what were you doing one year ago today? that’s a question i spent last evening mulling over after all of the comments we received on yesterday’s post: does fashion still matter? i read through every single bit of feedback we got, not only on the blog, but on our other social channels too. first of all, thank you. i’ve got such wise readership, and i love hearing your perspective on what’s going on. at a really high-level, there were two major themes in the comments. 1) it’s not that fashion matters right now per se, but rather it’s looking and feeling our best even in times of uncertainty like these. such a smart point, and i totally agree. and 2) the new “normal” isn’t normal nor should it be thought of such. and it’s this point that prompted my lead question for today. one year ago today, i was starting to plan for my son’s and daughter-in-law’s wedding. had just begun to dress shop, and mr. style was starting to suit shop. to remind myself—to remind ourselves—of real normal, i thought i’d do something fun today and raid the archives. i went back to April 2019 and pulled together 3 spring fashion how tos for you. i hope you enjoy the fashion distraction again today, and let me know in the comments what you were doing one year ago today.
how to wear a jumpsuit
happy Monday, ladies from the glorious south where the birds are chirping, bees buzzing, and trees bursting with buds. if it’s spring then snowball viburnums are in full bloom. what a glorious sight! and the perfect backdrop for a simple black jumpsuit. every year we try to snag a photo in front of this gorgeous tree. so i’ve vigilantly watched this neck of the woods for the past few weeks. today was the day!
this up for anything black jumpsuit from Ralph Lauren has a flattering bateau neck and tapered legs. it can be dressed up for dinner and a show or dressed down for “let’s do coffee.” for a casual cool outfit that takes sixty seconds to create throw on a denim jacket and white sneakers. voila, instant casual chic
similar jumpsuit | similar jumpsuit 2 | similar jumpsuit 3 | similar jumpsuit 4 | sandals | bracelet | earrings
how to wear a jean jacket
my fling with spring continues! but if there’s one thing we know about this season it’s that the weather can change in a heartbeat. one reason i grab a jacket before i head out the door. sometimes it’s a raincoat other times a denim jacket will do the trick. since today’s ootd is casual through and through a military inspired denim jacket from Ralph Lauren is the perfect companion. details like metallic soutache, epaulets, and silver buttons add a jaunty flair. princess seams and darts at the front and back of the collar update this classic officer’s jacket and give it the spit and polish it deserves.
since the temps are already on the rise i know my denim days are short-lived. typically when the summer heat arrives i transition to shorts, skirts, and dresses. so i grabbed a pair of white denim, chose a lightweight sweater, and decided yellow driving mocs were the perfect addition to add a pop of color. but the star of this show is the denim officer’s jacket. am i right?! good old ralph takes a classic wardrobe staple and puts a spin on it. which is exactly what we need from time-to-time to stay modern and fresh.
similar jeans | similar sweater | similar jacket | similar shoes
how to wear high low
good morning, ladies. happy monday! i hope you enjoyed the long Easter weekend. our spring weather was sprinkled with tornado watches and flash floods on friday and saturday with a high of fifty-something. it was downright cold and dreary! but sunday was a glorious sunshiny day which seemed to make up for the chilly ones. mr. style and i wandered parts of the UGA campus for photos sunday afternoon. hopefully, you can catch a glimpse of the beauty that surrounds these historic grounds. the University of Georgia was founded in 1785 and is one of the oldest public universities in the United States. people always ask why mr. style and i decided to make athens our home. the university had a big part to play. it offers sporting events, concerts, an art museum, and, of course, the energy of the students that abounds for nine months out of the year. and an adorable english bulldog mascot that goes by the name of uga.
there’s been much discussion on the blog recently about fashion price points. so i’m sharing how i wear high low items. of course, on any given day you will see me wearing mid-price brands: Ann Taylor, Talbots, J.Crew, Everlane. their classic styles will always have a place in my closet. but if i’m shopping at Target or Akris Punto and something catches my eye, it has a 100% chance of coming home with me. because if you find something that makes your heart go pitter patter you’ll wear it. isn’t that the point of a stylish wardrobe? and i love to mix luxury items with basement bargains. i’ve always had the mindset that clothes should be worn. and worn regularly. i feel the same way about my home decor. why should my china be relegated to special occasion dining? why not mix and match them with other pieces all through the year?
similar jeans | similar shirt | similar cardigan | similar cardigan 2
for the fifth straight year, Talbots and O, The Oprah Magazine have partnered together for Talbots: Dress for Success. the idea is simple: let’s support the economic empowerment and independence of women the world over. to do this, Talbots will collect clothing donations of new (or nearly new) work ready clothing between February 20th-24th. they will also accept donations in-store or online. to date, Dress for Success has raised more than $6 million and collected over 18,000 boxes of donated business attire benefiting over 125,000 women across America.
