chicago – Witt & Style

Floral Fundamentals

March 28, 2019March 26, 2019by TW BakerLeave a Comment

In the words of Miranda Priestly… “Florals for spring…. groundbreaking.” An iconic line, but an accurate one none the less. But would it be spring without a post about floral prints…. not even close. If the trend isn’t broke, then don’t fix it, right?

Instead of going for my usual bright and cheery floral prints I’m leaning towards a darker and moodier option from Zara. Picked up at the end of the holiday season, I was immediately drawn to this piece because it reminded me of a water color painting and also looked like a more luxe approach to a spring and summer staple.

I always feel like Zara does a great job of making something look more expensive than it really is 😉 (that’s always the goal when I’m shopping) So instead of dropping a fortune at All Saints, this seemed like the perfect fit. As it’s been a colder spring anyway, this print transitions perfectly into the season.

With black jeans, it’s a great option for going out, but I’m excited to pair it with a bomber or blazer for a nice pop of color and pattern. Being from Zara, that means I’ve seen this top on others, and it honestly fits nicely on every body shape as it’s a bit loose.

Although floral prints might not be “groundbreaking” there is always a way to break new ground on how you approach a trend. For me, it’s taking a more dramatic route with a classic. I’m not sure about you, but I’m READY to start wearing spring clothes, it’s practically April, let’s get this season in bloom.

-TW

Fashion

Pop of Preppy

February 21, 2019February 21, 2019by TW BakerLeave a Comment

It’s been a hot minute… or month, since I’ve posted about an outfit. Perhaps I’m distracted by all my bachelor posts or perhaps I’m just overwhelmed with how crazy busy the last couple of months have been. Either way, I finally have a chance to sit down and break down a new look.

With years of prep school under my belt, I used to be extremely preppy. At the time, I thought I was EVERYTHING in my Vineyard Vines, seersucker pants and the latest Sperry’s. Just the thought of some of things I used to wear, yikes! When I moved to Chicago and realized I was a pastel fish out of water, I started adopted a more city-friendly look.

At my core though, there is a still a little bit of a preppy left in me. With today’s look, I feel like I’ve been able to merge together a more modern preppy aesthetic without looking too “school boy.” The look is really entered around this TopMan white sweater with striped neckline. White is not usually my first color choice, but the bold stripe reminded me of a collegiate style sweater that could be come an instant classic. Winter whites are always very fashion forward too.

If I were to pair this with khakis and a white button up, I think it’d start to look like a school uniform. Instead, a navy turtleneck and blue plaid pants break this up and make the whole outfit more contemporary.

When it comes to style, we can never truly change our spots completely. That’s me when it comes to being preppy, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Once the weather starts to break, hopefully I’ll be able to share more outfit ideas.

Stayed tuned for developments with Bachelor, home design, travel and fashion soon!

-TW

Fashion

Blue Velvet

January 8, 2019January 8, 2019by TW BakerLeave a Comment

We’re officially one week into January and resolutions are still in play, the new season of The Bachelor has started (and I already despise all the girls) and I’m back with a new look post to start the year off stylish.

The start of a very long winter typically makes sweatpants and bulky sweater even more appealing than usual. I’m trying my best to make sure I try to shy away from my tendencies and embrace dressy looks and try new options the season. This look is a great example of that. I’ve already welcomed turtlenecks with open arms, but now it’s about how to pull in other pieces like blazers to dress them up.

This navy velvet blazer is a such a show stopper in this winter look. Against my white turtleneck from Uniqlo is great for a day at work when you’re feeling a little fancy and even better for night out in the winter. Instead of going for the standard khakis or black pants, I went for a cobalt blue color, to add an extra pop. A pair of printed pants would be another way to add texture to the look!

I love this look because it’s just an easy way to elevate a rather easy winter ensemble. Anytime you add color, texture, or pattern, especially with basic pieces, it’s a win. Here’s to hoping our outfits and resolutions remain in tact as we get through the first month of the new year!

-TW

Fashion

Wrapped in Red

December 21, 2018January 8, 2019by TW BakerLeave a Comment

Four days till Christmas, how in the hell did that happen? As we know, presents have been purchased are wrapped, but when it comes to other holiday actives, I’m coming up a bit short.

Everyone usually has at least one holiday party to go to, whether you’re hosting one, heading to a friend’s, or going to your work party, a good outfit is crucial. I hosted a small get together earlier in the month, and then headed to my work Christmas party this week and made sure to have a holiday outfit lined up for each.

Although it is fun to wear the ugly sweaters, the light up ears, etc, this look is a more classic and modern taken on the red and green color scheme that most Christmas looks call for. I love both of these pieces on their own, and was happy to see they could work well together for the holidays.

