Hello hello! Welcome to another week of outfits + this week I’ll be doing a little virtual try on with my knee high boots.
I changed up the way I took pictures this week by moving my massive mirror into my room everyday (this area does get the most light, but there’s not a good place to put a mirror in here), and I hate to tell you this if you’re a fan of these photos that…
this is not a sustainable option for taking daily outfit pictures ?
So next week we’ll continue the journey to finding a good way to take clear, well lit, daily outfit photos for you guys that don’t require so much effort (ideally I’d like to be able to quickly snap a pic as I’m on my way out the door, and dragging around heavy mirrors isn’t exactly quick).
All that to say…
actually I don’t know what I’m trying to say so let’s just get to this week’s outfits:
*if you’re curious about sizing info, I now have my measurements permanently listed here (you can also find them at the menu under my logo on the home page)*
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Shoes were gifted (review here) | Bag is old Kate Spade Saturday so I linked to a similar option
Fit notes: I sized up to a medium in the tee for a more relaxed fit.
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Clogs (review here) and earrings were gifted. Denim review here (these are the straight leg, but in a different wash than reviewed. There’s no difference between the washes)
I sized up in this sweater to make it even more tunic length that it naturally is.
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Fit notes: I sized up to a medium in the sweater. I sized down in the jacket to an XS.
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Jacket (review here), denim (review here. These are the 90’s cheeky straight jean in a different wash. There’s no difference between the washes), and boots were gifted
The sweater I’m wearing here is the same sweater featured below in my knee high boot pictures if you want to take a closer look.
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Jacket (review here), denim, and earrings gifted. Boots are old so I linked the current version (they look pretty identical?)
Fit notes: I’m wearing a small in this sweater.
Shop the Looks
Striped sweater (review here), chain necklace, hoop earrings, and black bag were gifted
Okay. SO. I didn’t actually wear any of these outfits (I actually didn’t change out of my pajamas this day save to style these boots), but these boots had just come in the mail and I was excited to play around with them so I tried on some outfits, and these three outfits were my three favorites!
I’m excited to have a couple pairs of good, classic knee high boots back in rotation in my closet and this particular pair feels like a really fresh, fun take on the classic silhouette. This particular pair is from Nordstrom Rack, and almost 50% off the list price so if you like them I’d definitely check them out sooner than later as stock moves pretty quick on the Nordstrom Rack website.
They are made of faux leather, and I was worried that they would feel cheap or plasticky (although I have been a fan of Franco Sarto shoes for a really long time, and have never had a bad experience with quality). They don’t feel cheap at all, and they really do look just like a patent shoe would look.
They are a bit stiff, but I actually really appreciate that stiffness because it makes them stay up, and in place. With this style I didn’t want a slouchy look so I like that the stiff material keeps them from looking slouchy. They’re also extremely comfortable (zero break in time), and as a non heel kind of girl, I have no issues walking in this heel. I actually really like the heel… I think it really balances out the height of the shaft. Plus, a flat heel would be too reminiscent of a riding boot and that would feel redundant in my closet with the black pair I already owned.
Overall, I love how versatile they are, and I love that they make such a huge statement with any outfit you wear them with. You’ll be seeing a lot more of these!
Well that’s all I’ve got for you guys today! I hope you enjoyed this little peek into what I wore over the last week.
Oh, and one quick note because I’ve had some questions about this: I take these photos with a one week lag time so that I have time to edit them and put them in a blog post. That’s why you may see it on Instagram a week before you see it here. I hope that clears things up for anyone who was confused!
Are you guys as on board with knee high boots coming back? Or are you team ankle boots for life? 😉 Let me know in the comments!
Until next time,
First, I love your blog. I discovered it recently as I have been moving towards sustainable and slow fashion. I started sewing my own linen clothing this summer, I have been sewing for years, just never my own clothing until recently, and I have been researching sustainable brands. My goal is to build a quality wardrobe of basics that will last. Knowing how to sew, and knit, I can recognize a cheaply made garment pretty quickly. I used to spend so much money at Anthropologie, only to have the poorly made, synthetic items I purchased there shrink, stain, and fall apart. I swore off all Banana Republic and Ann Taylor owned stores years ago. I have always loved the style of J Crew, but stopped shopping there a year or so ago. I am close to swearing off Madewell. Presently, I am buying mostly Everlane, though I have some questions about this company as well, and am searching out more eco-friendly brands. I am curious as to why you decided to start featuring brands like J Crew, Banana Republic, The Gap, Old Navy? Today I saw you have a Walmart item featured. I read a post about how you are concerned about bloggers who cannot afford the eco-friendly brands. I get that, but in many cases, less in more. One sweater from Tradlands will last for years. Sweaters purchased at Gap and Old Navy will be wearable for maybe a year and then end up in the landfills. Even those on a budget, and I am, would benefit from having a small, thoughtful wardrobe of sustainable, well made, natural fiber garments. Thank you for listening. I love your style and will continue to read, but will not be shopping the brands you are promoting recently.
Hi Kerry!
First, I think it’s worth mentioning that I have never exclusively shopped from slow fashion brands. My wardrobe has always consisted of a mix of both (and my fall wardrobe especially). With that said, I did go through a season of my life where I tried to exclusively shop from slow fashion brands. However, at the end of the summer I made a very conscious and purposeful decision to move away from pursuing ethical fashion exclusively, and my reasons for doing so can be found in this post: https://karinemily.com/inclusivity-in-sustainable-fashion/ I think you’ll find it helpful to read through!
Second, I have not found Old Navy or Gap (or pick your brand) to be automatically of lower quality than slow fashion brands. I’ve had many pieces from smaller brands that have worn out just as fast, if not quicker, than pieces I’ve owned from Gap, Madewell, J.Crew (etc.) for years. Many of the pieces in my wardrobe that are 10+ years old are from the brands I just listed. My point is that there are quality items to be found that fit within any budget that someone may be operating with, and there are low quality items at very high price points.
And finally to your point about less being more, I agree! I see my role here as making suggestions for pieces that would work in a small, classic wardrobe that doesn’t go out of style and can last for years to come. There are many people on a budget who cannot shop from slow sustainable brands for a variety of reasons (see above post I linked to), so my hope is to point those people to pieces that are of good quality (that will last a long time) from brands that are more accessible. If those brands aren’t for you (or anyone else for that matter) that’s fine! My suggestions are just that: suggestions. 🙂
I hope that clarifies!
Thank you for the reply. I read the post you linked and I understand where you are coming from. I am bothered about the environmental impact of these fast fashion brands. However, I think these companies are going to notice the trend towards sustainability, buying secondhand and paying attention to how a garment is made and whether it will last. The industry seems to be moving in the right direction.
I agree Kerry!
Hi! As a mom of 5 littles and trying to rediscover my style after several years of just wearing whatever fit, I’m very much enjoying and appreciating your blog! Thank you for all the time and energy you put into sharing ALL of your info and insights. So helpful. I am wondering, the skirt (or is it a dress?) With the green sweater/top…the first photo…is it linked somewhere and I’m just missing it? It’s so perfect.
Hi Amanda! Thank you so much! I’m so happy you find value here. The slip dress is from Rec Room!