I’ve finally gotten around to getting out my winter clothes only to find that I don’t have as much as I thought I did. Compound that with the fact that I’m not spending any money on clothes so I can save for holiday gift-buying and my winter fashion is looking pretty bleak.
I was pretty desperate for some inspiration this morning so I turned the the November J.Crew. I’ve mentioned a few times before on this blog that I find J.Crew a little conservative for my taste, but it’s loosened up a bit (thanks I suppose to Jenna) and conservative isn’t a bad thing when it comes to dressing for work.
So I took a couple of looks from the catalog and tried to work with what I had.
I think all I’m really missing is layers of jewelry (which seemed a bit too much for work). Now if only I could get myself a couple of those J.Crew cashmere sweaters, leather purses and satin skinny belts and I’ll be set for the winter.
Mom’s beret, American Apparel button-up, Gap shirt, Cheap Monday jeans and Nine West boots (all purchased last year or before).
Anyone else trying to hold off buying clothes this season?
P.S.: Why are all the radio stations playing Death Cab’s “Cath” all the sudden? I love it! I’ve always wanted a name song.
Girl, you worked it! I LOOOVE J. Crew. I have this one catalog that I’ve had for years because I love the preppy outfits so much. You nailed these looks. Definitely revamped the conservative look you’re talking about.
Really cute beret. I think hats & berets are totally adorable, but I simply can’t pull it off. I don’t know why, but it makes my head looks weird. It’s a bummer.
I love Death Cab, they’re great. And I love having namesake songs, it always makes me smile. I like to imagine that the song war written for me, hahaha.
Haha, love the fact you have a name song. I on the otherhand, had Winnie the pooh theme song constantly sung at me when I was younger.I need a better song!
I love the pretty pastels in your oufits!
Hi there-thats a fabulous outfit, really inspiring, I love the pastels and the layering! Have a lovely weekend!
I definitely feel you on not buying anything for winter. I bought a bunch of shtuff from J.Crew and Club Monaco for autumn, blasting through my 1st quarter (we start mid year at work) bonus, inconveniently forgetting that autumn only lasts a month or so in Michigan! I’m already breaking out my winter clothes from the last three years and realizing that flare pants do NOT suit my body, and I have no $ to buy new pants! Also, my parka just broke and those aren’t cheap.
To answer your question: no. I am not spending. But I sure need to!
Great outfit. I have not ever done an inspiration outfit post! PS, I’m back on the blog map (again). Darn WP database errors! (Lar could probably feel me on that!)
I hear what you’re saying about J.Crew, although I think they are really turning it around these past few seasons (at least for us guys). That’s a sweet jacket, by the by.
ps. I’d go with the wolf too.
You look great 🙂 I agree with you about J Crew. Until recently, they’ve been a bit too conservative, but lately they have been sending out some great catalogs!
I love the boots and rolled pant leg, its really great. I love the jacket too, but if you wear all these pastels now, what will you wear during easter?
your loving cousin, trying to make excuses for you to buy more clothes, clare
Cute! I had the total same experience when I pulled out my winter clothes. I guess, when I put them away last year, I was feeling rather ruthless. We had just moved into a new house, with greatly limited closet space, so. I can kind of see what I was thinking. Anyways. I have had to buy a few new things: like black pants for goodness’ sake. But I’m getting nervous for the holiday season.
I don’t “need” anything new, but I definitely want new things.
I don’t think anything here looks bleak!
you did a great job here! loving that pink hat. adorable as always!
Super cute. I love the backstory for your inspiration. Definitely a very J Crew look! Oh, and you’re lucky your name song isn’t “Darling Nikki.” Yeah.that’s mine.
You really work it!!
Love how it looks.
Thanks for the info about the harpes bazar cover. I didn’t know it. Know I have to find some way too buy it, because I really like the photoshoot.
Kisses!
Woooo! To the name song. You’re so lucky. The only name song I have is a piano instrumental 🙁 No lyrics. Oh and a very depressive COunting Crows song.
That pink beret with the lavender top is so adorable!
Cath- I love this outfit and you look so beeyooootiful! I think it’s great that you get your work-wear inspiration from J.Crew. I should do the same. Sometimes I think even my office isn’t a fan of all my never-conservative attire 😉 xoxo, Lar
You look so cute in that beret! I’ve resigned myself to the fact that berets just don’t sit right on my head. 🙁
Hehe we’re in the same boat re. the “save up money for Christmas” shopping ban. I’m not letting myself buy any more clothes or accessories until I start shopping for other people! It’s not as bad as the 5-month ban I did last year, but it’ll still be difficult because I keep seeing cute autumn/winter merchandise in stores that calls to me lol.
YEp me too.on a spending freeze. My husband let me buy 2 shirts yesterday and I feel slightly relieved by it.
Love the inspiration here. You put the outfits together so nicely. Great job!
Happy Sunday,
Jessica
Cath I LOVE those boots! And I so wish Death Cab (or ANY band) had a song about Clare. Seriously, that is a rare song name, even though it rhymes with SO MUCH. Bear, care, bare, stare, hair. C’mon song people!
your boots are so great! and this outfit totally works – i love the purple on purple
Super cute Cath! Love the pink beret.
xo, Becs
Great casual look!
Pink + lavender = cuteness.
The first outfit is beyond adorable! I love the pink beret and the white jeans!
Love these looks. I love finding inspiration in the J.Crew catalog!
im totally loving those jeans. such an great colour! have a great monday cuties. take care xx
Hey Cath! You look fabulous in that pink & purple combo- love mixing strong feminine colors together! I’m trying to be good this season but winter clothes have always been my weakness- I never like any of the ones I have already and there’s a ton of cute things out right now! My wishlists keep growing! Hope you have a fabulous week ahead! xo, Mel
you look awesome!
my inspiration board is littered with jcrew styling.that and kate spade are my winter inspirations!
Super Cute outfit!! You def look like you should be in the J.Crew catelogy- so pretty!!
xoxo
What a lovely look!! I love the colors you use in your outfit! So pretty and inspiring! xoxoxxo
I like the winter pastel look. I too find J Crew a little drab in general (clothes wise) but their lookbooks somehow manage to be incredibly inspiring. Preppy in the best possible way!
Catherine!! You look great! I love this entire look. oooo and white pants! So hot! I wish I could pull off hats, but my head is SO large ha ha, that it can’t fit into most hats. J.Crew is lovely. I especially love their wedding section. Makes me want to get married everyday just so I can wear wedding dresses.
and yes. I quit shopping. It’s been exactly 1 week. I haven’t bought a single thing for myself. my closet is bursting a the seams, yet I feel like I always have nothing to wear.
I wish we could do more layered looks in Hawaii, but the weather is warmmmmm year round. Gosh, the grass is always greener!
have a great day! You and Lauren rock!!
Love your take! And I love pastels in this cold weather, it brings that freshness, such a nice pick me up 🙂