we kicked off the week talking about how to wear a blazer this summer. we’re continuing with that trend today: we’re featuring a classic pinstripe blazer and skinny jeans. i’m tapping into my inner prep today—my favorite style—because i’m feeling particularly good. the sun is shining, summer is here, but even most importantly, so is my family. a lot to still be thankful for.
a classic pinstripe blazer
it feels good to put on a pair of jeans and a blazer. it really does. today, i’m featuring a pinstripe blazer from Ann Taylor. i’ve paired it with a flutter sleeve shell also from Ann Taylor. the colors are a subtle neutrals with visual interest created by the pinstripes. layering is useful even during the summer months: going inside into an air-conditioned room for the warmth of the sun can be a sharp contrast. and a sleeveless shirt with a blazer is a great way to combat the temperature change.
blazer | flutter sleeve shell | bucket bag | platform sandal | skinny jeans
and skinny jeans
i’m loving these luxe high waist skinny jeans from Nordstrom. they’re new, soft, and so comfortable. i generally minimize the number of times i wear jeans during the summer, but i can see myself reaching for these on the regular. they stay cool even on the hot summer days we’re now seeing in Athens. if you love jeans, but tend to avoid them in the summer, i’d still recommend a pair of these.
blazer | flutter sleeve shell | bucket bag | platform sandal | skinny jeans
summer is for sandals
i love espadrilles. and these Verla platform sandals from Nordstrom pair perfectly with these ankle jeans. keeping with the neutral theme, i’ve accented my OOTD with this leather bucket bag. leather accessories are always a great way to give an outfit like a classic pinstripe blazer and skinny jeans that extra bit of class.
blazer | flutter sleeve shell | bucket bag | platform sandal | skinny jeans
we’re preparing for summer over here on the blog. this week we rolled out our top 4 summer essentials. we’re sticking with that theme today, and rounding up a collection of some of my favorite summer tunics from the archives. tunics are a big part of my wardrobe—they always have been and will continue to be. there’s so many different ways you can wear them, and here are 3 outfit inspirations for how to wear a tunic this summer.
with chinos
today’s ootd is casual through and through. but that’s what summer is all about. it’s time to stay cool with flowing tops, relaxed chinos, and sandals. (similar) chinos act as a neutral and ground this (similar) tunic. yellow slide sandals are back in action. and i couldn’t resist reaching for my new (similar) straw handbag from Nordstrom to add a touch of summer whimsy.
similar chinos | similar tunic | similar straw handbag | similar sandals
with blue jeans
wardrobe basics come in a variety of styles but they always stick to neutral colors. nude, black, grey, white. if you have the basics on hand getting dressed in the morning just got a whole lot easier. (similar) denim and an off-white (similar) tunic always make my list. as do nude pumps and handbag (similar here). tunics cover your assets beautifully especially if you’re inclined to wear leggings. go sleeved, sleeveless or short sleeved. they all work perfectly.
similar denim | similar tunic | shoes | similar handbag
a linen tunic & pants
this linen tunic is wonderful. it goes with everything. and i do mean everything. take a look at today’s ootd. (similar) linen tunic paired with (similar) green linen pants . perfect summer combo. now that summer decided to stay awhile linen becomes a go-to fabric for me. yes, it wrinkles (that’s its charm) but if you want to stay cool and fresh in hot weather linen will never let you down. and it’s a natural fabric which i prefer over synthetic.
similar pants | similar tunic | similar sandals | handbag
although the country is slowly starting to open back up, we’re still spending a lot, if not the majority of our time at home. and there’s nothing wrong with wearing blue jeans, tees, and sneakers. believe me; i’m reaching for that combination a lot more these days. last week, we revisited jeans after months of athleisure wear. today, we’re going to build on that post and talk five ways to elevate your blue jeans into a timeless and classic look. we’re gonna start with my base outfit below and build five new ones from it by addition, subtraction, and slight modification.
girlfriend jeans | shoes | similar shoes | similar tee | sweatshirt
outfit 1
add a blazer, leopard shoes & belt
in our first look, we’ve kept my original jeans but built the outfit around the mighty blazer. a blazer will elevate any look, and when you add the leopard pattern with these (similar) shoes and belt, you’ve got a timeless classic.
