I am ready for the ceremonial (metaphorical) spring Burning Of The Tights. I’m in the office most days and prefer dresses to trousers, but February is when I really start to loathe tights.
I've been a Costco member for years. While I don't think they can 'replace' Target, and you definitely need a basement/garage to store stuff, it can be a great resource for prescriptions, eyewear, gas, tires, along with the food. Some states also have Business Centers, ours is literally my husband's favorite place on Earth. Did you know that their member magazine is like the largest circulation (or something along those lines). I believe they are cutting back their book selection, and I don't think you can order photos printed in store anymore, but the cliche about dads buying their full wardrobes last Costco hits close to home for me!
Okay serious (lol) question about those fancy boots - do the toes get scuffed? And/or is there a fancy lady solution for scuffed toes? I do not mind spending money on quality footwear for my cranky feet and those are beautiful but somehow I seem to always immediately trash my shoes. (Is this something related to my body/gait/lifestyle or is this a common issue?)
HMMM...I would imagine, like any boot, they would scuff with frequent use. My life is so casual, I really only pull them out for events, so I wear them for a few hours at a time/mostly indoors, and they have stayed in mint condition. That said, I would love to know the fancy lady solution for scuffed toes! (My Nisolo ankle boots, which I wear much more often bc they are flat, are def starting to suffer this fate!)
I guess it depends what you mean by scuffed, but I would think there are solutions for this. The labor-intensive one: buy boot polish and polish your boots regularly. The (sometimes) pricier option: hit up your local cobbler. Those people are magicians, and often have very reasonable rates.
Yes! And if your shoes are leather, you can hydrate them with cheap body lotion because leather is just another type of skin! It really helps them not crack and get big creases where your foot naturally folds when walking. Then you can apply polish. Source: my former male coworker who was an office shoe addict and bought 1000€ pairs 😂
The clothes are delightful but mostly I feel seen as a fellow bernadoodle owner - I call mine “the watcher” as he does the same background lurking. They are the best dogs!
I’ve had that target cardigan since you first mentioned it and it’s held up great. I do wash it often just on regular cycle and dry on regular. I love it.
My favorite outfit you shared is the chunky sweater and striped socks. Maybe it's the crossed leg and sexy smile! It's all very sassy together!! But, my absolute fave is the pup in the background!!
I feel it runs big, I’m about a size 18 and could have gone with a L instead of an XL for a less oversized look. But the red is a great color, kind of a muted tomato red.
I also recently talked myself into those Charlotte Stone sneakers and they do actively improve my mood when I wear them!
Yes, it's been super exciting to see what you have been renting in your updates It's too expensive for me (and most importantly... not available where I live) but that is a solid option! Are the brands they offer known brands? My partner used Stitchbox at some point (not a rental service but close enough concept) and the brands were truly random 😂
FWIW from an internet rando, I think a really good pair of black boots is an investment and you should not feel bad about what they cost. A couple of years ago when I got my first academic job, I spent more on a Telfar bag for work than I had ever spent on a bag before—but you know what, I carry it every day and if I take care of it I will have it forever.
I just got some new chinos from Old Navy because I realized when I went to the ballet with my SIL a couple weeks ago that I had nothing that wasn't jeans/leggings/sweats that was also winter weather appropriate. I ended up wearing some wide leg linen pants with tights under them. That was warm but also felt dumpy so a couple pair of slightly heavier pants should help. I probably could have worn jeans - the attire ranged from neat casual to super fancy going to a cocktail party clothes and everything in between. I got rid of my remaining office wear when I moved in December but failed to think through the occasional social outing that requires nicer casual/slightly dressy clothes. Also readjusting to an East Coast aesthetic where it's not like the Bay Area (where I really *could* wear jeans to anything).
I value your serious work a lot, and also these posts are fun because: color! Joy! Living comfortably in the world!
Yes! We need these things!
I am ready for the ceremonial (metaphorical) spring Burning Of The Tights. I’m in the office most days and prefer dresses to trousers, but February is when I really start to loathe tights.
Yessss
I’m loving sweatshirts and soft tees and socks right now. I have soft jeans and also gap corduroy barrel pants. The best
OOH corduroy barrel pants sound lovely!
Loving sweatshirts and soft tees too!
I would love to know more about your soft jeans.
I wear Eddie Bauer high rise vacated boot cut. They have a lot of stretch. But I have only found them in Canada. The ones in the US are not the same
Great outfits!
I've been a Costco member for years. While I don't think they can 'replace' Target, and you definitely need a basement/garage to store stuff, it can be a great resource for prescriptions, eyewear, gas, tires, along with the food. Some states also have Business Centers, ours is literally my husband's favorite place on Earth. Did you know that their member magazine is like the largest circulation (or something along those lines). I believe they are cutting back their book selection, and I don't think you can order photos printed in store anymore, but the cliche about dads buying their full wardrobes last Costco hits close to home for me!
I am def excited to see what I can take out of the Target cart this way…
Okay serious (lol) question about those fancy boots - do the toes get scuffed? And/or is there a fancy lady solution for scuffed toes? I do not mind spending money on quality footwear for my cranky feet and those are beautiful but somehow I seem to always immediately trash my shoes. (Is this something related to my body/gait/lifestyle or is this a common issue?)
