1. Land’s End Down Vest ($49) // 2. Topshop Angora Sweater ($80) // 3. Merona Lawn Shirt ($23) // 4. AE Skinny Jeans ($35) // 5. Topshop Faux Leather Satchel ($68) // 6. Crystal Stretch Satchel ($30), Timex Tortoise Watch ($70) and Lisa Stewart Cabochon Bangle ($25) // 7. Sole Society Franzie Boot ($130)
This week’s Pinterest look is a layered, casual ensemble perfect for harvest time activities such as apple-picking and pumpkin-carving. At least, that’s what all of the people who I follow on Instagram do in October. The look itself is from Lilly’s Style, and here’s how to recreate it. As a bonus, every piece is under-$150.
One. Quilted vests are popping up on nearly every fashion blog that I read. Choosing one in a bold color (like hot pink) is a great way to make the bulky piece more feminine, but I prefer a more sophisticated color like pine green or burgundy.
However, the shiny, noisy fabric isn’t for everyone. So if you would rather not make noise while you keep warm, try the Teocalli vest from Athleta in a soft knit.
Two. An ivory sweater is a great basic. The Topshop sweater is nice, but I love this leather-patch sweater from J.Crew Factory. That little extra touch of old school American sportswear is really chic. Need a plus-size version? This Neiman Marcus ivory cashmere sweater is nice.
Three. Gingham isn’t usually my favorite pattern, but worn underneath other pieces it’s not as overwhelming. If you’d like an alternative, try stripes or dots or a lumberjack-like plaid. You could even go with chambray if you’re not into prints at all.
Four. If you’re looking for an inexpensive place to buy decent quality denim, I’ve had good luck at American Eagle. You may need to size up, but the jeans are as good as anything in the J.Crew price-range, but at half the price.
Five. The bag in the photo is clearly a top-handled messenger, but they’re not easy to find. I chose this Topshop satchel because it was the closest. However, if you would like to choose a navy bag, like the one in the photo, give this Zara crossbody a try.
Six. The mix of jewelry with this outfit is interesting: a sparkly bracelet, a bangle with blue cabochons and a tortoise and gold watch. It should be too much, but somehow it works. Though if you’d like a bracelet with a bit less sparkle, I’m a big fan of this Renegade crystal and spike bracelet. If you’re not into mix and match, you should grab a mixed stack like this one from Natasha Couture.
Seven. Cognac boots are my casual fall staple, so even though you can’t see the shoes in this photo, they felt right. If you’d like to buy a legacy pair that will last for a few years, I saw these Frye Melissa boots this weekend while cleaning out a client’s closet, and they are pretty fantastic.
I’ve always struggled with layering. Whenever I attempt to layer a v-neck sweater on top of a button down shirt, it never looks right. Any tips? Do layering sweaters need to be intentionally larger than normal to accommodate the extra layer? Just feel like I’m missing the trick to getting this right.
What are the issues you’re running into? I use the same size sweater and shirt.
I’d start by wiping down the button down and inside of the sweater with a dryer sheet to eliminate static. Choose a thinner (Possibly silkier) button down, and a deeper v-neck. If you’re trying to layer a fuzzy sweater over a flannel shirt this is going to be more difficult. A higher v-neck is going to look stuffier than a lower cut.
Wardrobe Oxygen recommends leaving the button down mostly unbuttoned under the sweater, and after you put on the sweater take a moment to tug everything back into place under the sweater. (Seams where they’re supposed to be, sleeves not twisted, tails pulled down taut and tucked in if you want them tucked.)
Hoping this might help. 🙂
I think it depends on the person. I have a small frame but a somewhat larger chest, so I look simultaneously overwhelmed and heavier than I am. It just doesn’t work on me.
Do you think, overall, that the blog will move to more casual styles now that you work for yourself? Or are you still working in a situation where you will still be more formally dressed? As a stay at home mom, it’s a little strange that I would be so devoted to your blog because, let’s face it, I am in jeans 90% of the time, so days like today are fantastic. Regardless of the type of clothes, I love the blog so much!
It’ll be like 65 work clothes, 35 casual. So they’ll be some more options, but still mostly office attire.
Hey Belle/Readers,
Any recommendations for a two-tone tall leather boot (black and brown), preferably under $200?
Hi Amanda,
There is an amazing riding boot sale on Gilt.com today with several two-tone styles, each under $200. If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, Stuart Weitzman’s 5050 boot is there too!
https://www.gilt.com/sale/women/riding-boots-6846
Ciao Bella makes one. It’s on sale at Bluefly. No idea how many sizes are left.
Thanks, ladies!! I have brown Ciao Bella boots from last year and I love them! By the way, they are on sale at Victoria’s Secret for only $99 🙂
Bandolino makes a great two-tone boot. I have the cognac and they are really comfortable.
I just bought a puffy vest, and love it. I was so on the fence about it for some reason, and finally just caved and got one. I wore it practically every day on my vacation to Philadelphia this last week – jeans or black skinnies, long sleeve shirt/sweater, vest, scarf, bracelet. Done. It was the most put-together I’ve felt during a vacation in a long time, plus it didn’t take up too much space in my suitcase.
Athleta’s got another really great vest with an interesting collar that I was thinking about getting (but it’ll make noise): https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=918930012
Just bought the Sole Society cognac boots and I’m sooo excited!