blouse | blazer | similar jeans | similar shoes | belt
outfit 2
add accessories
for our second look, we’ve kept the blouse but swapped out the jeans for skinny ones. the whole idea here, though, is to add accessories. a belt can be an attention grabber and add life to any pair of jeans. swap out your daily jewelry for something a little more eye-catching. and don’t forget to add a color pop by using a sweater as an accessory.
blouse | jeans | similar shoes | sweater
outfit 3
long-over-lean
for our third look, let’s keep the skinny jeans but add a poplin popover for that classic long-over-lean look. such a simple and clean look, but remarkably comfortable as well. one of my favorites. (and you didn’t think i’d forget that pop of color. how about these (similar) shoes?)
poplin popover | jeans | similar shoes
outfit 4
with a chunky cardigan
for our fourth outfit, we’ve kept our base but simply added a chunky (similar) cardigan. talk about reusability. it looks like we’ve got a few more days of cooler weather here in Athens, and i’ve definitely reached for this cardigan more than once. super comfy without loosing that timeless classic look.
jeans | poplin popover | similar cardigan | similar shoes
outfit 5
add a pop of color
and finally, don’t forget about colored jeans. whether you’re going with black, white, red, or some other color entirely, the fashion possibilities they afford us are endless. i’ve stuck with a neutral today: gray jeans. and i’ve built the entire outfit around the safari jacket—one of my personal favorites.
jeans | safari jacket | tank | shoes
thanks for joining us, ladies. i hope today’s post gives you some inspiration on how to take your jeans and restyle them in a way that gives you that timeless classic look we’re always striving for over here on the blog. if you’re looking for more inspiration or want to see how these outfits look in 3D, be sure to check out our new YouTube video.
we’ve headed towards a cool spell in Athens. this gives me the opportunity to wear, wait for it: jeans. seems weird to say that, but when was the last time you threw on a pair of jeans over the past few months? with so many, if not all of us at home full time, there’s not the same incentive to throw on a pair of, say, skinny jeans. i get it. i was going through some of our more recent posts over here on the blog, and we’ve featured wide leg pants, shorts, and even a little black dress. but not a lot of denim. many of you have reached out to me over the past few weeks and have acknowledged that you’re ready for the transitioning from athleisure wear to jeans. well, so am i.
transitioning from athleisure wear to jeans
we’re all about timeless, classic style on the blog. and we feature denim heavily. in fact, jeans made my top 10 classic essentials that transition to spring. today, i’ve got on a pair of high waist, ankle cut skinny jeans (low, medium, high). and you know what? i’m loving them. they’re doing a couple of things for me today. first, they’re keeping me honest. under quarantine, maintaining our normal routines has become difficult, if not impossible. i’ve made it a point to stay healthy by walking, but as many of you know, i underwent knee surgery recently, making even that challenging. jeans are less forgiving than athleisure wear, for sure. so it’s nice to get that gut check every once in while (pun intended).
also, putting on a pair of jeans gives an indication on how my knee is doing. my recovery has been going well, but there is still some swelling in my knee. jeans show me clearly how much farther i have to go. and that’s not a bad thing: it serves as motivation to keep pushing during my PT sessions. and let me tell you PT is the most important step in the recovery process.
similar jacket | similar jacket 2 | similar jacket 3 | similar jacket 4 | similar jacket 5 | similar jacket 6 | shoes | bag | saint james tee | similar tee | similar tee 2
jeans low | jeans medium | jeans high
original Breton tee
i love, love, love classic Breton striped tees: so iconic, and such a staple. if you don’t own one, i highly recommend it. did you know that the striped tee started life in the French Navy in 1858? the original sailor tee sported 21 stripes, one for each of Napolean’s victories. the distinctive pattern of stripes made it easier to spot a sailor in the sea if by chance he fell overboard. at the turn of the twentieth century, on a visit to the French Riviera Coco Chanel spied the tee on a navy seaman and introduced the Breton tee with her 1917 nautical collection. this look was a breakaway from the heavily corseted fashion popular at the time. Coco originally paired the tee with flared trousers and a trend began. women in trousers? striped tees? separates? it seems so matter-of-fact these days, but waaaay back then, it took one brave woman to change fashion forever.
