Monday Musings: What I Wore And Why
My latest Monday posts have been what I wore and why I put things together the way I do. Many readers seem to enjoy them. I’m enjoying them because they allow me to muse in more depth about my style, which has always been of interest to me. The selfies also allow me to see if my outfits are falling flat or looking the way I want them to.
Here are a few outfits I wore last week and why I put them together the way I did.
Jeans and Sneakers
I was heading out for a dressing room try on and then home to work. I started with my J Crew Factory chambray shirt which I’ve had for years. It’s a nice medium weight and not oversized so it’s easy to tuck into my straight leg Pistola Jeans. These are labeled cropped but are ankle length on me. I now have two pair of this style in different washes. I left my original pair at the apartment in Vancouver. After a month I felt like that left a huge hole in my wardrobe, so I replaced them here in California in a slightly darker wash.
Because the shirt is tucked, I added a simple black belt. I topped this with my Frank & Eileen white Sweatshirt Peacoat and created a color sandwich with my Paul Green white sneakers (similar). I accessorized with a silver link necklace (similar), these favorite new earrings, and my Heaven Mayhem brooch. Errands always require a tote bag for me and this simple zippered Cuyana tote is the perfect size.
Ponte Pants & Art to Wear
I had several appointments on this day and wanted to feel comfy but look interesting. I’ve been experimenting new terms to describe my outfits lately. Because I’m reevaluating my style for 2025, I find the right words often make things crystal clear.
While going through my wardrobe for my semi-annual closet clean-up, I unearthed this fabulous Kantha vest (similar). Artful Home sent this to me many years ago and I’ve only worn it a handful of times. It feels like art to wear and is a one-of-a-kind piece that’s cozy, and in easy to wear neutrals. So, why have I only worn it a handful of times? I’d been saving it for special occasions that seldom seemed to come. What a waste! I promised myself I would no longer do that so it’s now hanging front and center in my wardrobe where I can see it. Hopefully it will get a lot more wear now.
Yes, this vest is very expensive but I wore it over a Loft mock neck top that’s under $35, and a pair of J. Jill gray ponte pants (similar) that I’ve had for many winters. Because the vest makes it’s own amazing statement, I dialed back accessories to simple silver earrings and tonal gray booties that would blend in.
- A note about my Totême bag: I adore its shape, size, and versatility, so I carry it a lot. I treated myself to it for my birthday last summer. I recognize that it’s not in everyone’s budget, so I was happy and sad to find a ringer for the larger version here. Bags inspired by expensive designer bags have always been popular, but the current versions are amazingly close.
Denim & Stripes
I knew I’d be on my feet a lot on this day, so I chose my comfy, supportive Easy Spirit boots, which have a lug sole for extra cushioning. Mine are navy from last year, and black is here. I wore my Kut From The Kloth flare jeans because the leg bottom is wide enough to cover the top of the boots. Jeans tucked into boots are not a popular look these days, so I never wear them that way.
I added my Sezanne striped Marinère top, which is navy and ecru. Since I did not tuck my top, I skipped a belt. I did want to add some polish to this very casual look, so I topped it with my EF ponte knit blazer (in black here). And then, because lapels are a perfect location for brooches, I pinned on my new silver-tone one by Heaven Mayhem. Its smooth shape is unfussy and works well with this casual look. I added the Lizzie Fortunato Resin earrings I got for Christmas because I love everything about them and I’m always looking for ways to wear them. They come in many colors; I have silver & frost.
I like the juxtaposition of the rugged boots with the polish of a semi-structured blazer. The stripes add a classic element, and the jewelry has a contemporary feel. This outfit strikes a balance between comfy, casual, and tidy, which worked perfectly for my day.
Beige and Aqua
By the weekend,, it had cooled off again so I brought out my beige wool coat (similar). Last week, I’d spotted these Athleta Endless pants in the most gorgeous soft gray/blue/green and knew they’d be great going forward into spring. I’ve traveled with this style and know the fabric packs like a dream. I paired them with an aqua V-neck cashmere sweater and a scarf that pulled the two colors together. I wore my EF taupe booties which are now on sale, my Cuyana tote, and pinned on an old J. Jill brooch from my wardrobe archives.
I highly recommend taking daily selfies of your outfits. They allow you to have a more objective view of your outfit, so you can see what’s working and what’s not making you look the way you want or intend.
This year, I want to be more intentional with my outfits and lean further from traditional. I’ve always liked classic pieces for their longevity, but now I need them to have a touch of something unique or style them in an unconventional way. Wearing an entire outfit of clasic pieces can end up looking old fashioned and dated which is not the look I’m going for. Fashion should do more than just clothe our body. It should also inject some pleasure and if possible, feel uplifting.
Have you reexamined the style words you use to define how you want your outfits to look lately?
Thank you for inspiring us to make a bit more effort to look put together and reminder not to save items for special occasions.
I have a bad memory , but do remember you wearing the Kanthra vest in previous blogs. Loved it then ,love it now, Unfortunately, at 5′ it would be overwhelming on me.
Does make me think, that if I ever got back to serious sewing, it could be a fun and creative project.
I’ve had my eye on your Totem bag for last while, but beyond my budget, so thank you for showing the knock off. Amazon does not list measurements, so I wonder how much bigger it is to your original.
I’m not sure how much larger but the photo’s don’t make it appear much larger. It sure would be a fun sewing project
Again, so simple but terrific! I like them all for different reasons. You look very stylish in all of them and it really helps to see simple outfits modeled that we could mimic.
I like the word “interesting” because that’s what I like to do. Sometimes I’ve added the word “unexpected” to my style words, which is sort of the same concept. It’s fun to wear something that you wouldn’t see on everybody “walking down the street!”
Individuality is so much more fun!
Love the Art vest on you! You look so put together and beautiful! I also love the aqua sweater, scarf and beige wool coat on you. So attractive and yes, interesting is a good word for your look. I try to emulate your style but in a more casual way because of my demographic here in the mountains. But I do a high low in budget and enjoy your mentoring me in casual fashion. I really appreciate your work.
Thanks Sydney