Welcome to the second installment of 7 Days of Outfits! This week, I have lots of pictures, and that’s due to the fact that many days I was torn between showing the complete look (with a jacket) or not. Right now the weather in Oregon is very rainy, so most days I need some sort of hooded jacket before leaving the house. Not really stylish or sexy, but definitely necessary. Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts on that.
Before I dive in, a few quick observations:
This is definitely an exercise in denying my perfectionism, a trait I’ve struggled with for as long as I can remember. You’ll notice on one of the days I am nearly 100% makeup free. Many days, my hair looks just average. And that’s okay. I don’t have to be perfect, because I’m not. And I’m guessing you guys would rather see real than perfect.
Lo commented last week that this format is more like a journal than a newsletter, and her words echoed in my head as I shot my looks over the last few days. Taking these pictures is a great way for me to see what is and what isn’t working. It forces me to spend a little bit more mental energy figuring out why I don’t like something rather than just dismissing it, only to repeat the same mistake again later. In this respect, I hope these posts don’t become too self-indulgent, but I suspect some of you may keep me in line if they do. ;)
SUNDAY:
HDH: Back to Basics Wide Leg Jumper (S), c/o | Trench (S), c/o Everlane | Mules, c/o Nisolo
This jumper might look similar to my beloved Lou Jumpsuit at first glance, but the fabric is very different. This one is made of tencel, so it’s a little bit more dressy and ‘precious’ while my other one is made from a linen blend that’s a bit thicker and more casual. I hope there is enough room in my heart for two black jumpsuits. At first, I wasn’t sure but, when I donned this silky one, my husband started giving me heart eyes. That’s always my final say on whether or not I will keep a piece of clothing, what my husband thinks. He has a pretty good compass when it comes to what does and doesn’t work on me.
This jumper is one of a handful of new additions to Hackwith Design House’s HDH Basics line, which is comprised of simple pieces intended to make getting dressed effortless. I really like this jumper because it can be worn four ways! Watch for that in the coming weeks.
I took this picture later in the day, and I loved the way the HDH jumper looks with this long cardigan. I also think it would be super cute with a duster like this one in olive or this one in cream.
Here you have it, a rare family portrait on S+S:
MONDAY:
T Sweater, Jamie + the Jones, currently sold out, (similar option) | Scarf, Cuyana | Jeans, Levi’s (very similar, size down) | Blush Oxfords, c/o Everlane | Tote, c/o Cuyana
I really liked this outfit. I felt really good in it. Probably because I’m wearing my favorite color, cream. The scarf is a fun addition to my closet. I love the way it gives new mileage to the items I already have. I will probably wear it soon with some of my black pieces to soften them up a bit.
TUESDAY:
Vintage sweater, Etsy (similar: 1/2/3) | Vintage denim | Shirt, c/o Bridge & Burn (runs small) | Huaraches, Nisolo | Tote, c/o Cuyana | Layering necklace, c/o Loop Jewelry
Another winning outfit for me. Loved this so much. I will probably wear it again as soon as I can. This sweater was purchased on kind of a whim, but I am growing more and more fond of it. It’s crazy warm, but a little hard to stuff under a coat. But it’s a great light spring “jacket!”
WEDNESDAY:
Square top, Everlane | Anorak (this year’s version, which is similar but thicker), Everlane | Jeans, Imogene + Willie | Day Flat, c/o Everlane | Tote, c/o Cuyana
Oye. This was the day I struggled. Maybe because it was humpday and my creativity was starting to wane by then. I just couldn’t make this outfit work. I think the main culprit is the jeans. Somebody asked me last week if I’d review these jeans now that I’m six months in. And I had fully intended to, before I was asked, but I think I am going to wait until I make it the full year (October). Right now I do NOT like them and I want to throw them off my balcony never to be seen again. They look great, but I find them too restricting. I’ve narrowed down the problem to the type of fabric. They are 13.5 oz non-stretch denim, which is very thick. Because I bought them in such a fitted size, they just aren’t comfortable, and the restrict my movement when I’m doing things like getting in the car or climbing stairs. They told me the jeans would stretch out quite a bit, but they are still pretty snug. I should have sized up if I wanted the thicker, rigid fabric. Or if I wanted to retain this style of fit, I should have gotten a lighter weight denim. *Sigh* I’ll give you the final verdict in the fall.
