Bows and Pink Crochet Meet Studded Detailing and Faux Leather

This week was one of those weeks that seemed to both drag on and speed by...very strange. Monday was a holiday (Columbus Day) so it was a shorter work week too but perhaps that's why it was such an odd week in terms of pacing. Anyways, it ended up being a pretty productive week which is always a good thing, especially when the week gets off to a slower start.

On Thursday a couple of friends/colleagues and I went to Anthropologie to participate in their Holiday Window Display Workshop. We wrapped and hot glued yarn around dowels for over an hour, and although it wasn't the most exciting craft it was pretty fun and definitely relaxing.  There's something about repetitive actions, like folding paper, stamping note cards etc. that is very soothing.

The outfit in the photos above is actually from Friday, probably the coolest day of the week; I think the lingering rays of summer warming our autumn days are now behind us. I miss the warm temperatures but I'm excited about all the things to come this fall and winter. On a side note, still in the process of growing my hair out from pixie cut stage....hence the hairband and awkward hair.

Outfit Details:

Skirt (old): Bow Tie Flirt Skirt, Kate Spade (similar here)

Peplum Blouse: Sugar Lips, Lord and Taylor

Layering top (old): Tristan

Sparkly tights (old): DKNY

Shoes (old): Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse Ballerina Flats (similar here)

Necklace: NYC Charm Necklace, Crew Cuts

Studded Bow Hairband (old): Queen Street West, Toronto

Scarf: Made by my cousin's girlfriend, Ashley

Coat (old): Nick and Mo via Modcloth

Turn the Channel

This weekend flew by but there are a lot of things I'm looking forward to this week so I have no complaints. It was sort of dreary out today but I liked it. I'm finding myself longing for a true autumn day.  Uncharacteristically, I ended up wearing black and white from head to toe today (and to add to the uncharacteristic ensemble, I wore pants!). 

If you look closely you'll notice polka dots (on the pants), bunnies (on the shirt), and a bow (on the jacket) so not really as dark or as urban as this outfit might first appear.  It's funny but lately I've been drawn to some clothing items that are definitely out of comfort zone, like plaid skinny denim pants and a black lace blouse. I'm still a sucker for bright colors and twirly dresses, but it's good to mix things up. 

It's interesting how when you wear something different from what you usually do it can have such an impact on your outlook. I definitely feel like I'm in disguise or something when I put on clothes that fall outside my usual style. In all things I think it's important to find ways to extend beyond one's comfort zone and to see things from different perspectives.  While pushing styling limits may seem insignificant compared with other aspects of life, I still think it's a good test. Tapping into new styles stretches creativity and really makes one reflect on personal style preferences.  Clothes are more than things we wear, they are messages and reflections of ourselves.  And while we all may have a message we choose to project more often, it's nice to switch the channel every now and then.

Outfit Details:

Pants (old): AG Stevie Polka Dot (I actually purchased these from Lord and Taylor but their link is now longer active; you can find a lot of AG Stevie polka dot denim on Ebay right now)

Shirt (old): Banter Tee, Anthropologie

Jacket: Nanette Lepore via Ebay

A Well Placed Bow: Fun and Functional

The thing about Fall is that it's often too chilly to wear a single layer and yet sometimes when you add another layer you feel too warm. Fall, like Spring, can be difficult to dress for since the weather can (and often does) change several times in one day.  It's not unusual to start off the day freezing and wishing you had packed a pair of gloves, only to have it sunny and warm mid day, and then have the end of the day erupt into a windy and rainy mess.  So, yes dressing for this season can be frustrating but it's also an opportunity to stretch your styling skills.  Plus, when you are given a beautifully sunny and crisp autumn day it truly feels like a gift.

The outfit I'm wearing in the photos above is a pretty typical weekend Fall look for me. A simple dropwaist dress with a fun print, a pair of leggings and a light coat.  I love 3/4 length sleeve coats for this time of year. It's also easy to change the look slightly by wearing a longer sleeve so that it peeks out of the coat sleeve, or even adding a pair of gloves.  This bell shaped coat pairs well with slim cut pants, denim and leggings as well as with pencil skirts, but my favorite part is the simple black bow at the collar. This well placed bow keeps my neck warm and negates the addition of a scarf, but it's also just cute without being "too" cute. Bows are often just added to clothing for fun but I think this one is pretty functional too.

P.S. Yeah, I haven't yet retired my straw hat for the season. Soon.

Outfit Details:

Coat (old): Nanette Lepore, purchased on Ebay

Dress (old): MADE Fashion Week for Impulse, Sleeveless High Neck Galaxy Print, Macy's

Leggings (old): Forever 21 (lots of leggings here)