When I saw the ensemble this morning, I immediately knew I wanted to build an outfit around my light grey pinstripe blazer. (I actually have two light grey blazers - this one and the knit Gap one with citron trim.) Because it's also bitterly cold here right now with a lot of snow still on the ground, I knew I needed to wear warm layers and the footwear had to be my Blondo boots. The Longchamp bag is also a necessity since I am toting a lot of stuff around with me all day. (Since I'm going out to dinner tonight, I didn't want to wear my Sorels.) My "white" is actually my lightweight cream cashmere sweater. I actually preferred this outfit with a true white top for that icy look, but all of my white tops are too cold for today. Note that the stripes on the jacket are actually cream anyway. I also layered a handknit light blue silk/wool blend mini-vest thingy underneath for additional warmth and that pop of light blue. I think I might be pushing it slightly with what I can fit under this particular blazer, but gotta stay warm. Lighter blue jeans and the aforementioned Blondo boots round out the ensemble.

I think a grey wool coat would be great here, but I don't have one so I just wore my warm black wool coat. In addition to what you see here, I also had a layering cami and smartwool knee socks. So that makes a total of five layers on the top with the coat, and three layers on the bottom. Nice and toasty, not a puffer in sight!

I would love to revisit this outfit when the weather is warmer and I don't have so many weather/situational restrictions on items. My ideal version of this outfit would have a true white top, my charcoal patent tall boots, and my silver backpack.

(Nanette Lepore jacket, Uniqlo cashmere sweater, handknit mini-vest, Vince jeans, Blondo boots, Longchamp bag)