Cargo Stripes

Zara skinny cargo trousers, H&M striped top (similar), Loeffler Randall Dita heels, Kenneth Jay Lane elephant necklace

You know that item of clothing you’ve been hunting for for years? You’ve got the image in your mind, and you come across countless pieces that are almost it, but not quite? I’ve been looking for the perfect pair of skinny cargo pants since approximately 2007, and I’m proud to say that I’ve finally found them. I had some key requirements – they needed to be the perfect shade of olive green, have a skinny yet comfy fit, be made of a super-soft cotton and have details, but not too much superfluous BS (don’t you hate it when there’s some random rhinestones or a stupid emblem?). While I didn’t think that was too much to ask, apparently it was, at least for a while – so I’m happy to say that I’ve found my perfect pair, finally.

High Low

Loveappella hi-lo maxi dress, Gap wide brim fedora, Ada wrap belt, Clare Vivier neon stripe flat clutch, 80%20 Rina boots

As I’ve previously mentioned, cotton dresses are a standard go-to for me pretty much year round, and this long-sleeved dress proved perfect for a fall Saturday afternoon stroll. When it gets a little chillier, I’ll layer a chunky sweater overtop and throw on some taller boots, but for now, its pajama-like softness is making it pretty appealing on its own.

On another note, I’m officially addicted to my new hat. Pluses: sun protection, cute accessorizing; Minuses: major hat head.

 

Sweater pleats

Zara heels, Urban Outfitters sweater (similar), Zara asymmetric skirt, Chloe sunglasses (similar), Zara jacket, Marc by Marc Jacobs purse

I like to think that most of the things I own transition from season to season, but in reality, there’s not as much transitioning as I’d like – through not fault of the clothes themselves, but rather the ADD I start to experience after a while with anything in particular. I was getting dressed the other day, though, and had a thought – layer some cable-knit on almost anything and it’s completely different and automatically fall-weatherized. Given the ridiculous amount of wool I have leftover from my high school days in New England, this discovery is gonna make for a lot of experimenting (though the reemergence of some of this knitwear is likely to walk the line somewhere between super awesome and somewhat embarrassing).

Black and Blue

Blank Denim vegan leather pants, H&M tank, J.Crew jean jacket, Isabel Marant Jenny boots, Mulberry oversized Alexa bag, traditional tartan scarf

Following my recent perusal of all things leather and pleather, I picked up these vegan leather (ok – just a nicer way of saying pleather) leggings/pants/whatever, and I have to say – they are actually quite comfortable, despite pleather’s reputation for being anything but. Given how chilly it’s gotten lately – it feels like January, no joke – I’m not sure I’m the best judge of breathability at the moment, but for now anyway: pleather, I am impressed.

Side note: I have had this jean jacket since 2001, possibly 2000. Nice work, J.Crew.

 

Timeliness

One of the most glorious things about the fashion world is that it’s always, always at least a few steps ahead of the rest of us, giving us not only months of preparation to get our style in line with seasons to come, but also mid-season sales as soon as a season has hardly begun. Case in point: No sooner did things begin to cool off around here than my favorite collection of online retailers launched some pretty sweet fall sales. Given that I’ve felt the need to layer on pretty much everything I own the past couple of days, I’d say these sales are particularly timely. Happy shopping!

Clockwise, from upper left: Anthropologie Herlev sweater coat, Miss Selfridge cream cowl back top; B Brian Atwood Amata flats, BB Dakota David cable knit sweater, Z Designs peyote stitch fringe necklaces, Joie eyelet beaded tank, Club Monaco Lulu fringe bag