I can’t shop right now. After losing my backpack, I need to save funds for replacing all my faves. But that doesn’t mean I’m not looking! Here’s what has caught my eye recently:
Pilcro Vegan Leather Ponte Jeans
I have a pair of pants from Ann Taylor that are faux leather in the front, ponte in the back. I love the heck out of those pants and wear them weekly from September to May. It shows. While I baby them, they are several years old and the pleather is starting to look old. There’s a couple spots where the color has worn off and the back pockets are misshapen. I need a replacement pair. I like that they aren’t full faux leather because they have a better fit, and don’t look so rocker chic for the office. These are the best I have found, and unlike most brands, they go up to a 33” waist and come in petite and tall.
VANELi Xandra Suede Ankle Boot in Amaranto Suede
The taller ankle boot is on trend this season, and it makes so much sense. It’s cute with skirts, and it keeps your ankles warm come winter when wearing trousers. The taller height can also work with skinny pants, ankle pants, wide leg pants, skirts of all lengths, bare legs and tights. VANELi is my JAM, their shoes are so comfortable (learn more about VANELi and their parent brand Marmi Shoes in this post). I adore this color, it’s an unexpected neutral that would look sooooo good with so many things. Denim, black, brown, navy, plum, winter white, teal, olive and other dark shades of green… and they come in widths!
Vionic Torri Hi-Top Sneaker
I love the sneaker trend. I’ve worn the heck out of my silver snakeskin SUPERGA slip-ons to the point that the finish is flaking off. I adore my Adidas Superstar “shelltops” but they get dirty fast. I want something for winter, that can be paired with girlfriend jeans, jeggings, leggings, a pair of faux leather leggings (have these, love these) and a big oversized sweater for the weekend. Vionic is amazing; the Chelsea boots I have from them were the only shoes I could wear when I broke my toe and like Birkenstocks are shoes I put on when my feet hurt. They’re pretty neutral looking but also cool, and would be a weekend go-to.
NYDJ Alina Skinny Jean in Titanium
I have these same jeans in black and they are amazing. The fabric is soft brushed twill but they look like jeans but don’t bag out and get weird like jeans. Last year I bought grey jeans from Gap and they’re cute but they stretch out so much at the end of the day I can pull them off without using the zipper. I think these would be a great alternative. Grey jeans are great because they work with all colors of denim and aren’t as harsh as black. Imagine with a blush colored Victorian-inspired blouse, a Breton tee and brown ankle boots, a cream cableknit turtleneck and pewter colored brogues, a band tee and pair of high-top Vans.
ELOQUII Studio Off the Shoulder Chambray Dress
I think it’s clear I love the exposed shoulder trend. I’ve been admiring this dress for a while but knew as a 5’3” woman I could NOT carry it off. While I’ve been able to wear some ELOQUII pieces through Gwynnie Bee, every time I have ordered from the site I’ve returned because everything is made for a woman several inches taller. But now ELOQUII has petites and this dress comes in petite! I know the weather is getting colder, but I think I could rock this dress with a choker and my tall black heeled boots and make it look wintry!
Gap V-Neck Cozy Sweater in Aurora Yellow
I have no business wearing a color like this, but I think because it is so darn bright it could work. Imagine with a dark berry lip and otherwise fresh face, with a pair of grey jeans or the vegan leather-front pants or distressed girlfriend jeans.
Pleione Bell Sleeve V-Neck Top in Red Pepper
It’s nice to have some interesting tops in the closet to throw on when running late for work, or when you want to wear jeans but don’t want to look too dressy or too casual. In red, this top would look great with my navy, black, and grey work trousers. It would also look smart with dark straight jeans, or a pair of skinny jeans and ankle boots. It can be tucked in our left out. The red color will prove useful come holiday time. Pair with black ankle pants and sparkly flats for a holiday happy hour. Style with dark jeans and silver brogues or sparkly heels for a party at a friend’s house. Style with black pants and pumps for the company pot luck at the office. The other colors are also good, but I can see red as being quite useful in my wardrobe.
