The fashion industry loves fall. So many new things to sell! So many must-have items, so many must-buy lists. Rather than hit you with our highly curated highlights of the J. Crew catalog, Nicole and I wanted to do something a little bit different. We decided to take 3 perennial “fall favourites”, and show you how we each put our own spin on them.
If you’re not already familiar with Nicole’s blog, then you need to get clicking right now, since you’re missing out not only on some seriously adorable, vintage-inspired style, but also on some engaging, intelligent discussion of feminist issues. #fangirl4life I am forever impressed with Nicole’s poise, and her passion for social activism (not to mention her awesome skirt collection) – and even more so when I remember that she’s a whole decade younger than me. My 24-year old self is retroactively embarrassed for being a complete slacker by comparison.
I thought it would be fun if Nicole and I collaborated on a post, because both our styles and lifestyles are so different. I live in Antarctica Edmonton; she lives in sunny Austin. I am an ancient with two kids; she’s … not. We both work, but in very different fields, with very different dress codes. Variety, we got it. Ever wondered how those perennial fall favourites can be interpreted to suit different life/style needs? We’re here to help.
The first key piece we decided to tackle was the “fall jacket”. With that generic starting point in mind, my thoughts immediately flew to the trench. It doesn’t get more classic than that, right? Well … the thing is, a trench doesn’t really lend itself to creative-but-practical styling. (I’m not about to tell you to wear it as a skirt, or a scarf, or whatever.) You put it on, the end. Also, I hate my current trench, and I’m not putting it on the blog again unless I absolutely must.
Next, I thought about my field jacket. I love my field jacket. I wore it all spring long, and will happily wear it again this fall. Except that, now that I’m back at work, I can only wear it on weekends. It’s no longer as versatile for my lifestyle as it was during my mat leave.
Which brought me, finally, to my tweed jacket. To be honest, I didn’t think I’d get a ton of use out of it when I bought it, but it’s been a pleasant surprise in that regard. It goes with everything. Dresses. Skirts. Pants. Speaking of which, here’s how I would wear it to work:
And here is how I’d wear it on the weekend:
You will be seeing a lot more of this jacket as I dive back into the corporate world this fall.
Come back tomorrow to see how I would style another key piece for fall, and don’t forget to check out Nicole’s take on the fall jacket.
ahhhhh i need a tweed blazer so badly. it’s on my list every year, and every year i fail to find ~the one. is it okay that i’m really excited to start seeing your work clothes? i started following during maternity leave, and have seen some archived office outfits, but i’m really looking forward to getting inspiration for my grown up closet, if you know what i mean. those black pants are like, the pants women dream about.
i’m obsessed with your casual look, however. love seeing you wear the new tee again, and i always love when you pull out the loafers!
can’t wait to see what you have planned for the rest of the week!
Gah, I really should try to wear the loafers more often!
And haha – I hate pants, mostly because finding (work) pants that fit nicely is almost impossible. I lucked out – literally within weeks of going back to work – into finding two decent pairs. I’ve very pleased with myself 😉
Hi there! I’m over here via Nicole’s blog. I love this idea for a series!! Kinda a way to incorporate Fall into your life when it’s still early (though, maybe not for you.) I have to say, I visited Edmonton in May! I have some family that lives there. It was my first time in Canada and I loved it. The whole country is beautiful, but we went to Banff and it was incredible. And yeah, so, so cold even in the late Spring.
This jacket is an awesome piece and I am so impressed by how well each item you’re wearing fits you! They are all very flattering. Love the loafers too.
♥ perfectly Priya
Thanks for checking out the blog 🙂
Talk about coincidences! If you can get past the weather (we’ve had snow here already this year – luckily, it hasn’t stuck), Alberta is a beautiful province. Obviously, I’m partial to Edmonton, as well.
You look stunning in that jacket! I just checked out write like a girl and I love it, thank you for the recommendation! I just added her to my favorites list. And I’m following thinkITEM on IG now. Thanks for being so cool and having such great taste!
Hahaha! I’m not cool … I just happened to stumble into some cool people. That’s the trick 😉
Nicole is lovely – I think you will really enjoy her blog.
I need to bust out my blazers more. I just feel TOO Professional wearing them.. if that makes sense.
Sure, it all depends on your work environment too. I’m working on overcoming my blazer prejudices 😉