similar jacket | similar jacket 2 | similar jacket 3 | similar jacket 4 | similar jacket 5 | similar jacket 6 | shoes | bag | saint james tee | similar tee | similar tee 2
jeans low | jeans medium | jeans high
cap-toe slingbacks
and finally, i’m featuring a pair of cap-toe slingbacks. they’re a classic shoe. Chanel introduced them almost 100 years ago, and when in doubt on what pair of shoes to wear on any given day, i reach for a pair. they act as a neutral and will complement virtually any outfit you put together. love.
similar jacket | similar jacket 2 | similar jacket 3 | similar jacket 4 | similar jacket 5 | similar jacket 6 | shoes | bag | saint james tee | similar tee | similar tee 2
jeans low | jeans medium | jeans high
over the years, i’ve spent a lot of time writing about how to wear white denim. it’s one of my favorite pieces in my closet, and one in which i’m not afraid to break all the rules with. yup. you guessed it: i wear white jeans year round. guilty as charged. and if you’re a fashion rule-breaker like me, then today’s post is for you. we’re going to walk through 5 ways to wear white denim. i’ve even got an accompanying YouTube video for you, so make sure to check that out.
slim ankle | wide leg | flare | straight
with a jean jacket
jean jacket is something we most likely have in our closet. and no matter the color or fit of that jacket, it will always work with white denim. want to mix things up? throws a patterned shirt underneath. want a pop of color? how about a pair of red shoes. just have fun.
low comparable | medium comparable | high comparable
with a white tee & duster
when the temps start to get mild, i love to have a monochromatic outfit. white-on-white is very elongating and looks good on all of us. pro tip: add a brown belt to break up the white—just a bit.
low comparable | medium comparable | high comparable
with a safari jacket
next up is the classic safari/utility jacket. when i’m wearing white denim, i love to have a brown accent piece. and there’s nothing better—nothing more classic—than a safari jacket. but don’t think you have to stick with brown. this style will work with any muted color. an olive utility jacket would go just as great with a pair of white jeans.
low comparable | medium comparable | high comparable
with a black moto jacket
black moto jackets never go out of style. in fact, they made my top 10 classic items that transition well to spring. a black moto jacket is featured here again in this classic look. i mean, can you really go wrong with this pairing?
low comparable | medium comparable | high comparable
with gingham
rounding out the list today is a gingham shirt. such a classic. so preppy. one of my favorites. just like many of the above looks, i’ve brought in a brown belt as a cute little accent piece. notice the block-heeled sandals i’m wearing. they give this outfit just a bit more sophisticated elegance than it normally would have. love.
low comparable | medium comparable | high comparable
i hope you had a wonderful and restful Easter! did you get a chance to connect with those that you love? did you make brunch? what did you make? (hopefully you had a chance try our baked eggs and popovers!) now that i’m spending so much time at home, it’s amazing how the little things i used to take for granted have become, well, highlights of my day. take my daily trip to the mailbox. simple and totally forgettable a few months ago. now, it’s something i look forward to. not only is it a forcing function to get up and out of my house, but it often leads to an impromptu walk around the neighborhood. and that’s really perfect, because we’ve got a few more weeks of absolute perfect weather here in Athens. with that in mind, i thought we’d do a fun OOTD: how to wear a graphic tee.
the simple things in life
if you caught my 10 classic essentials that transition to spring yesterday, you’ll know that the classic tee made my list. and what’s more fun in spring and summer than a graphic tee? i would say that the graphic tee made a come back a decade ago, but that’s not really true: they’ve never really went away. i’ve featuring a fun California-themed shirt from J.Crew in honor of my days past, but the best thing about graphic tees, there’s one out there just for you; and just for the mood you’re in.
graphic tee | sweater | jeans | belt | similar sandal | similar sandal 2 | bracelet | earrings
how to wear a graphic tee
graphic tees go with anything, literally. i’ve paired mine today with a pair of girlfriend jeans and an equally fun sweater also from J.Crew. it’s transition weather here, so layering is important. but depending on where you are, you may go sans sweater and, say, a pair of ankle jeans. or bootcut. or shorts. or whatever really. in a moment when fun can be hard to come by, remember, it’s the little things in life. and that’s what a good graphic tee is really.
