Tim Gunn (LOVE HIM), had a fashion show for a short time a few years ago. He had a list of a dozen or so essential items that every woman needs to have in her wardrobe. One of those items was a ‘sweatsuit alternative.’
This, my friends, is my sweatsuit alternative.
I didn’t want to buy these pants. I thought they were too close in color to regular denim. Give me teal! Mustard! Go big or go home! But these fit the best off the clearance rack at LOFT (sometimes, the clearance rack determines your clothing fate) and I am glad I got them, but honestly, I prefer the Anna May Stylist collection.
Top knots are A Thing now, which I did a pretty pathetic version of, but still. This shirt is entirely comfortable and forgiving, but has a small detail on the seam – four small cloth-cvoered buttons. So simple. So comfortable.
I am under no illusion that TOMs are attractive. It’s strictly about the comfort. These are my go-to shoes for most weekends. (Also, instead of a stray bobby pin this week, I have a stray puzzle piece. Life with a toddler.)
Speaking of toddler. Heeey, Gabe.
Did you know I have my nose pierced? I talked about it a lot when I first got it done. I’m really glad I kept it in, despite all the awfulness it inflicted on me for the first 6 months.
I am not much of a jewelry person (I like it, but I hardly ever buy it except Sweet Madness jewelry which is my favorite), but when I saw this dainty little ring at the fair trade sale at school today, I had to buy it! I also saw handmade wedding rings designer in Sydney those were really cute I felt like getting married. It’s made from a guitar string! It’s hard to see the details in photos, but it’s so pretty. And buying something that reminded me of him but is really for me is thoughtful, right? Ish? Maybe?
Chances are, if you know me, you’ve seen me wear this outfit. I wear this when I want to wear comfortable clothes that are cozy and feel like a hug. I wear it when I’m feeling a little blue, but can’t go to work in yoga pants. (Thankfully, today was a dress down day, so colored pants were allowed!)
When I am disappointed or discouraged (like I have been lately, to be honest), I don’t feel like stuffing myself into tights and a dress. I feel like being in my coziest clothes. But wearing my favorite ratty t-shirt and leggings makes me feel like a hot mess. So when I wear something like this, I feel good about myself and still like I’m being hugged by the warmest scarf of all time. It’s really a win-win.
Scarf: Gap / Top: Ann Taylor Loft (before it was just LOFT) //Pants: LOFT (Now just $21 on final sale!) // Shoes: TOMS
Love this! I have a similar outfit, but mine does include leggings and a long sweater. The leggings are black, the sweater is black and taupe? camel? beige? striped, and I wear either my combat boots or some brown suede ankle boots. It’s the EASIEST outfit but it looks like I thought about it at least a little :) Also, love Gabe’s cameo! So cute!
That sounds just lovely. :) And comfy.
Found you through the blog hop, and am so glad I did! I love what you are wearing! Some days you have to dress for work and just wish you could be comfy – this outfit is the type of outfit that works for those days. I like the fun photos with Gabe and the puzzle piece too.
“sometimes, the clearance rack determines your clothing fate” PLUS
“buying something that reminded me of him but is really for me is thoughtful, right? Ish? Maybe?” EQUALS
Do I have a little sister I didn’t know about???
(Great outfit!)
I’m so glad someone gets me. ;)
I love that you’ve made an entire blog post about the sweatsuit alternative. Tim Gunn would have my head if he saw what I wear on most days. My excuse is, but hey, I work from home. I’m alone. I have a dog. And a toddler. And neither of those things match with nice clothes. There are no sweatsuit alternatives in my house, just very nice sweats. hahaha.
Make no mistake – on days I don’t leave the home, I wear leggings and a t-shirt! This is just for when I want to dress like that but I do have to go somewhere. :)
Can we PLEASE live closer together? I went to a restaurant last week that had the goat cheese dip with pita bread and spicy sauce and it reminded me of our time at BARcelona. Anyway, I digress. The clearance rack at ATL is my favorite.
Yes please. You are such a warm, wonderful person. I would LOVE to see you more often!!