I’m so boring when it comes to getting dressed in the wintertime. Summer is so easy! Pick out a cute dress, throw on my favorite sandals, grab your go-to bag. Done. Winter? There’s the temperature to consider, what shoes to wear, matching a coat to your outfit, dealing with tights (I hate it), layering so you’re warm outside but don’t suffocate indoors. Not so easy.
With the weather cooling off and now that I’m in Connecticut working from home most days, I’ve found myself in a serious sweater+jeans rut. With that… I’m turning back to some of my older posts to get re-inspired.
(Also, this was such a good exercise for me. I’ve been feeling a little less than confident about my “style” lately. I know I like to dress comfortably and I have a lot of favorites in my closet, a lot I’ve had for years and years. I think I found myself comparing myself to everyone on Instagram and felt like I needed $800 over the knee boots, a super fancy handbag, and a wide-brimmed hat. But… they’re not me. At all. I love that the outfits I fall back on are things I truly feel comfortable in and 100% myself in. And I really like that I get a ton of use out of my favorite pieces– they’re not collecting dust in my closet!)
Original Post // I splurged on this scarf and it was honestly one of the best purchases I made last year. It’s super cozy and soft. While I wear it frequently, it’s especially great for traveling because it goes with everything and can double as a little blanket on planes and trains.
Original Post// Definitely one of my favorite holiday looks for the year. I have a soft spot for LBDs (my closet is living proof of it) and this one was no exception. Paring it with an oversized, major statement scarf was just enough outside of my comfort zone. It was the red heels though that truly were the best purchase. I’ve gotten so much use out of them and they’re incredibly comfortable as far as heels are concerned.
Original Post // I found the cocoon coat on a major markdown and have since worn it what has to be hundreds of times. It’s my go-to coat and apparently the go-to coat of most of Manhattan. You couldn’t stand on the subway platform last year without seeing a handful of them. For good reason though; the coat is universally flattering, comes in great colors, and can be dressed up and down. (A version is also available at J. Crew Factory for much less.)
Original Post // My motto for the colder months is apparently “when in doubt wear a vest.” When I first bought the vest, I wasn’t sure how often I’d wear it. It’s probably embarrassing how often I reach for it, but I LOVE it. It breaks up the typical jeans/sweater look and can change the whole look of an outfit with very minimal effort. (Another version is available here for less too.)
Original Post// Although this looks like it’s featuring the cape, I really love the turtleneck. (Quick note, I’m obsessed with the cape but it really takes the right outfit, handbag, and weather to pull it off!) Turtlenecks can be hit or miss, but if the material is right, it’s the perfect way to layer in the winter. At least I think so! I love the way it looks under coats and you don’t have to wear a scarf or anything. I just purchased this one to add to my collection and it’s the softest thing in the world.
Original Post// Another staple in my winter closet is white corduroys. They’re a smidge more wintery than white jeans.
Original Post// My FAVORITE way to layer? A tuxedo shirt under cable knit sweaters. I do this at least once a week… Seriously though. The tuxedo shirt is the right weight for layering and the “collar” looks amazing under a sweater.
Original Post // I just love a good plaid pant. I got this year’s version already and intend on wearing them as much as possible!
Original Post// This faux fur vest turned into my favorite “glam” accessory. Forever 21 has the best selection of them that I’ve seen this year.
Those plaid pants are amazing! As a teacher, I love to wear a structured pant (but I love prints!) so plaid is perfect. I'm going to have to hunt down a similar pair 🙂
I love all of these outfits! I definitely feel you on the struggle of balancing your own style and what's trending. And you're right that we don't need $800 boots and THE handbag to look great. I love your outfits in this post though. They are adorable and so feminine!
Carly this is probably one of my favourite posts of yours. Thanks for the inspiration, and remember that while you are lusting after other people's wardrobes there are some of us lusting after yours!
Love this post! The looks are so great and I can completely relate. I have a majorly downsized wardrobe and re-wear my favorite looks countless times, and wouldn't have it any other way. 🙂
Hi, Carly! I’m an avid reader of TCP, and I’m currently going through your “cold weather” category posts trying to figure out the best cold weather necessities. I’m moving from CA to VA for law school, and plan to buy as I need, but want to get a few basics while they’re marked down in the summer!
girlhood 🫶🏻 find friends who want to do the same little hobbies as you! Went over to @shihstitches’ house yesterday to give her some sourdough starter and go through the basics (I’m *very much* a beginner so I told her to take my lesson with a grain of salt)
PS convinced her to make an IG account! @blueskyehouse
PPS she’s convincing me I really do need a fancy range like her ✨ stunning ✨ @lacanche_us!
