What I Wore: Week of January 14, 2019

I did not get dressed with any sense of purpose this week, and it shows. I like all these outfits individually, but I usually try to plan a bit better – featuring complementary colors on my Instagram feed and being more thoughtful about how a series of outfits works together. In a lot of ways, our wardrobes are about more than getting dressed, they’re a narrative about our lives at a given point in time.

I suppose then, it makes sense to talk about how I’ve been struggling with my sense of purpose and direction lately, and how my clothing choices this week are a symptom of that. My day job has been slow (for reasons outside of my control – I’m waiting on some strategic decisions that impact the work I do) and so I’ve been meandering through my days, working on what I can for the time being. I love working in the sustainability industry, but am finding more joy and purpose in my writing and freelance work these days.

I also spend a lot of time around friends with entrepreneurial spirits, and it does start to make you wonder if you’re destined to work behind a desk your entire life. I don’t know the answers to these things, and I obviously won’t find them over the course of this blog post. They’re simply the things I’ve been reflecting on lately. I’m 28 years old and I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.

Monday

I’ve almost parted with this Vince Camuto sweater many times, but once or twice a season, it ends up being something I gravitate toward when I don’t know what else to wear. Monday was one of those days.

Outfit details: Sweater, Vince Camuto, old; White tee, Pact (this is honestly my favorite white tee I’ve ever owned, it has just a touch of stretch, flattering cut, and is made of organic cotton); Pants, Yala Designs; Boots, old, similar and fairly-made here; Necklace, GLDN.

I think it is okay, even with a small wardrobe, to own a few things that only get worn occasionally. I was so grateful for this sweater when I pulled it out of the depths and felt like I had something new to wear, even though it obviously isn’t new. It’s good to find ways to create novelty in your life without always needing to purchase new things, or make major changes (the way my writing and freelancing offers me some novelty from my day-to-day work!). Monday was also a phenomenal hair day because I recently got my highlights redone and a little trim.

Tuesday

Tuesday’s outfit was more warm layers. It’s been below freezing here, and snow is on the way!

Outfit details: Sweater, Cait Shea, contact for information; Skirt, J. Crew, old; Tights, old; Boots, old, similar and fairly-made here; Bracelet, Windblown Jewelry; Ring, ABLE (a gift from my friend Andrea!).

Speaking of entrepreneurial friends, my top is the “Cozy” by my close friend and designer, Cait Shea. It’s so, so good. I never want to take it off, but sadly, I do sometimes have to wear other things. Haha! My embraced cuff from Windblown Jewelry added just the right amount of sparkle thanks to its hammered details.

Wednesday

I feel like you have all seen iterations of Wednesday’s outfit many times. These are some of my favorite items in my wardrobe, which is why they’re on repeat.

Outfit details: Tunic, Elizabeth Suzann; Jeans, Madewell, similar here; Boots, ABLE.

I get asked about these ABLE boots a lot. I have the 90 mm heel height, and they really do make an outfit stand out! (They also happen to be on sale right now, by the way). But in addition to being asked what boot they are, and if I like them, I’m often asked if they are vegan, and unfortunately they aren’t. I purchased them before I decided to give up leather and suede. These burgundy boots from Bhava are the closest dupe I can find in cruelty-free form that are also fairly-made, as are these, albeit olive-colored, boots from Matt & Nat. If the manufacturing process is secondary in your decision, you might like these similar styles (blush boots, burgundy boots) from Lulu’s.

I’m going to be honest with you: stylish vegan shoes are incredibly hard to find. Or, at least I think they are. I find most vegan shoes have an edgy or clunky vibe, which just doesn’t suit my style. It’s also hard to find vegan shoes that are fairly-made – very few brands in the game are doing it all. I’m worried about what I’ll do when I really need a new pair of shoes. I’m going to be working on a vegan and fairly-made brand roundup so more research to come on that. But if you have any shoe suggestions for me, please do leave me a comment on this post!

Thursday

My office is casual, so Thursday I wore this sweatshirt from Parisian eco brand Noyoco. Their “Rue de Dames” sweatshirt pays homage to where the brand was born. I bought this when I was in Paris last summer; a friend of mine has some connections to the brand and introduced me to them. I love their cool take on sustainable clothing and upcycling.

Outfit details: Sweatshirt, Noyoco; Jeans, Madewell; Boots, old, similar and fairly-made here.

Friday

Same pose, different day.

I wasn’t sure if I should even include this outfit since this is a fashion blog. But, I think it is good to remember we are all real people and a lot of times, what you see on social media and in the blog space is a manufactured view into someone’s life.

Friday’s outfit was decidedly not fashionable, just functional. It included my work-branded Patagonia fleece (my company’s logo is on the back), a hat that my friend knit for me and some duck boots, because we got the initial snow squall!

Outfit details: Fleece, Patagonia; Jeans, Everlane; Hat, Cait Shea, contact for information; Boots, old.

I do love a good Patagonia fleece. It’s cold here! And of course, Patagonia is a brand that truly understands corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship. I have a lot of Patagonia gear from work, because anytime we are gifted something it is always environmentally-minded and in line with our brand.

I hope you all liked this week’s outfit roundup – talk soon!

xx

 

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