graphic tee | sweater | jeans | belt | similar sandal | similar sandal 2 | bracelet | earrings
a sweater for spring
it’s sweater weather—my favorite. so many fun options this year. i’m featuring a cardigan with muted pastels, and it contrasts nicely with the my tee. we’ve featured many cardigans on the blog over the years. dress them up; dress them down; they’re just so flexible. and this one is putting a smile on my face today. i hope it is yours too.
graphic tee | sweater | jeans | belt | similar sandal | similar sandal 2 | bracelet | earrings
happy Easter from our family to yours! it’s a holy weekend for many of us of different faiths, and this year, we cannot celebrate in the way in which we traditionally do. there’s a sadness in that, but that does not mean we cannot celebrate. true celebration begins with an inward thankfulness that itself leads to a sort of peacefulness that radiates outwards. and that’s what we need right now: a sustaining peace throughout this storm.
10 classic essentials that transition to spring
today, i’m refreshing a post we published earlier this year. it’s relevant for spring, but in addition, we cut a new YouTube video to accompany it. so make sure to watch.
we are going to revisit the timeless classics: the wardrobe staples everyone needs in their closet. i cannot stress enough how important it is to have at least one of each of these items because the ability to pull together a classic, chic, on point outfit is priceless. in addition to wardrobe items, i’ve included a few classic accessories as well. sometimes, it’s the perfect accessory that can really set off your outfit: think pearls, a leather handbag or a fabulous pair of sunglasses! i’m going to show you how to build a timeless wardrobe, and to that end, i’ve included past posts for you see how i have styled each of these items over the years.
little black dress
it’s important to always have a little black dress in your closet. the go-to, always appropriate LBD that you can reliably reach for when you need a dress for date night. i think it’s good to have at least two LBDs—one that is fun and flirty, and one that is a little more conservative. a conservative style will get a lot of use for day to day as it can pinch hit for the office, church, or any kind of meeting when a more reserved style is appropriate.
low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable
pearl necklace
pearls are absolutely my favorite go-to jewelry. they add instant panache no matter if you’re pairing them with a casual denim outfit or an LBD. i love to mix them with jeans and a blazer. the classically chic style of pearls make them an easy choice for anyone, since they go with every style, anytime. even if you don’t normally wear jewelry, you can always try a pearl necklace and rest assured, they look great on you!
low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable
white blouse
this one is an obvious choice for a timeless classic. much like pearls, you can elevate any outfit by wearing a crisp white button up – but this is also true for a soft silk white blouse. it’s also true for more trendy styles, like collarless tuxedo shirts, or tie-waist kimono styles. while some styles and cuts will fade in and out of fashion, the idea of a classic white blouse keeps this classic relevant.
low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable
leather handbag
a leather handbag is a timeless classic because if you go for a well-made classic design, like a satchel or tote, and if you choose a color that is versatile with items in your closet you will definitely get your money’s worth in use and it will last for years to come. a well made leather bag is something worth spending a bit more on, if you can. with brands like Everlane, you can get a quality, beautiful bag without spending your whole paycheck!
low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable
ballet flats
like many of the items in this list, ballet flats can go from casual to dressy with ease. and like the leather handbag, it’s worth searching out a well-made pair in a neutral color. you will reach for them everytime you can’t decide on what shoes to wear with those wide-leg jeans, or when you know you’ll be on your feet all day at the office. i highly recommend Everlane’s Day Glove ballet flat, they are affordable, well made and very comfortable.
low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable
sunglasses
sunglasses have been an iconic fashion staple for ages. sunglasses are often a very personal expression of style because you wear them on your face. many factors play into how we choose sunglasses: face shape is probably the biggest factor and mostly we tend to stick with sunglass styles that work best with our face shape. but this is where you can really have some fun! there are certainly sunglass fads, but for the most part, classic styles remain so. think: aviators, oversized, or Wayfarer styles. within these iconic style groups there are myriad variations and designs that make them more or less trendy. i recommend having multiple pairs, so you can choose for your mood!
low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable
blazer
if you have followed me for any length of time you know i regularly sing the praises of the mighty blazer. my personal style is decidedly preppy and the blazer is the cornerstone of preppy style. having a few blazers in your closet is not excessive at all! a well-fitting, well-made black blazer will see you through office outfits, date night outfits, over jeans for brunch – trust me you cannot go wrong with a black blazer. but consider a tweed blazer for fall and winter when you need an extra layer. a tweed blazer over jeans and a sweater is a picture perfect outfit for any day of the week. and what about summer? yes, indeed – a lightweight linen blazer for summer is a dream! check out my blazer blow out post to see how i love to style the mighty blazer.