Just a girl searching for the perfect digital planner solution. What I have right now is working, technically speaking, but I’m working across platforms and ideally I’d love everything to be in one place. I also have calendar synesthesia (IYKYK) and I physically feel myself in space moving through my calendar, which makes finding a planner difficult because I want/need it to match up with what I see in my head I know this sounds insane but if you also “see” time, you know what I mean!
Right now I’m using: – Google Sheets to track campaigns/business line items – Google docs for writing/brainstorming – Google/Apple Calendars (somehow they’re integrated and I don’t ask questions because it just works...) – Apple Notes for daily to-dos, random note keeping, and quick jot downs – Apple Reminders for “must dos” esp w/ deadlines – Dropbox for photo/file storage
I’m craving a good ole fashioned paper planner but the reality is that I need it to be digital. I need it to integrate with my calendar and remind me of tasks. I need to be able to access it on my computer when I’m working at my desk and on my phone when I’m on the go. I need structure and flexibility?
Does the perfect digital planner exist?! Do I need to overcome my overwhelm and tackle @notionhq? Is an @apple iPad the solution? Do I just keep doing what I’m doing because it’s technically working?
If you’ve stuck around to the end, I appreciate you 🫡
I created a beautiful, custom silk photo album from @printique_by_adorama to remember my sweet dog Hamilton, who passed away earlier this year. Their layflat album captured the colors and details perfectly, making each photo feel so special. It’s a keepsake I’ll cherish forever, and I’m so grateful for the quality and love they put into every page. #printiquepartner
… and yet you must. This week has been the hardest yet. Pressure from work, pressure from myself, pressure from the world. The magnitude of reality feels too much and too heavy. Showing up for my children though when I can barely show up for myself.
We’ve noticed an improvement in Teddy’s vitality and digestion since switching to @primalpetfoods Kibble in the Raw! It’s the easiest way to give him the benefits of raw nutrition without losing the convenience of dry kibble since it’s freeze dried into bites and completely scoopable. You would never guess he’s 11 years old with these moves at the park! #primalpetfoodspartner #ad
In that final home stretch of 2024 and waffling between wanting to plan out every second of my day/week/month and needing to also just fly by the seat of my pants. Holding on for dear life and telling myself to just enjoy the ride 🤪
When the boys go down for bed, sometimes it feels akin to crossing the finish line of a marathon! With my @therabody Theragun Sense, now I’m able to unwind and relax from the #WorkoutCalledLife. With step-by-step prompts on an LCD screen (and accompanying app), the Theragun Sense guides you through different recoveries depending on what your goals are. Tonight, I’m prepping for restful sleep with a six-minute guided massage! #TherabodyPartner
Those plaid pants are amazing! As a teacher, I love to wear a structured pant (but I love prints!) so plaid is perfect. I'm going to have to hunt down a similar pair 🙂
xoxo, SS
The Southern Stylista
I love all of your scarves but #2 is my favorite outfit!
I love all of these outfits! I definitely feel you on the struggle of balancing your own style and what's trending. And you're right that we don't need $800 boots and THE handbag to look great. I love your outfits in this post though. They are adorable and so feminine!
Phyllis | http://www.prettypleese.com
I love all these outfits!! Your style is super adorable – stay true to yourself!!
Carly this is probably one of my favourite posts of yours. Thanks for the inspiration, and remember that while you are lusting after other people's wardrobes there are some of us lusting after yours!
My favorite is your holiday look with the red shoes. You look stunning!
http://memoriesofthepacific.blogspot.com.es/
I just adore all these looks!
http://xoxobella.com
Love this post! The looks are so great and I can completely relate. I have a majorly downsized wardrobe and re-wear my favorite looks countless times, and wouldn't have it any other way. 🙂
AudreyALaMode.com
xxo Audrey
Love this post, and your looks! Classic!
Very cute outfits!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
I love the blue gingham scarf, too cute!
xoxo,
Katie
chicincarolina.blogspot.com
What size do you wear in the Barbour jacket? Love all of your outfits!
All these outfits are so adorable!!
http://moosmusing.com
Hi, Carly! I’m an avid reader of TCP, and I’m currently going through your “cold weather” category posts trying to figure out the best cold weather necessities. I’m moving from CA to VA for law school, and plan to buy as I need, but want to get a few basics while they’re marked down in the summer!