transitional pieces for winter to spring!

 While we are battling out the next few months of seemingly cold weather I know a lot of us have spring on the brain. Today I pulled together some simple looks that show how you can wear pieces now and later.  For both winter AND for spring. This time of year I'm on the lookout for pieces that can work now and also work for early spring and even into warmer months. I hope you find these NOW & LATER looks to be inspirational!

I love this simple beige ribbed sweater. It's super versatile for now or for early spring...

For now wear it with: quilted puffer coat, leggings, ugg boots, hat

For later wear it with: white jeans, sandals, quilted handbag, sunglasses

This green/white stripe top is super versatile for layering now or wearing on it's own later. 

For now wear it with: cable knit cardigan, skinny jeans, knee boots

For later wear it with: denim shorts, sneakers, straw tote, necklace

A sweater blazer is a versatile year-long piece for a simple and classic look.

For now wear it with: white crewneck sweater, black jeans, Chelsea boots, hoop earrings

For later wear it with: blue jeans, braided sandals, tote, blue t-shirt, sunglasses

wear it now and later (summer to fall edition!)

This is about that time of summer where I start really looking forward to fall fashion... I'm feeling uninspired by my summer pieces and so so ready for a reset with my closet. It's also the time of year where I start shopping for fall. And it's a little sad to see fall pieces just waiting for me but not being able to wear them yet!

Today I am highlighting a few fresh finds for fall - black jeans, a striped sweater and a leopard tee - and styling up both for NOW where it's definitely still summer and for LATER when the cooler temps finally arrive. I'm all about having a versatile closet and love stretching the pieces I own over multiple seasons. This post shows you how to do that!

I love my black jeans - they are a multiple season piece for me.  In the summer you can pair them with a graphic tee and sandals.  Later this fall pair them with classic loafers and a cozy sweater! (shop the pieces - now: MONTAUK tee, sandals, clear tote sunglasses or later: leopard loafers, oversized. cream sweater, cream quilted bag. tortoise earrings)

This striped sweater is absolutely SWOON worthy for fall. It's giving me all the fall feels. You can sneak a wear in now when you head up North to escape the heat or to the coast for a weekend trip. Then bundle up with ankle jeans and distressed jeans later this fall. (shop the pieces - now: white jeans, woven sandals, weekender tote, ring set or later: distressed jeans, tote, ankle boots, cuff bracelet)

This fall is ALL about leopard!  This leopard tee is SO cute and such an easy and inexpensive way to incorporate leopard into your wardrobe.  You can pair it with shorts and sandals now and layer it with jeans and a moto jacket later this fall! (shop the pieces - now: denim shorts, sandals, woven tote, sunglasses or later: distressed jeans, moto jacket, sneakers (or less expensive option), wrap bracelet)

wear it now or later: sleeveless turtleneck sweater!

All month long I've been bringing you great tips on how to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall with my "wear it now or later" posts.  You can see them all here!

I personally like to make sure that the pieces that I fill my closet with are versatile for several seasons.  Of course, there are some items like sandals and shorts that simply can't be re-purposed for several seasons but many items should be able to be tweaked a bit to wear and re-wear for several seasons.

This late-summer/fall I am loving the sleeveless turtleneck sweater trend!  I picked up this style for my own closet (watch for it on the blog soon!) and I'm guessing you would love to add one of these to your closet as well.  Here I paired the sweater with white jeans and sandals for late-summer and then transitioned the sweater to fall with black jeans, a jacket and ankle booties.  So easy? Right!?

wear it now: sweater, white jeans, ankle wrap heels, tote bag, bracelets, sunglasses

wear it later: sweater, black jeans (or less expensive option), jacket, ankle boots, earrings, bag

wear it now and later: boyfriend jeans!

Today I've got another "now or later" post for you... I thought it would be fun to do these more regularly to count down to fall weather here on on the blog.  We are a ways off from fall weather here in the Midwest (holy hot summer batman!) but I have definitely started my fall shopping already.  I want to make sure that the pieces I am buying now are as versatile as possible in my wardrobe.  

