last week, i took a riverboat cruise in France courtesy of Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours. yesterday, i provided you with packing tips & tricks, as well as my outfit layouts. if you missed that post, make sure to check it out here. today, i’m showing you how i wore (some of) those outfits, with a focus on a versatile wardrobe while traveling. i talk a lot about fashion versatility and reusability on the blog. this is particularly true while traveling—both domestically and abroad. an easy way to get a lot of mileage out of travel wardrobe is to mix & match, transforming day wear into evening wear.
as well as sharing with you some travel tips & tricks, all week i want to show you pictures from my day and evening trips and excursions. today, i’m sharing a few images from my trip to Normandy and Omaha Beach. this trip was particularly meaningful to me, not just as a lover of American history, but also the daughter of a veteran who served in the Korean War. for those of you with similar historical interests and/or family who have served, it is my hope that these images will resonate with you as they have me.
day outfit
on the day we took the excursion to Normandy i was on my feet all day, and the weather was chilly. the outfit was kept simple and comfortable: i coupled a red turtleneck from J.Crew with a pair of denim. this fall, there’s been lots of questions and comments from you, my readers, about stylish and comfortable footwear. well, you’re in luck. this pair of stylish and comfy loafers received so many compliments while i was in France. every season i have one pair of shoes that turn into a style crush. guess what? this pair of loafers is definitely leading the footwear pack.
red turtleneck | red turtleneck 2 | trench coat | trench coat 2 | dark skinny jeans | boyfriend jeans | white loafer
check out these white loafers from Neiman Marcus. you won’t regret investing in a pair. (and if you’re looking for other, potentially more affordable options, check out my recent post about Easy Spirit.)
there’s no better European touring coat than a trench coat (and check out this similar one.) perfect for the crips French fall weather. (and not too heavy to carry if the afternoon weather warms up.)
if you’re looking for my advice on fall and winter coats and jackets, make sure to check out my new series, the list above, and this blog post.
evening outfit
let’s get down to business: bringing a versatile wardrobe while traveling. before heading out to Château d’Ételan (pictures below), i swapped out my denim (here or here) for a striking pair of roaming tiger pants from J.Crew. i kept the red turtleneck and the white loafers, and i was set. good to go.
red turtleneck | red turtleneck 2 | roaming tiger pants | white loafer | lavender blazer | lavender blazer 2
throw on a lavender blazer (old, similar), and you have a totally different outfit with a totally different feel. perfect for an evening of cocktails and fun. there’s no expectation that you change outfits each day and evening. but you can imagine applying this strategy—mixing and matching— in different ways, across different days. this could easily cut down the items you pack by 1/3 (or more).
red turtleneck | red turtleneck 2 roaming tiger pants | white loafer | lavender blazer | lavender blazer 2
Normandy
junior style, and i walked the Normandy beaches together and visited the Landing Museum at Arromanches. it was totally awe-inspiring and sobering. 9,387 graves at the Normandy Cemetery.
for those of you who are or who have served; for those of you who have family that are serving are who have, thank you. what an incredible reminder Normandy was for the freedoms we still enjoy in this great country of ours.
Château d’Ételan
no better way to end today’s post by leaving you with a few breathtaking photos from Château d’Ételan. enjoy! and be sure to leave a comment below, letting me know about any recent fun excursions you’ve had.
i love movies. classic films. modern ones. you name, and i’ll watch it. mr. style and i used to go to the movies every week. and i still try to keep that tradition alive with the kiddos. there’s a little arthouse cinema in Athens called Cine. if you’re ever in town, i highly recommend grabbing dinner at The National and a flick at Cine. and as always, i’ve got you covered. i’ve got a perfect outfit for an evening out at the cinema: leather blazer and turtleneck coupled with a fun pair of booties from Easy Spirit.
this week i thought we’d try something new on the blog. yesterday, i introduced the second entry into my YouTube series The List. i went through my top 5 fall and winter jackets and coats. (in case you missed it, you can check it out over on the blog here). late last week, i also put up a post showing you how to a wear a blazer 3 different ways. it’s no secret we’re big on lists here at style at a certain age. lists are endlessly fun to make; endlessly fun to debate; and endlessly fun to recreate.
but instead of doing a fashion list, this week i’m going to reveal my top 5 classic movies. one a day. monday through friday. join me for something a bit new and hopefully a lot of fun.
