top outfits in a row, but lately I've been taking a break from the time it takes to get outfit photos as I try to focus on caring for my family in a more organized way.  I know there's lots of ladies who do it all (and make it look easy): meal planning, cooking, cleaning, family activity planning, working and more, but for me, the meal planning, food shopping and cooking part is especially hard.  I'm really trying to plan things out better, so we have healthy and appealing options with less stress on my part.  For now, with my other work and volunteer responsibilities, that doesn't leave much outfit photo time....  But, I think it'll get easier.  Or, at least I hope so!  No, it will.  And, while, although there may not be photographic evidence of good outfits while doing all this meal prepping and planning, they're still there.  (In the spirit of the old riddle, does a tree falling in the forest make a sound when there is no one to hear it? I believe that an outfit worn without blog photos still makes a "sound" - at the very least it affects my mood!)

OUTFIT: Pairing your fall items for winter: buffalo plaid top, cargo vest, chunky infinity scarf

 (Why yes, I did neglect to adjust the angle of my camera so the shot included my shoes...)

(Why yes, I was trying out a new, awkward pose...)

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Vest: Old Navy (similar)
Scarf: Target, in store purchase this season (current colors available online)
Top: LOFT, recent in store purchase (similar)
Tank: Caslon (similar)
Skirt: Athleta (similar)
Tights: Merona (exact)
Shoes: Steve Madden, thrifted (similar)
Bag: vintage Coach via ebay (similar)
Earrings: via Groupon Goods (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors via ebay (similar)

When I lived in Wisconsin, I hated seeing fashion posts in the middle of winter that were so unrealistic, weather-wise.  Well, I'm in California this winter (it was Texas last winter), and turns out, fashion realism varies based on the weather.  However, for those entombed in the frozen tundra, or some semblance of it, you could easily adapt this to cooler temps by adding 1. tall boots (I had black ones on in the morning when it was coolor), 2. a warm underlayer (like this great one from Uniqlo that I use often), 3. switching the cargo vest for a cargo jacket, or 4. switching out the cargo vest for a down vest.  Or, I fully realize, where it's really, really cold, you'll have to wear an actual coat, not just a vest.  But, it's still an idea on how to pair your recent trendy purchases: buffalo plaid top, chunky infinity scarf, and burgundy items.

My apologies to those unwillingly stuck in cooler climes, my congratulations to those who enjoy them!  Either way, we're already a good chunk of the way toward spring, so enjoy those winter fashion looks a little longer...