ankle layers

Ah, layers.  I grew up in Wisconsin so I like to think of myself as something of a layering expert.  In my early days I used to take it to extremes - in college I would often layer flannel pajamas under wool skirts to keep warm in the winter.  I'd like to think my layering habits have matured a bit since then (I really make an effort not to wear my pjs out of the house now), but I still rely heavily on the basic techniques.  And one thing that I've learned is to embrace the layer, rather than hide it.

So here I am, with my wool trousers worn over some cashmere and silk blend leggings, draped over the tops of my boots rather than tucked in.  I sort of like this backwards sock effect.  Sort of Dickensian, no?  Not something I usually look for in my styling, but I think it works here, so I'm going to go with it.  All winter long.

Do it yourself...

da bomb

What the what? This insanely intricate, decadent, shiny and gorgeous bomber from Zara stopped me in my tracks.  Practical?  Possibly not.  But I seem to care less and less about that lately.  It also reminds me of a black and hot pink satin bomber I had when I was a kid, embroidered with sunglass-wearing cherubs and the word "Angelinos".  Yeah, I was that kind of a kid.

It also got me thinking about bombers in general, the new incarnations we're seeing (again, obviously), and then when I saw  this neoprene one from T by Alexander Wang I was convinced this issue needed further investigation.
Most folks online are showing it mini and shrunken, which is very cute, but I'm more inclined to wear it like the lovely Ivania does, oversized and cozy, like a big neoprene hug.  (If you're not familiar with her blog check it out, she is a brave minimalist if ever there was one.)

More bombers...

french coats

I've talked quite a bit about The Kooples here, as well as Maje occasionally, but seem to have never mentioned Sandro until now.  They're all in the same category to me: extremely cool, expensive and wearable french boutique labels.  After seeing this post I realized that I needed to take a look in person, that they might just have the perfect coat.

I actually thought this might be the one.  Sadly, it is not the one for me.  Beautiful as it is, it's cut totally straight up and down, so on me it was too roomy on the shoulders and snug on the derriere.  For someone with less, ahem, variety in their shape, it might just be the perfect coat.  Alas, my curves vetoed it loud and clear.

A few other beautiful coats from Sandro plus a couple from Maje...

maje me

I have ogled Maje clothing many times before, it's always beautifully made with gorgeous detailing.  They give you everything from classy and delicate to trendy and casual, all done to perfection.  And now they have online shopping too!  Feast your eyes on the beauty.

silk lace cami in off white and black, silk lace cropped top

much, much more after the jump...