classic movies
there are so many classic era of cinema. the glitz and glam of the 40s and 50s. the gritty filmmaking of the 70s. the advent of the modern blockbusters in the late 70s and 80s. over the decades, so many filmmakers and stars have shaped our popular culture. whether it be Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, or Francis Ford Coppola (mr. style’s favorite) to name a few.
i’ve always been drawn to films from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. it was an era when stars were stars. James Dean. Audrey Heburn. James Stewart. Katharine Hepburn. Judy Garland. so many wonderful movies. so many wonderful performances. my oldest kiddo is a bit of a film buff, but he even admits he has large gaps in knowledge when it comes to this era of filmmaking. that means i still have a lot to teach him—part of the inspiration for this series.
similar blazer | turtleneck (Macy’s) | leggings (Macy’s) | booties (Easy Spirit) | similar handbag
easier with easy spirit
i’ve got an outfit today that’s only modern and chic, but perfect one of those crips fall nights you’re heading to the movies. last week was all about the blazers, and i’m continuing that trend today. i’ve got on a leather blazer and paired it with a turtleneck from Macy’s. (make sure to check out their flash sale if you haven’t already.)
similar blazer | turtleneck (Macy’s) | leggings (Macy’s) | booties (Easy Spirit) | similar handbag
chic autumn fashion
this fall, i’ve primarily showcased denim of a variety of types. but let’s not forget the versatility of leggings. i’ve paired my blazer and turtleneck with a fun pair of textured leggings from Macy’s.
for my regulars, you’ll know that i paired with Easy Spirit as one of their fall ambassadors. i get so many requests from you, my readers, for suggestions for fashionable and functional shoes. today i’m showcasing a pair of dae low heeled booties from Easy Spirit. they’re a perfect example of how Easy Spirit blends form with function. every time.
similar blazer | turtleneck (Macy’s) | leggings (Macy’s) | booties (Easy Spirit) | similar handbag
#5 The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)
alright, gang! the moment you’ve been waiting for. my #5 classic movie. The Thomas Crown Affair starring Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway, and Paul Burke. i’ve always been fascinated by the high-end art world, and i love a good heist movie. so when you couple the two, and add great performances by McQueen and Dunaway, you absolutely cannot go wrong.
i highly recommend The Thomas Crown Affair to anyone that hasn’t seen it. and if you’re kiddos love movies and haven’t, what a perfect way to spend an evening. invite them over, grab a recipe and cocktail from last week’s fridays with oscar and enjoy.
i’ve put together a list of my essential jackets and coats for this fall and winter. like shoes and bags, coats are investment pieces: there’s an upfront cost, but with a little maintenance, care, and attention to the weather, they’ll last you a lifetime.
i grew up in the midwest, so coats have always been a staple in my wardrobe. hopefully you don’t have to deal with the sub-zero temperatures of a Chicago, but unless you live in Florida or Southern California, come December, you’re most likely going to be reaching for a jacket.
i’ve got you covered: keep reading and check the YouTube video above to stay warm and stylish this fall and winter.
leather moto jacket
moto jackets are modern classics. i’ve showcased them extensively on the blog over the years. (see here.) you can find them in both (faux) leather and suede, but if you’re shopping on a budget, you’re going to want to start with (faux) leather. there’s nothing worse than getting caught in the elements in a suede jacket!
moto jackets are extremely versatile. you can pair them with pants or jeans; pumps or boots. here, i’ve gone for a more modern, chic look with a black base and (as always) a color pop with pink pumps. but you can imagine pairing the jacket with a white blouse and a pair of good old blue jeans.
faux suede moto jacket | faux leather moto jacket | leather biker jacket
quilted field jacket
the quilted field jacket is timeless traditional. whether you’re traipsing through the English countryside or walking the streets of Manhattan, a field jacket is just emanates “class”. again, i’ve showcased the quilted field jacket throughout the years. (see here.) this jacket is perfect for both the damp and brisk fall air. for those that live in wet climates, you know as well as i do that the dampness can cut through to your bones, making it almost impossible to get warm.
i’m showcasing a muted olive jacket that layers perfectly with sweaters, and pairs with either pants or denim. throw on a pair of riding boots, and you’re ready to take to the streets New York or London for a day of site-seeing and shopping.
