Bloomsbury & Battle

We finally have crisp, cool fall days here in Dallas and I am so relieved – if I had to wear a mi golondrina dress or flat sandals one more time (in OCTOBER!) I was going to scream. I love my summer stuff but it needs a rest! Anyway, am I the only person who looks in their closet when the season changes and thinks “what the hell am I going to wear?!” Somehow I got myself dressed last winter but in what I am not sure. My winter wardrobe’s state of affairs means it’s time for a refresh!

It doesn’t get THAT cold in Dallas (compared to my years living as an icicle in NYC) so yes, coats are great but even in the dead of winter there are days we don’t need them come lunchtime. Because of this, basics like thin sweaters and layering turtlenecks are the work horses of my winter closet. Also, the special somethings are great (more on that here) but you can’t build an outfit on just stand out pieces. You need the basics to add a classic touch to the unicorns in your closet.

Winter layering is an art form but SO CHIC when done well. Here are the basics I’m stocking up on, with tips on how to style them, as the weather turns chilly.

So good I ordered two! Size up for a boyfriend-y fit. Roll up the sleeves, pop the back of the collar ever so slightly. Half tuck into jeans. Tie at the bottom and wear with midi skirts. Rinse. Repeat.

I loved a particular J.Crew black wool turtleneck for almost a decade. It’s neck finally succumbed to old age and drooped instead of scrunched so I searched for a replacement. I’m mainly pleased with this Uniqlo option (esp. the price!). Wear the neck unfolded, slightly scrunching it and the sleeves. Layer under button downs, dresses, anything and everything.

I think J.Crew has serious work to do and could write a weekly blog post on the misfortunes of their current selection…but these turtlenecks are standbys. Buy black and light grey and replace yearly. Wear as an even thinner layer under you name it. A fitted cotton turtleneck just makes me feel like a kid again.

I hear you can’t go wrong with these $100 cashmere sweaters. I’m buying a black v neck and sizing up so that the v hits in just the right spot. Slightly sexy when oversized and worn with a hint of a lacy strap showing. Also the opposite of sexy, but still right up my alley, worn with a grey cotton turtleneck underneath. I’m debating getting the camel crew neck too because camel = classic.

Wolford’s stretch is perfect. Seamless. Long lasting. You just feel like a million bucks in their stuff. It’s not cheap but I think the cost per wear justifies it in no time.  Very celeb approved, google if you don’t believe me.

I know this could read circa 2004 going out top but stay with me. Layer this under a jacket or over any of the above and it feels so fresh. Just a pretty little thing to jazz up the everyday.

I’m constantly on the hunt for good quality tees that aren’t a hundred bones. One of my Insta crushes Jessie Randall (founder of these faves) swears by Jungmaven tees. I’m getting the black and white long sleeve to start out then will add a few short sleeves come spring. I’m thinking they’ll be perfectly oversized and will look great knotted with high waist jeans.

 

Bundle up!
-Laura

It’s been raining for weeks in Dallas. My plants have never looked better but all this rain is making me feel a little glum. I need crisp, sunny fall days to brighten my spirits (a new sweater, leaves turning, my favorite soup recipes…sigh) but I think they’re still weeks away. You know what’s helping to cheer me up on so many grey days? Adding a few special somethings to my closet. It’s cliche but true: when you look good, you feel good. I always feel my best wearing one standout piece and keeping everything else fairly simple. Whether it’s the perfect red lipstick (try this one and only buy the refill to save a few – PERFECTION) or killer statement earrings, we need the special somethings to jazz up the old faithfuls in our closet. Here are a few special somethings I’ve been eyeing, I hope they bring a smile to your face like they do mine!

 

a classic print and a date night dream

 

 

 

love that these hang on a little chain – librarian chic!

 

 

day, night, dressy, casual

 

 

have the silver, now eyeing the crushed velvet

 

 

the prettiest pink

 

 

for just a hint of polka dot above your boots

 

 

the perfect size

 

 

 a top? a dress? who cares, it’s a statement maker

 

 

the “it” skirt gets a floral makeover

 

 

prairie perfection 

 

 

leopard from head-to-toe

 

 

perfectly priced polka dots

 

 

As if!

 

 

forget the sleeve, wear your heart(s) on your ears instead

 

 

just yes.

Later loves
-Laura