The Business of Travel Layering

Tank | Lanston
Jeans | Citizens of Humanity
Sweater | Everlane
Puffer Jacket | Uniqlo Ultra Light Down (read my review here)
Coat | Rebecca Taylor
Bag | J. Crew Signet Bag
Shoes | New Balance x J. Crew

I recently got back from a trip to Italy, and while I was out and about all day walking around and tourist-ing (not a word, but perhaps should be) light layers ended up being the way to go. I wanted to ensure comfort and temperature control, with temperatures ranging from the 40's to the mid-60s. This is a quick spin through my basic sight-seeing outfit. Also, since the AirBnB we were staying in had a washer/dryer (and also was really cute - that is where these photos were taken), I prioritized bringing machine washable items that would dry out quickly (leather/wool coat, obviously excluded).

Layer One

   I guess technically layer one is underwear, but this isn't that kind of blog. I started with my favorite pair of jeans, and a soft cotton tank, that provided a lightweight base that did not add unnecessary bulk. I prefer to layer tanks under sweaters, because sometimes with shirts, layering three different types/lengths of sleeves can be annoying. 
Layer Two

 Next up, a thin Everlane sweater, that I basically wear all the time. It is sadly no longer for sale on their website, and the amount I wear it makes me think I should have purchased two of them when I had the chance. 
     Also, I wanted you to know that I wore matching socks just for you, internet. I basically never wear matching socks. All of the socks I own are ankle socks, so I just keep them in a drawer and pull out any two, as needed. I think it is practical, but it definitely drives some people crazy when they see my mismatched socks.
Layer Three

 The above outfit is basically what I wore out on the slightly warmer days, if it was unlikely I would be wearing my coat, so I didn't have to carry it around in my arms. I had high hopes for this Uniqlo jacket going into this trip and it surpassed all of them. It is so light-weight, I could scrunch it up in my purse, use it as a pillow on the flight, love that the exterior pockets have zippers to add a little security when traveling, and love that it has two very functional interior pockets - great to store a boarding pass when going through security. Also, the color is nice and was a little more fun than just generic grey or navy (you know, like the rest of my outfit...).
Layer Four

Last, but not least, my Rebecca Taylor coat, which I adore. I definitely kept it pretty casual on this trip (i.e. no dresses or heels) but this coat made me feel a little more polished. I was in Italy, after all, and the leather sleeves help me feel more fashion-y. It isn't a generic black coat, which a lot of people were wearing, so it was nice to have something that reflected my personal style but was functional. I finished off the look with a crossbody purse (which I will do a separate review of) and sunglasses, and was ready for adventure.

How do you usually layer when you travel?

2016 Superlatives...

...and now, I present some of my favorite and least favorite purchases from 2016. For the past 3 years, throughout the year, I keep an excel chart of all of the items that I purchase, and include data such as retail price, how much I paid for it, where I got it, online vs in-store, and general thoughts (could include if I had to get it tailored before wearing, if it is Made in America, etc.), and then at the end of the year I go through and review/analyze what I bought. This might sound clinical, or crazy, but I like shopping and my system helps me identify trends from my own shopping data. 
     For example, last year I noticed that most of the items that I purchased and never really wore/lost interest in quickly were items I ordered online from J. Crew and Banana Republic. That helped me curb mindless online sale shopping at both of those places, and remind me that if I am going to shop at either store, I need to do it in person.
       This year, just to give you a flavoring, 31% of the clothes I bought were dresses, 42% of the items I bought were used or second-hand, and I saved, on average, 79% off of the retail price of all of the clothing I bought. That last number is heavily weighted by the secondhand shopping, and some key Nordstrom Rack and RealReal.com clearance item finds. 
1. Best Sport: Rag & Bone Varsity Jacket

Jacket  Rag & Bone
Pants | Joe's Jeans

This first piece is a great example of my commitment to bargain hunting. I really wanted a varsity jacket, and had seen a few Rag & Bone ones, but did not want to, and could not, pay $500 or more (retail here, although mine, to be fair, is probably last year's model) for one. I waited and waited and eventually the one I am wearing above popped up on the RealReal for less than $80. Boom. It was one size larger than I would have ordered normally, but the slouchy look totally works on this piece and everything else about it was exactly what I wanted, so I purchased. 
I really adore it and wear it all the time, even though sometimes I think it makes me look like a local high school student. Go Bulldogs? 

2. Most Unflattering: Caslon Pants

The back of these pants is pretty unflattering - even more so in person. I ordered online, drawn in by a $15 price tag, and then missed the return window, so here they sit in my closet. I will probably force myself to wear them to work one time, and then donate them. Mental note to stop adding things to cart just because they are cheap, or because I am like $8 away from free shipping.

3. Best Assist
These pants, on the other hand, feel like they were made for me. Both the top and bottom here were actually random second-hand finds that I did not initially intend to try on. In both instances, I was in the dressing room and needed a top/a bottom, because I was wearing a dress that day and trying on a top/a bottom, so I randomly grabbed these from the rack to assist me in the dressing room. I'm so glad I did because I now wear this top once a week (who knew a metallic could be so versatile....probably Stacey London actually...), and I have worn these jeans multiple times a week, to be frank. 

Long live the skinny jean! 