field jacket 1 | field jacket 2 (similar)
puffer jacket and vest
there are very few jackets i have featured on the blog as much as the puffer jacket. (see here, here, here.) it’s hard to name a jacket, coat, or vest that you will get more use out of than a good puffer. not only are they warm and can get you through those long, cold midwestern nights, but they pair with just about anything and everything.
below, i’ve pulled a variety of different examples of how i wear my puffer(s): denim and moto-boots; pants and slip-ons; and athleta-wear & sneakers. the sheer versatility of the puffer makes it a must-have. and if you’ve gotta leave the house on a cold winter day, you can trust your puffer is going to keep you warm. you’re going to want to have one in your winter arsenal this year.
puffer jacket 1 | puffer jacket 2 (similar)
overcoat
an overcoat is probably the most basic and the most essential coat to have in your winter closet. it’s a piece you can invest in once and will last you a lifetime. (and something you can pass down to your kiddos too!)
below, i’m featuring a military-style overcoat. (you can read more about it here.) this coat is trend-proof—always fashionable, always in-style. you can find similar ones at your favorite retailers, or you can head to your local military surplus store. overcoats run the full spectrum of price points, and no matter what your budget is, there are so many options to fit your own personal style.
overcoat 1 | overcoat 2 | overcoat 3 (similar)
statement coat
a statement coat says you and only you. whether it’s a bright color or colors, animal print, or a totally fun and unique pattern, it’s your chance to shine, even in the depths of a long, cold winter.
i’ve gone through my archives and pulled out a few different examples of statement coats for inspiration. (check them out in detail here, here, and here.) but i want to hear from you: what statement coat makes it on your essential jackets and coats list?
statement coat 1 | statement coat 2 | statement coat 3
it’s friday gang! time to take a deep breath and relax. finally. per usual, i’ve got a wonderful recipe and cocktail for you. a perfect manhattan paired with a skirt steak with chimichurri sauce. one of my daughter in-law’s, kelly’s, favorites. you’re going to love it.
it’s been another big week on the blog. we’ve rolled out a new series on YouTube: friday fives. every friday, i’ll be showcasing my 5 favorite items that week. this week, i’ve picked out 5 essential lipsticks for you. make sure to watch the video below.
we’ve talked a lot about self-care, change, and growth this week. today, i want to shift gears, just a bit, and talk about the constants in our lives—the bedrocks. for me, that’s family. as you all know, i’ve got three kiddos and a daughter-in-law. and they mean the world to me. amidst all the change that’s going on in my life, they serve as a constant reminder of what’s important, and who is always there for me.
and family isn’t always easy. it can be a bit messy (or a lot bit). but it’s worth it. when the grounds seem to be shifting around us, there’s nothing better than being able to call and confide in those that know and love us best. and really, what’s better than sitting around the table, cocktails in hand, with sharing a lifetime of family stories on a friday night.
outfit of the day
fridays are always about contempo-casual, which is just to say “comfort”. i get a lot of questions from readers about what i wear when i’m “bumming around the house”. today’s outfit of the day is a perfect example. fall’s finally broke here (for real), so i’ve got a beautiful, oversized, cocoon sweater from Talbots. i’ve paired it with a comfy but classy pleated, silk blouse. (you can find simile ones here and here.)
sweater (Talbots) | similar blouse 1 | similar blouse 2 | similar camo pants 1 | similar camo pants 2 | driving mocs | similar belt
camo is always in, and this year is no exception. you can grab similar pants here and here. pair the whole outfit with a pair of driving mocs, and you’ve got the perfect outfit for lounging around the house or running errands.
tablescape: modern fall twist
this month, i’ve shown you several variations on a fall harvest tablescape. (see here and here.) i’m continuing with that theme today, only with a modern twist. i’ve kept with pumpkins (but see also pumpkins 2 and pumpkins), but swapped out my place mats and napkins. i keep the spirit of fall with plaid, but introduce just a touch of modern flare with black and white.
plates (Macy’s) | glasses (Macy’s) | place mates (Pier 1) | napkins (Pier 1) | pumpkins 1 | pumpkins 2 | pumpkins 3
entree: skirt steak with chimichurri sauce
one of kelly’s go-to recipes for entertaining a dinner crowd is skirt steak with chimichurri sauce. skirt steak is a cheap cut of meat that packs a big punch when cooked on the rarer side and paired with chimichurri. broil it or grill it, you can’t go wrong.
