Happy Friday, friends! In the spirit of all of those holiday wishlists we’re busily making, I thought it was high time I showed off a little early Christmas gift that landed in the SMC closet this week. Meet Botkier’s latest lovely: the Adele Satchel!
Kate M.W. ~ Despite the fact that I’m a strong advocate for flats, sometimes a pair of, say, suede platform wedge t-strap colour-blocked heels just catches my eye and I’m hooked. Completely practical? Perhaps not. But there’s something about these Darnell Wedges from Jeffrey Campbell that seem both playful and grown-up, appealing both to my inner child and my subtle chic older self. The mix of black, grey, and maroon provide a palette that’s versatile and easy to work with.
But how do you wear this trend when you’re closer to forty than fourteen?
{Editor’s Note: Top five things I never thought I’d say, but I really want that quilted vest. Like, bad. And those fox earrings. Nice picks, Kate!}
Kate M.W. ~ One of two things ends up happening when I’m thinking about accessories: either I’m naturally inspired by a piece or it falls neatly into one of the various categories that perfectly rounds out my collection, thereby making it a necessity. One of those basic necessities (…yes, I’ve used the correct term) is an understated multicoloured bracelet. A little casual, a little dressy, a little rustic, and a dash of polish. Because it goes with nearly everything, it makes the perfect addition for outfits ranging from work to play and everything in between. An ideal candidate for the job? The Market Bracelet from Jenny Bird. Deep blues, rustic reds, and basic black off-set by gold – this is the grown-up version of that beaded bracelet you inevitably both made and sported as a kid.
{Editor’s Note: I don’t find you guys nearly enough bargains these days, do I? So, how about an entire post where everything is $100 or less? Leave it to Kristina, who is a seriously impressive bargain shopper, to bring all this style on the most meager budget. No one will ever, ever suspect what a steal that luxe cardigan was, I can assure you. And the rest of the styling? Spot on.}
Kristina ~ It’s sweater season! I’m a cold weather gal, so I look forward to cooler weather and unpacking my sweaters all summer long. Even if you’re the opposite and you’re already counting the days to spring, you’re sure to appreciate the easy, inviting warmth of this gorgeous faux-fur sweater from John & Jenn, especially when you check out that price tag.
I have what friends might lovingly call a denim problem. Because I work from home, and because I live in a pretty casual part of the world (hello, fleece lovers!), I spend an exorbitant amount of time in jeans. To the point that I’ve had to have the seats in my car replaced because they’re covered in denim dye. Truly, I’ve tried to stop. But what are my alternatives? Cords? No. They make strange sounds when you walk, and leave woefully unflattering color changes when you sit. Khakis? Absolutely not. Have you ever looked at your backside in a pair of khakis?
So, what’s a girl to do?
Kate M.W. ~ Despite my best efforts to maintain a healthy injection of colour, occasionally I quietly nestle back into neutrals, particularly when it’s overcast outside. This week I was inspired by the grey sky outside my window and this oversized clutch from Rachel Roy. Given its size and the presence of multi-function pockets, it’s the clutch’s answer to the small cross body bag. The mix of the midnight dusky blue, two-toned grey, and the subtle stripe of dull mint green is quiet enough not be overbearing but just graphic enough to not get lost in an outfit, setting the parameters as simple, easy, and refined.
Kate M.W. ~ In an effort to combat the dusky grey chill of fall, I like to make sure that there’s a solid measure of colour in my wardrobe. I’m not advocating for the classic “pop” of colour, but instead a whole ensemble that tries to incorporate it wherever possible. Starting with a multi-tonal embroidered scarf that brings in muted tones from blue to purple, with strains of olive greens and mustard yellows, and set off by poppy reds and oranges, can lead to a world of endless possibility.
Kovdor Embroidered Scarf, Anthropologie, $68
When balancing in a complete outfit of colour, I tend to pick neutral patterns and fabrics. Take a look at a colour wheel and pick tones from opposite sides, or even go back to the scarf and see what colours that sit side-by-side amongst its embroidery really catch your eye. Because it’s fall, I think of my foundations in three pieces: a jacket, a top, and pants. Two out of the three should be colour, and the third a neutral. In this case, a mustard and white striped linen t-shirt brings contrast to deep eggplant toned cords while a classic denim jacket functions as a neutral.
Nolita Jacket, J.Crew, $98 / Straight Leg Cords in Midnight Purple, Talbots, $90 / Linen Jersey Stripe Tee, Eileen Fisher, $69
In putting together the rest of the details, I returned to the scarf to pick out the remainder of the accent colours. While I’ve recently been pondering dusky ankle boots, dark coloured cords can hold up to burnt sienna ankle boots, and the orange colour pairs well with the deep tan accents on a teal bag. To pick up on the whimsy of the embroidery on the scarf, I’d go for a necklace full of quirky charms with offbeat sayings and pictures. A neutral statement ring and a little dash of muted sparkle on the ears rounds out the rest of the jewelry. Keep your makeup simple, a flush of tawny rose colour on the cheeks and a sheer wash of a plummy grape-toned lipstick.
Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed, Tarte, $25 / Lipstick in Damage, NARS, $24 / Necklace charms in Queen of Art, You are Here, and Dot Initial, Pick-Up Sticks, $15-18 / Belted Strap Classic Ellie in Emerald, Gryson, $595 / Smoky Topaz Studs, Bounkit, $75 / Athena Ring, Giles & Brother, $70 / Cassidy Bootie, Cole Haan, $268
With an array of tones and endless opportunities to let your imagination and appetite for colour run wild, take advantage. A scarf such as this really does embody what it means to let your outfit and style speak a bit louder…as always, it’s all in the details.