THURSDAY:
Jacket, old (my friend has this one and it’s super cute) | Sweater, Everlane (similar) | Pants, c/o Everlane | Clogs, c/o Bryr | Tote, c/o Cuyana
I feel pretty average about this outfit. Mainly, I wish I could have ditched the coat on this one. But the rain persists. I have had this jacket for about four years, and the cost per wear on this thing has got to be in the pennies. My belt is another oldie, going all the way back to high school. I bought it at the Gap back when they used to make really nice stuff. The leather this belt is made from is pretty top notch, that’s why I’ve kept it all these years. It’s a little big to wear this high up on my hips, but I love the pop of color it adds. I still have my eye on these for the day I decide I’m ready to buy a new belt.
FRIDAY:
T-shirt, Everlane | Pants, Elizabeth Suzann | Shoes, c/o AvarcasCanada (USA site) | Jacket, Levi’s (similar) | Cotton tote, old
Love this one! I’m wearing the first-ever t-shirt I ordered from Everlane more than three years ago. It still looks great even after heavy use! I needed an easy mommin’ outfit for this day because I spent most of it at my daughter’s school outside. I felt great, and I love the way these pants make an otherwise simple outfit a little more interesting. For being on my feet all day, the Pons felt pretty good! The leather did leave some black marks on my toes, but I expect there to be less of that with time. I think the tan color is really pretty.
On a side note, I am really excited to get my nose on Elizabeth Suzann’s new warm weather collection, which releases today!
SATURDAY:
Mandarin Collar Dress, c/o Hackwith Design House | Mules, c/o Nisolo | Saddle Bag, Cuyana | Jacket, Levi’s (similar)
RBF strikes again! I like, but didn’t love this outfit. I think this dress will be better to wear when I don’t have to figure out a way to keep my arms warm. There is also a lot of fabric to keep out of reach of dirty faces. Now I remember why I wear black all the time, haha. Looking forward to taking it for a spin with sandals when the sun comes back.
Also, do you see that quilt? My husband’s great-grandma made it! There is some history for you. It brings a lot of color and sunshine to my otherwise neutral room.
Thank you for reading along! What are you wearing this week?
xo,
Andrea
Love this series!
It IS like a weekly newsletter of style!
You complain about the jeans almost since you got them. I figure they’re expensive but sometimes you just have to let stuff go even so! Being super uncomfortable is definitely a deal breaker for me at least. I once held onto an expensive bag (that was too heavy for me and hurt every time I wore it) for 2 years just because, and once I let go it felt good and made room for a great Everlane tote that better suits me.
I’d have gone with black jeans that day- they’re always my go to.
Your husband does have a good eye. That jumpsuit looks great on you!
Thursday, and Friday are such YOU outfits!
Enjoy the rest of your week. Thanks for sharing!
Xo!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Jodie. :) Yes, I know I should probably cut the cord on these jeans. I just hate how foolish I feel for spending so much $$$ on them. Thankfully we’re heading into warm weather right now anyway, so I’ll get a break and re-assess soon. Why are good, simple jeans so hard to find?? Good call on the black jeans! I always feel good in mine!
The quest for the perfect pair of jeans continues for me, I’ve a couple in my life, completely worn out long ago 😞
It’s agonizing, right?! 😫
I just want to say how much I am loving this series! I’m a part-time working mom of 3, so I’m much more inspired by seeing what you wear on a daily basis – perfectly styled outfits & hair just make me feel frumpy! Thank you for your honesty!
We are totally in the same boat with our work/kids status. I agree, I hate it when I look at a blog and it makes me feel lame. Thank you for noticing and appreciating my honesty. It feels so GOOD to be transparent.
It’s so funny, but some of your least favorite outfits here are my favorites! The one with the blue Everlane top and the jeans is great! I could totally see myself wearing that to my office.
https://bybreannamarie.com/
Ha! Love it! We must have contrasting styles. :)
Andrea, I’m SO glad this is a series. I love these posts! You put together outfits in a way that is very soothing and beautiful to look at…and that light. Gorgeous!
