Librarian Chic

Skirt, RED Valentino (via consignment); top, Cynthia Rowley; cardigan, J. Crew Factory; shoes, Ferragamo; bag, Marc Jacobs
Skirt, RED Valentino (via consignment); top, Cynthia Rowley; cardigan, J. Crew Factory; shoes, Ferragamo; bag, Marc Jacobs

I used to wear cardigans all the time. “Librarian chic” could well have defined my style at the time, and I say that without any intended self-deprecation. Librarians are cool. For a law office, this look is on the more casual side, but still perfectly acceptable on days without any client meetings. With summer around the corner, and most of my blazers on the heavier side of knits, it’s a look I’m enjoying rediscovering.

outdoors shot!
outdoors shot!
watching my feet (?)
got my eye on the prize (?)

Can we talk about my shoes for a minute? Conventional wisdom is that Ferragamo shoes are the epitome of style and comfort, and while I would not dispute the former, I have reservations about the latter. The Vara style IS indisputably one of the most comfortable I’ve ever tried (at least the older/vintage pairs I have). The Varina style (i.e. these flats) is another story. Admittedly, I haven’t worn them extensively in the 3 years I’ve owned them, but I am still breaking them in. Painfully. Good thing they’re such a pretty colour.

earrings, J. Crew Factory
earrings, J. Crew Factory

Okay, minute’s up. Back to the outfit. I’m glad I’ve held on to this ancient Valentino skirt (scored at consignment, years ago, for $40 or so) because it’s such a nice staple piece, strange silhouette and all. (It’s not an A-line, nor a pencil skirt.) Did I mention how much I love rediscovering old classics in my closet?

cardigan love
cardigan love

KISS

Jeans, AE; top, Old Navy; shoes, J. Crew Factory;
Jeans, AE; top, Old Navy; shoes, J. Crew Factory;

If you’re read this blog for a while, you’ll know that, historically, I’ve subscribed to the more is more philosophy when it comes to style. There never used to be an accessory, or print mix, or loud colour combo, that I didn’t love. So I think we can say that my recent sartorial efforts are positively minimalist by comparison. And then we have an outfit like this one. Less is more, indeed.

hey, hey, Good Hair Day
hey, hey, Good Hair Day

And you know what? I loved it. Even aside from the Good Hair Day. It was comfortable, and simple, and I still felt stylish – without looking entirely out of place for my afternoon stroll in the “wilderness” with the kidlets.

from where I stand
from where I stand

Yup, it was that time of year: the J family’s first trip of the season to Whitemud Ravine. We love going there because it’s quiet and scenic, and a conveniently short drive from our house. You feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere (a very pretty nowhere) – right in the middle of the city.

It’s also where we like to take an annual “state of the little J’s” photo … which didn’t turn out quite so well this year due to a distinct lack of cooperation on the part of the subjects.

annual Whitemud Ravine portrait
annual J Family Whitemud Ravine portrait

If this looks relatively sedate, be assured that the other 99 photos looked more like this. Or worse.

toddler revolt
toddler revolt

Another activity this outfit is perfectly suited for? Toddler wrangling. Yee-haw!

simple, right?
simple, right?

Basic, Simple, or Classic?

Jacket, Tommy Hilfiger; dress, Earth, Music, Ecology; shoes, Gap Outler
Jacket, Tommy Hilfiger; dress, Earth, Music, Ecology; shoes, Gap Outlet

This outfit couldn’t get any more basic: a dress, a denim jacket, sandals. But there is beauty in that simplicity, or at least some kind of style kismet. Eyelet and denim; red, white, and blue. Classic.

sunneee
sunneee

This dress is just the cutest thing, and if it’s a little bit young – well, we’re all allowed to be young at heart, especially in the summer. I love that it looks so much like separates, but is an outfit-in-one. I like it so much that I’m even willing to overlook the fact that it’s 90% cream coloured, which is normally bad news bears in our neck of the toddler-inhabited woods. So far, I’ve managed to keep the sticky hands away. #success

fiddling ...
fiddling …
still fiddling ...
still fiddling …

I hate taking pictures in bright sunlight, but needs must – and it feels a little ungracious to complain about nice weather. So … I hope you’ll forget my squint-avoidance subterfuges. Look, I managed one decent photo! #success

finally!
finally!