Pleather Weather

Remember I told you that I *had* to buy a skirt the other weekend to wear? (I had to, I swear!). Well here it is! I've worn it a couple of times now and I actually seriously love it. Shout-out to my awesome Mom-in-law who chipped in to top up my clothes budget so I could get this beauty and to my sis-in-law who convinced me to buy it!

Layered

Lately the days have been sort of irregular. They start off seriously cold and windy, a nip in the air, as the day moves on it gets warmer, sometimes the wind dies down, and then by evening it tends to be cool again, and often wet - this kind of weather obviously requires layers. Lots of layers.

Crops are tops!

This early fall has had some great weather - this day was bright and sunny and just this side of cool in the morning. Pairing some cropped pants with a cropped blazer over a refashioned lace tank made for a perfect Sunday morning outfit. I wore this to church and to hang out with my little family for the day.

Pepluv it.

Okay.
I admit it.
I am officially in love with peplums.
I know, I know, you're thinking "Tea, this is not new news". But I didn't realize until I started going through my fall wardrobe this week and trying to decide if there was anything that needed to leave and go start new life elsewhere that every. single. peplum. I owned went immediately into the keep pile. I just love this silhouette.

This red hi/lo peplum has the added bonus of being a DIY so I can feel extra proud when someone compliments me on it. It was once a skater style dress, which was obscenely short on me (hi, plus sizes, short waist and long legs do not make for a good skater dress body. Oy). So I gave it the chop and turned it into a cute, ballet back, hi/lo peplum top instead. Yay!

How do you feel about peplums? Pepluv it? Or Pepleave it?

Chambray and Floral

Sometimes when it's grey and rainy outside I like to wear the brightest possible colours. It sort of acts as a pick-me-up when the weather is crummy. This chambray shirt was the first one I ever picked up (and now I have 3 in various washes and sleeve lengths) and started my love for this amazing neutral.  To address something really quickly: chambray is not denim. It is denim-like. It comes in washes (like denim) and has a kind of blue, brushed cotton feel... but it is NOT a denim shirt. It's much lighter and more wearable. So if you're looking for a chambray, look for something that has a little bit of texture or weave to the fabric, but still flows and moves nicely. A good chambray can act as a neutral with basically any colour, but is more casual than a white button down, can also act as a great neutral layer. Okay - enough chambray talk.

I found this fabric on sale at a fabric store and I knew it was destined to be a skirt. I loved the slightly watercolour feel of the print and the colours are so bright and saturated. I paired it with a bright pink chemise and my chambray to hang out around my house, do laundry and walk the dog. It's cool, comfy and looks nice enough that if I were to go out later I wouldn't have to change.

 

What's the Story, Morning Glory?

What's the story, morning glory?
What's the word, hummingbird?

When I was growing up I had a good friend who enjoyed musicals as much as I do. And now, every time I watch a musical I think of her (Nicole, if you're reading this - you know I can't watch Bye Bye Birdie without thinking of hanging out with you!). I made this crop top, which makes me feel really retro and fun, although this Mama's 4th trimester body is definitely not up to wearing a crop-top without a tank underneath!

I love the really retro fun feel of this outfit - and although I was a little uncertain when I made it at first, I'm always on about "owning it" and so, own it I shall.