Can you tell me a bit about how your Everlane trench feels as far as sizing? I want to get one but I’ve read reviews that it’s super billowy. Thanks!
Erin, thanks so much for the kind words! Yep, I’m always chasing the best light around my house, haha. I feel the Trench runs big! Initially I had a medium and it was just too big so I switched to a small. I hope that helps!
Love Friday’s outfit! Definitely something I would wear. I’m planning on investing in a pair of those sandals this summer, I’ve had my eye on them for quite some time! And you know I’m in love with those pants! Monday’s outfit is also right up my alley. Love these journal-style posts! It’s so much more interesting (to me!) to see what people really wear in their daily lives, not what they choose for the blog.
Thank you Stacy! This is definitely the kind of stuff I like to read too! I hope you like your Pons, there are so many great colors!
I love these posts! So helpful to see the regular outfits, and as a mom of three kids as well it’s so cool to be inspired in what I wear for kid wrangling everyday. I also appreciate reading about what did not work for you since so often with bloggers I only see the perfect outfits, and I don’t have a perfect outfit everyday 😄
I’m also intrigued by what you will decide about your Imogene and willie jeans since I have an ongoing fascination with raw denim, and I’d love to hear more bloggers talk about the things that aren’t working for them and why, rather than those pieces just kinda vanishing.
I think you’ve just identified a new niche Tawny! Kid-wrangling apparel. 😆 Lots of blogs feature nice clothes or work outfits, but very few cover mommin’ outfits!
Great point about items just vanishing. That is certainly the easy and more comfortable way to part with things, but if I make any major departures I’ll try and let you guys know why first!
LOVE the new Hackwith jumpsuit. What size did you order? I think I’m a similar size to you (Size 4 tops, Size 6 pants) but when I emailed the Hackwith team, their answer was not sufficient for me to know whether to order a small or a medium. Suggestions?
Hi Brittany, I ended up going with the small, and it is a really good fit. I was worried the Medium would be too big at the arm holes. Based on your sizes I would suggest going with the small as well! Good luck!
Some great looks here! I’m definitely struggling with the weather lately, between the cold and needing to wear water-resistant shoes when I plan to do more walking. Are we done yet? :-)
🙈🙈🙈 I’m plotting my move to CA. The amount of rainfall in the last six months is astonishing and I’m going crazy!! Side note: I have found Everlane’s shoes to be pretty good in the rain, especially my Chelsea boots. I’ve also worn my oxfords on milder rain days. Gimme the sunshine!!!
Great looks lovey!! That new ES collection has me practicing MAJOR restraint right now!!
Me too!! I love the Petra crop, and some of the long flowy skirts have me kind of excited. Gonna wait until the weather stops being 50 degrees and rainy though before I decide what I really need.
I would so love a raw denim post! It’s next to impossible to find dark indigo jeans that are not pre-distressed– Imogene and Willie seem to be the only game in town. I love the way my Imogene and Willie’s look, but I had the same problem with comfort. While my first pair wore in nicely, the company altered the fit and now their jeans are so tight that even after a full year of almost daily wear mine just never became anything less than circulation-killing. I find that sizing up is no help– the jeans are just made to fit very tight. I’d love to hear any suggestions for high waisted indigo jeans that have a more loose, perhaps “mom” fit. I’m not sure they exist!
Wow, thanks for weighing in, I’m sorry to hear you’re having the same trouble I am! Have you checked out Reformation’s jeans? Last time I checked they had some good looking (med) indigo non stretch jeans. Also, Everlane is coming out with jeans this fall! I am sure they will have something good. And there is the brand AYR that looks interesting….
My favorite thing to read on the internet these days!! :) This is such a breath of fresh air. It also inspired me to get back to the reason I started my blog – the purpose was to document/journal my capsule wardrobe experience and then I let comparison and what others were doing (so what I thought I should be doing) lead me astray.
You rock!
Thank you friend!!! Your friendship and support means so much! Thank you for being my constant sounding board and blogging buddy. <3 I love what you're doing over at Style This Life.
That jumpsuit is gorgeous, and I love all the different textures you have going on on Monday!
