cashmere & leather

Certain combinations become more than the sum of their parts: Champagne and oysters, Roquefort and Sancerre (which I urge you to try), hot cocoa and whipped cream, pretzels and dark chocolate…cashmere and leather.

IMG_9932

I am no avid proponent of cashmere, generally preferring softer cotton blends, but it is warm and in this crewneck sweater I found a price/texture/color combination that I like. I do like a crewneck.

IMG_9942So…cold…

IMG_9931

These color combinations are a flaunting of the oft-repeated guidelines not to pair navy or brown with black. Can anyone fail to notice that black and brown are in fact phenomenal together? That black and navy, too, can be entirely pleasing? Along with navy and any shade of gray? Navy and any other blue? Navy and taupe?

By all means, match your shoes to your belt if it comforts you, but these things really must be determined on a case by case basis.

IMG_9956Express jean leggings, AllSaints leather jacket, Everlane cashmere sweater, J Crew silk camisole, Steve Madden pumps, faux fur collar (eBay), fingerless mittens (eBay), Pearls of Joy 9mm studs. On the lips: Lipstick Queen Saint lipstick in Berry.

IMG_9935

x

 

the bohemian

I borrowed some lovely pearl pieces from the Etsy shop bluebirrrd dreams and, when Sarah, the shop owner, mentioned she loved wearing the lariat necklace as a bracelet, the look I envisioned took a most welcome turn for the bohemian. One of my favorite alter-egos.

IMG_0069

I like the mixing of texture and color that often accompanies a bohemian look. The aesthetic is that of a happy jumble, and the profusion of irregular peacock pearls makes for an appealing accent. The careless, rumpled elements just improve the look. Conveniently.

IMG_0052

IMG_9699

I like long necklaces, which has come up already, and I particularly like a lariat; essentially one long string with no clasp that can be arranged as you please. This one has beautiful peacock coloring.

IMG_9798

IMG_9737

The sun was not cooperating today. Dubious interior background.  [See that box? That box is full of wigs.]

Doc Martens, H&M leg warmers, Ralph Lauren Rugby cardigan, and…I can’t remember where the rest of this stuff is from. Variously thrifted. On the nails; Essie polish in Sew Psyched. On the lips; Lipstick Queen lipstick in Jean Queen*.

*I’ll talk more about this later, this formula is genius, more a luxe tinted balm, and this particular color is one of the most subtle and flattering pinks I’ve come across.

This eyeshadow is from MakeupGeek in the shade Goddess. Lovely sepia! Unfortunately it is almost perpetually out of stock.

Here I realize the cherry blossom pearl drop earrings I’ve borrowed would be fitting for this look, too.

IMG_0154

x

This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. Featured pearls are on loan from Bluebirrrd Dreams.