cocktail: the perfect manhattan
over the past few weeks, so many of you have wondered what happened to Ollie. well, here she is. her and Oscar are doing purrfect, and are here to share my cocktail pick of the week: the perfect manhattan.
if you’re a whiskey-rye-bourbon fan, then you’re going to love this pick. this family of liquors pairs perfectly with steak.
cocktail shaker (Pottery Barn) | coupe glasses (Williams Sonoma)
alright, gang! that’s a wrap. the weekend is here. Oscar, Ollie, and I all wish you a wonderful one. for those of you that haven’t left a comment for me this week, make sure to say “hi” below. we here at a Style at a Certain Age love nothing more to hear what’s going on in your world, even if we can’t respond to all of the comments. after all, you all are our extended virtual family. and there’s nothing more important than family.
sweater (Talbots) | similar blouse 1 | similar blouse 2 | similar camo pants 1 | similar camo pants 2 | driving mocs | similar belt
if you’re a regular here on the blog, you know i’ve been obsessed with blazers this fall. they’re fun, fashionable, and flexible. there are so many ways to mix, match, and mashup blazers with your preexisting wardrobe. invest in a blazer or two this fall, and you’ll be able to refresh large swaths of your closet just like that. blazers pair perfectly with denim, pants, blouses or tees. you really can’t go wrong. in case you’re looking for ideas or want to see how i’ve worn a blazer this year, take a look here, here, or here. but to make your life simple, today, i’ve compiled 3 ways to wear a blazer this fall.
with a hoodie
an easy way to spice up a blazer is to pair it with a hoodie. just like Goldilocks: not too formal, but not too casual. whether you’re headed to work or out to the movies, this look has you covered. literally. i’ve compiled this hoodie and this one for some great pairing possibilities.
when temps drop, i pop on a wool blazer for extra warmth. this is one of my all-time favorites by Nordstrom similar here or here. the short blazer, long hoodie, and longer tunic is a perfect silhouette for a cold winter day. if by chance the thermometer decides to inch up it’s easy enough to shed a layer.
with a turtleneck
a sleeveless turtleneck is a timeless classic and a perfect layering piece. nothing says “elegant” quite like it. what’s even better, though, is the flexibility of the sleeveless turtleneck. if the temps decide to warm up on you unexpectedly, as they are prone to here in Athens, just take off peel of your layers and you’re good to go.
this boyfriend blazer from J.Crew is my style crush. love the oversized fit and longer length. it’s the perfect jacket when temps are bouncing from the fifties in the morning to seventies by late afternoon. and i have to admit i’m a sucker for the traditional herringbone pattern.
with a t-shirt
when i want to dress chic but comfortable, i chose a pair of high-rise jeans and a graphic tee. graphic tees never go out of style, and there are so many fun ones from all of our favorite designers. (and don’t forget about consignment shopping for some retro tees as well!)
when i want to dress chic but comfortable, i chose a pair of high-rise jeans and a graphic tee. and it’s worth pointing out just how well graphic tees pair with blazers.
denim | similar graphic tee here, here, & here | blazer | similar shoes | similar handbag | similar necklace | similar bracelets
again, i’m going to say it: fall is all about the layering. all about the layering. fall days are warm, and evenings are cool. check out this fun tweed blazer you can grab from Nordstrom’s.
all right, gang! that’s another wrap. we’re almost to the weekend. but before you go, tell me how you’re wearing a blazer this fall. any styling ideas i missed? love the ones i have? let me know in the comments below.
what’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do but just haven’t gotten around to do it yet? is it a trip you’ve always wanted to take? a car you’ve always wanted to buy? a restaurant you’ve always wanted to patron? a career change you’ve always wanted to make? this week has been all about taking chances over here on the blog. so let’s take another one today and have a little fun here on a hump day. i’ve got a chic fall outfit for you: an oversized leather shirt paired with leopard jeans and spiced up with a pair of pumps.
on monday, we discussed the importance of self-care. yesterday, we talked about the confidence, wisdom, and freedom that comes with age. but as we all know, aging can bring about it an unfortunate side-effect: an aversion to change. it’s easy to get stuck in our ways. routines are comfortable. repetition is therapeutic. and sometimes it can be really difficult to break out of our self-imposed molds.
