boots

Layers of Comfort

It is getting pretty darn chilly in this neck of the woods. D.C. has already experienced it’s first “real” snow storm this year, and it’s not even January! It was only a couple inches, but enough to shut down schools for two days and to give me a snow day away from the office. December is a crazy time of year. It’s holiday party after holiday party, leaving me in a daze of splendor, excitement, and exhaustion all mixed together. I do love it though: the garlands, wreathes, sparkling lights, and happy guests enjoying time with colleagues and friends lift my spirits on long work days that quickly turn into work nights. And repeat.

My lack of sleep and desire to stay warm frequently results in those days when all you want to wear is all of your least form fitting clothes, a style I have deemed “grandpa chic.” There’s just something so cozy and comforting about throwing on your significant other’s most loved sweater, a vintage jacket, a warm pair of pants, and boots. It’s hard to justify wearing anything else!

Wearing: denim collared button down: Madewell // men’s knit sweater: Express // vintage jacket: Liz Claiborne // mustard pants: Anthropologie // bib necklace: Eastern Market vendor // hat: Gap

Photography by Teddy Wolff

Jackietara

A New York State of Mind

There’s just something about New York in the fall that makes me feel all tingly inside. Work brings me to New York twice a year, but it’s the November trip that gives me the warm and fuzzies. Twinkling lights delicately outline branches on the trees along 50th Street all the way to Rockefeller Center, people briskly walk from store to store with loads of shopping bags in tow, and vendors line the streets on chilly Saturday mornings to sell fresh fruits and vegetables to eager customers. One of my favorite things to do during my free time on Saturday is to walk through bustling Chinatown. After a delicious dim sum brunch at Nom Wah Tea Parlor on Doyers St., we hit the streets to explore with friends. Not too long after, we were happy owners of 2 lbs of fresh bok choy and hot cups of freshly brewed coffee from Roasting Plant.

Wearing: aztec sweater: Urban Outfitters // mustard knit scarf: Zara // cognac leather boots: Frye

Photography also by Teddy Wolff

Jackietara

A Tartan Thanksgiving

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I was lucky enough to take a little vacation and disconnect from the city life with Teddy’s family in Bethany Beach. We rented a house in a golfing community, so we were surrounded by lots of greenery and trees, and had plenty of outdoor activities to keep us busy. T was able to play tennis with his family while I could jog around the community. It was cold outside, but the sun made it perfect running weather. Sometimes I can’t believe how quickly running has become part of my weekly routine. I get disappointed when I miss running club on Tuesdays for evening events and I actually wanted to go running in the cold… while on vacation!

Thanksgiving day was absolutely beautiful, which was magnified by the calmness and happiness of being with family in a new place. We had lots of great food, contributed by several members of the family [T and I made our famous goat cheese mashed potatoes], and wine, and once the meal was over, we sat around the table playing board and card games. It really couldn’t have been any better.

Wearing: tartan dress: ModCloth // short cognac boots: Frye

Photos by Teddy Wolff

Jackietara

Sunsets and Alleyways

I can’t believe how quickly the sun is setting already! A couple days into October and a chill is lingering in the air as the sun sneaks behind the neighborhood houses. It’s always a little bit of struggle to dress for this in-between weather [not warm enough for short sleeves, but not cool enough for a jacket or heavy scarf], so my go-to is a button down with a cozy sweater layered on top. I’m eager for autumn’s greens, mustard yellows, and coppers, but I’m reluctant to let go of summer’s bright color palette. Pairing a bright coral cardi with a black and white gingham shirt is a nice compromise.

I am also incredibly excited to again be wearing my black short boots that I bought last year for $5.00 from H Street Playhouse’s closing sale. T and I were sad to see the playhouse close only a few weeks after we moved into our new apartment a couple blocks away, but it was neat to see all of their props from various plays over the years, including this pair of boots which happened to fit me perfectly. It’s like wearing a little piece of history.

Wearing: gingham button down: Old Navy [old] // coral sweater: Madewell // gold coral necklace: ModCloth // black pants: Zara // black boots: thrifted

Photography by Teddy Wolff

Jackietara

Chambray, Summer to Fall

On my drive to work leaves are shifting from green to orange, kids are back in school, and pumpkin flavored everything is already popular again. It’s time for fall fashion. For those of you a little less eager to shed your summer garb, here is one of my favorite ways to ease through the transition… layering!

Since chambray shirts are still in [thank god], I will be using this piece to layer my favorite summer-time dresses. Adding a thin pair of stockings or leggings and pulling on a pair of comfy boots is another great way to get the most of your floral shirts, pleated skirts, and bright colored garments from the summer.