LONG overdue!  Have I mentioned to you all that I’ve been crazy for pleats all fall.  Teased by the trend in the summer, I honestly worried the pleated skirt seemed a bit….juvenile, maybe?  I (as always, seriously need to get out of my own way) just kind of paused on the idea.

J Crew Nautical top with crisp cuffs pairs beautifully with their vegan leather pleated skirt. Shop it in black by clicking the photo

When I found this vegan leather pleated skirt at Nordstrom late summer, I was sold.  It was so cute paired back with a nautical top that I attempted the look.  I threw my Great-grandmother’s pearls on with my FAVORITE sparkly ballet flats to complete a really cute and ladylike style.

all the pearls with everything! Mine are SUPER vintage, but I linked a similar multi-strand necklace in the photo.

Stuart Weitzman D’Orsay ballet flats are the PERFECT little shoe. Linked in the photo to Off 5th to purchase.

Soft Lumberjack vibe?

Never enough to wear something just one time, one way–I challenged myself to find a couple more options to take me through fall and winter (think tights).  Next up was a fun navy and pink plaid flannel shirt.  Totally NOT what you’d typically put with a leather skirt, I think the bell sleeve gives this top just enough of a feminine touch to work with the girliness of the skirt.

A slight bell flair makes this top slightly girly, and I LOVE it! Linked in the photo (In black)

I pulled out some block-heel booties for footwear. Would be great with tights on a cooler day in winter, too! (Great black bootie linked in the photo)

 

 

 

 

Casually knotted at the waist to mix it up!

 

This is a really soft top that goes great with jeans as well.  The pink lightens the mood of the bold plaid in a way that I really like.  Not too “Paul Bunyan!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distressed Denim and Sneakers

My final look takes this skirt back to spring, or (hopefully) a winter warm up.  You know what I mean–that day that the temps jump back up into the 50’s or more and you scramble for what works from your closet?  These are all pieces that stay within arm’s reach, thereby making those unexpected warm ups manageable.

Grab your GO TO white slub tee (If you don’t have one, please go buy at least three TODAY.  AND a couple in black and grey while you’re there.  You’ll thank me later), busted up jean jacket, and some statement sneakers for an afternoon of shopping or brunching!

Find yourself the PERFECTLY worn in Jean Jacket. One of my faves is linked in the photo.

  This outfit literally begs for an afternoon browsing little shops and galleries! Between coffee and snack stops, I enjoyed a day in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, and look forward to another day soon. Scroll to the bottom for my favorite spot there….

 

I adore Steve Madden statement sneakers….check the photo for some of my favorites.

Who can resist some cool sterling jewelry? Click the photo to inquire with Diamond Design Jewelers for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local Neighborhood Secret Treasure

If you’re visiting Lawrenceville, make sure you stop in to Gerbe Glass .  The studio is right on Butler street and you can watch artist (and my friend) Bernadette Gerbe working her craft in the front window.  She’s happy to explain the process of glass blowing and has a HUGE selection of stunning blown glass pieces.

Bernadette is a glass-blowing bada$$ and it’s loads of fun watching her create her art!

 

xo,

 

Sam

 

photos by Julianne Kahlbaugh