Outfit Post: Black and White Winter Layers

So that pesky polar vortex came back to the DC area and slammed us with six plus inches of snow and sub zero wind chills. I'm sure you're very tired indeed of seeing screen shots of temps from your DMV friends who know that we SHUT the city down with one inch of snow...so I'll keep the complaining to a minimum and only say that old house owners have anxiety attacks over weather like this. But snow or no, if you have a hound it still needs to go outside. And because we have neighbors and I can't go outside in pajamas, this is basically my November through April take out the dog and run a few errands in mucky weather outfit. Huzzah! More closet staples!

The jacket: I've had this jacket for I think three years now and I am still completely in love with it. I was looking for a dark, mid-weight coat that had some water repellent capabilities but was also stylish and casual. A quilted barn jacket is the perfect fit for me. Another big sell? This came in a petite size! Those with short torsos rejoice! If you're looking for sizing advice, I'm 5' 4" and wearing an XS petite. 

The top: I absolutely love this top from LOFT. I love the neckline and the traditional, classic French stripes. It's a very thick fabric which makes it perfect for cooler temps...but the back is the best part! I like to pair this with a pencil skirt to dress it up.

The jeans: Let me start off by saying I very much prefer very dark wash jeans... but this is what happens when you have a pair you love and wash. Signs of wear happen. And if they're authentic? No problem here.  My two favorite pairs are from J.Crew and....(God help me) the Lauren Conrad line from Kohls. I have no idea how I ended up with them, but they're great.

The Boots: I'm not sure what it is, but once girls hit college, rain boots are something you have literally never thought of before in your life but you are now obsessed with acquiring. Instead of buying cheap ones from Target, after a single rainy season at JMU, the now husband bought me sturdy, classic ones from J. Crew. Still kicking. Still awesome. Buy quality and you'll only cry once. 

Outfit: Quilted Coat: LL Bean  // Striped Top: LOFT, similar non zip version, similar layered version  // Jeans: similar // Boots: JCREW (no longer sold), similar // Sunglasses: Moorea Seal