Adrien: More pants. Less excitement.

I keep wearing these pants thinking they'll magically be slouchy-chic but they just continue to be The World's Blandest Gap Khakis. I actually like the outfit as a whole but as usual when I try for something casual I end up feeling crumbled and sloppy by the end of the day. (And my camera is apparently only doing blurry these days, my apologies.) 

top: Gap (similar)
pants: Gap (similar)
shoes: Chie Mihara (similar)
bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier Hobo
watch: La Mer (similar)
necklace: J Crew (similar)

The Women Who Brush Goats.

A: I pretty much want to wear this exact outfit for the rest of winter:

image: http://www.luxirare.com

M: Yup. Perfect.

A: You know that goddamn awesome sweater probably cost $800.

M: It's probably BESPOKE.

A: sniff.

M: Blame Gooper.

A: What would you call that neckline?

M: It's like a crew neck and a mock turtleneck had a baby. A really soft baby.

A: I tried to google "funnel neck grey sweater" but this is what I get:

I think I need some kind of secret rich-person-Internet coupon code.

M: Why is that sweater trying to eat that boy? And why is he so calm about it? I saw an episode of The X Files that was like this.

A: The sweater injected him with a paralyzing neurotoxin, of course. Duh, Marianne.

M: It's ALWAYS neurotoxins!

A: So, what's the magic coupon code that opens up the search for The Good Stuff? It's okay, you can tell me.

M: It's cute that you think rich people use coupons.

A: Stop pretending you don't understand what I mean. I know there's a secret Internet. I mean, go to Saks and look at the sweater section. THEY ARE HIDING THE GOOD STUFF FROM US.

M: Right, we plebes just get these effing leather shorts AGAIN, SOME MORE:

jcrew.com

A: BUT THEY'RE ON SALE.

M: As are these, which are just. So. Um.

jcrew.com

A: Oh. Oh wow. Goats died for those.

M: Goats! What did those goats ever do to anyone?

A: Apparently they pissed off J Crew. Maybe they chewed on the bubble necklaces or something?

M: They probably started protesting all of the cashmere up in there.

A: Wow, that backfired. Make waves, get turned into ugly pants.

M: I almost made some kind of Babe-related joke, but stopped myself just in time. You're welcome.

A: You know the goats don't die for the cashmere, right? They just get brushed real hard.

M: I'm sure they just LOVE that.

A: Maybe they do. Maybe goats get itchy.

M: Cashmere goats? They are insulted you would suggest such a thing.

A: What if I offered to brush them with a Mason Pearson?

M: I don't understand why I am thinking so much about the inner desires of cashmere goats

A: I don't either, but I suspect it's because you have figured out how to access the secret Rich People Internet.

M: Is this what Gooper is thinking about here?

A: YES. UGH.

Marianne: Casual Friday.

Adrien posted a perfect grown up outfit this week, with a BLOUSE and everything. And yet, it's Friday, and here I am. Tell me I'm not alone here: sometimes you have days were this is pretty much all you can muster up. And all things considered, I actually really do like this outfit. It's just not exactly pushing my sartorial limits.

This scarf is possibly the most favorite thing I've bought recently. It's such a great color mix, the pattern is whimsical but abstract when on, and it's a wool so soft and lightweight I think it might be made by angels. Overselling it? Maybe. I like this scarf, though.

Coupled with my $20 loungewear-disguised-as-daywear top and my trusty field jacket, I basically felt like I was cozied up in my pyjamas all day. And really, what more can you ask for?

And yeah, it's weirdly warm here and I'm wearing flats and no socks. And a jacket that is not much heavier than your average men's dress shirt. I'm sure it will snow in May.

What do you guys reach for when you need to look relatively stylish, but can't be bothered to think outside of jeans and layers? I'll admit that is my default, so by all means, inspire me.

top: anthropologie Cinched V-Neck

jacket: Doki Geki (similar here)

scarf: Virginia Johnson (similar here)

bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Mag Bag in Fool's Gold 

jeans: Gap Always Skinny

flats: Frye Emma Honeycomb Flat

Fassbending.

M: Listen, I am just going to send you new pictures of Fassbender until you agree that HE IS GOOD:

A: Eh.


M: You are just being difficult.

A: Seriously? With the smoke and the stubble? Dude.


M: No, you're right. That's totally not your style.


A: UGH SHUT UP. 


M: JUST SAYING.


A: POINT TAKEN. I just...Fassbender does not work for me. 


M: That's fine. He can be For Me.

A: Oh, wait! Hmm. That photo is good. 


M: Don't encourage me!

A: I'm back to uncertain.


M: LE SIGH.

Adrien: Oh, right. Blouse.

I read this post on The Working Closet the other day and was all, "Oh, right. Blouse. I should. Yes. Ugh."