Thanks Lo! I love how you always notice the details. <3
Love this new format! Polished blog posts are pretty, but I really enjoy seeing your outfits in ‘real life’. Monday, Thursday and Friday are 💯👍🏼.
I’m glad you posted about your Imogene Rigids again. I almost asked about them on your Blogiversary post (congrats!) because I didn’t think I’d seen them in awhile. I have coveted the Rigids for awhile, but I see such conflicting posts from actual wearers. I know they say on the Imogene + Willie site that you need to size down and really commit to breaking them in, but I’ve seen a few reviews that seem to indicate it’s not worth it. Which is why I’ve been paying close attention when you post about them – you’re a real person I can observe putting in the work! I do have a pair of the Imogene Slims that I thrifted for a song that I like quite a bit, but they are a lighter denim and have 2% elastane so I don’t think they really compare. Anyway, interested to see your final assessment come fall, and thanks for your awesome content!
Thank you for your kind words! I’m thrilled you love my new format. Honestly, on the Imogene Rigids, I think if I were to do it again, I would get the Imogenes with stretch. Those weren’t an option when I bought mine, but I bet they would be a heck of a lot more comfortable with some of the same look. I am at the point with my jeans where I feel tired of putting in the effort because I feel like they’ve broken in as much as they are going to. But I might get a streak of motivation again in the fall and try the bathtub method with them again, haha.
Hi Andrea! Two thoughts: does the HDH jumpsuit come with the same-colored black cloth belt you’re wearing in your picture? I didn’t notice that on the website, but I love what it does to the outfit. And also, not sure when you bought your jeans, but I have a friend in Nashville who works for Elizabeth Suzann and she said that Imogene + Willie jeans have changed a lot in the past year and a half. Apparently, the quality of the denim has gone down as the brand has grown in popularity. Perhaps could be related to your jean issue? Just a thought! Love these new weekly outfit posts as well!
Hi Emily! Yes, the HDH jumpsuit comes with the cloth belt. I have heard some similar stuff about I+W, and I believe they’ve been subject to a lawsuit and all kinds of crazy stuff. I got my jeans six months ago, so probably part of the new generation. Everlane is releasing jeans this fall, so I am curious to see what those will be like. Thanks for sharing your insider info with us! Super cool that your friend works for ES. :)
I live in Nashville, too and it’s interesting to hear that. I can definitely say that my last pair of I+W seemed like it was nowhere near the quality of my first pair, which I bough several years ago. I think they are still decent jeans, but now the sizing / styles are very uncomfy. Here’s hoping they go back to their earlier jeans, which were an absolute dream.
I’m so sad to hear this! I wish I could have caught them on their earlier wave of awesomeness.
Andrea, THANK YOU for touching on perfectionism, as someone who struggles with that as well, I feel ya girl. But I applaud your realness and authenticity. I love your site and message. It is all very inspirational! I am somewhat new to the ethical clothing world I have found so many resources on your site that have helped me so much!
Ah, thanks for catching that Steph, and thank you for your affirming words. The struggle is HUGE with me, and I wrestle with it daily. I am humbled to be able to help out when it comes to the ethical clothing world! And as always, feel free to ask when you have questions! :)
You and I have the exact same Everlane Anorak!
I love it! It’s such a great little rain layer for this time of year!
I love this new series! It makes it so much easier for me to think how I could style what I have too.
I was wondering if down the line you could do a post on how minimalism/simplifying has impacted your home life? For example less clutter/allocating certain days to certain tasks etc
Thanks x
Hi Niloopa! I love that I’m inspiring you on how to think about styling what you have. That exactly what I read blogs for too. Yes! I really like your blog post suggestion. Simplifying has definitely impacted our home, but gosh I feel like I have so far to go! I’ll see what I can work up in the coming weeks. Thank you for the suggestion!
Still loving this series! And that black jumpsuit is amazing on you! I am practicing extreme restraint not ordering that one, or one the Mara jumpsuit from the ES WWC. I love Sunday, Monday and Friday looks. They are super life-friendly, but stylish. Wondering what you’re eyeing from the ES WWC?
Hi Mel! Gosh, that ES Mara jumpsuit is so gorgeous, isn’t it?? I keep going back and looking at her warm weather collection, (though it’s freezing here right now!) and I really like the Clyde Billow Skirt and the Petra Crop. :) Going to wait for sunnier days before I make any decisions though!
