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!
Not really in the mood to be in photos right now, but I keep telling myself I’ll want to look back on these moments and remember them. (Right?!) when I look at these photos in 10, 20, 30 years…
I hope I remember Jack “rescuing” Rory from a windy tent, not how I stood in front of my closet with tears in my eyes.
I hope I remember watching Jack roll down hills and play hop scotch and scoot down the sidewalk with his besties, not that I caught a glimpse of my reflection and didn’t recognize myself.
I hope I remember sitting outside with my friend happily watching our kids play (while watching the minutes until bedtime tick by), and not that I spent too much time zooming in and examining every new wrinkle on my face.
I hope I remember the pure joy of these early warm days with my little family whom I love so much 🤍
The weather is warming up and I’m feeling slightly more comfortable in my skin every day ☀️ Here’s what I wore last week as a mom of two. I have a two and a half year old toddler and a two month old so I need outfits I feel good in, can chase a little guy around in, AND that I can breastfeed easily while wearing. 🔗 Leave a comment with “OUTFITS” to get links to every outfit I wore!
This room is so very special 🤍 The little cars sprinkled everywhere (watch your step!). A tiny sock, never two, peeled off and tucked somewhere hidden away. Piles of books that grow almost as quickly as the little boy who sleeps here. Outgrown pants and shoes to grow into mingling in the closet. Often messy, and a little cluttered, but a little boy lives here. 🚘☀️🐶📚🧸
(Rory is still in our room, but eventually the boys will share. I can picture their little twin beds already!)
About ten days ago, I noticed that today’s forecast was looking WARM. I told Mike, “We’re walking into town and sitting outside and I’m getting a beer. Put it on your calendar.” It ended up being warmer than forecasted (almost eighty degrees!) and let me tell you, it delivered. Today felt like the beginning of The Season™: dinners al fresco, beers/fries/ice creams, and late bedtimes. Indulging in it all because the kids are only getting older and we’re the grownups (somehow) and we get to make the rules ✌🏻
Dress is @tuckernuck & sweater is @kiltecollection
@pennylinndesigns and I hosted a “learn to needlepoint” class this past weekend and it was everything ✨ Needlepoint has been such a bright spot in my life over the past five years- and it’s gotten me through some difficult times. Because it’s helped me so much, sharing this hobby with others has turned into a mini life mission of mine. To sit in a room (my beautiful office space designed by @clare.sull!) with pro stitchers and needlepoint newbies alike was one of my dreams come true. I loved seeing women chatting, meeting, and bonding over this beautiful craft 🪡 Honestly, the needlepoint world is (sadly) filled with a lot of gatekeeping and competitiveness; this weekend proved that it doesn’t have to- and shouldn’t- be this way! It’s for EVERYONE. Whether you’ve never picked up a canvas in your life or you’re working on heirloom stockings for your family, there’s room for everyone at this table.
📍 Leave a comment saying “needlepoint” and I’ll send you my go-to resources for getting started with needlepoint!
Motherhood is pure JOY to me– nothing makes me happier than being with my boys! I wear my @haverhillcollection personalized jewelry every day as a symbol of my love for them– it’s a constant reminder for me of my greatest purpose. To celebrate my first Mother’s Day with TWO boys, I sent in my Haverhill necklace to add Rory’s birthstone and initial alongside Jack’s! I also got a second bracelet to stack with Jack’s. Love that this personalized jewelry can be altered as our family grows. Haverhill’s jewelry is designed to be lived in (perfect for busy moms!) made from solid 14k gold with high-quality birthstones so I never have to take it off to exercise, shower, or sleep. Use code MOTHERSDAY15 for 15% off!
We got a mama-approved family photo of the four of us 👏🏻 I wasn’t really paying attention to our calendar while in the end of pregnancy/newborn bubble and realized quite late that Jack had some time off from daycare and preschool this week. Mike and I quickly decided to book a last minute trip to Florida to visit my family and enjoy the warm weather ☀️
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!