Thursday, November 18, 2010

Back to the Basics

Gap jeans, Ciao Bella flats, Alexander Wang handbag, James Perse sweatshirt, Giorgio Armani sunglasses, La Mer watch, Sunday Rocks tank, H&M cocktail ring, Shari Wacks necklace




While I realize this outfit isn't very exciting, it's definitely part of what I'd consider my casual "winter uniform" and similar to what I often fall back on when I need to get dressed in a hurry (skinny jeans, ballet flats, loose fitting top, and big sunglasses). The weather has been unpredictable in Southern California lately and I've been wearing layers in order to be ready for whatever weather the day brings. What outfits do you wear when in a hurry to get out the door?

39 comments:

Anonymous said...

Valerie, the bag is amazing! I know you're loving it. This time of year I almost always throw on dark jeans, a long sleeve t-shirt, boots or flats and a couple of accessories. Not that exciting, but I love it and always gravitate to it!

k said...

I adore that purse. basics are kind of my favorites :)

She Wore It Well said...

definitely mine too! jeans and an oversized top!

annelise said...

It's the perfect casual outfit. I love jeans with grey.

Collette Osuna said...

I adore your casual outfit...and the bag is precious!!!!


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Lilacandgrey said...

basics are a MUST in my life! You look great :)
<3 Cara
PS. Did you get a chance to enter this Giveaway!?!

STYLE'N said...

I love the layers and that sweater. When I am in a hurry I grab skinnys, sweater and boots. (since it's colder here in Boston).

Unknown said...

i love that sweatshirt (think I need it). everyone needs a casual go-to outfit and this one is sheer perfection. unfortunately, my casual outfit has to be a little more bundled up due to chicago winters.

Lindsay said...

This is my go to outfit also. You look so cute! Im a jeans and t kind of gal. LOVE that purse. Is that from nordys?

torrie said...

Classic & basic, with a little sparkle- one of my favorite looks:).

I bought Gap's skinny cords (blue AND gray!) and LOVE them- the fit, and the way I can dress 'em up or down. But this week, its been too HOT!! Where did fall GO??

Chicago Mom (Heather) said...

It's really cute! I love seeing how people dress when they aren't trying too hard. Casual looks are fun to see too. :-)

Anonymous said...

theres something about james perse sweatshirts, i swear. i am slways stalking the sale sections at nordies and bloomies and the rack. i live in them.

Ashley said...

Those are Gap jeans? I love the torn knees. They totally look like a more expensive brand! I love this outfit, it's casual but still put together. As a mom this is my uniform too!

Jamie said...

I actually LOVE this outfit. I tend to gravitate towards casual ensembles like this because they are comfy and practical for everyday. I am super jealous that you are Bren both have the AW bag!! I NEED ONE!!!

http://www.glamlatte.com

Nikki said...

You look gorgeous Valerie! I love that casual look on you and your bag is amazing!!!

xx
Nikki

Josie said...

I absolutely adore how chic you are without even trying. Those jeans fit you to perfection, and of course I die over that bag. My go-to cool weather uniform is definitely jeans, boots or flats, and a cardigan -- simple, clean, and easy to pull together when I inevitably oversleep (welcome to my morning today).
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Lisa Lisa Lisa said...

I did a uniform post last week. After the photos, I realized how unexciting my day to day wear can be when I am low on time!!! Your's is much more casual chic!!

Christina said...

Great outfit,love that bag!

Molly Page said...

Now THAT is effortless chic. You look fantastic.
I also throw on jeans and a tshirt... perhaps I need to invest in a sweatshirt that's a little more attractive. Yours is perfect. Comfy and cozy but still stylish.
Leaving the House in THIS?!?!

Marcie said...

I am so glad you did a post on this, Val. I am such a comfortable and uniform dresser. It is so refreshing to see that you are too! Comfort is so important, especially when you have to dress up for work all week. But at the same time, not looking frumpy is a must. You look so pretty!

xo M

and yes, it is my birthday, so thank you for the b-day wishes.

Laura said...

You look great, even in basics! I like the mixing of high-low items!! Definitely a good every day look.

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

I think it's exciting! That bag has me very excited!!! :)

Happy Thursdasy, sweetie xoxo

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

I would love a La Mer watch- i had my eye on a gray one... cute, casual look!

Diana Mieczan said...

I love wearing basic stuff and your bag is so pretty:) Wish you a wonderful afternoon,sweetie
Kisses

Amber said...

cute casual outfit, if it was a tad warmer I would be living in my skinnies and flats too

this free bird said...

Val,

I find myself quite excited about this fantastic outfit of yours. Hello Alexander, hello James, hello Irene Cara off the shoulder, hello bracelets and ripped knees and fantastic flats.

You got this down to the T perfection!! It's total street chic!!

xoxo,
Carrie

Gabriel said...

That's crazy! That's exactly what I wear when I'm in a rush. You look amazing whether you're casual or ready for the ball!

jayme said...

you look so gorgeous and comfy at the same time! you're a doll! xo

jenna ♥ a little blue said...

yep my kind of so cal "winter" outfit too. you just never know lately if it's going to be hot or cold... or both! :)

i love layers anyway, but lately i have been starting out bundled, and quickly stripping away as the sun sets in!

great look

Annie said...

You look so, so comfy and cute yet stylish! LOVE IT!! xo

Anna Walker said...

Love it! :)
That's my So Cal 'winter' look too! In Northern or Central Cal, I would add a scarf and a jacket and maybe some boots!
You look very cute, and you have great style!
PS where were you able to wear that?! in LA it's way too warm!

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20 YORK STREET said...

God, I wish I can look like you during the winter. Picture a Michelin (wo)man with high heel boots and leopard-print scarf!

or a straight up parka!

besos,

ML
Come say Bonjour at:

20 YORK STREET

Kristen said...

you do basics very well ;) cute outfit!

J. said...

Honestly, I think making basics look this fab and pulled together takes a lot more style mojo then outfits that are 'less casual' LOVE THIS!

WE INSPIRE US said...

this look is so stylish and casual =) vety cute =)

Kate's Rant said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kate's Rant said...

I had a typo. LOVE LOVE LOVE the bag!! Minka had a brown one that I almost beat her up for! xoxo

Kate's Rant said...

P.S. My outfit for running out the door: (I wish my skinny jeans resembled their name, but alas...) My look is generally the sweats I slept in, a top knot and I usually add a bra unless it's cold enough to wear a jacket. Mid-life crisis?? ;) xoxoxoxoxo

Bren said...

Valerie, I think this is the first post I've seen of you with your new A Wang! Are you loving it?? I think I need to carry less in mine because by the end of the day, it's really heavy! I love your casual outfit! I wear a lot of things like that, and I wear leggings more than I care to admit! I definitely need to mix it up more! Btw, I know I commented on your watch when we met for drinks, but I'm kind of obsessed with it! It's SO cool!

Hope to see you soon!

xoxo,
Bren