It might be hot as heck, but Fall is a coming! I spotted this jacket/pants combo on a stroll through H & M and had to have it. I surprised myself by how much I embraced the idea of wearing a pant suit, but I also saw so many possibilities for each piece on their own. It’s actually a bit of a relief to feel pulled together without much effort, because as much as I love fashion (and I do!), it’s not the epicenter of my life. Nor should it be.
I have to admit that putting this look together brought back memories of when I launched my post-grad self into the job market. When I started working in NYC, you wore skirts, blouses, heels, panty hose. My one nod to rebellion was wearing a bow tie that my Dad taught me how to do. Flash forward to a few years later, and hey, pants were cool to wear. I remember my first DKNY black pantsuit that I totally splurged on and felt so good every time I wore it. That’s the power of fashion! I loved that an accomplished, empowered woman was behind what was on my body. It felt good. I will say that my male co-workers and bosses still preferred their female counterparts in dresses and skirts. And we mostly acquiesced. But change was coming. And I think how now the world is a so much better place.

So back to this look. If you couldn’t tell, I’m kind of on a stripe roll. They just feel fresh and graphic. I know this is a classic red, white, and blue combo, but the varied stripes make it feel fresh and modern. I will definitely be paring this jacket with jeans. And I have a super cute tee and sneaker combo in mind for these pants. Stay tuned! For now, I finished this look with a cute embroidered “J’adore” tee. And my cheeky “oui non” espadrilles were, well, a fait accompli. My bag is vintage, but I’ve shared some links I think you’ll like below.

And I can’t sign off without a mention of Cafe Madelaine, the “délicieuse” addition to the Jersey City restaurant scene. Coffee and pastries for breakfast, and then fantastic quiches, salads and Croque Monsieur for lunch! Yum!!

Jacket: (H&M, sold out) liking this,  this and this , too.

Pants: (H & M) similar here and here.

Tee: (H & M) fun alternatives here, here and here.

Shoes: (old, Soludos)  but how about these or these!

Bag: (vintage, Adirondack Attic) but love this, this and this.

Photos by Kristin Moore-Gantz.