This week is back to school week at our house. I can hardly believe that summer break has come and gone. :( Last year, I was eager for school to start, I was so ready for my kids to have some space from each other. But this summer, it just snuck up on me. I attribute that to us having a little more summer fun this year. There’s a sweet pool near where we’re living, and our youngest is getting a little more skilled at navigating life, which allows us to be on a bit less of a baby schedule.
We are now back to school life: alarm clocks have been set even earlier (school starts at 8am sharp, yikes!), backpacks and packed lunches are the norm again. Homework is back on the table and tired afternoon kiddos are the routine. (They were such bears yesterday that I briefly considered fleeing to Mexico.)
[ Black Linen Jumpsuit, by Reifhaus | Pima Mid-Sleeve T-Shirt, Everlane | Hightops, by Converse (via Poshmark), Etiko makes an amazing alternative! | Mamuye Tote, c/o FashionABLE | Verge Necklace, c/o Favor Jewelry ]
Back to school usually means new shoes all around, and this year the kids aren’t the only ones with new kicks. As you might have seen from my Instagram Stories, I’ve been on the hunt for some new (to me) hightop Converse. And, after some uncharacteristic patience on my part, the Poshmark stars aligned and I snagged a pair! Very exciting to say the least. My inner-11-year-old was thrilled. Lacing them up was like a walk down memory lane.
I’ve been very committed to only shopping ethically-sourced items for about a year now, and I didn’t want to compromise for shoes. I looked into some ethically-made alternatives to Converse, a few of you guys recommended Etiko, and they look like a pretty rockin’ option. In the end I found some Converse that were second-hand, which worked with my budget a little better. It’s a good reminder that when sticking to ethical fashion, slow and steady wins the race. Like so many other things in life. :)
After viewing lots of layered styles for fall – slip dresses over tee’s, and jumpsuits over button ups – I felt inspired to style my favorite jumpsuit in a new way, with a t-shirt underneath! I love that it gives this piece a totally different look. This is one of those outfits I feel like an unstoppable force in. So fun, so chill, so me. It’s another example of how versatile something can be if you love it, like we talked about the other day. When you love an item, you can’t help but find ways to wear it over and over again. :)
Hope your week is off to a great start!
xo,
Andrea
PS – Did you see that Lauren Winter unveiled her FW16 collection? Her Turtleneck Top and Wraparound Dress are perfect examples of beauty and function.
PPS – One of my favorite shoe companies is having a one-day Flash sale today, in honor of their new website, everything is 30% off! It’s a great opportunity to make a fall boot purchase you might have been considering.
PPPS – Favor Jewelry is currently hosting their Summer Sample Sale! So many beautiful items, discounted in price.
I did not even realize it was a jumpsuit over a t-shirt! Only after you mentioned it, it became apparent to me. Great outfit!! I love how easy, comfy yet very put together it looks.
Thanks girl! It’s so fun to wear. I love it. The pockets are my fav part. ;)
Great find on the second-hand Converse!! I need to update my fake (Target) Keds I’ve had for a few years this fall. I always have good luck finding second-hand shoes on eBay. We’ve all started school this last week, too, including me for the first time in 22 years! New routine for all of us with Remington going to a private high school, Chad still in grad school, and me doing online school for my undergrad. So far so good! I love that jumpsuit on you…..very mid 90’s Rachel from Friends vibe going on. Love it!
Rebecca, that’s so exciting!! What are you studying? Are you nervous? What is Chad studying in grad school?
I had never made that Friends connection with the jumpsuit, but I totally see it!!! Too funny! Love it.
I’m getting my BS in history and Chad is working on his Masters of Divinity, (a 93 hour master’s course) in Biblical Theology with an emphasis on Biblical Greek! Yes, I was very nervous to get started, but I’m starting slow with only 3 classes this semester.
Awesome girl! So excited for you!! I think I would appreciate college much more now than I did when I was younger!
I love the new backdrop. Very moody (which is perfect for back to school and alarm clocks!) I wish it was cool enough to wear a jumpsuit here. Today it was 81 and with the only place that has ac being the bookstore or the grocery, I’m certainly bringing home a lot of new books and plenty of milk :)
Haha, it was totally moody! We were losing sun fast when we were shooting. But sometimes that’s when the light is the prettiest.
This jumpsuit is pretty amazing in that it’s 55% linen, so I’ve worn it even on hot days! It’s very loose, and almost cooler than shorts. Hang in there with the heat! We don’t have AC either, and some days have been rough!
Way to work that jumpsuit for the cooler weather we’re having in Portland. I love the casual yet pulled together look. Looks great!
Thanks Chelci! It’s so fun to wear. I love it with a sweater underneath too.
It looks like rain later this week, I can hardly believe it! Fall sometimes comes on a dime, and I’ll be curious to see if that happens this year.
I’m north of you but was in the pearl over the weekend and thinking of you. I love your blog! I also have three kids 2011-2016 so feeling the mom life. You are doing such good work and I’ve been so encouraged to keep up the simple life! I am compelled to start thrifting again after taking a hiatus because #notimeforbrowsing. I am curious on your thoughts of the store “nau” I ran into down there and also on frye?
Hi Emily! I’ve seen Nau, but I’ve never been there. Looking at their website though, it seems like they having some pretty great principles. I have worn Fryes for many years, and I truly love their craftsmanship. They used to be made in the USA, but I think most of them are made in Mexico now. They are built to withstand the test of time (and many of them are built to outlast rain too!) and are a far cry from fast-fashion. At the high price point I really hope that they do not utilize shady factories in their supply chain. If you’re on the fence about Fryes you could also check out Fortress of Inca.
On momlife, wow! You must be busy. ;) People say that to me all the time too. Three is kicking my butt hard. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you for the kind words (I love that you thought of me in the Pearl, ha!) and I’m honored that I could encourage you! Yes, the simple life for the win! Life gets cluttered and busy, way too fast.
What are your thoughts on the store “nau”
In the Pearl? And also on frye?
The lighting, your hair, and this outfit are absolute perfection.
Thanks Fran!!! The sun was getting low, and the light was definitely on the money! Trying to work the outdoor shots while the weather is still nice. :)
Yay, I’m glad you were able to find the Converse! That outfit seems both very comfy and very cool. And I am all over that Nisolo sale…the perfect time to snag those fall boots!
Woohoo for the Nisolo sale! What a killer deal on your boots! Nice snag.
This outfit is adorable! I just got a pair of ethical Converse look-a-likes by Etiko on ebay for like $35 USD. The only problem is I have to wait for them to get here from Australia! So excited to style them, though.
Thanks Leah!! Excited for your Etikos, report back how you like them! Oh man, I’m so impatient on shipping, I feel ya!
You cannot beat a pair of old school high top converse! converse in general really, I love my white low tops and always will, i buy them time and time again when the colour starts to fade, they go with everything!!
Good luck with the school routine back in action, look forward to that October half term
http://www.pagesfrombeth.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks Beth! Converses pull double-duty, cute and super comfy!