A Week in Outfit Snaps

adidas cardigan, GAP long sleeve T, j.crew snowcat chinos, Balenciaga jodhpur ankle boots (similar here), Rachel Nasvik handbag

 Just a Cheap Shirt flannel shirt, GAP long sleeve T, Vince skinny jeans, Enzo Angiolini OTK boots, Rachel Nasvik handbag

j.crew scarf, adidas cardigan, GAP long sleeve T, Vince skinny jeans, Chloe Susanna ankle boots, Rachel Nasvik handbag

As you can see, I’m not shy about wearing the same items in the same week (or even consecutive days if its discreet.) There’s a nice comfort level I like to get into with my clothes and accessories and they do indeed become like old friends after awhile – hard to let go and you want them around all the time.

I am very paranoid about posting outfit posts. Not because I’m self conscious (though I am self conscious and can be very vain) but I’ve always been leery of technology and having my picture taken. It is a bit liberating to put myself “out there” like this but I’m still apprehensive about it. Unrealistic phobia? Perhaps. I think it’s really that my natural state is more reserved and introverted so posting/writing about myself is unnerving. But I’m trying to do the thing(s) that scares me in order to over come it … Anyways, hope you have a great weekend! And btw the person taking these pics is about a foot taller than me - I realize that I'm looking a bit like an inverted triangle but at least you can see the outfits.

Oh, Susanna

Chloé really hit it out of the park with the Susanna boot. I was one of those who noticed the ankle bootie back in ’08 (originally named the Susan) and while I found the shoe, um interesting … I wrote them off as trendy.

Well after the Susans sold out, Chloé re-launched the bootie as the Susanna (also spelled Suzanna) in 2012 and it continues to be a best seller for the French fashion house. The only difference (other than the slightly different name) between the ’08 and the ’12 is the type of leather used. I’ve read that the ’08 used lamb leather and the ’12 uses calf leather.

Needless to say, I splurged and got a black pair. They are divine, truly a wearable work of art and I mean wearable in both comfort level (nice padded insoles) and that they go with everything in my closet. They elevate my standard uniform of dark skinnies and long sleeve stripe top with a nice edginess that I love. I think I’ll be wearing these for a long time to come. Once (and if) I get comfortable taking outfit pics, these will surely appear in heavy rotation.

To the Dark Side and Beyond...

I wasn’t really sure how to start writing this entry. I just knew I wanted to express my re-acquainted-ness and appreciation for the color black (I will be referring to it as a color though I suppose it is most accurately the absence of color. I do over analyze frequently, sigh). As an emotionally mature but sensitive person, black has long been a seductive and mood changing color for me. In reference to apparel and accessories, I’ve gone through bouts of intense obsessiveness (black from head to toe) to extreme avoidance (no black anywhere in my wardrobe).

Black has really been the only color to garner this manic behavior in me. I’ve grown to understand that black has a power, a certain influence that no other color has. So before I start sounding too weird about lamenting on the special powers of a particular color, my sartorial inspiration has been coming from black for the past several months. And here’s how it’s manifested itself:

Rachel Nasvik Pheobe handbag

Yes, I do remember stating my aversion to all black handbags in my intro post. Well suffice to say I’m smitten with this handbag, in all its black glory. And it does have nice brass-tone hardware and a beautiful cobalt blue interior lining. Its superbly functional (shoulder strap allows me to sling this beauty cross –body) and I think it looks damn pretty. Its broken in so well too and has the perfect balance of slouch and structure. I won’t need a new handbag for quite some time.

MAC Fluidline (in Blacktrack) and Urban Decay 24-7 eyeliner (in Perversion)

I would categorize myself as a makeup minimalist for sure. I only wear moisturizer, sunscreen, and untinted lip balm on my face everyday. For work days/”must look put together” days, I will add black mascara and black eyeliner to my top lids only. I’ve read many positive reviews about these products. MAC Fluidline is pretty simple to use even for a liquid/gel newbie like myself. This little brush is very precise and you can make your line thick or thin depending on how you hold the brush. I’m still experimenting with it and it does take practice and patience but it will be fabulous for special occasions. The UD 24-7 eyeliner is more comfortable and faster for me to use so day to day this will be my pic. Both of these products allow you to smudge the liner if you wish (but do it immediately on application or it will dry) and they dry evenly and stay put. As an extra bonus, I find they still come off pretty well with just warm water and Cetaphil.

T by Alexander Wang  jeans with leather yoke and J.Crew chino in Snowcat

I’d been eye balling these black jeans with leather detail for awhile. I have one pair of black jeans but they’re really more like jeggings and I wanted something a little more substantial for fall/winter. These are fantastic and a little rocker too which I love. I’m getting used to the button fly as all my pants and jeans are zip fly but they are great. Also, I’ve been washing them (in the regular old washing machine!) in cold, delicate cycle with Woolite delicate care and they are no worse for wear despite the “dry clean only” label. I’m at times foolishly stubborn when it comes to NOT dry cleaning items but luckily these are thriving in my washer, ha.