livin’, lovin’… she’s just a woman
i’ve found a real easy way to shake things up is to make a simple list of the things i’ve always wanted to do but have never actually done. and that list can be extremely simple: eat dinner for breakfast. go to a heavy metal show with my son. (indeed i have!) and so on. and so forth. you get the idea.
faux leather overshirt | similar leopard jeans | similar white shirt | shoes | handbag | bracelet | earrings
lions, tigers, leopard print jeans… oh my
for those of us that lived through the 60s we saw change on societal level. (and we’re seeing a similar thing today.) that sort of change can be uncomfortable, scary, but sometimes necessary. but not all change has to operate at such scale. change can happen in our daily lives in small and deliberate ways.
faux leather overshirt | similar leopard jeans | similar white shirt | shoes | handbag | bracelet | earrings
take, for example, our personal style. i talked yesterday about my go-to style: modern preppy.
i love that aesthetic. and i’ve worked my entire life to cultivate it. but a departure from my baseline is always good. keeps me young as they say. keeps me on my toes. and today i’ve got a faux leather overshirt from Zara paired with a simple white shirt and leopard jeans.
walk in the park
i’ve spent a lot of time this fall talking about and showcasing animal print. what an easy way to spice up our wardrobe and break out of our own go-to aesthetic. whether its snakeskin booties from JCPenny or a simple leopard rint shirt from Banana Republic, i can’t get enough of animal print this year. today is no exception; and i’ve compiled a list of similar leopard print jeans at varying price points in the slider below for you.
faux leather overshirt | similar leopard jeans | similar white shirt | shoes | handbag | bracelet | earrings
over the past few weeks, i’ve gotten a lot of comments from you, my readers, asking me to link my jewelry and other peripherals in the blogpost. i usually pull out my handbags for showcase, but today i’ve also got my earrings and bracelet for you to take a look at. (keep letting me know what you want to see in the comments, and i’ll do my best to accommodate!)
alright gang, that’s a wrap! we’re halfway through the week and headed straight into friday. stay tuned, as we’ve got a lot of exciting things coming up on the blog in the next few weeks. (hint, hint: travel week!). so many of you have reached out this week, so don’t stop now. let me know how you feel about change in the comments below. do you struggle with it? do you embrace it? how do you try to get out of your fashion comfort zone? are you a secret leather lovin’ mama like me?
if i could go back and give my younger self some advice, it would be this: be bold, be strong, and don’t be afraid to step outside the mainstream and make your own rules. after all, how much time did we spend in our youths feeling insecure? afraid to speak up and voice our opinions? how many of us were paralyzed by the potentiality of being wrong? struck by the fear of articulating an unpopular position? how many of us have daughters or granddaughters that are currently struggling with these insecurities? so let’s all throw on a fall glen plaid jacket and a pair of suede pumps and remember, “be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.”
as any woman of a certain age will tell you, age begets wisdom, and wisdom begets confidence. it’s one of the perks of getting older, really. and as any woman of a certain age will tell you, none of this can be rushed. a 42 year old can’t transfer to a 22 year old the wisdom and knowledge a successful, mid-life career change brings with it. a 64 year old can’t make a 34 year old understand the tears of pain and joy raising three children brings with it.
but what we—the older generation—can do is this: we can tell our daughters—our granddaughters— it’s OK to be bold. it’s OK to be confident. it’s OK to take risks. it’s OK to make your own rules in this crazy, mixed up world. because—and here’s the secret—everyone is makes up their own rules. and if we, as woman with wisdom, are not afraid to instill confidence in our children, then conversations like this will become the norm.
you want to leave your job as a lawyer and open up an apothecary? do it!
you want to forego college for an apprenticeship as a chef? i’m behind you 100%!
you think your team at work could improve if they just tried this? tell them!
when i was younger & now that i’m stronger
last week, we talked about self-expression through style. a lot of you reached out to me over my various social channels and told me how over the years you’ve gained the confidence to take fashion risks. so inspiring! and as you all know, we’re no strangers to those sorts of risk over here on the blog. yesterday, we showcased flared jeans, last week a skirt and knee-highs, and a few weeks ago, wide-legged jeans.
