Ways to Wear | Denim + Leopard

WhatIWore: I’ve got a long diatribe about my views on fashion blogging and it’s future, but I’ll save that for another day. I bring it up because one of my new personal goals is to look more to my own closet, and the pieces I’ve collected over the years, for inspiration. And what’s a daily outfit blog good for if you can’t scroll through your archives for ideas? You guys know I love a repeat outfit and these photos from seasons past have given me a fresh dose of inspiration. 

Denim and animal prints are such a great pairing. Some would call both a neutral and in a high fashion world, I suppose that’s true. Neutral in the sense that they both will match 95% or more of the other things in your closet. But when you pair the two together, the leopard (or cheetah) gets to take center stage.

Animal prints are nothing new, but maybe you’re the kind of gal that’s been on the fence about adding something spotty to your wardrobe. Maybe a leopard vintage coat isn’t the right place to start, but a pair of flats or a bag could be a great way to play around with it to see if it’s for you.  If there’s one thing that’s important to me with this blog, it’s embracing personal style, and that’s not something that’s in or out as the calendar pages turn. Personal style is personal to you! 

The pieces featured in this post are from past seasons or vintage, but find more options that might work for you below. Or to see all of my leopard/cheetah ensembles, click here.

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What I Wore | Girl Crush

WhatIWore: It seems like today might be the last day to go bare legged for a while, so here I am, rocking a short skirt! The temp went up quickly and I really didn’t need my jacket past my morning commute (which is all of 3 minutes to a nearby coffee shop). I was browsing Pinterst to get ideas on what to wear and saw a lot of cute camel and ivory combos, which sparked this idea (see another way I’ve worn it here). I don’t want to be a grump and complain about it being in the 70s in November, but I have a lot more sweaters and hats I’d like to bundle up with! Call me crazy, but I also wouldn’t mind a snow day soon (gasp! shock!)

When: November 5, 2015

What:
Shades: Karen Walker ‘Super Duper’
Sweater: Lands’ End
Jacket: Tracy Reese, similar here
Skirt: Target, similar here
Bag: DvF
Booties: Rag and Bone

Where: Morning work sesh

This bag was a gift to myself after I had Felix last year, but I haven’t carried it nearly enough! How do I know? I found a size one diaper inside this morning. *tear* These babies grow up too fast! 

What I Wore | Back to Back

WhatIWore: For all of the days I am a total hot mess at home with the baby and in pajamas and unwashed hair, sometimes I really get my act together. I wore this to have breakfast out with a girlfriend and as I walked with my carseat in tow into the restaurant, I felt like a million bucks. I’m finally figuring out how to get myself ready on my own (as in, watching the baby and doing my makeup at the same time) and although it might seem silly, it feels like such a major accomplishment.

When: December 2, 2014

What:
Hat: Nordstrom Rack
Sweater: J.Crew
Coat: Vintage (similar)
Jeans: Target
Booties: Rag and Bone
Quilted Leather Backpack: Vera Bradley, gift

Where: Breakfast date

So a backstory on the backpack… there aren’t many brands I can say I’ve worn for 20+ years, but Vera Bradley is one of them. You might know the company for their bright quilted duffle bags and wallets. My first piece was actually a little printed pink dress in what I think was one of the first patterns when I was 7 or 8 years old.  When I was ten, I really wanted a Vera Bradley mini bag but my two dollar a week allowance wouldn’t cover it so I cut up the dress and made it into a bag myself. That was my first ever sewing machine project believe it or not! Ten years later, I scored a summer job working at the Vera Bradley factory (they’re based in my hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana). 

So fast forward to now. The brand has launched into leather goods with updated interpretations of their classic quilting. It looks so street style chic! I’ve been carrying my mini backpack nonstop since it arrived. As a mom, I love having both hands free to wave a rattle, grab a burp cloth or plop in a pacifier, but i also take it with me out of the house when I have a rare moment solo. 

Heads up! This post was made in partnership with Vera Bradley. Thanks for supporting the brands that help make What I Wore possible! 

What I Wore | Late October

WhatIWore: Adam and I shot these photos a while back when I was on my way to brunch with my girlfriends. I didn’t think ahead much to nursing when I bought it and it proved to be such a pain putting it on, taking photos, taking it off to nurse that I ended up wearing one of my plain old wrap dresses instead… but, BUT! I love this outfit and I can see myself wearing this dress layered in winters and bare legged in summers to come. It also buttons up the back so I might be tempted to wear it backwards sometime and see if that works. Ya live and learn! 

When: Late October

What:
Dress: ASOS (on sale)
Leather Moto Jacket: MICHAEL Michael Kors (more options)
Bag: DvF
Tights: We Love Colors
Booties: Rag and Bone

Where: (almost) to brunch with friends