Everyone seems (or so it appears) to be struggling through the heatwave right now. Meanwhile, in the Bay Area, we’re breaking out the sweaters and closed toed shoes. Is it too much to ask for some sun so we can let our legs out a little?! I just want to wear shorts and drinking some ice cold matcha (made in my very own bowl from my pottery classes, of course).
I’ve also been doing a bit of window shopping. Some of the pieces are more summer centric, some lean more autumnal. So rather than doing my usual “10 outfits to solve for the Diderot effect,” I made two versions of each item I’m lusting over. One for how I’d wear it if we actually get an odd sunny warm week, and one for how I’d realistically wear it for work or the upcoming fall weather.
First, here’s what I’m looking at. This feels like a new era of sorts, there’s little to no color in the mix. To be clear, I love color, but I’ve started to struggle with print lately. One more note, a lot of these are on sale as I write this, but who knows if they’ll still be in stock by the time this draft hits your inbox. I’ll do my best to update this later to show what I actually ended up buying versus what I was just lusting after.
Oh, another note: I've created these looks based on pieces I already have in my closet, but the collages below showcase similar items currently available since most of mine are super old. And for the looks on the right (the work-esque ones), I'm not pairing them with a bag in the collages because realistically I'll just be wearing the look with my trusty work bag (you can read all about WIMB content here!).
Okay, this ad really got to me. I love the idea of a summery cotton white dress worn over jeans because let’s be real, that is likely the only way to wear it in SF. I also love the style is timeless so I can come back to it every year. I am not sure it’s a wear to work piece but I do think it’s great for WFH, with some cool stripped pants (obsessed with these) and throwing a blazer (specifically a collar-less one) on top for calls as needed. It’s a great style and I am kinda obsessed! Should I get it?
THIS is a basic piece that's worthy of a spot in my wardrobe. I'd posted before about being obsessed with this short brown dress a few newsletters ago, and then a day or so later I saw Jennifer Cook wearing a similar mini black dress while she was in Paris, and I realized, yes, I probably need the black more than the brown. I wore it the second it arrived - yes changed what I already had on. I am even more excited to wear it over my trusty favorite jeans (since it doesn't seem like it'll ever be warm enough to let the legs out). I also layered a white lace skirt underneath while testing out looks and loved how that turned out too.
I love the waist tie detail of this sweatshirt. In general, a black sweatshirt is not a hard piece to find, so I think any oversized black sweatshirt would do the trick when it comes to the styling below. As comfortable as I am with color, bright red can still be hard to wear, but I'm really into the idea of pairing these shorts (my size is sold out but I am really hoping they restock 🤞🏽) with some elevated basics, like a fancy sweatshirt and bag. A dressy sweatshirt also works so well with an edgy bottom, like this wool wrap skirt (more on that next), and feels just right for a corporate tech office, put together but not over the top, you know? I guess I need to hunt down this exact sweatshirt or find similar: a bit more elevated in silhouette but still neutral in color. Found this alt cool version
This came from the Nordstrom anniversary sale. I usually only buy my favorite underwear during the sale (zero VPL under clothes), but this year I somehow landed on this skirt and felt a real pull towards it. Not a brand I'd heard of before, but the second I got it I could tell it was well made. No lining, which makes it really lightweight to wear. The wrap is secured with buttons in two spots and an elastic waistband in the back. This is definitely a keeper, and one I can see styling a few different ways. I love the idea of pairing it with a cutout sweater for work (especially if there's an after work event), but also styling it super laid back with a white long sleeve for date night. Truly can't wait to wear this to some fun events coming up!
Okay, the ad for this dress also stopped me in my tracks. I love this brand, I think they're an unsung hero of quality and design, and everything I've bought from them has been well made. I really want this dress, so I'm not sure why I haven't pulled the trigger yet. I think it's the polka dots. I don't own anything polka dot and I'm not sure it's really "me"? Is it one of those things you love on other people but not on yourself? I can't tell. I love the style, the material, and the fit, and honestly this would have been perfect for the Olivia Dean concert, since polka dots seemed to be the unofficial theme for her shows. I love the silhouette, and I know it could work for both summer and fall , it's just the print I have doubts about. Like how often would I actually wear it? I love the idea of pairing it with red accents, this gorgeous bag and cute shoes, but then pulling it back, almost wearing it like a skirt under a white sweater for work. But ahh, I still can't decide!
What I actually wore to see Olivia Dean: I'm not really a big events or concerts person. Large crowds make me feel claustrophobic. But I'd been looking forward to the Olivia Dean concert since I bought the tickets last November, and man, did it deliver. My husband and I sang and danced along the whole night. If you're going, you're going to have the best time! If you're still on the fence, get a ticket! Even with crappy seats, you can't escape the absolute joy she and her whole band bring to the stage. If you are going, what are you planning on wearing??
Here’s the deal: every newsletter takes me hours to write and edit. It’s a true labor of love and something I look forward to, even if it takes way more time (and tea ☕️🫖) than I care to admit. If you enjoy reading Brands and Bobs, I’d be so grateful for your support.
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