The Highs and Lows of Fashion

Photography by Kirsten Beeksma Morse

I would say we are in a sort of weather neutral zone at the moment when it comes to finding a look to love right now. I am choosing pieces that I would wear on a colder spring day or a warmer fall one. It is just a bit too cold for super springy looks; I had to completely change my clothes when the temps dropped and the rain began shortly before our shoot today. My jumpsuit and and wrap sandals are just going to have to be put aside for another day, because I needed warmer pieces!

So, we can't always be super springy this time of year in the Pacific Northwest, but I know sunnier days are around the corner. In the meantime, I got to wear another of my favorite pairs of denim that I scored recently after the Neiman Marcus Spring CUSP Event. These J Brand 811 Mid-Rise Skinny Patchwork Reunion Denim are THE BEST. The mid-rise means super comfort and the super skinny leg has the perfect amount of stretch. That means no baggy knees, just long skinny legs. I can get behind that. Plus, the patchwork pattern and fringed bottoms are unique and cool. Just like I aspire to be. An even bigger bonus, these jeans are on sale for 25% off at Neiman Marcus now through Saturday, May 6th! Use the code NMFRIEND at checkout, you lucky duck. 

SJYP Blue Front Cutoff Jean

The Korean brand SJYP, which I am currently obsessed with, has a really cool Patched Cutoff Jean have a similar vibe to my J Brand pair but would be suitable for warmer days. I also am not sure I can live without the above pictured SJYP Blue Front Cutoff Jeans, which I am picturing with a cool block heel, bootie or summer wedge. 

Lately I have shown a lot of denim on this blog, partly because it is what I wear a lot, and also because there are so many great styles, washes and details that you really have endless possibilities. Denim can be an investment for sure, but because it is the cornerstone of my daily wardrobe the cost per wear works well. Unless I find a cool pair at a lower price point, like say Zara, it is definitely in the high category of high low dressing for me. 

Like most people who love beauty and style, I have to dress in a high low fashion partly because that is how I can afford to dress and partly because wearing all labels is completely unimaginative. And boring. Even if I had all the money in the world to dress high end, I wouldn't. What is more fun than finding something like this beautiful Isabel Marant silk blouse that I scored at MB Finds Designer Consignment? A gorgeous piece at a fraction of the price? Yes, please. Keep in touch with what is new at MB's by checking their daily Instagram posts...it is addicting! Consignment shopping has been a real game changer in my wardrobe. While I prefer designer consignment, the treasure hunt at Buffalo Exchange yielded this fab studded camouflage jacket from Topshop. It adds a bit of edge to my feminine Isabel blouse. Here is a similar jacket, minus the studs, but if you are crafty you could always add studs or patches. 

For this shoot I have a little designer mix going on with my Louis Vuitton Neverfull, which I received as a birthday gift five years ago and is the workhorse of my bag collection. Despite it's name, I have made it very full many times! On my wrist is a favorite piece of mine. My friend Kristin Lear repurposes old Gucci and Louis Vuitton luggage into these amazing cuffs. You can find them at Canopy Blue. 

I also like to invest in my shoes, but when it comes to spring and summer pairs I don't mind a "cheap thrill" from places like DSW. Whenever my sister and I visit our Dad we take a little field trip to the DSW near his house and head to the rear of the store where they have the sale racks. These Steve Madden Harra Booties were originally $120 and were an additional 70% off their sale price. They just need a quick waterproof spray before the Seattle rain gets to them! 

How you wear what you have is as much a part of how you elevate your style as how much you invest in your wardrobe. Essentials for investments? Great coats, a handbag you will never tire of, shoes and boots that you can wear year round. One stand out piece, in this case, my denim, make the rest of the look just all that much better. That, and of course, loving what you wear. Life's too short to spend the day in pants you hate. ;) Have a lovely week! xx