Talbots: Dress for Success
as many of my followers know, i’m an advocate for strong, independent working women. it’s important that we’re all trailblazers in our own right—big or small–in our daily lives. and a key component of being an independent women is economic independence. maybe you’re currently in the workforce or maybe you previously were.
whatever the case, you know that to to achieve any form of independence not only takes hard work and diligence from our school days and beyond, but also the support from friends, family, and our communities around us. let me know someone who helped you on your journey in the comments below.
chevron cardigan | poplin popover | ankle pants | square toe pumps | handbag
shop the collection: comfy chevron cardigan
one of the ways you can support Dress for Success, but more importantly woman looking to succeed in the workforce, is to shop the O, The Oprah Magazine cardigan collection. 30 percent of the proceeds directly benefits Dress for Success. the collection features five comfy cardigans. i’ve chosen to style the chevron cardigan today, but i’ve put together a slider of all the cardigans below.
chevron cardigan | poplin popover | ankle pants | square toe pumps | handbag
to me, nothing says “strong” and “independent” more than black and white. in a lot of ways, i’ve put together a simple but classic outfit. i’ve paired my centerpiece cardigan with a crisp white poplin popover and streamlined black ankle pants. it’s the perfect outfit for most vocations, really. and anyone can pull it off. how are you thinking of wearing your cardigan? what color combinations spell s-u-c-c-e-s-s for you?
ways you can help
there are a lot of ways in which you can make Dress for Success successful.
- shop the collection. 30 percent of the proceeds directly benefits Dress for Success.
- clean out your closet and donate to your local Talbots from February 20th-24th.
- donate in-store or online from February 18th-March 29th.
and make sure to follow me on Instagram where I’m partnering with Talbots.
chevron cardigan | poplin popover | ankle pants | square toe pumps | handbag
are we ready for Wednesday, ladies? we are halfway through this last week of January and i am enjoying the cooler temps and sunny days here in Athens. who thinks Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow this February 2nd? spring is technically around the corner for us, as the equinox is March 19. but we all know that winter weather will stick around for a lot of us well after the official first day of spring. today, we’re talking top winter coatigans.
while we await Punxsutawney Phil’s verdict, i have my Ann Taylor coatigan back in action today. i have acquired a few of these sweater coats this winter and i have been loving them with everything. you may remember the one from Anthropologie i wore over the holidays (last seen here and here). i have a cashmere camel version and a cotton/wool grey version, both of which are from J.Crew and have been on style repeat all winter long.
top winter coatigans
sweater coats come in a variety of styles, some are described as sweater blazers and have larger lapels. some are collarless and are therefore more like a classic cardigan. some are duster-length, some are thigh or hip length. they are available in so many colors and materials, you’re sure to find one that suits your personal style. Talbots, J.Crew, and Ann Taylor all have beautiful versions.
coatigan | cashmere turtleneck | ankle jeggings | earrings | booties | similar booties | similar bag | similar bag 2
play with texture
today i am shifting into neutral to cruise effortlessly into wednesday. camel is one of my favorite colors because it’s a soft neutral that plays well across the color wheel. i am keeping it light with my Ann Taylor coatigan in soft white and camel houndstooth. underneath, i have a simple camel turtleneck.
suede booties ground my outfit as they closely tie into my camel turtleneck, creating a chic match. skinny jeans are belted with a darker brown leather belt which ties into my darker brown leather woven handbag.
coatigan | cashmere turtleneck | ankle jeggings | earrings | booties | similar booties | similar bag | similar bag 2
shift into neutral
keeping things neutral or monochromatic means that i can play with a variety of textures without making my outfit feel confused or chaotic. cashmere, suede, woven leather, and denim…all work harmoniously when you keep things neutral.
coatigan | cashmere turtleneck | ankle jeggings | earrings | booties | similar booties | similar bag | similar bag 2
fingers crossed Punxsutawney Phil doesn’t see his shadow on Sunday! as January winds down, a comforting thought as we head into February is that we are ever so close to spring. have a great Wednesday ladies. go out there and put a smile on someone’s face, even your own!
