Vest Dressed

You know how you always hear about situational fashion? Like, 'what to wear to brunch', or 'the perfect outfit for a Saturday spent shopping with the girls'? This is one of those outfits. They really do exist!

File this one under 'leisurely weekending' in which maximum effort will be put into sipping mimosas, antiquing, or exploring any town that's just the cutest. You want to look put together, current, photo ready, yet prepared to log some serious mileage on your FitBit.

Any well-built house (or ensem) starts with a solid foundation, in this case a classic day dress. Choose one that's moveable, flirty with ample coverage, in a fun print or color. Gingham really stepped out of the country clubs and into the sartorial spotlight this summer, and I love the large-scale print of this drop-waist dress. Here's where I point out the coveted henley button placket (ie buttons that go halfway down) for the nursing crowd.

From there, it's all window dressing. I threw on this vest to break up the pattern and mix up the vibe a bit. The dress and vest both feel "borrowed from the boys" with the men's dress shirt print and utilitarian details. Contrasted against the blingy necklace, shoes, and Jackie O sunnies, I get that masculine-feminine mash-up I love so much. And I'll never tire of how a red lip pops against neutrals and navy.

Utility jackets and vests are coming in hot this fall so put them on your radar! High-end and high street labels alike are getting in on this trend, so shop around and go with a style and price that feels right. I've seen some strong contenders everywhere from Old Navy to Nordstrom.

I like shiny things. I like accessories. I tend to hoard my shiny accessories. And purses. You saw in last week's OOTD how I love my vintage bags - make that my mom's vintage bags - but at least this time I'm sharing a bag she officially handed down to me. My grandmother, who had quite the eye for fashion back in the day, picked this Gucci bag out for her years ago, and now I adore carrying it from time to time. Thinking of handing down all my best bags and jewelry one day to Harlow makes me so happy. Hoarding: rationalized.

I've been saying for years, silver loafers take a cute (sometimes, maybe, basic) outfit next level. I've got the classic loafer style but I'm really into the cutout styles, too. I recently linked up a 'lust vs must' tandem you should check out. They make me feel kinda Taylor Swift-ish, which for me is a good thing. #TeamTaylor

Omg YOU GUYS. A few weeks back I co-hosted an engagement party for my bestie and she gave me and my co-mostesses THE best hostess gifts of all time. Like, ALL. TIME. First of all, love the rose gold metallic and minimal bar and chain style. But the icing was really the engravings she added to the front and back side of the bracelets. I'll let the message remain between the four of us, but suffice it to say it blew me away and I wear this bracelet on the daily. Love it, love her.

**Disclaimer: I cannot vouch for the authenticity of any vintage designer bag up for resale.**