Ah, jackets. Time to think about them again. Time to shop for more? Or not. I first wanted to see what I have. I think my favorite, or the one I’m most looking forward to being able to throw on is this buffalo plaid popover from J. Crew.
Next is an army green utility jacket from H&M. It’s lightweight (not warm) but cute and goes good with jeans.
I’ve got my new oversized jean jacket from Madewell. Love it. Get it here.
Another lightweight utility jacket from H&M. This doesn’t get a lot of wear but it just feels like me, so it’s good. I think I’m attached to it because it feels very Swedish and reminds me of my friend Madeline Lundberg.
A grey on white leopard print fleece from Old Navy. Every time I go through a closet clean out I think I should get rid of this, then I put it on and I love it. It’s especially perfect as a coverup to go to the gym. I don’t know why I don’t reach for it more.
Trench coat from Target. Why don’t I look like all the street style photos I see on Pinterest? I might have to accept that I don’t look good in a trench coat. I’m also starting to realize that masculine jackets maybe look better over feminine outfits (dresses).
Utility parka from the GAP. I’m letting go of this finally. It’s nice but I never wear it. Buy it from my Poshmark closet here.
And this black leather jacket from Lucky Brand. I don’t know if it’s the leather jacket look or this particular one. I used to have a vinyl one from H&M that I wore all the time. Buy it from my Poshmark closet here.
Lastly is this bomber from the GAP. It’s terribly warm and has a bright orange lining. It’s a keeper.
So that’s all my jackets. I think I probably have enough.
It’s time to put away the flip-flops. But it’s time to pull out BOOTS. Well, not quite. But, boots! I went through all my autumn to winter shoes to see where I stand when it gets chilly. How fun!
Tahari boots in black leather. These are very old. I almost got rid of these last year, but decided they’d be better if I removed the straps and now I like them. They’re high but still comfy. (similar | similar)
Franco Sarto boots in black patent. Also very old. I’m getting my money’s worth! They have a square toe and a sort of sixties vibe. They’re high but therefore flattering. Also, they’re good for rainy days. (similar | similar)
Clarks ankle boots in black leather. I love these. They have seen a lot of wear. Because of their rubber soles, they’re fairly weather-proof. More casual than the previous two. (similar | similar)
Madewell pauline boots in brown suede. I can’t wait to wear these babies! I got them last year and they are so good. (exact pair on Poshmark | similar)
Lucky Brand in brown leather. These were such a great choice. I’ve worn them for years. They go with everything. I love how they have aged and broken in. They’re so comfortable—with or without socks—and I don’t worry about them getting a little wet. (similar)
Troetorp clogs in navy leather. I’ve worn these all year ’round. They are the perfect shoe IMHO. (exact pair)
Dr. Scholls calf hair ballet flats in leopard. Perfect, perfect, perfect. Now, if I could find some in brown leather and black leather. (exact pair | similar | similar)
Steve Madden open toe booties in black leather. I love the way these look but they still give me blisters (across the top of the toe) Also, do they qualify since they’re open toed and heel? I think they work for early-summer-into-fall outfits. (similar | similar)
J. Crew calf hair maryjanes in leopard. These were an amazing find. I got them super discounted last year. #nataliebortonmademedoit (exact pair on Amazon | similar)
Hi. My name is Leigh and I’m super picky. And thank god, or I’d be broke. I like to carefully research things and then save the things I want on a Pinterest wish list. After a while, I’ll realize I don’t really want them or else I will buy them, and then sometimes after all that, I’ll realize I don’t want them. I guess it’s a normal part of online shopping.
Madewell Ruthie Sandal
I ordered 4 pairs of very similar sandals and this J Crew pair was the clear winner. If I hadn’t picked them, I would have chosen the “Ruthies.”
Madewell Tribune Blazer
I’ve been looking for a black blazer forever. This one was weird, tho. Very stiff (not drapey) and an unusual lapel.
Madewell Harper Mules
I obsessed over these! Finally ordered them even though they were pretty pricey. And you know what? I didn’t really like how they look on my feet.
J Crew Chino Shorts in Olive
I haven’t been able to find a replacement for a pair of olive shorts I had years ago. These were too long and too big. J Crew, stop messing with your sizes!
Rainbow Flip Flops
I heard these we the be all end all of sandals and that they are very comfortable (once broken in) but they just weren’t great in person.