Those are the 2 pieces I ordered! I can’t wait :)
That’s too funny! Which colors??
Also a fan of your new format. I like that you are adapting and trying new things. Curious about the clyde pants – how much can you wear before washing? Do they get. Aggy at the knees? Thanks for any feedback!
Hi Julie, I have actually not washed them once yet! That means I’ve worn them at least 10-12 times. I’m gross like that. ;) No, I just sort of hang them to air out before putting back in my closet. When my husband saw the picture of them on this post, he said, “yikes, maybe you should have ironed those!” but I told him I was trying to be real. >< I did JUST steam them today though and those wrinkles dropped out in a second. So far the knees have been pretty good. But when I got them the legs were a little too snug, so I think I prefer them stretched a bit. Hope that helps!
I love this series, too! Sorry I have been missing your blog lately. Happy anniversary a few weeks late! I count myself as one on the “originals” because I’ve been reading since almost the beginning. I’ve loved how your blog has grown but you’ve stayed so authentic and down-to-earth. :-) Usually blogs fizzle out for me after six months to a year and I lose interest, but yours is still one I enjoy reading. Love the new jumpsuit, and, of course, Monday’s outfit with the Jamie and Jones sweater is an obvious favorite of mine. :-) I love the quilt, too. Family heirlooms are the best!
Rebecca!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m so thankful to hear from you! I’ve been wondering where you’ve been lately. It’s so good to see you dropping by. You are definitely one of my originals. :) Thank you for the kind and affirming words, it means a lot. I hope you and the family are well. It’s time for an update on your blog! I’d love to hear more about how you practice slow-living these days.
This post and comments really make think about the outfits we really like on ourselves versus what others like on us. Like you, I find that with a few exceptions, my husband is a good barometer of how often I’ll wear an outfit. But it begs the question, should we use feedback to determine how we dress or do we just go with what we like and feels good? Is there a middle ground? I’m noticing that there is a trend to the outfits I like on you as well as the ones I like on myself, btw. Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday are my favs, but is it bc they’re more body conscious? Have I been conditioned to like outfits that show of one’s shape even though bough I feel more comfortable in outfits that are less figure conscious?
Alex, you always bring very thoughtful comments to the table, and I love it. I think I generally still go with what I like and what feels good, but sometimes I worry about owning too many duplicates (and he’s good and reminding me when I do) or sometimes I worry that I accidentally made myself look terribly dated or I don’t know, ‘off.’ For the most part though I do want to be ‘different’ so I usually just run with what I love. But you certainly pose a great question. On to your next point, I think on some level we’re biologically wired to like to appreciate other people’s bodies, even if it’s not the gender we are sexually attracted to. I think that explains why body con stuff always seems to look so good.
Love this series so far :) I’m always checking my favorite ethical fashion blogs looking for new outfit ideas and this scratches that itch so much for me!
You’ve got some great proportions in this post! I liked the outfits that even you didn’t love. I’ve definitely had the outerwear struggle myself, especially now that I own two new Elizabeth Suzanne tops.
As someone who enjoys loose tops do you find that it can be hard to wear them with slightly snugger outerwear? If so how do you get around it?
Looking forward to the next one already!
Hi Vivianna, I am feeling your struggle right now! So many of the tops I love have boxier shapes and sleeves, and layering over them is a challenge for me too. I have a few cardigans that are more oversized, or cocoonish, and those work well to layer over my tops with wider sleeves. The nice thing about the fabrics ES uses is that I bet they’ll soften and drape nicely with time, making them easier to layer over. If you come up with any good solutions though, let me know!
Thanks for the kind words about this new series! :)
Love your T Sweater. Do you mind sharing what size you have? Would you recommend sizing up or down if you’re in between sizes? Since it’s oversized, i would typically err on the side of going smaller, but I also don’t want it to be too short.
Thanks!
Hi Elizabeth! My sweater is medium, and I am often between a small and a medium, and I am very happy with the fit! I think if you look closely, J+J have a chart with garment measurements on their site. That might help you determine which length is best. Good luck!!