so cal rainy day

We had a So Cal "rainy day" today, and by that I mean it rained for an hour and then stopped. Oh, but what a glorious hour it was!

This outfit is a perfect demonstration of a "high-low" mix, which I love.  The trench coat and striped top are from Forever 21 and they are just perfect for me.  The wooly sweater is from Peruvian Connection (I think it is actually alpaca, so soft and light and non-itchy).  It was definitely on the expensive side but I wear it constantly and I love it.  It's my go-to at every opportunity in winter.  The more I try to figure out shopping the more I realize the value in just going with what works for you.  These pieces are all very "me" and I'm super comfortable in them.  What is your current favorite go-to piece?

trench:  Forever 21
striped top:  Forever 21
alpaca pullover:  Peruvian Connection
grey corduroy pants:  Kut from the Kloth (via Nordstrom)
boots:  Clarks

skinny pants?

Here is what I wore to work today. The sweater only lasted a short time before I had to take it off. It got unexpectedly warm early in the day. Still trying to figure out if the skinny pant look works for me (or for this age group)? I think clearly a boot cut or flare style of pant is MUCH more flattering, but still. Skinny pants are what is in style right now and when I go too boot cut panted too often I really feel like I'm slipping into middle aged lady territory.

Discuss.

Outfit details: black skinny jeans: Levis flowy top: Converse (Target) printed sweater: UO wedges: Clarks

camo and black

Ok! Back with my first "outfit" post. I'll just make a disclaimer right now--sorry for the bad photos and background! Hopefully I'll improve on that over time and haul those garden hoses out of the frame too. I'm experimenting with using my self-timer on the camera. The boys were helping out and kind of got a kick out of it. In the past I've asked Ken to do outfit photos of me and he seems to excel at catching my ugliest expressions and faces! (I do admit to being super un-photogenic, but I think my results are better with the self-timer!)

Deets on this outfit:  it's Saturday morning.  I have dreams of being the type of person who just grabs some things out of the closet and throws them on and looks fabulous with no effort.  I kind of felt like I was doing that this morning!  I was literally grabbing things and not thinking hard about it.  And I'm happy with the outfit.  It's questionable if I can or should be pulling off camo jeans at my age, but I like them.  I actually tried to resist buying these-- tried them on once and put them back, then was drawn back to the store a couple weeks later and was shocked that they still had my size.  I've worn them quite a few times now--they are so fun.

Also--about shoes.  I've been thinking a lot lately about how to look good in flatter, more casual shoes.  I love a comfy wedge/platform, but on the other hand I sometimes wonder if it looks too dressy (or "effortful") for my weekend/mom lifestyle.  I put these moccasins on this morning, and was surprised at how cute they go with the look.  Later I'll put on black high sandals for going downtown, but I love the look with moccasins for home and park and playground with the boys or for running errands.

Black top and camo jeans:  Gap
Moccasins:  Minnetonka
Bracelet:  souvenir Faith picked up in Maine 2 years ago
Necklace:  purchased cheaply online, can't remember the retailer.  

Edited to add: I thought I'd show part 2 of the look. For evening I layered on a long cardigan and the platform sandals. We went out for a family pizza night and it was fun and I felt pretty cute in this.