Athleta Swim Top
I love that Athleta has a good return policy — like you can wear something and really try it out and then return it if it doesn’t work. This top was pretty but the fabric of the lining would shift and because it was a different color, it showed.
J.Crew Shorts
I loved these but decided the color wasn’t flattering. Too close to my skin color? Should have gotten the blue color. Also, they run very big. I sized down one size but should have sized down two.
L.L.Bean Cardigan
I bought this in store! But, I ultimately decided this wasn’t right for me. Usually if I don’t wear something right away, and often, it’s not as perfect as I thought. That’s two sweaters I bought and returned. The white cardigan quest continues.
Hi, and welcome to my secret world of obsession and indecision. I’ve been looking for a new handbag and although I think I know what I want, I decided to go through what I have to help me make a decision. Here’s what I have:
Black Banana Republic Top Handle Bag (similar): This is my go-to everyday bag. It has multiple pockets and zippered compartments, a top handle and a shoulder strap. It’s a bit heavy though and quite boxy/structured.
Black Liz Claiborne Shoulder Bag (similar): I love this bag. It’s made with a really great quality leather and has a relaxed shape. It used to be my number one bag but now I don’t use it much. It is a great bag…
Brown Madewell Transport Tote: I was thrilled to get this as a Christmas present a few years ago. I love the look of it, but it’s heavy and much too big for what I need to carry most days.
J. Crew Straw Tote (similar): This is my tried-and-true go-to summer bag. I choose it over the others most of the time. So good.
Multi-color Le SportSac Nylon Tote (similar): I don’t know when or why I bought this. I’ve seemingly had it forever. It is really good as a beach tote or if I’m going shopping. It’s lighter weight than the brown leather one and it’s a great choice if it’s rainy. I really like it, but it’s not very chic.
Black and Tan Element Backpack (similar): Why is this even included in my handbag collection? I mean who uses a kid’s school backpack anyway? But, I think it’s good. I actually bought it at Disney World. It’s pretty indispensable for traveling. It carries a lot comfortably. I took it to California last month and I was really glad I did.
David Bowie Ziggy Stardust Canvas Tote: This bag sort of checks off all the boxes. The perfect size. Kind of goes with everything. Not pretentious. It’s the sort of bag Rita would have as her handbag. It was $15 at Target. It’s cool but not very grown-up.
Black Canvas Barney’s COOP Tote: This was the bag I got when I bought a pair of J Brand jeans at the COOP. It was free but I liked it so much I kept it. I often use it to carry my laptop (in neoprene sleeve that fits in the tote perfectly.)
Hawaiian Print Tote: I got this on my honeymoon in Kauai so it’s pretty sentimental. It’s funky and on the small size but good for summer and goes with black better than my straw tote.
Brown Lucky Crossbody Bag: I bought this a couple years ago because I became convinced I needed a bag this color and shape. It’s nice but very stiff and the flap closure kind of annoys me. Also, it’s a little too small for an everyday bag.
Black Banana Republic Crossbody Bag (similar): I like the look of this bag. I like that it’s black and has the gold chain. It’s quite small and not practical for everyday.
Light Blue Coach Crossbody Bag (similar): So cute but so small. I almost never use it and wonder what I was thinking when I bought it. However, I did take it on my last trip and it worked out quite well.
Black J. Crew Clutch (similar): One has to have at least one clutch, so I have this.
My conclusions:
I could choose to keep one or the other of my two black bags (or find one that I love.)
The Madewell transport and straw tote are both keepers…
…as are the nylon tote and backpack. Very functional.
I could probably do with just one cute, casual canvas tote.
I really only need maybe two crossbody bags – one black and one not black (and the brown one isn’t really working for me.)
I really want a Spring/Summer bag that is leather, light colored, medium sized, that’s not too structured and makes me feel like a grown up.
I’m considered one of these:
Everlane $235
Madewell $158
Mark & Graham $199
Cuyana $375
Banana Republic $178
I decided in the end to purchase the Madewell medium tote (in “Linen”). I bought it through Poshmark so I got a great deal.
What’s your go to bag style? Do you change them every season?
