HOW TO WEAR IT: SIMPLE LAYERS

chicwish jacket (sold out, similar here)

target chambray (sold out, similar here)

sheinside leather leggings, c/o 

tieks, c/o

barrington bag, c/o

pom-pom hat via tjmaxx, c/o (similar here and here)

michael kors watch

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANA LAURENE

Right now we're in full blown spring weather, complete with frequent rain showers, so I'm taking full advantage of the cool temperatures and pulling out all my layering pieces. And although sometimes I can get a little crazy with the layers, the simplest ones are always my favorite because they give off such an effortless vibe while still looking chic and pulled together.

Here's how to wear it. Start with a basic button up, like a chambray (my favorite casual top). You could exchange this for a tee, but the button up will keep it from being so casual. A pretty blouse is also a good alternative here. Then layer with a jacket. I went for an oversized utility style one because oversized maintains that effortless feel, but you could do a leather jacket or a short wool coat if the weather is cold. Since my top layers are so simple, I went for a more unexpected and bold pants choice -- leather leggings -- but jeans are a good option too. Try black, white, regular blue denim, or a super distressed pair. 

Now that you have all the main components of your outfit, it's time to accessories, because these final touches are the pieces that will make an outfit feel complete. Since it was a chilly day when I wore this, I went for a cute hat, and then finished my look with an animal print bag and flats. You could also try a brightly colored bag for a statement, or a stack of bracelets. 

The key is to not overdo it, and to make it look effortless. Because simple and effortless is always in style! 

Happy Tuesday!

TRANSITION (+ A WHITE PLUM GIVEAWAY!)

outfit 1:

white plum blouse, c/o (20% off with code MERRICKSART)

similar jeans

similar boots here and here (25% off at SHOPBOP with code FAMILY25)

petunia pickle bottom bag, c/o

urban outfitters sunglasses

outfit 2:

white plum sweater, c/o (20% off with code MERRICKSART)

similar button up (or dress version)

dittos jeans, c/o

sam edelman booties

petunia pickle bottom bag, c/o

urban outfitters sunglasses

PHOTOS BY JANA LAURENE

During those transitional months, when the weather is changing from hot to cold or vice versa, it's important to have a few transitional pieces -- ones that work for warm and cold days, and can also work in your closet during most of the year. 

I teamed up with White Plum today to bring you two outfits that are perfect for those transitional days, AND to give away $100 to their darling shop! The Pacifica Embroidered Blouse is one I could wear ALL summer long with shorts and sandals, but is perfect with boots and a jacket as the weather cools down.  

And the Archer Oversized Sweater? You guys, I want to live in this thing. It's that perfect cozy sweater you can bundle up in during the cooler mornings and evenings, and then wrap around your waist for a laid back (and less hot) look during the day. 

Enter to win $100 to White Plum through the rafflecopter widget below, or, if you can't wait, use code MERRICKSART to get 20% off your purchase until 10/24! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



And if you're looking for more great transitional pieces, be sure to check out SHOPBOP right now, because today is the last day of the 25% off sale! Click the images below to shop my favorites, and use code FAMILY25 at checkout for 25% off your order (Sale ends TONIGHT!)

HOW TO LAYER YOUR NECKLACES

Delicate jewelry is so popular this season, and after going crazy over statement jewelry for the last few years, I'm ready to tone it down and go for something a little more simple. But even the most simple jewelry can be fun to play around with sometimes, and one of my favorite ways to amp up the basic, delicate pieces is to layer them.

If you're trying to figure out how to layer yours, try these tips:

1. Pick pieces that are similar to each other, like the "V" shaped pieces I styled together in my first outfit here, or the spiked pieces in the second outfit. This will make your layering look purposeful and help the pieces flow well together.

2. Create contrast. I love creating contrast in outfits. Try pairing those delicate pieces with chunky pieces, or short pieces with long ones. Also, play around with a lot of delicate ones paired together, or one chunky and one delicate. Mixing and matching is what makes it fun!

3. Choose a similar neckline. Show off your gorgeous layering by choosing a top with a neckline that's similar to the shapes of your necklaces. If your necklaces are long, choose a deeper v-neck blouse. If your necklaces are shorter and rounded, go for a scoop neck.

4. Mixed metals is allowed! Silver, gold, rose gold -- they're all fair game. Mixing the same metals will look the most purposeful, but don't feel like you have to stick to just one.

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outfit 1:

golden tote top, similar here

inpink necklace, c/o

gorjana necklace, c/o

gap jeans

gorjana bracelet, c/o

michael kors watch

outfit 2:

target sweatshirt dress

dittos jeans, c/o

lily jade bag, c/o

similar spiked necklace

gorjana necklace, c/o

dv wedges via nordstrom rack

gorjana bracelet, c/o

michael kors watch

RAIDING MY SISTERS CLOSET: PINTEREST INSPIRED

For this round of Raiding My Sister's Closet, we drew outfit inspiration from Pinterest. Pretty much every day when I'm getting dressed I browse through my Dressing Myself board, looking for inspiration and fresh ideas, so this day was no different. I chose this layered look since it was a fairly cool day, and I loved the idea of layering a lightweight blouse under a textured sweater, under a leather jacket. Plus, it was a good excuse to wear my new favorite cognac colored jacket. 

 

______________________

jacket: c/o sheinside

sweater: tjmaxx, similar, similar

blouse: c/o kiki la'rue

pants: h&m, similar, similar

wedges: forever 21, similar

bag: c/o oasap 

Now go check out Janssen and Landen's Pinterest inspired outfits!