Top: Madewell–(comes in other colors too! Runs big, size down!) I also love this tank version that comes in tons of colors–and this slinky camisole is amazing! If you prefer sleeves, I absolutely ADORE this version that also has buttons down the front! Jeans: American Eagle–you saw them first in my fall weekend capsule wardrobe! They are seriously amazing! They run big though, size up! If you aren’t sold, I also recommend Everlane’s Modern Stretch jeans–I have their cigarette leg version and I am obsessed!

Coat: J.Crew–runs TTS but go a size down if you’re in between (it’s the camel color but it really looks camel-mustardy in person!) It runs TTS but it’s definitely a fall, not a winter coat–if you’re looking for something warm–I highly recommend the Cocoon coat (runs big) or the Lady Day coat (runs on the smaller side) Shoes: Marc Fisher (from DSW! Under $100!) if you want a lower heel I love these adorable scalloped pumps. Bag: Chanel (I know, you didn’t know I owned a Chanel bag–scroll down for details haha!) For a budget-friendly version, I always recommend the Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Love bag! It’s the same classic look for under $300 and is a really high quality bag!

Happy Friday guys!

It has been a WEEK, man. So busy! I have so many projects in the pipeline I admit I’m getting a bit overwhelmed but they’re all great things–so get excited!

Today’s post is going to be short and sweet because I’m already late getting this post up, but today we’re talking about one of my favorite trends–velvet! Do you own anything velvet yet? (I own some velvet leggings and they are one of my favorite fall/winter obsessions!) You know I’m always hesitant to jump head first onto any super trendy bandwagon, but I think velvet adds a perfect twist to a classic piece and is seriously made for winter wardrobes.

This is the exact outfit that I wore out to dinner at Bavettes (one of our favorite Chicago spots!) when we did our anniversary staycation celebration. (See my Chicago Staycation Itinerary blog post!) We stayed in the Gold Coast at our favorite hotel, the Waldorf Astoria, and were walking around and casually perusing the shops on Rush street–I stopped into Madewell and fell in love with this velvet buttoned camisole! I love the button detail and the fact that it’s super versatile like any other camisole, but with a velvet touch!

A note on fit:

I wore this with petals if you’re wondering what kind of bra I wear with it. If you are a girl that has more on top, I would probably suggest going with this velvet tank instead!

It was the perfect thing to pair with black jeans and heels–I particularly love how the Mary Janes add a little bit of retro sweetness to the outfit–but they would also look perfect with classic pumps like my go-to Sam Edelman’s!

The color of this coat was also not usually a combination I would think to put together, but it ended up really working–I love that it’s camel-ish with a mustard hue–seriously the most beautiful fall color and it’s one that looks good on so many different skin tones! Note for my Chicago/East Coast girls–it’s definitely not a *winter* coat–if you’re looking for a winter coat, I highly recommend the Cocoon coat (runs big) or the Lady Day coat (runs on the smaller side). I have a try on session with both on stories right now if you’re curious!

Also–worth noting–yes:

I am wearing a Chanel bag in these photos ?It has always been the only designer bag I’ve ever wanted (granted, I thought it was something I would get when I was much older!) and Neal surprised me with it for my 30th birthday in July. I cried and wanted to murder him for spending that much on me, but he always gets me things I would never splurge on myself. It’s definitely a once in a lifetime purchase–but it’s my favorite thing in my whole closet–I’ve never felt more classic than when I’m wearing it.

I admittedly haven’t worn it on the blog yet because it felt weird–my blog is very much built on the notion of everyday, attainable style for the everyday girl and Chanel obviously doesn’t fit into that–so I almost changed my bag for the photos–but also, I love it, and it’s part of what made this outfit feel so special, and it feels so “me.” So, long story short, I guess I’m just saying this to reassure you–I’m not turning into a designer label snob, I promise! ?

ANYWAY–back to velvet tanks! They really are the perfect layering weapon–they add another textural element to your outfit and can often feel a lot dressier than your average tank top–they’re such an easy way to spice up your go-to outfit formula! Here are some more favorite ways to style yours:

How to style a velvet tank:

First, shop all the tanks: 

Now, how to style them:

With a skirt: 

That would look so cute with a leather skirt and OTK boots or knee high boots! (I’ve heard really good things from friends about these Steve Madden OTK boots and you will wear these Blondo waterproof suede boots every day in the winter!) I probably wouldn’t pair it with a suede skirt though, as the textures are too similar.

To the office: 

Layer your velvet tank under a plaid blazer or even better–a sweater blazer! (I’m obsessed with the Sophie blazer from J.Crew, but their longer Juliette blazer is amazing too! Both are 25% off!) I’d recommend pairing with a tailored trouser–these from J.Crew that are 25% off! I also love Everlane’s “work pants” that are made of this super stretchy material that is really figure flattering, comfortable, and they don’t wrinkle! (Almost like a ponte pante, but thicker almost?) A pencil skirt would also be super cute!

With faux leather leggings: 

Layer it under a cardigan with a pair of leather leggings and loafers (these are my favs aside from the Guccis!) for a casual weekend or get together with friends–or, dress it up, with the same leather leggings, a pair of pumps or heeled booties, and that same blazer from the office!

With a leather jacket: 

Take the same outfit formula I’m wearing here, but add a leather jacket! This same outfit would also look super cute if you swapped skinny jeans for straight leg crops–this Everlane pair and this J.Crew pair are my current favorites! Both look really cute with heeled booties (I just got these from Madewell–currently 20% off!) or if you are wanting to make a statement, I’m in love with these leopard booties! 

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What are your thoughts on velvet tanks? Hope you have a great weekend!