blazer (Ann Taylor) | sweater (Everlane) | similar denim (J.Crew)
but today, i’m showcasing my go-to style: modern preppy. it’s a fashion sense i’ve developed over 50 years. and to me, nothing says “bold” and “confident” more than a blazer and a clean pair of denim. whether i’m headed to a meeting or just grabbing drinks with my daughter-in-law after work, i trust in the style i’ve worked my entire life to develop.
breaking all the rules & suede pumps
oftentimes, when we think of “breaking the rules”, we think of societal rules imposed on us either implicitly or explicitly. but sometimes those rules are self-imposed. whether they be fashion rules, or professional rules, or general how-i-live-my-life rules, it’s always good to step back and reevaluate how and why we do what we do.
shoes | shoes (similar Ann Talyor) | handbag 1 | handbag 2 | handbag 3 (similar)
what fashion rules do you live by? and are they worth breaking?
fashion confidence with age
depending on the year; depending on where i’m living; and depending on who i’m with, modern preppy may be “in” or it may be totally “out”. doesn’t matter to me, though. it’s my go-to, and i’m sticking to it. i might spice up my style with frayed denim, a pair of suede pumps (but see also) and a statement bag (but also here and here). but i’ve been shopping at Ann Taylor and J.Crew for years.
blazer (Ann Taylor) | sweater (Everlane) | similar denim (J.Crew)
alright, gang! the week is in full swing. i hope you played hooky yesterday and are fully rejuvenated. we’re gonna need it, as we’re heading into the holiday season. now, before you go, let me know in the comment section one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self. i’m not a big believer in regrets. but i am a believer in learning, growing, and evolving through the ages. what words of wisdom do you have for the next generation of women?
when was the last time you played hooky and took a day for yourself? went to a movie? got a massage or a mani-pedi? called up your daughter for an impromptu lunch? self-care is one of the most important things and something we’re all guilty of not investing enough in. today, i’m throwing on on a pair of fall flared jeans, a suede jacket (similar here), and my snakeskin boots and heading out for a day to and for myself. come join me.
when my kiddos were growing up, i would periodically let them stay home from school and take a “mental health day”. my mother was the first to coin that phrase and it stuck like glue. thanks, mom! a mental health day was always unannounced—a total surprise. to get to sleep in late on a monday. to get to go out to lunch with your kiddo or mom on a tuesday. to get to watch a movie in the early afternoon on a wednesday. theses are all little things, but go such a long way to rejuvenate ourselves. in this crazy mixed up world, the weeks can feel like and oftentimes are an endless source of anxiety. there are now entire industries built around mindfulness and centering to help us combat the stress of modern living. no doubt these are good things—extremely helpful to be sure. but sometimes the simple act of playing hooky helps just as much.
some kind of flared blue jeans
i’m stepping into monday with high waisted flared jeans, a suede jacket (similar here) that screams fall has arrived and an affordable pair of affordable snakeskin boots. but i would be remiss if i didn’t point out the adorable sleeveless blouse that keeps this ootd on its toes. the blouse from Nic & Zoe available at Nordstrom is appropriately called mark your calendar. guess who couldn’t resist adding it to her wardrobe? the neutral color scheme has versatility written all over it. and i loved the addition of a ruffled collar that adds a hint of femininity.
who thinks the flared blue jeans are the star of this outfit? besides me? i’m just so happy to see a variety of denim silhouettes available this year in addition to our long-time favorite straight legs, boyfriend, or skinny jeans. there’s certain to be a pair of denim that suits you to a T.
walk all over monday (in snakeskin boots)
last week on the blog, i showcased a variety of different purses and luxury bags of varying price points. there’s no need to break the bank with the sticker shock that comes with a luxury handbag. don’t forget luxury handbags retain their value and are so well made that they’re worth every penny. but a few of my favorite brands’ Coach, Tory Burch, Brahmin, Michael Kors or Patricia Nash also produce well-made handbags that will last a lifetime.
denim | blouse | (similar) suede jacket | snakeskin boots | (similar) belt | (similar) handbag
in our first episode of style secrets over on YouTube, i first showcased this wonderful snakeskin boots from JCPenney. (video below.) animal prints, shoes, and bags are a big part of my fall wardrobe. i can’t get enough of them. snakeskin is big, big, big this year. but leopard or zebra print are shown in abundance. so lots of choices this fall and winter to add texture to your outfit and give it a one-two punch.