HMMM...I would imagine, like any boot, they would scuff with frequent use. My life is so casual, I really only pull them out for events, so I wear them for a few hours at a time/mostly indoors, and they have stayed in mint condition. That said, I would love to know the fancy lady solution for scuffed toes! (My Nisolo ankle boots, which I wear much more often bc they are flat, are def starting to suffer this fate!)
I guess it depends what you mean by scuffed, but I would think there are solutions for this. The labor-intensive one: buy boot polish and polish your boots regularly. The (sometimes) pricier option: hit up your local cobbler. Those people are magicians, and often have very reasonable rates.
Yes! And if your shoes are leather, you can hydrate them with cheap body lotion because leather is just another type of skin! It really helps them not crack and get big creases where your foot naturally folds when walking. Then you can apply polish. Source: my former male coworker who was an office shoe addict and bought 1000€ pairs 😂
Good idea about the lotion!
The clothes are delightful but mostly I feel seen as a fellow bernadoodle owner - I call mine “the watcher” as he does the same background lurking. They are the best dogs!
Such sweeties!!!
I’ve had that target cardigan since you first mentioned it and it’s held up great. I do wash it often just on regular cycle and dry on regular. I love it.
Ditto!
My favorite outfit you shared is the chunky sweater and striped socks. Maybe it's the crossed leg and sexy smile! It's all very sassy together!! But, my absolute fave is the pup in the background!!
Penelope is very tolerant of my outfit pics! 😂
I got a 100% cotton cardigan from Target recently and while I can’t speak to its long term durability, so far so good. https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-button-front-sweater-cardigan-universal-thread-8482-red-xl/-/A-92468483
I feel it runs big, I’m about a size 18 and could have gone with a L instead of an XL for a less oversized look. But the red is a great color, kind of a muted tomato red.
I also recently talked myself into those Charlotte Stone sneakers and they do actively improve my mood when I wear them!
I feel like what actually makes or breaks an outfit in winter is your coat or your sweater and never what's underneath.... But who can own 10 coats???
This is where Nuuly is proving v helpful!!
Yes, it's been super exciting to see what you have been renting in your updates It's too expensive for me (and most importantly... not available where I live) but that is a solid option! Are the brands they offer known brands? My partner used Stitchbox at some point (not a rental service but close enough concept) and the brands were truly random 😂
Yes Nuuly is all known brands… and for plus sizes, like 70% Anthropologie? Which, I’d love more variety, but it does save me from shopping there!
Super cool! Let's hope they expand their plus sizes brands in the future!
Love your outfits! The first is my favorite. Those gap jeans you recommended really are the best.
I’ve gone hard on amping up my pajama collection and just got a great waffle pair in baby pink from the gap: https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=682241002&vid=3&tid=gppl000085&kwid=1&ap=7&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_AT8sTmCdsMIXzZn17nb4unHWxP&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8fW9BhC8ARIsACwHqYrtmqO0Bs-g-HOk81r8fytoWXv5DB5lU_HvaMdp1J8JGlXuYHJwnzcaAlaWEALw_wcB
these are CUTE
Sizing runs really large just fyi
FWIW from an internet rando, I think a really good pair of black boots is an investment and you should not feel bad about what they cost. A couple of years ago when I got my first academic job, I spent more on a Telfar bag for work than I had ever spent on a bag before—but you know what, I carry it every day and if I take care of it I will have it forever.
I just got some new chinos from Old Navy because I realized when I went to the ballet with my SIL a couple weeks ago that I had nothing that wasn't jeans/leggings/sweats that was also winter weather appropriate. I ended up wearing some wide leg linen pants with tights under them. That was warm but also felt dumpy so a couple pair of slightly heavier pants should help. I probably could have worn jeans - the attire ranged from neat casual to super fancy going to a cocktail party clothes and everything in between. I got rid of my remaining office wear when I moved in December but failed to think through the occasional social outing that requires nicer casual/slightly dressy clothes. Also readjusting to an East Coast aesthetic where it's not like the Bay Area (where I really *could* wear jeans to anything).
It was above freezing overnight for the first time in months, and I realized when I went outside to chop some ice off my front walk - late Feb in Maine is not my favorite - that I don't have a mid- or lightweight winter coat anymore. I had a merino one from Ibex that I loved, but I outgrew the (extremely tiny) XL, which is their largest size. Anybody have a rec? I'm pondering this one: https://www.quince.com/women/lightweight-down-packable-long-puffer-jacket?color=black&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__women%2Fjackets__Puffer+Jackets+%26+Down+Coats__12&qpid=_heosw343a
I keep re-buying the same Columbia long-ish puffer as my body changes. They go up to a 3X in Plus sizes and the quality is good. This coat has a special lining that makes it feel extra warm for being a fairly light weight puffer. A few cute color options too. https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-heavenly-long-hooded-jacket---plus-size-1738162.html?dwvar_1738162_color=278
If you're looking for an alternative, I have a similar cardigan from Old Navy-- not sure if their practices are any better but I can vouch that it's held up for me with gentle washing! https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=664098&vid=1&autosuggest=true&searchText=cardigan&position=1&results=6#pdp-page-content