sweater – tide & bloom

style in review

For most bloggers and creative makers, December is when there is the most social media activity. Holiday gift guides, giveaways, vlogmas and the like. But if you’ve been following me at all then you know that I also work as a retail manager full-time so that means for the month of December (and well into January too) – my focus is on being merry for others IRL and preserving my energy for that part of my world. Hence, I’m going to commence the year in review! First up is my style.

These are my favorite looks from the past year and yes, they’re all from Anthropologie. As you can see, I am a lover of a little flair – whether it be in the pattern or silhouette. The older I get the more I gravitate towards length (even in summer) to accentuate my features. That way my look is less about skin and more about my face and how I carry myself. A little bit of confidence goes a long way.

And don’t get me wrong, I wear separates just as often as I wear dresses.. I just happen to take more photos of the dresses because of their wow factor. Next year I’ll try to mix it up more and showcase assembled looks instead of all just statement pieces.

the new basics

If you’re into fashion at all, then you know that everything that was once out is now in again. With that said, all your favorite “basics” are getting a retro makeover to take it over the top. The silhouettes and materials are getting deliciously indulgent and the normal rules need not apply anymore. I officially own at least 3 velvet pieces. Yes, we’re officially there now.

This outfit is the perfect example of the new throwback basics you didn’t know you needed in your closet: the culotte aka cropped wide-legs and the cropped over-sized sweater.

They can be worn together for a dramatic look or with more tried-and-true silhouettes to take it down a notch for those of you who feel intimidated. I promise you that both of these can actually work for you, depending on how you style them.

The sweater would be perfect for any high-waisted anything. For me, I’m planning on wearing it mainly in the following ways:

with a black pencil skirt for a more conservative feel
with high waisted flares and a rancher hat for another totally 70s vibe
over spring dresses that I want to take into the fall

The possibilities are really endless. For example, I’m sure someone could rock it with a miniskirt and tights but that’s just not my jam.

The culottes! Oh, the culottes.

there’s a chill in the air

If you were ever in doubt of what your closet might need for fall, it’s almost all here in this outfit. Every single piece of this look can often be found with every other piece I wear. A moto style jacket, a pullover sweater, black stretch denim, and booties. I put them all together to show you that casual doesn’t have to mean sloppy. The neutral palette from head to toe keeps it simple, but chic. I got so many compliments in this outfit, but not like about the actual clothes – all the comments were like “you look really good” or “you look really pretty”. This tells me that I wore the outfit, not the other way around. I’m confident that almost anyone could pull off this look, and in varying tones of fall colors like creamy whites, maroon, forest greens, and navy.

And let me tell you about the non-Anthro accessories which go so well with this look. The sunnies are from Urban Outfitters, and I’ve worn them nonstop all year long. I’ve even bought different colors for different moods! The lovely asymmetrical gemstone threader earrings are made by a dear friend of mine, Stone + Arrow.

sweater / jacket / citizen denim / boots
earrings by stone + arrow

no sweat

turtleneck / anthropologie
pants / anthropologie
sunglasses / urban outfitters
heels / matisse via sinclair’s mercantile
necklace / anthropologie

a love story fall

If you haven’t heard then I’m sure you’ve at least seen that the 70s are back. The silhouettes, the patterns, and the colors of decades past is truly taking over stores for the fall season. Basically, we all now want to look like Ali McGraw (my mom would say she was way ahead of her time).

It’s all about that hint of menswear – in structure or pattern.. or both. This color blocked trench seduced me in about 10 seconds flat. I’m thinking that I’ll love it til I’m in my 70s!

sweater tank / anthropologie
trench coat / anthropologie
paige hoxton denim / anthropologie
purse / neva opet

comfort first

I can’t help it. Winter makes me want to hide in a baggy long sweater! My obsessions turn towards tried and true accessories – beanies, fingerless gloves, booties. I love breaking all of these out of my drawers and super thankful that they’re still in style. What’s your favorite cold weather accessory?

soft knit spring

Down here in Atlanta (and I’m assuming all over the nation), we’re stuck in some terrible limbo between winter and spring. The calendar says it’s obviously spring, but Mother Nature begs to differ. In the midst of it, the upside is that all the winter clothing is going on sale! I scored this awesome cozy sweater from the Target clearance rack for $7. How could I pass that up?

outfitting comfort

All I want to wear right now are sweaters and leggings. But it’s not really socially acceptable as a 7-days-a-week uniform so I used my brand-new Polyvore account to help me visualize sprucing up a seemingly simple sweater. This is my first virtual styling collection. Ever.

Boohoo dress / Forever 21 red long sleeve top / Wool waistcoat / Uniqlo jeans / Zara taupe shoes / Cell phone cross body / Metal jewelry / Rip Curl hat

What do you think? How would you outfit this sweater?

comfy cozy and rosy

sweater weather

I recently realized that every outfit post I’ve done on this blog has been in a dress or skirt, probably due to the summer heat! But now there’s a chill in the air and I’m more excited than ever to wear scarves, tights, leggings, and boots. My most recent purchase is this amazingly soft infinity scarf from Anthro. Here’s my first shot at an outfit. Can you believe me, in leather shorts?