I love this leather jacket… so why don’t I ever wear it? I have so many pins on my Pinterest style board reminding me of how cool I’ll look if I wear a black leather jacket, yet it sits in my closet. I tried it on to see if I could figure out how to wear it. I’m liking it. The jeans are ok. They’re soft and loose fitting. And the heels are probably my favorites. (They have cute like tassels on the backs.)
I’ve had this floral top from LOFT forever. It’s a winner. The much-worn chino/jeans from the Gap are very comfy and flattering. The shoes (and, again, every blog seemed to demand I own them) never get picked. I think they look good here. I liked this outfit so much, I wore it to a speaking engagement later that night.
The white button down! Everyone says you need one. I don’t think I really do need one, let alone two. It looks rumbled here. I can’t figure it out. The clogs probably aren’t helping. I think a black heel might be better. And a trench coat over top!
I love this Joie tee but haven’t found a reason to wear it. The jeans are new and I LOVE them! I bought them on a trip to the Gap when I had the kids with me and they said, “Those look SO good on you, Mommy” so obviously I bought them. The shoes are Madewell from Poshmark. I think they’ve been waiting for these jeans. This outfit feels very “me” and I feel Très Française in it.
I somehow switched over to summer. Or maybe spring. This is an imitation of an old outfit from Sincerely Jules. Only she wore it with nude flats and I didn’t like how mine looked on me. I do like this J. Crew/St. James t-shirt. But, these white jeans usually get passed over. I have another pair of white pants I like better. I obviously cut them too short. The sandals (Steve Madden, $5 at Famous Footwear!) are my favorite although they’re quite platform-y. And, the jean jacket… I’m supposed to love a jean jacket. This one is flattering but I think I’d wear it more if it were more oversized, you know? It’s not comfy or cozy (and that’s what I look for in a second layer).
This is how I’d probably go — jacketless. I tried tying it around my waist and that was a definite no. Maybe this post should be titled, “Why I Don’t Wear a Jacket” or “Layering—I’m Clueless”
Okay, the black trousers. Essential, right? I’m feeling better about them with the plain white tee and of course, these black heels from Banana Republic. Maybe I’ll actually wear them out of the house.
This look. All. Over. Pinterest. Just add a long menswear coat and crossbody bag. How I wish I liked these sneakers. I think they’re too clunky. I don’t know. The sweater is good. Very good. A black turtleneck truly is a must-have, for me.
This is good too. I stole this look from Style This Life. I call it, “Black-Black-Brown.”
That’s it! I had a lot of fun putting together outfits. And enjoyed reconnecting with and appreciating my clothes more. Every time I do this I get a little closer to knowing what I like and being okay with just being me. It’s nice.
The shoes of my dreams arrived on October 18, 2018. They traveled all the way from Skövde, Sweden to Eastern Pennsylvania in the USofA. Sweden. Clogs from actual Sweden. I feel like my whole life has led up to this moment. Like when you meet your true love, you don’t mind that it took so long and they play “At Last” at your wedding and you’re like, you’re not kidding, at last. That’s how I feel about these shoes.
You may think clogs are not feminine or sexy or cool or whatever and you’re probably right but that’s actually part of the attraction.
Now, I’ve owned clogs before. A funky patchwork pair that was Mia or Steve Madden or something, a pair of black Dansko that had a back. Another pair of Dansko mules in oxblood. And, I wore them a lot, but really just for comfort. I didn’t feel stylish in them and as I became more fashion-y, I would only wear them at home and eventually got rid of them. Over the last few years I dreamed of finding a pair that were comfy/convenient — I love a shoe that’s a little bit of a platform that I can slip on and off — as well as good-looking. Of course my opinion about what looked “good” changed.
Apparently clogs were now being worn by celebrities and models and even a part of some high-end designer shoe collections. Now that I was convinced clogs were uber-hip, and my desire was co-signed by the fashion world, the challenge of finding the quintessential pair, that didn’t break the bank, began.
Reference my mom in clogs in Venice Beach in the ’70s:
After literally years of pinning, pining, and excessive deliberating, I finally decided on the Troentorps. They were $99, free shipping, and arrived from Sweden in 6 days (one day after my birthday.) I am wearing them right now and I will probably never take them off.
My name is Leigh. I am a graphic designer and a photographer. I love minimalism, danish modern decor, clogs, books, and art of all kinds. I strive to live a healthy life and promote sustainability.