I realize this snowcat print is more white AND black but I’m loving black patterns and textures where black collaborates with other colors. I find this a wonderful version of leopard and perhaps a little less in your face than the traditional leopard print can be. Not that I have any problem with leopard, oh no. In fact, that might be my next post – my wardrobe and accessories are quite the feline jungle. Anyways, I find these pants incredibly faltering (cotton with a little spandex stretch) with a mid-rise and cropped leg that can be tucked into boots or rolled up. I’m hopeful these will last awhile too as they seem to be well made.

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo x H&M leather jacket

Another amazing piece I purchased from the awesome miss sophie. She really said it all in her post about this jacket. It really is fantastic.

Anything pulling you to the dark side lately?

Introduction

Hello!

The purpose of my blog is to provide an outlet for thoughtful self expression. For me, that outlet has been through fashion and more specifically: how to create, maintain, and evolve one’s personal style. I thought the best way to introduce myself and to welcome you to my blog is to describe who I am through my favorite wardrobe pieces. Here goes!

1. Skinny jeans

(J Brand, City of Others, 7 for all Mankind, Joe’s Jeans)

I gravitate towards dark washes with minimal whiskering though I also love grey jeans. I do have a few boot cut and even wide leg styles but they are worn far less than my skinnies. I prefer J brand most often. No fuss, simple clean styling with no visible or obnoxious logos, bling, or dyes. I’m fairly direct and to the point in life too.

2. GAP long sleeve T’s in black, white, and grey.

These are truly foundation pieces in my wardrobe. I pretty much wear these year around – as a base layer or solo. Wonderful blank canvas for accessorizing or leaving as is for a minimalist impression. I try to be versatile and adaptable in work and play.

3. Long sweater cardigans

(J. Crew, Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent, Magaschoni)

Mid-weight cashmere is my preference but I also love regular ol’ cotton and merino wool. My skin can be sensitive and I’ve found natural fibers feel the best. Layering is truly a must here in the Pacific NW and I rarely leave the house without a cardigan in hand or on me in some way. Practical but effortless and still stylish. Can be dressed up or down. Though I’ve been told my sweater/cardigan collection does border on “granny style” I refuse to give up these warm and cozy beauties.

4. Cross-body leather handbags

(Left to right: Christopher Kon, Hype, BCBG Max Azria, Rachel Nasvik)

I might be in the minority here but I find entirely black handbags sad – they depress me. Don’t get me wrong, I love black as a color (or lack of color, however you view it) but perhaps it’s because the vibe becomes too heavy for every day. I tend to stick with a single handbag through at least an entire season so it must be in the neutral color family but I rarely choose black. I prefer shades of grey or charcoal in wintery months and cognac or taupe for warmer months. A cross-body strap is essential for me, love to be hands free and feel it’s easier on my shoulders and back.

5. Boots

(Left to right: MIA taupe ankle boots, J. Crew, MIA Limited Edition, Enzo Angiolini, HOPE Stockholm)

Love boots – nearly all lengths, styles, and colors. My favorites are knee highs and ankle booties. Most of my boots have modest heels – 3 inches and under. I do plenty of walking and need shoes that go the distance without sacrificing style. I do own a chic knee-high black leather pair with a point toe and stiletto heel that is sexy and elegant but they rarely make it out of my closet as they aren’t a workhorse but a show pony. But every women deserves to have show pony or two in their closet ;)

6. Flats

(Bottom left to right: Arche, Barney’s COOP, ALDO, Michael by Michael Kors, Cydwoq, B. Makowsky)

I think you’re getting point that I like stylish and comfy shoes. I love flats for day and night but they should have some sole support. If not, we might as well be walking around bare foot! Here’s where I like to play with patterns and texture – love leopard and floral prints on flats as well as bright colors. However, I still most often default to classics colors and styles that go with everything like in neutral colors of taupe, black, and navy.

7. Watches

(Caravelle by Bulova, Sundance Jewelry leather wrap watch, MIO Motiva sports watch

I do not own a vast or expensive watch collection but this is the only piece of jewelry I wear every single day. I grew up understanding the importance of punctuality and always wore a watch. I still wear a watch every day (though I’m not always as punctual as I should be now).

8. Scarves

(J. Crew, MNG)

Silk, cashmere, or soft wool I love them all. I am usually more cold than warm and wearing a scarf provides any needed pop of color or pattern to an outfit as well as warmth. These are usually what I wear instead of jewelry.

9. Button up shirts
  

(Left to right: D&G Dolce and Gabanna, Nanette Lepore, Gibson, J. Crew, Just a Cheap Shirt, J. Crew, Just a Cheap Shirt)

I love loose, flowing silk or chiffon floral prints and striped boyfriend fit dress shirts. The romance and casual refinement of these work well with other items in my wardrobe. They make me feel both feminine and tomboy at the same time. It's a good mix and its fun to juxtapose with.

10. Latest obsession

 
My Vince leather jacket which I purchased from the wonderful miss sophie is what I’ve been wearing to death. I piece it with everything from jeans and T’s to floral dresses and heels to shorts and dress tops. This leather is silky soft and the chocolate color goes with everything. I hope this item will be with me for many years to come.

What are your signature pieces and how do they represent you?

Thanks for stopping by and hope to “see” you again soon!