Earn Your Stripes

The winter months means that outfitting consists of a standard formula: sweater and jeans on repeat.  I don’t even feel ashamed of the monotony when my sweater collection is on point!  In fact, my knitwear wardrobe is almost as large as my shoe collection; all the more reason to keep these cozy pieces in constant rotation before spring sunshine banishes them from my closet until fall.  Ok…so really I don’t wear sweaters for July and August here in Seattle – do you see how I have justified my growing collection??

When I stumbled upon this sweater (admittedly while searching for jeans from one of my favorite denim brands, Mother), I immediately fell for the witty message, appliqué tiger, and, of course, the retro styling complete with varsity striped sleeves.  The cream color and slouchy fit just seemed to make it all come together too.  And different than the other knits in my wardrobe, I was justified in making my purchase.  Also, in addition to my standard, go-to combo I’ve mentioned above, there are so many possibilities for this sweater.  Next up, pairing with a pleated skirt (the front tucked, of course, to show off some shape) and a pair of heels – party ready.  Or even this spring with a pair of destroyed denim or, dare I say, a pair of shorts?!

The second part of my winter outfit equation: denim.  These salvaged Levi’s…I’m obsessed.  There are so many “vintage” style of jeans out right now.  Just as we were getting comfortable in the skinny silhouette and relying on lycra; the retro cut and 100% cotton denim has returned in vogue.  And, while sifting through flea market finds and thrift stores may not be your bag, there are plenty of online options available.  Just remember, if at first you don’t succeed…KEEP ON TRYING.  Without stretch, you may need to go up a size.  And, true vintage sizing may require ordering multiple pairs in order to find ones that fit (for example, these are a 30/30).  Below I’ve included a few options that I’m loving:

{outfit details}
sweater: Mother (oversized fit, I ordered my normal size)
denim: Vintage Levis (mine found at new Ballard boutique Gold Dogs)
boots: Badgley Mischka
sunnies: Quay
earrings: Baleen (mine from Queen Anne Frame)

Happy Friday friends!  Thank you so much for reading.  I very much appreciate you checking in here for fashion updates, and a little bit more of my life.  Up next week…my very first travel guide.  Come back to learn all the details of where to eat and what to do in Charleston, South Carolina.

Until then. ~Jenn