Archives for August 2016

Fit to be Tied

August 31, 2016

My love for crop tops continues. But, let me be clear; this love is truly for a crop top paired with a high-waisted pant. Or, maybe my love is simply for the higher rise in general. I sit on curbs and tie shoes freely without a care in the world. High-rise pants are just as great worn with a tunic as paired with a shorter top, like this nautical-inspired chambray knotted shirt.In addition to their higher rise, I’m loving the cropped, bootcut style of these white jeans. More relaxed than a skinny and the above-ankle length is perfect for showing off your cute shoes. Sandals for now, but I’m definitely wearing these jeans into fall with a bootie or loafer (yeeeess!). Crop top, cropped jeans…I’m feeling it.

{outfit details}
top: Moorea Seal
denim: Rag & Bone
sandals: Michael Kors (several years ago)
bracelets: Gorjana, Moorea Seal
sunnies: Smith
bag: Artizia

Are you with me loving the high-rise jeans? Dare I ask about the crop tops?? Please leave a comment.

As always, thanks for reading! ~Jenn

Extending Summer

August 25, 2016

I’m going to be honest here, and I realize this may be very unpopular, but…I hate fall. No really, I do. Yes, fall fashion is awesome and I’m always excited to switch things up in the wardrobe department. But even then, I would waaaaay prefer jeans and a tee over a nubby sweater. Because, in Seattle, you really need the nubby sweater, and usually under a coat!

In my mind, fall is a very slippery slope into winter. And winter in Seattle seems long. It’s dark (did you know it get’s dark around 4:00 during the winter months…yes, we’re that far north). It’s wet. Do I need to go on?? I don’t even like pumpkin-flavored things. Enough said.
Therefore, in the spirit of wishing for an eternal summer, I’m sharing how I plan on wearing a favorite summer staple into early fall. That staple: this flowing, silky tunic. I love the lace detailing and the fluttering, ruffled edge. It has been perfect paired with jeans and sandals (which is actually how I was wearing it on this 80+ degree day). But I’m already in a seasonal funk, so why store away your favorite pieces just when you’ve finally gotten a chance to wear them? Reimagine this top with the same jeans (easy), then paired with booties and a oversized cardigan during early fall. Add some swinging accessories and it’s almost like your still dancing in that summer sunshine!

{outfit details}
tunic: Anthropologie
cardigan: Rag & Bone
jeans: Madewell (similar)
booties: Rag & Bone
earrings: Anthropologie
tote: Queen Anne Frame

Here’s to eternal summer weather. Even though it’s not realistic, I’m ignoring the already changing color of the leaves and the darker mornings…at least for now. When my kids return to school in a week, there will be no more denying fall. But in the meantime, I’ll do my best!

Thanks for reading. ~Jenn

PS. Are you following along on my Instagram (@whatjennwore)? If not, you’re missing out on all kinds of fun. Like the shenanigans below…

Street Wise Activewear

August 22, 2016

Sometimes the best outfit inspiration comes from unexpected places. Like your gym bag. We spend a lot of money on “athleisure” or “performance wear”…whatever you want to call them, whether you truly work out in your activewear or not (no judgement here). But why not get the most “bang for your buck” and style your activewear outside of the gym? Now, I’m not advocating for your standard yoga pants ensemble (we all know how to do that). Get creative with clothes you may ordinarily relegate to working out and you may just find an edgy, or unexpected compliment to an otherwise ordinary outfit!

If you caught Friday’s post, you saw this Brooks tee styled in a standard active look. But this glittering gold message deserves more attention than the audience on my morning run (especially since I’m an early runner!). To give the tee a bit more interested and some shape, I’ve knotted it at the waist – this could also be achieved with tucking. Then to take this look from morning workout into cocktail hour, I’ve added a bit of shimmer with a satin bomber jacket and some edgy accessories, all paired with a slimming pair of dark jeans. This look could easily have been worn with sneakers, but I’m keeping it more dressed-up here with a pair of heeled sandals (a bootie would have looked cool too). I consider this outfit a home RUN! (I couldn’t help it…)

{outfit details}
tee: Brooks (c/o)
bomber: Topshop
jeans: Frame Denim
sandals: Joie
clutch: Clare V.
bracelets: Gorjana, Moorea Seal
choker: BZR
sunnies: Tom Ford (similar)

A special thank you to Brooks for partnering with Kirsty and I to showcase their new fall collection. Be sure to check out Kirsty’s street style look over on her blog. And stay tuned, as we have also both fallen in love with Brooks’ fall heritage collection vintage sneakers…we’ll be sharing more as they hit stores in early fall.

Thanks for reading! ~Jenn

These fabulous photos were taken by Jessica Hogue

Brooks “Run Happy”

August 18, 2016

Last month I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek at the new fall collection at Brooks‘ Flagship Store, aptly named “Brooks Trailhead.” Based here in Seattle, Brooks’ creed “Run Happy” truly resonates with me. As a lifelong runner (I was a sprinter in high school and have since run many distance races, including a marathon), I have struggled with injuries and motivation. However, for the past several years, I haven’t placed any pressure on myself to compete or train for any organized races. While sometimes I desire to set more goals for myself and return to racing (I’m inherently competitive), I’m also trying to appreciate that running can simply augment my life and doesn’t have to have a purpose. Does that make sense?

With regards to Brooks’ fall line, I’m loving the fashion forward pieces, yet the company remains true to their performance roots. Every piece (from the pants to the jackets to the bras) offer functionality critical for runners. Examples include interior waist pockets in the capris and a hook on the jacket lapel to hold your ear phones steady (because how annoying is the jostling of those wires?). And, I’ve never before worn Brooks’ shoes…if only I had known what I was missing out on?! I’m actually very particular about the fit of my shoes and I couldn’t be more impressed with Brooks. In fact, since taking these pictures to share with all of you, I have worked out in every piece (with the exception of the jacket, due to record breaking temps here in Seattle). Brooks offers fashionable performance wear that I can’t wait to put on for my workouts.

{outfit details}
all Brooks (c/o)
tee: Run Mist
jacket: LSD Thermal Running Jacket
capris: Streaker Capri
bra: Fine Form
sneakers: Launch 3

sunglasses: Smith

I mentioned above the functionality of Brooks’ performance wear. But I also strive for versatility in my wardrobe. Many of Brooks’ activewear can also be worn outside of the workout. Head on over to visit Kirsty as she styes an active look featuring Brooks activewear. And, next week we will both be styling a streetwear look styled with our Brooks pieces. Be sure to come back and see us soon!

Thanks for reading! Have a great weekend…Run Happy! ~Jenn

photography by Jessica Hogue

Crop It Like It’s Hot

August 16, 2016

Stay with me here. Crop tops certainly evoke memories of my early 20’s…well, not really, I was waaaay too modest in my 20’s! I should have been more out there. I digress. You’re thinking crop tops are not for you (are you even still with me??). Well, think again!

The return of higher rises makes the crop top totally acceptable for the more modest and mature, and/or those of us with day jobs. Think high-waisted pencil skirts, flare jeans, wide-leg trousers, and even full skirts. Easily a tucked shirt could do with any of these pairings, but a crop top makes your outfit so much more effortless. Am I right?