Mauve Open Back Sweater

It’s funny, because when I wore this mauve open back sweater and leather jacker combo last weekend during New York Fashion week, it actually was feeling like fall. There was a slight crisp wind, it was sunny, it was in the low to mid 70’s. It was just perfect! This weekend in Chicago, it hit the mid 80’s… I’m not gonna lie, everyone kept saying how beautiful this weather was but I was kind of sad haha. I’m currently wearing a tee and denim mini skirt and wishing there was a need for something cozy.

Open Back Sweater // Jeans // Flats (similar) // Leather Jacket (similar) // Sunglasses // Bag

There’s kind of a funny story behind this outfit. I mentioned in my NYFW recap post that on the Friday I spent the morning at a RewardStyle party, barely made it in time to a show, and then was scheduled to shoot with a photographer, the lovely Vicki Bartel. The show ended up lasting only a few minutes, and I had kind of assumed it would be at least a 45 min commitment! So, I ended up with a lot of time on my hands, with not enough time to go meet up again with friends, or head back to my hotel to change. At this point in the day, I also have already been photographed heavily in my current outfit, and was wishing I had packed a second outfit. I ended up walking around and ended up in the Meatpacking District. All of a sudden I realize I am dead center in the middle of a huge shopping area, think little boutiques, bigger stores like Anthropologie and Joie; I turn a corner and come face to face with a Madewell, remember my family’s (well, myself, mum and sister’s) mantra, that it isn’t a vacation without a little shopping, and decide I’ll just go pick myself out a new outfit before my shoot.

 

I decided to try and make do with what I had as best as possible; had a pair of Valentino Rockstud heels, that were beautiful, but absolutely destroying my feet. I also had a pair of metallic silver flats. I also had my giant Karen Walker sunglasses, (that for some reason I only seem to gravitate towards for fall outfits!), and a leather moto jacket, and Gucci Dionysis bag. It was enough to come up with something totally different. After a morning of being very dressed up, I was craving something a bit more casual.

I immediately checked out all of the new jeans they have for the season. I have been obsessed with Madewell denim since I was in high school; I find it is always crazy flattering, high quality, and comfortable. I had been eyeing this pair of high waisted, raw hem, skinny jeans with the buttons going up the front, for quite some time. I love these because they are slightly stretchy, and have a really great blue wash on them. I’ll admit, I typically tend to gravitate towards destroyed denim, but I’ve been trying to mix it up lately. These are pretty tame; however, they do have the cute buttons going up the front, and have these cool overly raw hems. I love that you can wear them with anything; they’re perfect for rocking the white tee and jeans combo!

Madewell has been a longtime go to for fall and winter sweaters as well; I’ve been seeing a ton of this pretty, soft, mauve color, so this immediately popped to me. It also came in a fun mustard color. The back of it is kind of an open-back style; it’d be cute with a patterned or lace cami top underneath. I’m a big fan of layering leather jackets with cozy sweaters in the fall; it’s just an easy way to look instantly chic. When It’s actually a little chilly, I love wearing this look on the weekends with leggings, cute sneakers, and a scarf.

So I bought both, had enough time to change in a hotel bathroom and even grab an iced coffee and a few minutes to collect my thoughts and take a break, and then went and met Vicki in SoHo to shoot. She was so much fun to work with, and her and her assistant were total dolls! This is the first time I’ve worked with professional photographers on a trip, and as great of a job Francis does taking photos for me, there was definitely something really special about how the pro ones turned out. I just think they maybe capture the essence of the city a little bit better 🙂 I’m excited to try and line up some shoots with other local photographers for some upcoming trips I have!