Layers and the women who love them.

Friends-

I remain unsure how I feel about style posts on blogs.  On one hand, I heart them – I love getting inspired by what the cool girls are wearing, and often, they help me see my clothes in a new light.  On the nother hand, I realize that half of you couldn’t care less what I wear, when, and why.  That said, I’ve decided to try a new take on fashion blogging here on GoC.  Starting now.

A while back, I posted about Fashion Remixing, which is a pretty solid plan and worth doing, and bunches of you were super keen on the idea (weirdest sentence ever.)  So, from now on, we’re going to do remix themed fashion posts.  Every week, I’ll post an outfit, and each week’s outfit will be linked to the previous week’s by at least one piece, worn in a new way.  The idea is to inspire you to think outside the box with your clothes, and, if you do like a look, make it so other looks then become attainable to you with the acquisition of only a few key pieces instead of a new outfit every. single. time.  Buy less, wear more.  Sense?  I say yes.

You should also know that I very, very rarely spend more than $10 on, well, anything.  I’ll teach you everything I know.

The bonus prize here is you get to check out my mad posing skills.  You’re welcome.

Today’s outfit is about layers!  You, too, can look like you just jumped out of a J. Crew catalog.  You have the necessary goods!  Here’s what you need:

Dark skinny jeans:  Get them at the Gap, get them for at least 40% off by tracking sales online, wear them everyday forever.

Tunic length/boyfriend style plaid shirt: Pre-req for life in Portland, you can score one of these at a Goodwill near you… or Target.  Or your friend Shannon’s closet, if you’re me.  (mine is originally from H&M, if you must know).  Or actually borrow your boyfriend’s/husband’s.  Why not?

Light sweater: Get anywhere, wear everywhere – mine was $13 at Forever 21.  Sorry.  3/4 length sleeves, please and thank you.

Belt: Buy belts at Goodwill.  I can’t stress this enough.  They’re, like, $2, and they change everything.  Go.  Now.  Do it.

Hat: Handknit.  Reasonable facsimiles are all over the place, tho.

Boots: Okay, I think good boots are worth the investment.  Which you can do, if you don’t spend much on your other clothes.  Or, you can do what I do, and ask for one pair of timeless, quality, workhorse boots for Christmas from your non-Advent Conspiracy family members.  Then take really good care of them.  These Hunter Wellies are the best thing ever if it rains all the time where you live.

Okay, now, here’s the key: make sure nothing matches too perfectly.  Have you ever seen matchy J. Crew models?  No you have not.  Try to pay as little attention as possible to whether your sweater/shirt/hat combo clashes, do not match your belt to your shoes, and throw in some cute knee high socks if you have them.  It helps to keep the colors in the same tonal range (these are all jewel tone, for example) so things don’t look totally crazy, but heck, try whatever.  Just layer things until you’re happy and go rock the world.  Like this:

Or this:

Tune in next week to see that plaid shirt/jeans combo go in a whole new direction.  Dying of anticipation?  Yeah, aren’t we all.  🙂

Wishing you the warmest of layers and tightest of hugs.

love.