heels are the perfect combination with flared denim—not only from an aesthetic perspective, but a functional one as well. this pair of high rise denim flares from Frame run loooong so heels are a must unless you want to visit your local tailor to alter the length. i’m wearing a size 29 which translates to my typical size 8.
suede operator
this suede jacket (similar here) has been a go-to of mine for the past several years. take a look here, here and here for different styling ideas.
denim | blouse | (similar) suede jacket | snakeskin boots | (similar) belt | (similar) handbag
all right, gang! the week is officially underway. i hope you had a wonderful weekend, and i hope that if you find yourself stressed or anxious, you will carve out a little bit of time for yourself this week. before you sign off, make sure to say “hi” in the comments below. let me know the last time you played hooky. where did you go? and what did you do?
it’s friday gang! it’s been a solid week over here on the blog. in case you missed it, we did a deep dive into fall fashion aimed for the career woman (but also here). we also officially introduced a new YouTube series fashioned squared over here on the blog. definitely check it out, especially if you’re looking for outfit ideas. i show you three ways to wear a white shirt. video above. but today is friday. and i have a crowd over tonight—all of my sons are in town. and of course we could go out to eat, but there’s nothing quite like a home cooked meal. in the spirit of keeping it simple ya’ll—more time for laughs—i’ve got an instant pot turkey chili recipe for you. time to kick back, relax, and pour a drink.
outfit of the day
it’s casual friday over here at the office today. and by office, i mean my kitchen. in keeping with the theme of styling a white shirt, i’ve paired it with a beautiful cashmere sweater from Everlane. i’ve thrown on a pair of black slacks, but you could do navy just as well. and of course i spice everything up—just a bit—with leopard print shoes. head over to Talbots to grab a pair.
tablescape: little cups o’ pumpkin
keeping with our tablescape from last week on friday’s with oscar, i’ve retooled and added to my pumpkin patch. in both fashion and decorating, i’m a big believer in versatility and reusability. decorations, just like clothes, are investments, and the goals is to get as much mileage out of them as possible. all i’ve had to add from last week’s tablescape are these cute pumpkin chili bowls. gives it a whole new vibe. love it.
similar pumpkin | similar pumpkin | similar pumpkin | similar pumpkin | placemats | napkins | bee glasses
entree: instant pot turkey chili
if you don’t have an instant pot, get one. they were and are all the rage. and for good reason. what can’t these modern wonders do? very little. i get a ton of use out of this gadget every fall and winter.
there are so many different types of recipes out there to choose from. and they’re all so easy. today, i’ve chosen a turkey chili one for you. i’ve picked up the ingredients from Trader Joe’s. check out last week’s post on how to eat healthy at Trader Joe’s.
similar pumpkin | similar pumpkin | similar pumpkin | similar pumpkin | placemats | napkins | bee glasses | silverware | plates
sides: corn bread & chips
when you’ve got a crowd, you’ve gotta have sides. what’s better with chili than chips and cornbread? chips before and during the meal. have ’em with a little salsa and sour cream, and save the rest for dunking in the chili.
cornbread is a Trader Joe’s mix spiced up with some jalapenos and shredded cheese. i love cornbread because it’s the perfect mixture between sweet and savory. how do you do yours?
similar pumpkin | similar pumpkin | similar pumpkin | similar pumpkin | placemats | napkins | bee glasses | silverware | plates
cocktail: pilsner beer
we’ve done a lot of fall cocktails over here on the blog. last week, it was the white pumpkin. the week before, it was an apple cider mojito. today, i’m keeping it simple: beer. my kiddos love beer, and i do to. Athens’ craft beer game is strong. we’ve got Terrapin Beer Company and Creature Comforts to name a few. if you see them in your local store, make sure to pick a case up. you won’t be disappointed. i’m a light beer gal myself: pilsners and lagers. coming from the Bay Area, my eldest son is an IPA fan. what’s your favorite type of beer?
alright, gang! that’s a wrap here. we’ve covered a lot of ground this week and are ending on a high note. let me know what you’ve got planned for the weekend in the comments below. are you traveling? going to see a movie? dinner for two? have a new recipe you’re into? found a new microbrewery near you? i love to hear what’s going on in your life.
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