BLAZER: (old)  similar here +  here  //  TOP: Caslon  //  JEANS: Loft
BOOTS: (Hilfiger last year) similar here, here, here + here   //  WATCH: Fossil
BAG: (black-not shown) here //  BLACK BELT: Michael Kors // LEOPARD BELT: Merona  
SUNGLASSES: (old) similar here  //   EARRINGS: Majorica  //  BRACELET: Nina






















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It's no secret that I love a good blazer, if I lived in a cooler and drier climate as I did back home in Toronto or in California, this would be my almost daily uniform. I have a growing collection of them, so you'll see more blazers in future posts! In my opinion they are the perfect way to add a polished, pulled-together look to any outfit along with an appropriate pair of shoes or boots. The right blazer can be dressed up with a killer pair of pumps, black pants/black denim and a bold lip or made more casual with ballet flats or in my case above, a comfy pair of riding boots. Because there are so many colors, patterns and fabrics available, the options are truly endless. Also, let's not forget about the practical side of their warmth in the cooler months when layering is key. I've owned this plaid tweed blazer for a decade and it never fails to give a causal outfit a bit more sophistication. It adds to a more Equestrian-inspired look. Next up I'm looking for another tweed jacket with the classic elbow patches. As I've mentioned before in this post titled: 10 Jacket Every Classy Woman Should Own, coats + jackets are truly a worthy investment that you'll have for years to come!

I recently shared this quote on our Facebook community page recently talking about the importance of dressing how we want to be addressed along with my thoughts on the idea of wearing pajamas out in public. It created some lively discussion. ;) I'm a busy work-from- home mom like many of you, so I get it. I truly do understand how chaotic things can get in the mornings, as we recently enrolled our daughter in school back in October. However, as tempting as it may be to stay in yoga pants or lounge wear, out of respect for myself and others around me I always make an effort to be properly dressed for the day. Even if I'm just coming right back home to work on proposals for clients at my desk or running errands all day, I give myself 10-15 minutes to get dressed, freshen up with minimal makeup. Getting up 30 mins earlier than my daughter is a great way to have some time for myself and ensure I'm ready to begin my day. I've found that what works for me is to lay out everyone's clothing the night before (including my own) as well as pack lunch and her backpack so everything is ready to go in the morning. My daughter loves fruit and whole milk yogurt for breakfast, a smoothie or cereal, so it's pretty easy and filling for her without much preparation. I save elaborate breakfasts for the weekends. I dislike the feeling of being rushed in the morning and spending unnecessary time rummaging through my closet trying to figure out what to wear. However, on the mornings where my little one happens to sleep a bit later than usual or I'm running behind myself, this is my go-to kind of outfit. I think it's essential to have a few outfits like this in the back of our mind for rushed days so we can get out the door with minimal effort while still looking put together.

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 PIECES TO RE-CREATE A SIMILAR OUTFIT:








I've owned these skinny jeans for about 4 years now and they are still in stock here, however you wouldn't recognize them new! I've worn them into the ground a little, they were originally a very dark wash but they come in other rinses too. ;) They have a nice stretch to them so they're really comfy and especially during the first few months when I was pregnant with Lily as well as after her birth, they were a favorite go-to pair. You've seen these riding boots before (last seen here), they are Tommy Hilfiger from last year. Every time the temps drop below 65 degrees, I pull them out (and also when it rains, which lately has been quite often). Since we don't get much in the way of cool weather, I try to wear all of my boots as much as I can during this short "winter" window of time.

I'm a big believer in building a classic, timeless wardrobe, and part of that is stocking up on basics. In the coming weeks I'm going to put a post together on all of them shortly, but in the meantime, I'll mention that buying black and white short sleeved as well as long sleeved  tees are definite staples, and 3/4 length are great options too. I find crew neck to be the most versatile, however, v-necks to be the most universally flattering. I own both colors in the lengths and necklines mentioned. They're perfect for wearing alone with jeans, under a jacket, cape or cardigan or as an extra layer of warmth under a slightly itchy or see-through sweater.

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When it comes to accessories, belts are essential, and what belt wardrobe would be complete without a leopard print belt? I actually own a few different widths, colors and styles in the leopard print. I love this one, it's very affordable and I wear it often. It looks cute paired with matching leopard print pointy toe flats also!

These photos were shot on an overcast-turned-sunny day last week, what I wasn't expecting though was for it to be so windy, which is very unusual here in Orlando, hence why I'm holding my hair back in some of the pictures. After I removed the jacket and was getting ready to show some of my other favorite footwear options (mostly flats), when a huge gust of wind came and completely knocked my tripod and camera over onto the concrete! Thankfully my camera survived the fall however the lens, not so much. Anyway, I didn't get the chance to shoot the other looks, but I had these favorite black ballet flats on hand that day. They were a bit of an investment when I first purchased them a few years ago, however, whether I'm chasing my toddler around or wearing them out for brunch with girlfriends, they are always comfy and chic.



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Do you have a mom "uniform"? What is your go-to outfit on rushed days? 

If you liked today's classic style post, I'd love it if you'd share it or even pinned it to Pinterest for future reference. 

Thanks for stopping by!

XO