One of my favorite staples for fall are boyfriend jeans. I love how relaxed and easy they are to wear and it's fun to show a little ankle before the temps drop super low for winter.  Boyfriend jeans are great for summer too... here I paired them with a summery tank and block heel sandals.  For fall boyfriend jeans are great with ankle booties and an oversized sweater for a cozy weekend with the changing leaves. 

What is your favorite way to style boyfriend jeans?

boyfriend jeans

wear it now: 

lace tank

black sandals

stripe clutch

necklace

wear it later: 

cowl neck sweater

grey ankle boots

earrings

grey cross-body bag

wear now and later: an open front cardigan!

I just snagged this cozy open front cardigan for fall.  It's super cozy but still light weight so it's perfect for cool summer mornings or evenings AND will be perfect for layering up this fall.   Like I've said before... my head is totally in the summer game still (pool time! cocktails! beach days! catching fireflies!) my heart is definitely pointed towards fall style.

This open front cardigan would be so cute with a pair of denim shorts, a simple white tank and a fun pair of sandals for summer.  And then this fall I would pair this cardigan with ankle boots,  skinny jeans and a fun floral top for a great fall boho vibe.

Which look is your favorite!?!? I can't decide!

open front cardigan

wear it now: 

denim shorts

white tank

sandals

necklace

burgundy cross-body bag (or similar less expensive)

wear it later: 

jeans

floral top

ankle boots

tote

earrings

wear it now & later: the little grey dress!

I recently snagged a little grey dress for myself (seen here) and I've loved wearing it for hot summer days.  But the moment I put it on the other day I also had a lightbulb moment about styling it for fall as well.  My style right now is very summer-y with all the heat and humidity we've been having... but my eyes are on fall style too.  A simple grey dress is the perfect piece to wear now... and later.  And here on the blog today I am showing you how!

I found this wrap detail dress for a great price and love that it's a classic and practical silhouette that is perfect for everyday wear.  I bet this dress would also translate well to an office environment too!  It's perfect to pair with stacked heels and a small tote for late summer and then you can easily layer it up with a jacket and scarf and ankle booties this fall.  So easy, right!?!?

How would you style this grey dress? I would love to hear your ideas!

grey dress

style it now...

burgundy heels (or less expensive option)

cream shoulder bag

sunglasses

earrings

style it later...

leather jacket (or less expensive option)

ankle boots

cross-body bag

scarf


Don't forget the Nordstrom Sale is STILL going strong... but there's only a week left!
For fall staples at all budgets, check out this post!
For some of my favorite picks of the entire sale, check out this post!
If you are looking for under $100 pieces at the sale, check out this post!
And lastly if you want to see some of the pieces I snagged, check out this post!
AND stay tuned later this week as the kids and I will be blogging lots of outfits with great sale picks!

wear it now and later: the leather jacket!

My leather jacket has quickly become a wardrobe staple that I depend on heavily.  It has gotten to the point where I wonder what I wore before I had it!? What I love about a leather jacket is that it can instantly make any look feel pulled together in a snap.  I often pair mine with a simple long sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt or sweater and voila! It feels like it's 'more' of an outfit.  You know?  And my leather jacket is not just a fall or winter piece... I wear that baby year round (although admittedly much less in the summer).

A leather jacket is a great piece for spring... it's easy to pair with florals, stripes, dresses, tees, white jeans, skirts and more.  Here are two ways to wear your leather jacket... one for the winter, now, and one for the spring, later.  If you are looking for some wardrobe inspiration for winter - this is an easy look to recreate.  And if you are thinking about investing in a leather jacket but not sure it's a good purchase to make this late in the winter, I hope I change your mind!

get the winter look:

leather jacket, striped top, hat, jeans, over the knee boots, earrings, bag 

get the spring look:

leather jacket, dress, sunglasses, sandals, earrings, bag

wear it now and later: boyfriend jeans!

I walked into my closet the other day totally, over the top, forget about it sick of summer shorts and found this pair of boyfriend/girlfriend jeans that I had completely forgotten that I owned.  Don't you love it when that happens?!? It seriously made my day.  Then I wore them for multiple days straight.

