Outfits: The Light Top Layer

Cardigan: Autumn Sun Sweatercoat ($128)
Top: Soft Drapes Blouse ($88)
Necklace: Ruffled Feathers Necklace ($218)
Skirt: Party Petal Skirt ($148)

Over the past weekend I started unpacking my fall and winter clothes. It was so much fun revisiting my cardigan collection! Last year I invested in a whole bunch of new sweaters, many at the end of the season when it was no longer practical to wear them. So while they’re not new in terms of ownership time anymore they still have that new feeling to them. Anthropologie’s inspiration outfit above had me dressing in layers for work this week.

Cardigan: J. Crew Tartine Cardigan
Cami: American Eagle pink polka-dot cami
Skirt: Urban Outfitters from a few years ago
Belt: American Eagle
Sandals: Anthropologie Aren Studded Slingbacks

I love the bright yellow cardi. It’s perfect for that summer to fall transition. I wasn’t always a fan of belts but I have to admit they do define the waist. I like this American Eagle woven leather belt from last year because it has slight give…perfect for those after-meal tummy expansions.

Jacket: Banana Republic Cotton Motorcycle Jacket
Top: Ann Taylor Loft
Skirt: Anthropologie skirt by Elevenses from winter 2008
Shoes: J. Crew Serengeti peep toes in cool graphite

The J. Crew peep toes were one of my holy grails — that item I’ve been lusting after but couldn’t find. I was willing to pay full price for them last winter but the cool graphite version sold out quickly in my size. I thought I’d scored when I found a pair on eBay 1/2 size below my normal size 9. I’d heard peeps run large. But it was no good; they pinched and were unwearable. Finally a couple of weeks ago a 9 popped up and I have been happy as a clam since they arrived.

Banana Republic’s Motorcycle Jacket was a score during their 25% off promotion a couple of months ago. The crisp lines and color are great. The sleeves are quite roomy but that could be because I sized up to a medium so I can fit sweaters under it later. I love it. I also love the Elevenses skirt, which catches the air fabulously when I twirl. (My photographic twirling skills are far below those of GingerSnap’s.)

Cardigan: J. Crew merino crewneck cardigan
Top: J. Crew silk tiered cami
Jeans: Joe’s Socialite from Anthropologie last winter
Sandals: Anthro’s Boulevardier Heels

The silk tiered cami has been pretty polarizing over on J.Crew Aficionada (see the comments on this post in particular). Many people are (rightfully) upset that the tank looks very little like the lookbook shot, which showed a fluffy light take on silk. In real life the ruffles are not as lively and also don’t feel smooth like silk. Despite all that I still love the top and eagerly snapped it up in antique stone which reads as a very light purple when paired with grey. I hadn’t steamed the ruffles yet when I took this photo. The top got plenty of interest from my coworkers and even a compliment on the street from a stranger! Can’t beat that.