Top | Calvin Klein
Pants | Citizens of Humanity

Outdoor Voices Review

Jacket (below) | Zella
Top | Lanson
Pants | 3/4 Two Tone Warm-up Leggings in Size Small

While I was in Austin, I saw an Outdoor Voices pop-up, and a $20 coupon helped spur me to stop by the adorable Outdoor Voices store. I wanted to do a quick review of their leggings, in case anyone else had been eyeing them. These are the Outdoor Voices 3/4 Two Tone Warm-up Leggings. They first caught my eye because I hadn't seen this color-block style in a legging before, and I like that the company has a young female founder. 

     I also tried the regular length leggings, but they were ridiculously long on me (I'm 5'2"), so I opted for the 3/4 length, which as you can see in the photo above - are basically full length on me. I've worn them to go do some easy outdoor exercise (walk/jogging) and pilates and they have held up well. For reference, I am wearing a size small, and usually wear a 25 in jeans. I also fit into the XS, but I hate when things are too tight across my stomach, and so I opted for the S.

PRO: 

(i) Fabric is thick and soft - it does not sag;

(ii) My butt looks amazing in them (you'll have to take my word for it on this one); and

(iii) the style and color are great. 

CON: 

(i) They are on the expensive side, although I guess that is relative. They are more expensive than the usual Zella leggings I buy on sale, but they are a little cheaper than Lululemon, and you definitely don't have to worry about these going sheer and overexposing you; and 

(ii) The rise is higher than I prefer - they go up to about my belly button. 

Evidence of the high rise.

It was drizzling, so I had to layer.

     Overall, I'm excited to keep an eye on this brand and see what they do in the future. Their recent collaboration with A.P.C. makes me think they will be one to watch. 

     What do you look for in workout clothing and what are some of your favorite workout brands? 

Workplace PJs + Weekend Reading

This week my posts have been very work-wear focused, and I thought I'd wrap it up with the equivalent of workplace pajamas. Everything here is soft, loose, and machine washable. Except the jewelry (natch). This top is also from the socially conscious brand Everlane, and my tank is made in USA and feels as soft as a puppy's tummy. I am ready for this long week to be over and to get some rest! Good thing I'm already dressed for it = ) 

Sweater | Everlane Cotton Sweater  - Read my review here + (Another cozy option)
Top | Lanston
Pants | Gap
Shoes | J. Crew Cece Flat (certain colors on sale) 
Earring (bar) | Kathleen Whitaker 

Speaking of jewelry, I forced myself to put on earrings, a ring, and a necklace today. I'm basically heavily adorned by my standards. I recently got the Kathleen Whitaker Long Staple Stud in silver, and I love how long the bar is. I think it looks cool with most of my other earrings and it allows me to fully utilize the ear piercings that I have. 

Pop of color with the shoes.

And now, some reading for your weekend perusal:
1. With such fun photos: "Meet the Woman who Smashes Makeup For a Living" (Racked)

2. Over at GoFugYourself, a roundup of some of Michelle Obama's best dresses: GoFugYourself (she really is the most fashionable FLOTUS)

3. At Glossy, an interview with 6 millenials to find out how they shop. What do you think - is this how you shop? 

4. Lastly, is this Rent-a-Swag come to life: The Rise of the Stich-Fix for Kids, Children's Clothing Model (Glossy)

Have a great weekend!

Style Dtour - Hawaii

Tee | Lanston (made in USA)
Shorts | Iron Man
Shoes | Nike Roshe Flyknit (also on sale here)
Bag | Clare V Agnes Backpack

I had the distinct pleasure of taking a little vacation to Kauai recently, and wanted to do a quick recap of what I wore. This is part one. My outfits were nothing too spectacular as I spent most of the time in a bathing suit, which I am not putting on this blog, haha, or dressed for comfort and ready to explore. However, it is really what I wore, so here we go.
First off, I highly recommend the Nike Roshe Flyknit. The knit nature of the shoe does make my feet look like little red boats, but they are incredibly comfortable, and I love them. I found them to run an entire size large, which is what the reviews online said (they are a half size smaller than your usual Nike size, which equals a full size smaller for me), but I didn't believe them and initially the pair I ordered were too large. I'm sorry for doubting you Nike-review-leaving community. I sort of want another pair. 

Tee | Ivy Park
Bralette | Aerie Lace T-Back Bralette
Shorts | Iron Man

I basically lived in this black pair of exercise shorts all week. They are so easy to wear, they go with everything, and something short is almost necessary when it is over 85 degrees and humid outside. The most amusing part of these photos, to me, is that you can see where I was in the span of the vacation based on how tan I am. These first photos are clearly from the beginning of the trip.

I am almost positive, as I have mentioned before, that I am too old to be shopping at American Eagle, but damned if they don't make some great bralettes. This one has a fun geometric pattern and if I wasn't wearing a bathing suit, I was basically wearing this. It is still in stock on Aerie's website, along with a bunch of other cute bralettes. I am also pleased to report that this Ivy Park tee (only available in white now) has held up well. You never know what the quality of collaboration/celeb-designs is going to be, but I've worn and washed this top a bunch and it is still soft and hasn't pilled on me.

And then at the end of the trip, I ended up on Mars.

What do you end up wearing on vacation? Does it end up being only a small fraction of what you packed? (Not like that happened here...just asking for a friend.)