Yes, it's hot here.  And really, really humid. Like you walk outside and your whole outfit and body feels soaking wet instantly.  But the past few weeks have been heads-down-g.s.d. days so I am mostly in AC all day.  Otherwise jeans wouldn't be possible at all.  But this is the thing with where I am at with summer right now. My kids still don't start school for three weeks (kill me!) and I am swamped with work (I've got some super fun projects coming to the blog soon!) and fall sports are in full swing.  So we are at max capacity.  I'm over shorts. So I let myself wear jeans. I'm over being the camp counselor mom promising fun and action at every turn. So I let my kids run wild with the neighbors. My house is a disaster from neglecting it all summer. So I let it just go, or try to (I'm not good at letting this one go).  We've been traveling every weekend. So I let dinner planning go out the window, cereal anyone?

My point is that boyfriend jeans are just what I need right now… maybe you need them too? Maybe life is feeling a little upside down for you like it is me and these slouchy devil-may-care jeans are just up your alley right now too.  If so, I've got good news… you can wear them now and later.   These boyfriend jeans are perfect with a little lace top for hot days now… then layer them with plaid and a vest and some cute little boots this fall.  Voila!

wear it now: boyfriend jeans (or less expensive option), lace top (or less expensive option), wedges (or less expensive option), earrings, tote

wear it later: boyfriend jeans(or less expensive option), plaid shirt (or less expensive option), ankle boots (or less expensive option), fringe clutch (or I love this one!), vest (or less expensive option), earrings

what to wear now… and later!

This is the time of year where blogging (for me at least) gets a little tricky… we have our minds on fall. Right!?! We are thinking about sending our kids back to school, maybe going back to school yourself, or cooler weather and cooler weather fashion.  But, and this is a big "but"… it's still summer.  We all still want to live in the moment of these last special days of our favorite season and soak it all in at the same time!

So we have to live in this limbo of planning for what we will wear in a few months (combined with the plain old excitement for new fall clothes!) and living in the moment (and heat!) of these last sweet summer days.   At this point I, at least, have my mind on transitioning my wardrobe from summer to fall. That's why I always love working on these now & later posts.

I haven't always loved cardigans, but lately they are my jam… for extra layers in the winter/fall or those  cool summer nights to throw over a tank or tee.  I just picked up this cardigan (in grey!) and it will definitely get worn a little now and a lot later.  It's super soft with dolman sleeves so it's really easy to layer.

shop the look: cardigan (or I love this one!), tank, denim shorts (similar less expensive), necklace, sandals, gold stripe tote, striped top, jeans (similar less expensive), cross-body bag (similar less expensive), boots (or I am kind of obsessed with these!)

wear it now and later!

As spring makes it's self known slowly and surely (at least here in the Midwest) I've been trying to integrate a few spring wardrobe items into my everyday outfits.  If you layer right a lot of the items you own can be worn for multiple seasons - making your wardrobe (and the money you invest in it) work harder and smarter for you.

With that idea in mind I like to try and think about how the items that I have in my closet can work for the current season and for the upcoming seasons as well.  Here I have featured two spring and summer staples: the denim skirt and a maxi dress, and styled them up for now (spring) and later (summer).

above:

now: cardigan, striped top, blue cross-body bag, sneakers, denim skirt

later: embroidered tank, hat, earrings, sandals, denim skirt

above: 

now: denim jacket, earrings, scarf, wedges, dress

later: swimsuit, tote, sandal wedges, dress

floral dress… wear it now and later!

I just can't stop thinking about this fun floral dress from yesterday's post.  I love that it has a little sleeve and the blues and pinks in the pattern are totally up my alley for spring.  So I thought it would be fun to style this dress up a few ways to show it can be versatile for today (even though it's still a little chilly where I live!) and for a month or two down the road when the weather warms up a bit (or maybe it's even warm by you already, you lucky duck!).

This dress is absolutely perfect for layering… while it's cold out it pairs well with a lady like jacket and scarf and ankle boots for a day in the office, a March date night, or even an early spring wedding.  As the weather warms I love the idea of pairing this dress with more sporty pieces like a hat, sneakers and a jean jacket for a simple weekend or busy mom look.

How would you style this dress? I would love to know!

now:

dress, coat, scarf, ankle boots, bag

later:

dress, hat, bracelet, clutch, jean jacket, sneakers

wear now & later: winter into spring!