I don't know know why I'm like that but things that button up the front always feel gape-y and weird to me.  She's totally right, though - it makes everywhere you go somewhere nice. Also, I think we're all tired of seeing me wear that purple slub Gap tee. Anyway! I pulled out the drapey blouse I bought last fall and tucked it in and stuff:

Added a little jacket:

This is what it looks like all buttoned up (which I never actually do):

And not that anyone was concerned, but I got my black boots back and they're as good as new (though I can't say the same for my poor knees):

blouse: Old Navy (new version)
jacket: Banana Republic
skirt: Ann Taylor (similar)
necklace: J Crew locket
boots: Camper (similar)
bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar)

Papa Bear, Mama Bear & Baby Bear

A: MARIANNE. LOOK WHAT A READER JUST SENT US:

source: http://alltheprettybirds.blogspot.com

M: Cancel Christmas and call off my birthday, because this picture is all I need in life.

A: I KNOW RIGHT.

M: I am dying over her outfit, too.

A: She is gorgeous. We're gonna have such fun with this.

M: He's so wee! Such a tiny little silly man!

A: I just keep looking at this photo and laughing. You know he's trying to fire someone somewhere because of it.

M: Looks like he's going to be hiring again!

A: Oh, maybe this is our chance FINALLY!

M: But I am not a moddle!

A: And you are kind of tall.

M: I'd never make it past the first cut. The laughing and pointing wouldn't help.

A: If the SHobbit laughed at you I would END HIM.

M: No, I meant me laughing. And pointing. And calling him SHobbit.

A: That is no way to get a job, Marianne.

M: He's so WEE!

A: What is that vest he's wearing? What. Is. That.

M: So puffy! I'm trying to get a closer look at his camera.

A: It's the only one that fits in his hands, Marianne. Not his fault.

M: His hand looks strained. Perhaps he should go with something more like this?

A: At least it looks professional. HE IS A PROFESSIONAL. A TEENY TINY PROFESSIONAL.

M: A licensed member of The Lollipop Guild!

A: Oh burn.

M: I am going to keep it up with these jokes until he puts handsome men on his blog for us.

A: It's been a while, hasn't it? I mean, really?

source: http://www.thesartorialist.com

M: THIS MEANS WAR.

A: IT WAS AN EXAMPLE. ALSO, HE IS YOUR BOYFRIEND.

M: I mean war against the SHobbit, but I can war at you, too.

A: No, no. Lets focus on the little man, please.

M: Don't let him come between us. It's what he WANTS.

A: God, what is his problem?

M: He's probably tired of walking around staring at everyone's butts.

M: And if he thinks THIS is a peace offering, well. It's a valiant effort, but keep them coming.

A: Really, I think he can do better than that.

M: TOTALLY.

A: HE OWES US:

source: http://www.thesartorialist.com

M: STOP THAT THIS INSTANT.

A: 

source: http://www.thesartorialist.com

M: I AM LEAVING.

Adrien: Gateway Drug

The other day I fell on a brick pathway (um, don't try to check your email and walk, okay?) which scuffed up my black boots badly enough to need an emergency trip to my shoe guy. Being without them has forced me to wear my brown pair more which seems like it would be easy, but somehow isn't. I was saved, though, by leopard print: my gateway drug to black and brown together:

I also got to wear my new brown Cole Haan via Burlington Coat Factory coat  (a Nina find, of course):

skirt: Ann Taylor (similar)
cardigan: Banana Republic (similar)
necklace: J Crew locket
boots: Frye (similar)
coat: Cole Haan (similar in grey)
bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier Hobo

Move Over.

image: http://thegreyestghost.wordpress.com

A: What are we doing here? What the hell am I wearing? Are these pants?

M: Are you a zombie? God, my legs look great.

A: You really do have nice leg...hi. Wow, are you cold?

M: I'd rather be cold than wear those pants, I'm sorry.

A: No, it's just that you seem to be snuggling with me. It's cool. You smell nice.

M: You are just so cuddly.

A: These pants things are pretty warm. I really thought I was going for a Lanphear thing but instead I think it's more Bride of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I can live with that.

M: They are so complicated, they make me tired. Maybe that's why I'm leaning on you.

A: Um, I have to pee.

M: What's your plan?

A: Panic?

M: If you pee on this bench I'll have to move.

A: You might want to move.

Marianne: Bathrobe

 

I really wasn't going to post this. I feel puffy and my makeup looks weird and I threw this drapey cardigan over my dress because I was cold, but it was a mistake. But hey! Let's make this work. I know you guys LOVE to boss Adrien and I, SO:

 

What would you put on top of this dress? What color? What length? Maybe a knit blazer? And while we're at it, what do you do when your outfit is an accidental disaster and it looks like you maybe wore your bathrobe to work? Hmmmmm?

cardigan: Max Studio (similar here)

dress: Old Navy (similar here)

tights: Spanx

boots: Frye Lisa (similar here)

brass and horn necklace: vintage (not similar, but I love it)

bangle: c/o Mango Tree Bangles

Adrien: I'm over this belting nonsense.