Vince Camuto Ruffle Blouse in Antique White
I want to wear this blouse with jeans, ankle boots, and a badass pendant necklace. I want to slip it under a sheath dress. I want to wear it half-tucked with trousers to work with a very dark berry lip. I want to style it with the most beat up distressed jeans in my wardrobe and a fabulous pair of heels. I want to try putting an obi belt over it so it makes a bit of a peplum below and pair with ankle pants. Can you tell I was thinking about this blouse when I wrote this post?
So there you have it, what would likely be in my closet right now if I wasn’t in the middle of a shopping ban. But hey, this is really forcing me to shop within my closet and get creative with what I already own! What have you been eyeing this season but can’t justify or afford buying?
Are you kidding me? You look great it pure bright colors – I think you could make that yellow enviable.
I haven’t tried this myself, but I thought I’d pass it on because it sounded like it might work: try using one of those (Mr. Clean?) magic eraser sponges on your Adidas “shelltops.” Probably not a bad idea to try it on an inconspicuous spot first, though.
Allie,
What’s wrong with you wearing the yellow sweater? If you can’t wear it, who can?
Chris
Where’s a good place to get long tunics to wear with leggings? I’m having problems finding them long enough. I’m 5’8 and wear a 32″ inseam (for jeans, not leggings) and I don’t want a top down to my knees, but I do need to cover my bum and front so I can wear these to my casual-dress-friendly workplace.
Oooh I think I see a future blog post! I mentioned above I have a poncho tunic from Ellos and it’s so long I could likely wear it as a dress, so it would be a normal tunic for you. I’m digging their clothes, here’s their tunics: http://www.ellos.us/Plus-Size-Tunics.aspx?DeptId=30791
Thanks! This is a great start. If you do a post, I’d also like a long, thin printed cardigan or long printed silky top to wear open over a long tank over leggings. I have 2 long tanks from Logo at qvc.com.
Boden have a few good tunics I believe, and they come in different lengths so you might find something there?
I’m on my own shopping ban. These days clothes go out, either to consignment, my daughter-in-law (conveniently near me in size) or Goodwill. I’ve gotten rid of clothes I bought and seldom wore but had a hard time letting go of that no longer fit (and were NEVER going to fit again). I actually have one completely empty rail in my closet. Anything I get from now on must replace something I currently have (and is a better version).
Next round off to consigment are all the dressy clothes; including a killer black jumpsuit I wish I coud still zip over the girls!
You go woman! Love this, you are freeing yourself!
I got a 30% off offer for Shoebuy and got these beauties: http://www.shoebuy.com/lucky-brand-basel-bootie/721726/1630989?cm_mmc=googleproductads_pla-_-none-_-none-_-none
They come in W and a ton of colors and they are shockingly comfy. I’ll still probably put some padding on the ball of my foot, but that’s just me and my foot issue.
I’m desperately looking for a pair of W platform slip ons to no avail. I have a pair of Vinces on my Nordy wishlist but the $200+ price tag has me paused. I’m considering getting some cushy Skechers and using the hickie no-tie shoelaces to make them slip on!
I also just purchased two beautiful floral printed dresses that I’m hoping to grunge out with long dark dusters and boots. And always on the lookout for faux leather+ponte!
Those are great booties! And isn’t the return of the ’90s/grunge so much fun? I’m loving it… I actually wrote a piece a bit about it but haven’t finished/published. You’ve inspired me to do so!
Have you posted about the fit and feel of those Spanx faux leather leggings? I keep thinking about them and then thinking they’d be horribly uncomfortable. That’s also a big outlay for leggings, so I hesitate. But if you love them, I may need to give them a try…
I don’t think have. I almost wore them today. They are tight, like skin tight tights not leggings tight. However, they don’t roll down, they’re not uncomfortable once on, and they are a thick material so they don’t show things like knee caps and cellulite. However, they’re not pants, and they need to be worn with things that cover your lower half. I was going to wear them with this poncho sweater I got from Ellos (http://www.ellos.us/clothing/Turtleneck-Poncho-Sweater.aspx?PfId=507324&DeptId=30773&ProductTypeId=1&ppos=42&Splt=0&StyleNo=0556 ) and some slip-on sneakers but felt too wintry. They’ve been washed and still look great and they don’t bag during the day. The waist is high but it doesn’t roll down on me. But they are really made to wear with tunics, short dresses, and aren’t a good alternative to my ponte-back pants. 🙁