Winter is far from over - at least in my neck of the woods - but the new spring items that are popping up in my favorite stores are oh so tempting! It's this time of year that I start craving a new spring wardrobe. Am I alone?

While we won't be wearing sundresses, shorts or sandals anytime soon there are a few new spring items we can easily start working into our wardrobe right now.  Here I chose two new tops I have had my eye on for spring (this striped top and this grosgrain embellished blouse) and showed how to style them for both winter and spring!  Simply by adding a cozy vest or cardigan and boots you can layer these spring tops up and they are suitable to wear now. Then this spring you can pair them with shorts, skirts, and sandals.

(get the look above: vest, jeans, bucket bag, ankle boots, striped top, scarf, shorts, clutch, sandals)

(get the look above: cardigan, jeans, grosgrain embellished blouse, ring, boots, necklace, skirt, bag, flats)

What spring pieces do you already have your eye on?

wear now and later!

This time of year I naturally start thinking about fall fashion… but in that same vein I also start getting a little sad about not being able to wear some of my favorite summer pieces in the months to come.  So in the ideal world I would still be dressing for fall without leaving my favorite summer pieces behind.  Maybe you feel the same? I tend to be ready to ditch my shorts and skirts but I like to hang on to my favorite tees and sandals - but that's just me.  Are there certain summer pieces you are sadder to see go than others?

Here I illustrated a few ways to take your favorite summer pieces and keep them in the wardrobe rotation for fall.  Layering of course is the key and here I show you how to make it effortless and of course pulled together.

top look:

sunglasses, scarf, shorts, sandals, t-shirt, sweater, jeans, boots, necklace

bottom look: cross body bag, jeans, bracelet, sandals, tank, camo jacket, boyfriend jeans, stacking rings, boots

wear it now & later: striped maxi skirt!

I've got a striped maxi skirt on my wish list for spring and summer.  I almost can't believe that I don't have one in my closet already. They seem to be so extremely versatile and the perfect casual skirt that you can pull on all summer.

Spring is showing it's face here in the midwest but it's not exactly warm everyday yet… here are four ways to style the striped maxi skirt.  Two for now for while the days are still a little chilly and two for this summer when the temps are sunny and warm.

wear it now looks:

left: skirt, 'masterpiece' tee, denim jacket, sandals, clutch

right: skirt, sweater, jacket, sunglasses, sneakers

wear it later looks:

left: skirt, earrings, tank, bag, sandals

right: skirt, bathing suit top & bottom, flip flops, tote

Do you already own a striped maxi? How do you style it? Or will you be hopefully snagging one of your own this spring like me? Do tell!

If you like these types of posts… you can find more here!

see you around...

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the army surplus jacket: wear it now and later!

This is the time of year when we all start scheming how to wear our spring clothes now without freezing our tails off or we start getting creative with layers to ditch the winter coats.  Today's post touches on both of these crazy spring rituals we have…

You know how it goes… you are ready for spring, your closet is ready for spring - the thing is, the weather won't cooperate!  Today I have a few tips and tricks to work around the system, so to say. An army surplus style jacket is a great transitional piece from winter to spring.  It can easily layer over your pants and long sleeve tops to keep you warm but allow you to ditch the heavy winter coat.  OR it works great when the weather finally warms for wearing over tees, dresses, shorts and all your favorite spring pieces on chilly mornings or evenings.

This little jacket (at under $40 even!) is the new work horse in your closet… I promise!  Take a look at the 'now' outfits (you know, while it's still a little chilly) and the 'later' looks (for when spring finally arrives) below for some inspiration!

the army surplus jacket

outfit one: sweatshirt, leggings, flats, necklace

outfit two: floral top, jeans, clutch, shoes

outfit three: 'cava?' top, shorts, sunglasses, shoes

outfit four: dress, earrings, sandals

What types of items do you depend on this time of year for transitional wear? I'd love to hear!

(like this type of post… find more "now & later" posts here!)

see you around...

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tunic sweater: wear it now & later!