I like this dress a lot. Here's how I wore it at the end of summer and back in early spring when I first bought it. It's pretty versatile as far as season goes and keep trying to do something a little different with it, but I think this is kind of a fail:

Eh, yeah. I am okay with the belting-a-cardigan-thing but not when it makes me look all puffy. I changed it up and was much happier this way:

Dress: Velvet (similar)
belt: NY and Co. (similar)
cardigan: Gap (similar)
boots: Camper (similar)
bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar)

MMUUUUHHH

A: That is the sound I made when I saw this:

00o00.blogspot.com

M: You are about to get very upset with me.

A: NO. WHAT? He's the size of a KITTEN. THE WAY YOU LIKE THEM.

M: This look is a bit too Sir Elton John for my liking. DON'T YELL.

A: .......................................

M: I just can't with the scarf.

A: He was at a premiere! He needed to be FANCY.

M: It's SILKY.

A: WOOL MAKES HIM BREAK OUT.

M: Now I'm just thinking of him with neck pimples. Fail. I think you are ruining Ewan MacGregor for me. Is this some kind of punishment?

A: Maybe.

M: WHAT DID I EVER DO TO YOU? Oh, wait.

justjared.buzznet.com/

A: IT WAS FOR A ROLE.

M: Those glasses aren't. Though, depending on what's in his pocket, congratulations to Mrs. Weitz-Craig.

A: Oh? OH. Damn. DAMN.

M: RIGHT.

A: JUST NEED A MINUTE.

M: Do I need to bust out some smelling salts?

A: Whowha?

M: Snap out of it!

A: Hi! HI HI HI. I'm good. Now, look how cute they are here:

gofugyourself.com

M: She is SO PRETTY! And satisfied.

A: Yes, yes she is. I hope it works for those two crazy kids.

M: That's charitable of you.

A: I try.

Marianne: That Coat Again.

Did I not say you'd be seeing a lot of this coat? I wasn't kidding. I very rarely kid about fashion.

This dress is a consignment find that I had to be bullied into buying. Looking back, I'm not sure what my problem was, it's super cute and comfortable and flattering and I think it was $18?

It has a great waist detail that was impossible to photograph, so you're just going to have to trust me on this one.

dress: Express (similar here and here)

tights: Spanx reversible 

shoes: Chie Mihara (similar here)

coat: J. Crew (similar here)

Adrien: See? I Listen.

I got a lot of great suggestions (and a few that made me raise an eyebrow) on this entry last week about my weird green pencil skirt. Here are a few I really liked:

• pair with brown instead of black (check) 
• try with cream, coral, lavender or camel (check)
• wear with a cropped blazer or jacket (check)
• hem the skirt (plan on it)
• wow, great shoes (okay, not about the skirt but it made me happy)

The comment that most cracked me up:

"Also what if you traded that skirt for a more colorful J. Crew Pencil Skirt."

Ha! Moving on:

My goal was to not have to buy new stuff so I had to shop my closet a bit. And lo, I found a jacket I'd completely forgotten I owned! I think I bought this four or five years ago and wore it a ton until I just couldn't look at it anymore. I don't think I've worn it in months, but dang, it works, right?

Not so sure about the scarf but it was cold

 

skirt: Ann Taylor (similar)
top: Gap slub tee
jacket: Gap (similar)
necklace: J Crew starry night locket
boots: Frye Tina (similar)
bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
scarf: Ann Taylor (similar)

Wunderhipster.

Jenna's picks. 

M: Is there a word for Wanting To Be Jenna Lyons? Something German?

A: Smorgasprep?
 
M: Hipstergeist?

M: Listen, I just want those sunglasses, okay?

A: Oh, they're good. I'm liking the anchor bracelet a lot too.

M: It makes me long for summer. Remember when I had a tan and could wear neon? That was fun.

A: Oh, summer. I want to wear red cropped jeans and sandals and feel the sun on my skin. I am currently kind of greeny-yellow and sightless like one of those deep sea fish.

M: Do you have one of those little dangly glow lights coming out of your head?

A: Yeah...wanna see it? You...know...you...do...just...a...little...closer...

M: I'm skeered.

A: BUT YOU LIKE NEON.

M: Neon BAGS. Not creepy neon fish.


A: I love that. But, as a child of the 80's I am just not sure I can do it again.

M: Oh, hush. Yes you can. Picture it with your cute khaki trench. Wait, don't. Picture it with MY khaki trench and get your mitts off my bag, GOD.

A: I want to try it! You said I COULD.

M: I changed my mind.

A: You know what I do like? Neon toes. That was my favorite thing about last summer:

Source: Uploaded by user via Christa on Pinterest

Can I just see your bag just for a minute?

M: I am IGNORING you and back to daydreaming about actually showing my toes in public.

A: 




M: Why are you so bitey?

A: Because of this:


M: OOH

A: YOU ARE WELCOME.

M: Going on my birthday list. I wish it was neon yellow a tiny bit, though.

A: Um, Cambridge Satchel Company does make that in neon yellow.

M: Well, DONE. You know my address. May 12th.

A: I...wait. What?

M: Sooooo super sweet of you to get that for me!

A: No.

M: It's going to look so good with a tan.

A: Sigh.