What I Wore: July 16-22, 2018

90s Throwback

To be clear, I am referring to my outfit, and specifically the vintage Jones NY skirt, and not my own self. We would have to throw back a lot farther if that were the case. Ba-dum-tish. Did I mention that I’m turning 38 in, oh, one week’s time? I don’t feel a day over 22, and I am always slightly mortified when I think about the disconnect between how I see myself and how others see me. So I try not to think about it, which seems like the only sensible solution.

Anyway, the outfit. I don’t know how old this skirt is, but it has a 90s vibe to it which makes it “on trend” with the current revival of that decade. The trendiness isn’t what attracted me to it, though it’s always nice to feel even accidentally fashionable; I have been moving away from pencil skirts lately and looking for new silhouettes. Midi and maxi skirts intrigue me, and the details of this particular skirt are very good. It’s minimalist, but not dowdy – that’s a stealthy slit that comes up past the knee – and the quality is excellent (fully lined, 100% lightweight wool). Keeping in line with my Artist persona, I paired the skirt with a relaxed fit, chambray-like Theory top, and a structured blazer for contrast. The chunky necklace is from Chico’s, of all places, but we’ll just pretend it’s Anthro or something, mkay?

Autumn in July

The weather has been all over the calendar lately; it’s hot one day, cold the next, and sometimes it’s hot and cold all in one day. My office AC is another matter, and only slightly less unpredictable. Don’t take this as a complaint, because anything that isn’t winter is a good thing in my books, but it’s been a weird summer. Which explains as much of this outfit as can be explained. Actually, it was a very weather-smart choice; the jacket was perfect for the chilly morning, and the sleeveless shell was perfect for the office temps. The top covers enough of my shoulders that I don’t feel too exposed without a topper. I do love the full, blazered effect because it’s got that professor vibe I love – I’m calling it “the Adventurer goes to Oxford”.

Prairie Chic

This is one of those divisive outfits that you’ll either love or hate. Needless to say, I fall into the first camp. This Wilfred dress was a recent thrift score; it’s 100% cotton and I adore everything about it. Rather that pile on more volume – though it’s only a matter of time before that happens, fyi – I decided to dig up this old Tabitha cropped jacket and go for a sorta Neo-Georgian-by-way-of-Little-House-On-The-Prairie effect. Remember Pride and Prejudice?

Seven Years

That’s how old my son is. Seven years. Does not compute. He’s only about a foot shorter than me, and some days he looks (and acts) like a teenager and I. Just. Cannot. Compute. Does it ever became more plausible? Like, am I going to be looking at him in 20 years’ time and wondering how it’s possible that he is my son – that small, wrinkly, little bean they put in my arms at the hospital one day?

Leaving aside the existential questions, this was the outfit I wore to the celebratory dinner. Per the birthday boy’s request, we went to Boston Pizza – he is only 7, after all. This linen Lord & Taylor dress was perfect for the occasion, though I’m not sure it wouldn’t be perfect for every occasion. It’s literally a big sack, but it’s also somehow the most flattering shapeless thing ever. I’m also quite madly in love with these Barbara Barbieri sandals. I don’t own any other high heeled sandals, but these are very comfortable, and the spikes add a bit of edge.