WANDERING

These photographs from Nashville have me wanting to spend the weekend hat shopping. 

Probably I will be having far too much fun straightening up the garage and organizing closets.  Sounds pretty lame, but we are so smitten with the new house anything is tolerable. 

Here are a few under consideration:

PLEATED

My very best skirts are thrifted.

I either rummaged through my local shop or happily inherited them from a grandmother.  I am always amazed how relevant they are just a season or two after they become mine.  Suddenly they are incredibly current, but unique and special compared to what's in the stores.  At least that's how they feel to me.

Years ago I would have thrown on a sky high heel and a fitted top with this handkerchief skirt, maybe a bright lip and a clutch.  I suppose that would have been perfect for drinks with friends or a night downtown.

My lifestyle has since changed and while I may be drawn to the same things, I style them completely different.  I love the sartorial vibe of an oversized knit paired with a full midi length skirt.  It may not be the most flattering man magnet kind of outfit, but that's ok.  I've already got my man, so I get to dress the way I like.

I am a huge fan of the new proportions and combinations, both on and off the runway.  I think that there is something cool about a girl that dresses like she doesn't care what people think, just throws on what she loves and goes.  My favorite booties, a knit I live in (in one of the only colors that I can stand) and a big elephant skin colored duffle with chunky hardware (that I feel certain will soon be mine).  Those are the details on this look.

Everyone is ready for Spring and shopping for next season, but with cold weather back for a few days and me being a planner and all….I am still happily shopping amazing sales on knits and things to be worn briefly now and tucked away for next year.

Here's how you can make this look your own:

FUR

I picked up this little polar bear dress from Anthropologie a few months back.  It's from one of their in house lines called MAEVE, that offers mostly charming separates and affordable printed silk pieces.  I am hesitant to wear short skirts and dresses, but with dark black tights I feel fine no matter the hem.  

This faux fur coat is borrowed from Happily Grey.  I swiped it while I was in Nashville shooting these pics because I love putting things together that are just slightly off color and tone, so I thought it well with the dress.  I have sort of been eyeing this coat of hers for a while now.  There is something about the color that makes it a good match for almost anything.

I'm crazy over the elephant grey color of this Botkier bag.  I borrowed it from a shop here in Atlanta to shoot with and of course Mary swiped it the second it arrived.  Look to see it at NYFW on Happily Grey…her and John just arrived this morning and will be posting live for the next nine days!

Details:

Faux Fur- ASOS, here. Shift Dress- MAEVE, old.  Ribbed Tights- Target.  Booties- Loeffler Randall, here. Zipper Duffle- Botkier, here. 

All Images: John Hillin

New MAEVE: 

MERCI BEAUCOUP

Last weekend while I was in Nashville, Mary and John took me out to one of their favorite places to shoot.  

It was truly gorgeous, but surprisingly windy and completely freezing...Good thing we had some champagne to keep us warm!  

While the hat was borrowed from the Happily Grey wardrobe closet…the cross body and bootie are both mine!  Lately I have been feeling kind of mom-ish when I go out, so I have been searching for something sky high and sexy to get me out of my rut.  These Loeffler Randal lace ups do the trick!  The bag is Botkier and I am crazy about the color.  Both pieces came from two of my favorite Atlanta shops- Les Nouvelles and Potpourri!

My Merci Beaucoup tee was a Christmas gift from my amazing Clementine editor, Erin Loechner.  I have been wearing it with everything the last month!  The graphic tee trend may be a bit annoying at times, but it really is the answer to the 'What do I wear with this?' question.

A big thanks to my hosts for the weekend and look forward to sharing the rest of the images with you in the coming weeks!  

all images: John Hillin

RESIN

I don't have one of those walls of hooks with piles of sparkly necklaces dangling, or pretty trays with bowls overflowing with baubles and bits in bright colors and stones.  I have a little wooden box, that a family member made, with four little drawers and all of my jewels and gems fit nicely inside.

When it comes to jewelry I am extremely picky.  I am slowly building a collection.  

I buy almost all brass, but like to mix in gold and silver occasionally.  I prefer natural stones to faceted precious ones.  I am drawn to vintage, and I typically go for simple architectural designs, rather then oversized statement pieces.  

BUT, there are always exceptions…

I have the most amazing collection of my grandmothers big/beautiful costume jewelry, and I adore it!   I own a string of turquoise rocks that I got on my first trip to San Francisco a decade ago, that I can never part with. Last, but not least, I have this giant strand of resin marbles that have french magazine pieces jumbled inside, and I LOVE THEM!

I got these big beautiful beads on a buying trip ages ago.  One million times people have asked about where to get them.  Sadly, the company seems to poof, disappeared.  I suppose that makes them all the more special!

Accessory Details: 

Necklace- Seduco Italy. Clutch- Phillip Lim, here. Shades- Ray Ban, here. 

 all images:  John Hillin 

ps. I am now contributing to Sulia.com on their Fashion channel! Content will cover Runway, Collection, street style and links to blogs that I love. Check it out here, or keep up with new posts through my Facebook or Twitter!  

TEXTURE

Happy Birthday to me, today I am (yikes) 34!  A year older, and hopefully the wiser for it!

I suppose it's time to start dressing like a grown up?

Since I live in casual (often wrinkled and messy) clothes daily, it was such a treat to dress up in some gorgeous sophisticated pieces.  Normally I am totally against matchy-matchy combinations, but there are always exceptions to the rule.  

Wearing the same color head to toe is currently one of my new favorite things to do!  Putting a variety of shades and tones of the same color together, or even better- all the same color but in differing textures…I think it is super chic!

Adding the black glasses and shoes ground the outfit, while the pop of orange (like always) at the lip keep it just playful enough.

I'm hoping it reads something like- I am professional, polished and sleek…BUT, I still like to party.

After all, I have a whole year before I am 35.  Thats when you actually have to really settle down and be super serious, right?!

Details: 

Sweater ℅ Les Nouvelles- Carven, (on sale) here. Skirt ℅ Les Nouvelles- Carven, (on sale) here. Tote ℅ Les Nouvelles- Clare Vivier. Glasses ℅ Les Nouvelles- Kamali Kulture, hère. 

Photography: John Hillin

CHAMBRAY

How did we survive without the chambray shirt for so long?

Currently I have three: 

#1 here, from Madewell (and worn above).  I love the lighter wash and longer silhouette.  It is easy to tuck, because it never pops out and perfect worn over tighter bottoms because of the extended hem in the back.

#2 here, from H&M. It is a western style shirt in a more indigo wash.  It's a bit sportier and I love to wear it with cropped cords and a great boot.

#3 here, from Anthropologie.  I'm crazy about the grey wash and the roll cuff sleeve.  I typically throw it on with black denim or printed skirts.

Searching for some Chambray of your own?

Here are a few good (super affordable) options: (All currently 50% off!)

Photography:  John Hillin