That In-Between-Weather Struggle

This weather has been DOWNRIGHT crazy town. Last week I was wearing a slip dress, but this weekend I was whipping out my winter scarf again! WHAT. IS. HAPPENING. (PS it’s global warming but that’s another story for another day.)

There’s one key - one word really - that I’ve learned when dressing for this weird weather:

LAYER.

It’s the only way to be ready for 60 MPH winds, an abrupt snowstorm or a picnic outside during lunch. Because all of these could happen. EVEN ON THE SAME DAY.

I met up with new-to-town Crystal Brooks last week for a hang sesh and photo time over lunch. I wore this outfit to work with flats (these ones from Everlane are EVERYTHING) but changed later into these strappy sandals for going out to dinner.

I layered this look with my go-to Club Monaco trench that I snagged at Current Boutique for a crazy great price. I love the way it drapes too - adds such a luxe feel to any outfit.

This Uniqlo cropped trousers have also been my go-to during this weird weather period. If it’s windy, I’m good to go (learned my lesson the hard way with skirts TOO MANY TIMES.) If it’s warm, they’re breathable enough. If it’s cold, well, then only my ankles get a little cold! ;)

And in keeping with my favorite concept of balance, I paired these dressier items with a simple (yet super soft) tee from Cuyana. Their Fewer, Better campaign last year really impacted me and the way I buy clothing. I’ve been slowly pairing down my closet to only the things I truly love and investing in pieces that I know will last. 

And - to be quite honest- this doesn’t always equate to something being expensive. For example, these trousers were under $40, and eventually went on sale to be under 20! 

Do you have any tips for navigating this odd time of year? Would love to hear your thoughts below!

Wearing: Uniqlo trousers (sold out, these are identical!), Club Monaco cropped trench (sold out, this identical Everlane trench is on sale!), Cuyana tee and belt, Banana Republic sandals, Sophie Blake necklace. Photos by Crystal Brooks

My Favorite Furry Coat

Well, I whipped out this teddy coat today OUT OF THE BACK OF MY CLOSET WHERE I THOUGHT I HAD LEFT WINTER BEHIND.

But with a coat this cute, you can’t really complain.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been LOVING the whole ‘one shoulder’ look lately. I’ve been seeing it all over street style stars during New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. 

Is it practical? No way. Not even a little. But there’s something about it that feels SO COOL. It doesn’t make any sense, but I’m going with it.

Wearing BB Dakota coat (sold out, love this leopard one!), black silk cami (similar), 7 For All Mankind Denim, M.Gemi boots, Cuyana belt, Rings by: Mejuri (here and here), Lucky Brand and Rachelle Celine

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Spring Essential: The Slip Dress

I remember when I first saw a slip dress in the wild. It was sort of a shock to the system, to be honest. I tried it on and thought, where am I ever going to wear this? (Yes, I actually said those words.)

Oh, little did I know that a few years later I’d be here with an extensive slip dress collection (there’s this one, this other navy one, this one I wore as a top, and then the one I’m wearing today from & Other Stories.) 

The thing about slip dresses is - they’re SUPER versatile - they can easily be dressed up or down. I’ve worn mine with everything from sneakers to heels. I’ve worn them to work with a blazer and to brunch with sandals and a tee underneath.

I had typically been drawn to simple slips, but when I spotted this one, I HAD to have it. It still feels classic, but with a bit of an edge. The tiny floral pattern on the dress feels so fresh for Spring. I paired it with my floral embroidered faux leather jacket I got from Wylie Grey earlier this year. I can’t get enough of it!

If you hadn’t noticed, & Other Stories just opened in Georgetown last month! It’s such a treat to visit the store in person - and it’s an Instagram Haven for all you photo fanatics like me out there. It’s right on the main strip on M Street - you can’t miss it! But in case you’re directionally challenged, like me, the address is 3241 M Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 

Also, in case you were wondering, I wore this dress out for a little pizza date with my bestie Erin (who shot these photos!) for our Friendiversary. I can't believe we've been friends for a year - it feels like we've been besties forever. And in honor of that, here are a few fun photos taken by the also-super-talented-and-darling Emma Weiss of us two!

Wearing & Other Stories slip dress c/o, Sam Edelman perforated mules, Wylie Grey jacket, Sophie Blake necklace. Photos by Erin Krespan.

Little Black Dress

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You’d think after all this time, I wouldn’t get SO excited about a little black dress. Something simple and classic can only get so many compliments, right? That’s what I thought too...and I couldn't have been more wrong.

This one in particular landed in my mailbox from Eileen Fisher. This is my first time trying out the minimal brand and it certainly won't be my last.

There are so many things I love about this dress that it's hard to figure out where exactly to start. First, it's the PERFECT length. I can easily wear it to the office now and when it gets warmer.

Second, it's SO versatile - add a cozy DeNada shawl on top like I did now, or strappy sandals in the summer - I plan on living the majority of my life IN THIS DRESS. 

When I get a new outfit, I like to wear it at the office to see what people think - it's sort of a test run before I release the look into the wild, if you will.

I'll admit - I was kind of stunned how many people LOVED this dress. From my bestie and photographer Erin to multiple viewers on Instagram Stories, it immediately became clear that people are in search of high-quality basics. Friends, as we'd tell our girlfriends who are just meeting our soul mate for the first time, this is one of the really good ones.

So good, in fact, that I wore it for Valentine's Day this year. First, for work, then for a lunch date with my bestest babe Erin! Then when I got home that evening, for a romantic French-themed dinner with the hubby! I already can't wait to wear it again.

Wearing Eileen Fisher dress c/o (second look with these leggings), DeNada shawl, Old Navy coat (in sale!), Finding Ferdinand lipstick, French Connection shoes  

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Blush Duster Coat

It’s only February yet I’ve been frantically trying to shift mindsets from winter to Spring. Why, might you ask?

BECAUSE YESTERDAY HIT 75 DEGREES. By the way, I’m back in DC…no longer in Florida, mind you. Although I do have a TON of fun shoots that I can’t wait to share with you!

Today I’m sharing one of my favorite Spring staples with you - the blush duster. I’ve talked about it before, but I can’t help it. I truly love this piece.

This past weekend I went through a TON of my clothing to make room for new Spring pieces (adding more to my Poshmark page every day!) Needless to say, this piece will stick around.

Shop my favorite spring duster coats below! 

Wearing: Mo:Vint linen duster coat (similar), VETTA top, Free People jeans, Topshop velvet choker, Cuyana bag, Ukies flats

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