You may have heard the old adage, “If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, always dress in layers.”
Some good advice right there, because despite being only 47 square miles, S.F. weather can vary wildly from one neighborhood to the next. One minute, you’re sunning yourself at a sidewalk cafe in the Mission District (here’s a city map); the next, you’re freezing your booty off by the beach in the Richmond (my old stomping grounds!).
Better to be safe than sorry.
Enter layers! — pieces of clothing you can quickly peel on/off.
Before driving into the city yesterday, I set aside a few of my favorite things to layer…
My crunchy outer shell (LOL!) consisted of this zippered faux-leather jacket I found at Nordstrom a couple seasons ago… I think the rich chocolate color goes well with black and gray clothes.
Under the jacket, because the city can get pretty cold, and because I also wanted to be able to cover my head if it started raining (which it did), I wore this zippered hoodie by Zella.
(SIDE NOTE: Zella is a line of fitness clothing kinda like a less expensive version of Lululemon. I’ve been finding their stuff at Nordstrom.)
With this piece, I like that if I get too warm in it, I can unzip the sleeves and convert it to a vest.
That wasn’t necessary yesterday, but I like having the option. I bet it’ll be nice when it’s warmer in the spring and summer.
Since I wasn’t sure how long I would be out, I wanted to be comfortable, so I opted for a stretchy top, leggings and boots…
The top I’m wearing here is actually a dress I found on sale in the juniors department at Nordstrom Rack for $10! It’s kind of short for me to wear as a straight-up dress, but I think the leggings and boots sort of turn it into a tunic — one of my favorite fashion tricks. 🙂
A breakdown of the outfit…
- Leggings — Hue (Macy’s)
- Top — Rubbish (I’m not sure if it’s still available, but you might be able to find something similar at Nordstrom Rack)
- Shoes — Fergie (I spotted the black version of these boots at DSW a few weeks ago)
- Hoodie — Zella (Check Nordstrom for availability)
- Jacket — Ashley B (from fall 2010, I believe)
How about your outfit today? Did you go for cute, comfy or a little bit of both?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I’m not normally a leather jacket kind of a person, but you look awesome. I like that the zipper isn’t in the middle. That seems to make it more acceptable.
Hi Trisha,
I’m not either, but I loved the cut of this jacket!
I love Zella! Oh em gee, Zella is just as good quality as Lululemon, at a fraction of the price! Zella is one of Nordie’s house brands and the creator used to be the creative director at Lululemon, or something like that (hence the similar logo on the jackets).
Karen – Have you tried the live-in leggings? I swear by them! I picked up two pairs; one for working out and one for layering with tunics and dresses. I also love their “booty fit” yoga pants 🙂
Hi Janet,
I haven’t! Do I need them in my life?
Yes you do! They’re so comfy, you won’t regret trying them 🙂
You look adorable! I love your umbrella. I was in San Francisco a few weeks ago and the weather was SO confusing; sunny and freezing and super windy all at the same time! Make up your damn mind, pretty city!
I wore the weirdest outfit today: an oversize tuxedo t-shirt; a slouchy green tartan cardigan; a short lace slip as a skirt; black tights; and black lace-up ankle boots. With messy hair and lots of jewellery. It’s so far from what I normally wear, but I felt like dressing like someone else today!
Hi Chess,
Yup, you pretty much described SF. 🙂 How did you like the city? Were you here for work or fun?
I really like what you did with this outfit. I perspire fairly easily, so taking off outer layers is a plus for me. 🙂
Hi Chris,
Thanks! I get sweaty when the weather heats up. Thank goodness for layers!
i love the outfit!
its officially warm here in Htown … so ive taken all the winter stuff to the cleaners. i hardly ever need a cardi anymore!
Hi Nina,
Lucky you! I can’t wait for the time when I can walk around without a sweater. Soon, soon. 🙂
How’s your Thursday going? Will your workday be over soon?
The workweek was a bit weird for me, but I just want to put it all behind me today. 🙂
Its getting to warm to wear jeans … im on the lookout for some lighter pants!
I really like this outfit. I didn’t know about Zella… never to late to learn though!
Then that’s why I read your blog 🙂
Hi Marie,
It’s a great line. Some of the stuff isn’t as edgy as Lululemon, but it still has that same sort of cool gal vibe. So far I’ve tried their jackets, shirts and pants. I like them a lot.
Love your outfit!
Hi Marian,
Thank you.
It’s been a while since you mentioned anything about your cat. How’s he doing?
Love your outfit! I’ve just posted a look too! I’m mostly comfy today;)
Hi Antonia,
Cool! I check yours out. 🙂
Oh it’s very pretty Karen, really !
Hi Dominique,
Thanks, hon. 🙂 What outfit did you go with today?
Happy almost Friday!
I love this outfit, it’s very pretty!
Hi Gio,
Thank you! 🙂
Boots are GREAT for bad weather! You look like you’re ready to take on a rainy day!
Hi Sunny,
Totally agree about the boots. 🙂 Have you ever tried ankle boots? I got a pair a couple of years ago that are surprisingly versatile.
This is great! I live in San Jose and when I’m up in SF it definitely changes up on me from warm to cold. I definitely want to find that Zella line!
I love that faux-leather jacket!
Thanks! It’s my fave jacket. 🙂
Everything about that outfit is adorable but I particularly like your hoodie! I’m in my fancy work clothes today (7 for All Mankind jeans and a long sleeve v-neck T). Believe it or not, it’s a step up from my usual sweatpants. 🙂 It’s raining and on the cool side here (40s, maybe?).
cute outfit! i love the makeup too…
what are you wearing on your eyes?
Very cyberpunk!