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black leather jacket
maybe you stray from a black leather jacket because you don’t think a motorcycle jacket is your style. well, let me tell you that black leather jackets come in all sorts of styles! from the typical motorcycle jacket with zippers and pockets, to the more streamlined cafe racer style, to bomber styles, to blazers! whatever style best suits you and your wardrobe, i bet you can find a black leather jacket.
low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable
tees
tee shirts don’t have to be relegated to weekend or bedtime wear. tee shirts are a beloved staple and deserve a spot in your regular outfit rotations. i love to wear a graphic tee with a pencil skirt. or under a blazer with pants or jeans. you can elevate your tee shirt with what you pair it with: tweed blazer and pearls, skirt and heels…suddenly your humble tee shirt is the perfect go-to. or reverse it, sometimes a more “over the top” item, like a sequined skirt, can be toned down with a tee shirt.
low comparable | mid comparable | high comparable
jeans
you all know i am true blue jean mama. i am more likely to be found in blue jeans on any given day than most other items from my closet, which is why i have a steady rotation of styles. i have classic straight leg and boot cut styles as well as the new classics: skinny, wide leg, cropped and flare. well made, well-cared for jeans can last for many years, so even if a particular style has fallen flat one season, it will definitely come back around. so if you have the space for it, store them and wait until they make their way back to the top of the heap. read my ultimate denim guide for tips on fit and styles.
boot cut | wide leg | ankle | boyfriend | skinny
let’s take a break from the holidays—just today—and return to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow. i’m taking the day off today to catch up on, well, the day-to-day things that can easily get lost in the mix. laundry. groceries. bills. and an evening in.
over the past few weeks, we’ve focused a lot on holiday outfits. today i’m showcasing something a little more subdued—a little more casual. i’m tapping into my preppy side—my favorite side—and bringing you an outfit that’s perfect for running errands, meeting a friend for lunch, or an evening at the movies.
take a break from the holidays
i don’t know about you, but there’s always a point mid-December in which i just want a break. a timeout. a pause to catch my breath. the gauntlet of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s can be tiring. not because they’re not fun. not because they’re not full of people that i care truly deeply about. but because being “on” for six straight weeks can be a bit much.
we talk a lot about self-care and wellness over here on the blog. and one of the most important things about both is that we have to constantly remind ourselves to invest in them. it’s an ongoing process—a continuing journey. if you too need a short break, then join me today in doing so. i don’t think you’ll regret it.
sweater blazer | cashmere crew | scarf | scarf 2 | scarf 3 | straight jeans | penny loafers
casual, comfortable and chic
i think i’ve found my favorite outfit of the month. it’s totally simple. slightly understated. and perfect for how i’m feeling today: a cashmere crew from Everlane and a pair of straight jeans J.Crew. a sweater and pair of jeans. you really cannot go wrong. and if you need to layer, try this sweater blazer also from J.Crew.
sweater blazer | cashmere crew | scarf | scarf 2 | scarf 3 | straight jeans | penny loafers
preppy
long time readers of the blog know that my go-to aesthetic is preppy. if it’s not too cold where you are—we’ve got a 68 degree day here in Athens—easily prep up your outfit with these penny loafers from J.Crew. i’ve been loving loafers this fall and winter, and today is no exception. (and you know that you’ll be able to pull them out of your closet come spring.)
sweater blazer | cashmere crew | scarf | scarf 2 | scarf 3 | straight jeans | penny loafers
so tell me ladies: how are you taking care of yourself this holiday season? have you taken a day off? had an evening in? let me know in the comments below.
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?
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