Black and Blue

My mood was a little black and blue this AM.  The thing about outfit photos, and one of the reasons I wanted to start this blog, is they really force you to critically look at your ensembles.  For example, I really liked this outfit all day today, but now that I look at these photos I'm not sure it is a flattering look.
The blazer has a patterned lining, so I can also wear it with the sleeves rolled up for a pop. For today I chose to wear them down and go for a sleek look with the tights and boots.

 

The detail on the skirt echoes the ruffles on the blouse somewhat

 I wrote in detail about my gray boots last week.  While searching for the perfect pair I came across these at a really good price, they fit perfectly, and are a good complement being sleek.   They are too slim fitting to tuck pants into (the gray ones are for that) so these are just for tights.  I don't have any other ones hiding up my sleeve though (well, a pair of booties, but that's a whole different category, right?).

Blazer: Daniel Rainn via Marshalls/TJ Maxx
Blouse:  Marshalls/TJ Maxx
Skirt:  Max Studio via Marshalls/TJ Maxx
Boots: Etienne Aigner Celina via Marshalls/TJ Maxx

I didn't realize I was a walking ad for Marshalls/TJ Maxx today,  but I guess I am.  You're welcome.

My Achilles Heels

My weakness is jackets.  How many can I possibly need, living in the Deep South?  Doesn't matter- I have a closetful, and I just bought two more for my upcoming birthday!  I can only imagine how many I would have if I lived somehwere it actually gets cold.
So now that it is officially jacket weather I am showing off one of my beauties. 

 This is the cobalt blouse I mentioned in my Menswear Post.

First this sweet boy wanted to be in the photo

Then this one started clamoring for his turn!

And finally these boots!  My other Achilles heel (I know) is boots.  I remember at one point in my midtwenties having tall brown boots, tall black boots, short black boots, short tan boots, and if memory serves even short red boots in my closet all in the same season.  Alas, I was not careful about my purchases back then, and all those cheap boots did not last very long.  This time around I wanted to do a better job.  I tried on many many pairs, but I really wanted weathered gray boots.  This pair is my most expensive purchase to date (other than my wedding dress of course).  I bought them last year when I was pregnant, so I justified the cost since I wasn't buying a lot of (or really any) other clothes or shoes.  When I took these out to wear (I waited a whole year to wear them!), they now appear more brown; I guess it's a warm gray.  But I love them!  They are so comfortable.

 

Jacket:  Marshalls/TJ Maxx

Blouse: Marshalls/TJ Maxx

Skirt: Target

Watch: Husband

Boots:  Naturalizer Juletta Gray

Menswear

When I saw that Third Thursday Threads was Menswear Inspired, I knew exactly what I wanted to wear.  I have been wearing this vest for years.  Lucky for me it is now in fashion!   And before I wore the vest with slacks I wore it with a black mini, red silk button up, and red tie.  Back in my single days.
This blouse is one of my favorites.  I saw it in a store in the Village when my now husband and I were walking in NYC.  I was immediately drawn to its perfect shade of pink, as well as the silk ruffles.  I didn't buy it because of the price tag.  Instead I came back to my new home Atlanta and found a similar cobalt version (again, before the color was in fashion- I'm two for two!).   Then on my birthday a few months later Rodney presented me with the blouse! 

 

 

 What trends did you wear before they became trends?  I'd love to hear!  Linking up with Work Clothes, I Suppose.

Blouse: NYC
Vest: Mom
Slacks: Marshalls/TJMaxx
Watch: Husband
Shoes: Old, don't remember