it will comes as no surprise that preppy is my go-to style. it always as been, and it always will be. preppy lends itself naturally to the spring and summer months. but how do we keep that aesthetic alive and fresh when we’re in the cold, dreary depths of winter? if you’re looking for some essential items to prep up your wardrobe—or if you’re looking for a little color to offset the gray days—today’s post is for you. i’m going to give you some outfit essentials that will show you exactly how to keep the torch burning strong—how to dress preppy in the winter.
how to dress preppy in the winter
yesterday on the blog, i was feeling neutral: it was all about the whites, grays, and blacks. (and for those of you that are wondering, Ann Taylor restocked the herringbone shawl collar wrap coat that’s all the rage. so if you were looking to pick one up and missed out, make sure to head over and grab one.)
today, it’s all about the color pop. we’re no strangers to color over here on the blog, and we talked extensively last fall on how to introduce color into your wardrobe. preppy is all about well-placed color additions, and the outfit of the day features a blue monochromatic base. some people shy away from monochrome, as it can sometimes feel redundant and/or aesthetically uninteresting. however, monochrome is an easy way to introduce color to your wardrobe, and a simple way to successfully do it is by picking a base—shirt/pant, sweater/shirt—combination that runs the two ends of a particular shade spectrum.
here, i’ve chosen a dark blue gingham shirt and layered it with a light blue sweater from J.Crew. i’ve added visual interest to the outfit by pairing my base with a pair of houndstooth jeans that pick up both colors.
similar puffer jacket | gingham shirt | sweater | houndstooth jeans | similar hobo bag | loafers | similar scarf | sunglasses
too cold for loafers?
i’m fortunate that Athens weather often permits me loafers during the winter. if you too live in an equally forgiving climate, a pair of penny loafers is an obvious but timeless way of prepping up an outfit. i picked this pair up from J.Crew, but if you’re looking for alternatives, check out these Oxford loafers i featured last week on the blog. but if it’s Minneapolis-like weather where you are, make sure to check out this Easy Spirit winter shoe guide I put together a few weeks ago. there are a couple of booties that would go perfectly with today’s outfit!
similar puffer jacket | gingham shirt | sweater | houndstooth jeans | similar hobo bag | loafers | similar scarf | sunglasses
a puffer jacket is an essential
a puffer jacket is one of my top 5 essential winter jackets to own. not only is it quintessentially preppy, but it’s just so darn versatile. if you’re headed to work, out and about shopping, or meeting a friend, reach for your puffer. it’ll keep you warm, and you’ll look good while it’s doing it. this one is older but i’ve found a similar one at Nordstrom—totally reasonably priced—but head to your favorite retailer for yours.
similar puffer jacket | gingham shirt | sweater | houndstooth jeans | similar hobo bag | loafers | similar scarf | sunglasses
the holidays are over, and we’re back to our regular scheduled programming on the blog. winter is here. it’s Monday, and we’re flirting with cool weather and rain here in Athens. enough to make you want to stay in bed, right? i hear you, but let’s face this week together. head on. this month on the blog, we’re going to be talking a lot about new beginnings, refreshes, and getting back to the basics. in case you missed it, yesterday, we featured a closet refresh and organization guide. today, i want to focus on maintaining classic style in a new year.
there are certain closet basics and must-haves that will never go out of style. ever. i’ve got an outfit today that pulls some of those items together. perhaps more importantly, they’re further cohered because they’re all neutral-based: whites, grays, and blacks. neutrals serve as the foundation for any classic wardrobe that will stand the test of time and trends.
classic style in a new year
this winter, i’ve been consistently drawn to turtlenecks. last week, we presented a how to wear a turtleneck/sweater dress. (but if we’ve got a lot more inspiration on how to wear a turtleneck.) today, i’m showcasing a beautiful cashmere turtleneck sweater from Nordstrom. it comes in a variety of neutral colors, including but not limited to black, ivory cloud (=white), and camel.
i’ve chosen the gray as it serves as my base to pair with this eye-catching herringbone shawl collar wrap coat from Ann Taylor. (i’ve put together an extensive list of similars in the widgets below.) notice i’ve chosen a monochrome pairing, which serves a nice contrast with my white denim. this keeps things interesting visually, while still maintaining a completely neutral palette.
coat | similar coat | similar coat 2 | similar coat 3 | similar coat 4 | similar coat 5 | similar coat 6 | similar coat 7 | turtleneck sweater | jeans | bootie | hobo bag
boogie booties
my booties and bag break up my gray base even further, providing the focal point of this outfit. if you’ve got a showcase bag or boots that you’re dying to pull out this winter, consider a neutral base as your starting point. that will give you a suitable background to really showoff your fashion centerpieces.
