Last week while running a few errands I took a detour and wondered into a store I’ve never been in.  So glad I did because I stumbled upon these pups.

These were more of a practical purchase than they were a fashion choice, but matched my goal of trying to perk up my Fall outerwear.  Since riding horses is a part of our weekly routine, I was thrilled to find something that I can pop on over my breeches after riding or stomp around in puddles and mud at the barn.  Love their cozy fleece lining.

These Sperry boots are $98 online right here but only $49 at the outlet where I picked them up.  As I was checking out, the nice sales associate told me that anyone can order from thier store and they’ll ship for only 5 bucks.  Seriously?!  So I wanted to pass that along to you.  NOTE:  they do run one size large – I had to get a 7 even though I’m a true 8 or even 8 1/2 in some brands.  If you’re a horse girl you might want to grab a pair!  The outlet’s number is 850-654-0525 if you’d like to check on your size.

These simple boots got me thinking about the whole concept of outerwear and how I struggle with it.  A dressy outfit is easy for me to pull together…but outerwear?  It just doesn’t come naturally.  Our lifestyle here is very outdoorsy so I can’t exactly avoid it.

So I decided the best way to approach outerwear is to first get into a classic state of mind.  It sets the tone.

When I analyzed it, I realized achieving a good outerwear look is all about blending the basics: jeans, blazers, patterns and boots.  Then toss in some layers.  Messy, loose ponies and unstructured dos bring it all together.

Equestrian vibe…I know you’re not going to walk out of the house in a riding habit with a pony crop in hand, but the idea of a scarf and a herringbone pattern is a good start.  Although I think she looks pretty darn cute for a day of hacking on her horse.

I think patterns such as plaid and stripes-on-stripes take the frump out of outerwear.  I even like to borrow a few ideas from menswear.

Pattern inspires me.

This is cute.  Love the look of socks peeking out of boots, very big this season.  If you like this girl, she has a hundred more adorable outdoorsy looks over here.

For some reason when I searched for inspirational pics, most every look showed blondes?  Ahhh, here’s a brunette.

And if you just need a more relaxed vibe for your outerwear, I’m all about the classic blazer and jeans.  You can NEVER go wrong there.  This nice thing about this look is it’s playground-friendly for those of us who have to rough it outside with out tots.

It’s still very hot here at the beach, but it’s never to early to start planning for our cooler days.  They’re definitely on their way.  Cannot wait!

QUESTION:

What one weekend activity are you looking forward to doing when the weather cools down?

Happy weekend!