One of the top pieces on my late-winter/spring wish list is a tunic sweater.  I am especially partial to this swing style or this light weight version with slits up the side.  And of course this lilac version below too.  I love that they are classic and simple and they look ridiculously comfortable.  Since the clothes I buy now have to work for spring (and ideally not just sit in my closet until it warms up) I thought I would feature how to wear this simple sweater now AND when the weather warms up a bit.

winter: leggings, sweater, scarf, boots - on sale!, bracelet

spring: jeans, sweater, earrings, sunglasses, sandals

see you around...

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wear now & later! (the denim jacket)

Lately I've had a renewed love for the denim jacket... don't get me wrong, I've always loved my denim jacket and denim jackets in general but lately there is just SOMETHING about a casual and comfortable and totally broken in denim jacket. I seem to want to reach for mine any time I feel a little chill (and our mornings are quite cool lately... so I've been able to indulge quite a bit!).

Not only is a great denim jacket an absolute summer essential, but it also happens to translate effortlessly to fall fashion as well.  And while I am taking every possible moment to soak up the last sweet morsels of summer, fashion-wise I am absolutely looking forward to fall.

Here I took the classic denim jacket and styled it up for both summer and fall... I hope you enjoy these two looks!

get the looks above,

later: necklace, pants, blouse, leopard flats

denim jacket - so cute and UNDER $30, clutch

now: earrings, shorts, blouse, sandals

see you around...

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wear it now & later!

Seasonal versatility is key in my closet. I try not to have too many pieces that are solely for one season, but rather pieces that can blend between two or more seasons.  This not only helps me buy less clothes, but it also helps me get my money's worth out of the clothes that I do buy.  If I am buying new pieces, I like to imagine how they will work for this season and the following season.

I recently purchased this tunic from Old Navy (it's down right gorgeous in person, you would never believe it is from Old Navy and UNDER $30 - bonus!).  I loved that it so easy-breezy-summer looking.  I instantly pictured myself wearing it to the beach on a warm and sunny day with a pair of shorts and sandals with the perfect picnic packed.  After that sweet little daydream ended I knew I needed a way to wear it now as well... white jeans and a blazer seem like a no brainer to make this tunic appropriate for the cool spring temps we are having currently.  

(get the looks above: white jeans, earrings, blazer, flats, tunic, swim: top & bottom, shorts, sandals)

Another piece I am plan to get a lot of use out of this spring is a chambray dress. With as much wear as I get out of my chambray tops, this dress is a must for spring.  Since the sleeves can be rolled up or left down, this dress is ideal for chilly spring days or warm sunny summer days alike.  For spring, layers are key to warm up this dress - I prefer a little jacket and a scarf.  For summer, I can't wait to wear this to an outdoor event where I can roll up the sleeves and kick back in style.

(get the looks above: scarf, jacket, flats -- oops looks like that pair is sold out, here is a similar pair!, dress, sun hat, sunglasses, belt, wedges)

If we haven't already... let's get social!

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wear it now (and later!)...

You gals loved the wear it now (and later!) post last week... and since my mind is churning with fall looks right now (as I think your is too), I thought I would keep these posts coming until the weather cools.  I still haven't done much "official" fall shopping,  but two things that are on my list this year are: a military jacket in army green (I'm deciding between this one and this one) and suede booties (these to be exact - they are very cute in person!).

So here I styled each of these items in fun outfits that are totally wearable now... and definitely once the weather cools off!

(above: tank, shorts, flip flops, jacket, sweater, jeans, flats, earrings)

(above: t-shirt, scarf, shorts, boots, blazer, chambray shirt, clutch, purple jeans)

wear it now (and later!)

It is usually about this time of year that my mind starts wandering from cut off shorts and tanks tops to fall clothes.  Sure I'm still sweating it out over here in Michigan, summer is by no means even close to over.  But my love towards summer clothes... yeah, that's pretty much over!

So while I've got my eye on some new pieces for fall... I'm thinking we can remix these pieces into our wardrobes now.  So here are two pieces I've really been loving (this navy dress - with pockets! so cute! and these light purple jeans) in outfits perfect for now... and for later!

(above: necklace, tote bag, sandals, dress, blazer, clutch, pumps)

(above: chambray top, purple bracelet, green bracelet, sandals, purple jeans, polka dot sweater, clutch, glasses, flats)