and to break up a January Monday, i thought i’d leave you with one of my favorites from my youth: a little KC & The Sunshine Band.
coat | similar coat | similar coat 2 | similar coat 3 | similar coat 4 | similar coat 5 | similar coat 6 | similar coat 7 | turtleneck sweater | jeans | bootie | hobo bag
neutrals never go out of style
if you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe this year and want to set it on a solid foundation, start with the basics—start with the neutrals. once your foundation is set, you can start exploring and venturing into new fashion territories. as many of you know, i’m huge on adding a simple color pop to a neutral base.
coat | similar coat | similar coat 2 | similar coat 3 | similar coat 4 | similar coat 5 | similar coat 6 | similar coat 7 | turtleneck sweater | jeans | bootie | hobo bag
i’ve been all about the midi-skirts this winter. no matter the design or color, i’ve paired them with everything from traditional sweaters to chunky turtlenecks. they’re on trend and wear well with boots of all kinds, making them totally functional in the elements. so, if you’re looking for the perfect midi-skirt for the holidays, then i’ve got you covered.
a midi-skirt for the holidays
i’m wearing J.Crew today. (make sure to check out their 50% off sale.) my cashmere turtleneck sweater and pleated midi skirt are both from there. i’m monochromatic today, breaking up the red with a pair of white knee-highs. (similar booties here.) if you’re not a fan of red or are looking to mix and match, both the sweater and skirt come in a variety of different colors. (no surprise that i also love them in black.)
cashmere turtleneck sweater | pleated midi skirt | similar bootie | similar bootie 2 | similar bootie 3 | similar bootie 4 | hobo bag
booties, boots, and more boots
what says “winter” better than “boots”. today, i’m modeling a pair of kitten heel boots, but i’ve also put together a selection of similars and variations here, here, and here. if you’re looking for other ways to style boots with a midi-skirt, make sure to check out this weekend’s post five classic winter wardrobe essentials.
cashmere turtleneck sweater | pleated midi skirt | similar bootie | similar bootie 2 | similar bootie 3 | similar bootie 4 | hobo bag
a red letter day
with the holidays fast approaching, i wanted to give you a little preview of how we’re going to end the year (and the decade for that matter.) stay tuned over the next few weeks as we count down the top outfits of the 2010s. we’re going through the past five years of OOTDs picking both our and your—our reader’s—favorite outfits. you’re not going to want to miss it.
cashmere turtleneck sweater | pleated midi skirt | similar bootie | similar bootie 2 | similar bootie 3 | similar bootie 4 | hobo bag
a margarita for Christmas? not quite apple cider. not quite egg nog. and not quite what you were expecting. but let’s mix things up a bit at the end of this year. ’cause if you’re feeling at all like i am, i know there’s a lot of change coming in 2020.
and change is a good thing: big or small. you may be looking to change careers. or potentially retire. you may move to a new town. or you may just change your outlook. whatever it is, you’ll be better than fine, because you’re, well, you. so let’s start small today: raise your Christmas margaritas, because here’s to fridays with oscar. and more importantly, here’s to you.
outfit of the day
sweater | crop trouser jean | ankle boots
entree: beef & cranberry stuffed acorn squash
roasted squash is a personal favorite of mine. i’m putting a slight spin on it today by stuffing it with beef, cranberries and spices. but the recipe remains simple, straightforward and easy to make. whether you’re hosting a holiday lunch or looking for a quick bite on a Saturday afternoon, reach for this recipe.
cocktail: a margarita for Christmas
i just love the sweet and spicy flavor combination. if you do too, or if you’re looking to break out of the holiday same old same old, make sure to check out this week’s cocktail: a blackberry margarita. the bite of the jalapenos is offset nicely by the sweetness of the blackberries. pair that with a traditional salt rim, and you’re running the full flavor spectrum.
alright gang, that’s a wrap! as we approach the holiday home stretch, remember to always take a deep breath and always give yourself a few extra minutes of alone time. if that means getting up 10 minutes earlier to enjoy a quiet moment with your cup of coffee or staying up 30 minutes later to finish The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, do it.
we’re a little over two weeks out from Christmas. can you even believe it? how have the holidays been so far for you? calm or crazy? relaxed or ridiculously busy? have you done all your shopping? decorated the house? hosted a cookie exchange? i hope amidst all of the holiday madness, you’ve managed to carve out some time for yourself. as a distraction, i’ve got a fun one for you today: a very Ralph Lauren Christmas Story.
