RIP = R.I.P.

This is a tribute to my Joe’s Jeans, the Rocker cut. The Joe’s had a full, long life of six years.

I remember the first time I tried these amazing jeans on. Sure, they were too long, but they could be hemmed. The Miles wash was a faded blue, the back pockets were perfect, the slight flare made my lower bod look, well, like a rock star’s. I fell in love, took these Joe’s home, and never regretted it.

The Joe’s were like a best friend to me. They could always be counted on to make me look good, especially from behind. The slightly stretchy denim allowed me to look my best, even if I gained a pound or two. They never became saggy, always keeping their shape. That’s probably what I’ll miss most about the Joe’s: the sense of confidence, the chic-ness that happens when you are secure in your jeans.

The Joe’s got along with everybody: t-shirts, blazers, sweaters, flats, and low boots. Their coloring was perfectly compatible with the rest of my wardrobe. I loved the Joe’s so much that I went on to bring home a few of their siblings, the Muse, the Provocateur, the Cigarette, and the Legging.

I had these Joe’s longer than I’ve known my husband, and before my sister’s first child was born. All the memories I have shared with him, out on the streets of downtown Chicago, will forever be cherished and remembered. Joe’s Rocker will live on in my heart.

And now, please, a moment of silence for the dearly departed.

The Husband Shirt

Dockers denim men's shirt, brown ruffle shirt, pants by BCBG, various pearl necklaces, brown boots by V Italia

Forget the boyfriend shirt, now presenting the husband shirt. My husband loves denim shirts. This Dockers one is his favorite, with a couple worn spots on the elbows and inner neck. He cannot wear it to work anymore, but it still hangs in his closet.

It’s pretty big on me, but I was able to pull it off with some fitted pants and layered pearls. Usually I’m a tailor-fit girl, but it was so nice going slouchy for a change!

I’m Just Not That Into…Trenchcoats

Ah, you trenchcoat. You are on all must-have clothing lists. A veritable classic closet staple, right up there with aviator sunglasses and little black dresses.

I know your kind. Double-breasted, flap-collared, wide-belted, buckle-sleeved, lightweight and knee-length coat of Burberry fame. You usually front in a cool beige color, a dead wanna-be-camel neutral that is so respectable, a person wants to invite you home over Thanksgiving to meet the parents. But I’m sorry to tell you: I’m just not that into you.

Here’s my trenchcoat hangup, in one word: detective. Perhaps I watched too many episodes of Inspector Gadget in my youth. I cannot look at anyone in a khaki trenchcoat and take them seriously. Oooh, there’s Emma Watson, pretending she’s an international spy who spends a lot of time in the rain! Where’s her fedora? Oh, she’s just leaving a hotel, you say? Mmokay.

Oh, my dear trenchy, it’s not you, it’s me. You’re not my style, so don’t take it personal, because leather motorcycle jackets and fur coats aren’t my style either.

So if you’re looking for me, I’ll be the blonde in the fitted wool coat or the sleek puffer jacket. Or maybe a peacoat. Maybe. It’s on all the must-have clothing lists too.

New Olive Boots! 100th Post!

orange sweater from LOFT, brown plaid skirt from LOFT, Rosegold booties from Shopbop, necklace from Express, Zoya Kalista nail polish, DKNY tights

Check out my new booties! What I love about them: mid heel, I can wear them with brown and olive green, and they are super comfortable. I try not to wear shoes two days in a row, I read somewhere that it's good to let leather and suede rest. So I've been wearing them every other day. They are perfect with jeans and skirts.

In other news, this is my 100th post! I have some humor coming up for the next few days, so please keep coming by. I love reading comments, my friends, so don't be shy!

P.S. Has anyone noticed that so many shoes and boots on the market today are made of suede? It's having a major moment right now. Be sure to use that suede protector spray, my friends, this material can be easily damaged!

Blonde Coat

Bill Blass coat, cashmere scarf, olive turtleneck by Vince, camel pants from LOFT, Rosegold suede booties, belt from Dillard's, ZOYA Kalista nail polish

I have had this coat and scarf for over five years, the pants for two years, and everything else is fairly new. This outfit was inspired by Chloe's recent camel-panted-and-turtlenecked runway! And I initally bought the coat because it matched my hair color. Do you ever do anything like that, my friends? Click for larger photos.

Dashes of Red

white shirt by Splendid, black blazer by Sandra Angelozzi, grey pants from LOFT, leopard print scarf from Express, Repetto red flats

On a whim, I added the red shoes, then the idea of my red belt followed! This is one of those days I utilize the power of accessories for good and not for evil.

Can I Wear These Shoes to Work?

button-up shirt by Calvin Klein, tweed plaid skirt from LOFT, black suede booties by Calvin Klein

Is this color camel or tan? Should I wear a belt with this? And above all, can I wear 3-inch suede booties with tights and a skirt to work? Sheesh. This is what I miss about having girl roommates. Well, off to work I went. But I’m wondering if I should repeat this in the future or solve it by just wearing pants.