urban.

Silk Blouse: Everlane c/o.  Leather Jacket: Halogen via Nordstrom Rack. (similar here and here.) Faux Fur Sweater Vest: Loft. (old, similar)  Coated Jeans: Old Navy. (similar) Slouchy Beanie: Target.(similar)  Bag: Michael Kors. (similar.) Booties: Bella Vita. Sunglasses: H&M (similar.)

My sister told me I looked very urban in this outfit.  I can dig that.  I felt very urban, although I admittedly live in a rather small town.  It’s small but it’s got all sorts of character and funky little corners and it’s nestled in a really really beautiful little valley, so take that streets of Manhattan!  (just kidding New York, you know I love you too.)

So I was talking all about how it was starting to feel like spring the other day and then boom, the weather decided to remind me that no, it is in fact still February in Utah.  Touché winter.  Although, we didn’t get the snow they said we get, so I’m hoping this cold-front doesn’t stick.  Dream on Cori, dream on…

Whenever it’s chilly my constant urge to layer completely overcomes me and I end up in a subconscious competition with myself to see how many of them I can possibly pile on without looking like the stay-puff marshmallow man.  Which of course is always a struggle when you’re petite.  I know a lot of petite women avoid layers because of it, but I just can’t quit them.  A few tips for layering without over-doing it on bulkiness:

1. use proportions, if you are layering on top, scale it down with skinnies and a pair of understated booties.

2. Rather than a full coat, try a slim cut or cropped leather jacket.  Leather is really warm and not nearly as bulky.  A worthy investment.

3. If you want to add fur, less is more, find a piece with just a fur collar, or pick up a fur snood.  This faux fur sweater vest was a Loft find years ago, and I still love it.

4. Silk blouses are your silver bullet.  Silk is like wool and linen to me.  They are magic fabrics.  Silk can do things you never thought possible.  Seriously, if it’s possible for a blouse to change your life, the blouse of a silk variety is going to be the one to do it.  Perfectly drapey, incredibly soft, lightweight, and surprisingly warm (natural fibers people!), silk takes chic to a whole new level, provides the perfect layering piece (almost no added bulk!) and is the quintessential wardrobe staple.

I’ve made no secret of my love and admiration for all things Everlane.  They have become my go-to for wardrobe staples, and being a clothing designer, I appreciate the attention to detail that goes into every single piece they create, right down to the last button.  (Incidentally, Mr. is a huge fan of their men’s tees.  I think he owns every color.)  I also appreciate their transparency in manufacturing.  I love that they are making beautiful designer clothing, ethically and for a great price.  But back to the silk.  Of all the silk pieces I own, and I have blouses from Banana Republic, J Crew, and Equipment, my Everlane silks are my very favorite.  Loving the colors in their new Woodlands collection.  So beautifully rich.

Join Everlane here.

And have a fabulous weekend.

(this blouse was given to me by Everlane, but they did not pay me to gush.  I just really love their stuff.)