i’ve been in love with Ralph Lauren’s winter line this year. today, i’m pairing some of my favorites from that line although the classic peacoat is from J.Crew. but put them all together, and you have the perfect winter outfit. festive without being over the top. and if you’re not in the holiday spirit quite yet, i’m hoping today’s post will get you part of the way there.
a Christmas story
so much of our family’s holiday traditions are tied up in classic movies. It’s a Wonderful Life. Santa Clause is Coming to Town. And of course, A Christmas Story.
there’s nothing like throwing on one of these movies in the background while you decorate the tree or set up your Christmas village. i still have vivid memories of the first time my kiddos watched and laughed during A Christmas Story. and to this day, Jimmy Stewart’s performance in It’s a Wonderful Life still gets me. what’s a must-watch holiday movie for you and your family? let me know in the comments below.
ribbed turtleneck sweater | similar sweater | similar sweater 2 | pants | peacoat | bootie | clutch
a very ralph lauren christmas story
it’s hard not to think red when you’re considering the holiday season. this color is easy to shy away from, particularly if you’re fond of only neutrals. but i love this color any time of year but especially come december. today, i’ve got a ribbed turtleneck sweater and striped pant from Ralph Lauren. sizes are limited, so i pulled together some comparable and similar sweaters, as well as this one. and make sure to head over to Bloomingdales today for a 25% friends and family sale, including a good selection of Ralph Lauren. Bloomies is where Ralph got his start, so they always have a nice selection to choose from. like my stripe pants.
ribbed turtleneck sweater | similar sweater | similar sweater 2 | pants | peacoat | bootie | clutch
the classic peacoat
i talk a lot on this blog about classic wardrobe staples and investment pieces. a peacoat is one of them. this one is new this year from J.Crew, who also is having a great 40% off sale. in addition to Ralph Lauren, i’ve featured a lot of J.Crew on the blog this fall and winter. i just love how both brands feature classic items with a modern twist.
and if you’re looking for more coat and jacket inspiration for the fall and winter, make sure to check out our top 5 must-have coats and jackets for the fall and winter.
ribbed turtleneck sweater | similar sweater | similar sweater 2 | pants | peacoat | bootie | clutch
happy monday, ladies! it’s getting to look a lot like christmas, everywhere you go.
it’s Friday, gang! this week, we’re bringing you our first Christmas edition of fridays with oscar. we’re Talbots heavy today, featuring their perfect white shirt and glen plaid pants. i think you’re going to love this outfit: it works for work, home, or any holiday party you’re headed to this season. and you know how i feel about glen plaid: glen plaid is always on-trend.
and as always, Fridays would not be complete without a cocktail. i’ve been on a martini kick over the past few weeks. i’m continuing that today with a slight variation. for all of you coffee drinkers, i know you’re going to love it. so kick back. relax. and cheers to you ladies!
outfit of the day: glen plaid is always on trend
nothing is black and white until, well, it is. today, i’ve got a classic outfit for you: a black cashmere crew neck from Everlane paired with Talbots‘ perfect white shirt. (no pop of color today, except well my nails and lips.) that combination goes perfectly with these killer gray glen plaid pants, again from Talbots.
this fall and winter, particularly when i’m working in and around the house, i’m consistently drawn to flats, loafers, and slippers. these smoking slippers from Ann Taylor are just so fun and i featured a similar pair on fridays with oscar last week. check them out
cashmere crew neck | perfect white shirt | glen plaid pants | similar loafers
dessert: raspberry oat bars
i’ve got a sweet tooth. after all, it’s the holiday season: how can you not? we had our 2nd annual local Athens blogger cookie exchange the other night and i’ve got a freezer full of goodies. in that spirit, i’m featuring a dessert today. on the menu: raspberry oat bars. super simple to make. freeze to keep. and serve when the (grand)kiddos come over. you’re gonna love them.
cocktail: baileys espresso martini
like i said, i’m big into martinis lately. we’ve got a twist on that idea for you: a baileys espresso martini. as you can guess, it goes well with any desert. i mean seriously: how can you go wrong with coffee and baileys? such a classic pairing.
alright gang, that’s a wrap! as always, from everyone here at style at a certain age, we wish you a wonderful weekend. we hope that you’re managing stress during the holidays and finding time to spend with friends and family. i’m traveling to Florida this weekend for a conference. stay tuned next week for some pictures from my travels.
cashmere crew neck | perfect white shirt | glen plaid pants | similar loafers
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