The red cotton shirt was an amazing sale find while I was in London this summer. The deep crimson color works nicely as a pop of color. A similar style is here. It works well with jeans or in my case, dress pants.

I saw these trousers at Oak + Fort, and knew that I had to have them. The olive plaid print with the black pipping down the side is a nice detail. Pants like these are a nice twist on any basic pair of pants for the office. They’re cut a bit short, so long boots with coordinating socks make sure I don’t loose height.

With an oversized scarf and camel coat over the look, I’m ready for whatever holiday activities are ahead. I hope everyone goes into the final push towards holiday with high hopes for a Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays,

Fashion

Polar Express

December 7, 2018December 7, 2018by TW BakerLeave a Comment

It’s been quite a fast and excited holiday season so far! I’ve barely had a chance to catch up after an amazing and much needed respite in the tropics and heading right back into work full steam ahead before Christmas. Coming back from a island vacation means fasting the harsh reality that freezing temperatures are here and here to stay. The only thing that’s a positive is that that means layers and more looks.

I got a chance to work with both Express and Banana Republic to come up with a winter look that works perfectly as a transition to these colder days ahead. I’ve been loving these dark floral patterned prints as a way to nod to fall but in a color palette more appropriate for winter. They’re great for layered with dark tees as well! This shirt pairs perfectly with these black fitted black chinos from Banana Republic Factory.

I cannot stress how great these pants fit! Slim but not too slim, and give a lot of shape through the hips and back! I think it’s easy to go for jeans when it gets colder, but a great fitting pant should be the next best option sitting in your closet.

An easy bomber, this one is TopMan, in a charcoaled navy color, makes for an easy throw on peace to make this outfit more nighttime friendly. I’m looking forward to digging into my closet for more winter looks with plenty of layers and patterns coming soon.

Happy Friday,

Fashion

Sock it to me

August 17, 2018September 14, 2018by TW BakerLeave a Comment

As summer begins to wind down, (it’s winding down, right?) that means fall fashion is about to round the corner, and I for one am grateful. As much as I’ve loved donning floral prints and colorful shorts for the past few months, I’ve started to feel a bit receptive in my wardrobe routine. How many times can I change up a top and shorts. Contrary to the mean girl’s line, the limit does indeed exist in this case.

To get out of this little rut, I was given the challenge to try pairing a of socks from Style by Orion with a summer look to show that patterned long sock can work just as well as no show socks in these warmer months. When I think of long socks, I immediately think of sports. Thought that might sound silly, I think of golf socks, the gym scene in Grease, or even today’s tennis players. I figured it’d be more fun to take this look in that direction.

Even though “sporty” is not a word I’d ever use to describe myself or my closet, I liked the idea of pairing these fun polka dot socks with white sneakers to put a twist on the idea. My favorite Brooks Brother’s sweater that I scored years ago remains a classic. It feels like an old prep school pullover you might see the varsity team wearing.

Another reason I really wanted to take part in this was because I love that it’s founder is an Instagram friend, Ryan, who founded this company and designed the socks himself. It’s awesome to see his vision come to life, and extremely inspiring as a menswear lover myself.

I can’t wait to style these socks more, especially with fall on the horizon. For now, I’ll enjoy this month of sunshine and continue to stylishly tread through this Chicago heat wave.

-TW

Fashion

Express Yourself

June 26, 2018November 16, 2018by TW BakerLeave a Comment

Last month I had the opportunity to work on a spring look for Express, and today I’m finally able to share a little bit more about the look. The timing of the partnership couldn’t have been better, as spring was finally making an appearance in Chicago and my closet was in desperate need of something new.

As mocked by Miranda Priestly, wearing florals for spring might not be “groundbreaking” but it certainly works for a reason. I loved this floral printed button down in the sage color since it felt more like a neutral and less bold print. The real pop of color was added with these dusty pink pants. The fit and material are great for summer, not too bulky but still put together enough for work. Other color choices are here.

Back in high school and the early days of college, I was known for wearing bright colored pants. Hot pink, mustard yellow (why?), orange (also why?) and turquoise to name a few. Finding this softer option made me feel like a more mature version of myself. That’s one of the many reasons I love personal style, there is always room to evolve.

The shoes are my new summer favorites from Topman. A slip on loafer in a soft grey color, that go with pretty much everything I’m wearing this summer. A similar pair is here.

I loved the chance to come up with this look for Express and have another opportunity to work with them later this summer so stayed tuned for more. As June is winding down, my agenda in July is heating up. I’ve got a really big trip coming up and I’ll be sharing more about that too!

Stay tuned,