What I'm Wearing Now: January (New Series!)

1. Floral Patterned Dress, H&M  //  2. Motorcycle Jacket (10+ years old; love this this similar jacket from Madewell)  //  3. Black Knit Beanie, F21  //  4. Grey Cowl Scarf (knitted by my stepmom; love this similar scarf from the Gap)  //  5. Green Plaid Flannel Button-Down (similar), Target  //  6. Black Leggings, Target  //  7. Classic Chambray Shirt, J.Crew Factory  //  8. Double Fringe Side-Zip Boot, Minnetonka  //  9. Madison Boots, Trask  //  10. Girlfriend Jeans, H&M  //  11. Cate the Great Deco Boots, Sorel   

On the 2015 Reader Survey that I recently posted, I asked you which categories you most enjoyed on Bubby and Bean, as well as your favorite series. It turns out that you guys really dig fashion. Style and fashion themed posts ranked number two out of the ten category options (right behind personal posts), and my outfit posts ranked first of all the series that we run.

I also got several comments under the "other" option stating that you missed seeing my outfit posts in the winters, when I admittedly post very few of them thanks to Chicagoland's hideously freezing temps. There were also a couple of comments where you guys said you noticed I've posted outfits less since becoming a mom and would like for me to find ways to share what I'm wearing more often. (High fives to the person who said "really love your style posts, wish you would do more of them again! i know motherhood leaves little time." You nailed it, and I appreciate the understanding!)

First of all, I'm flattered and a little surprised that you guys like seeing what I'm wearing, mainly because I feel like my style is completely predictable and usually pretty boring. ("Oh look, she's wearing a black boho dress/floppy hat/fringe ankle boots… again.") Second, you're right - outfit posts have become less and less over the past year. A large part of this is indeed due to my transition into motherhood, and the straight up truth that I don't have the time I once did to dress up in outfits that would even slightly resemble something photo-worthy, or to take the photos themselves even when I do (camera equipment, toddlers, and patience don't mix.). I'm also gonna be completely honest with you guys - I do not love doing outfit photo shoots. I just can't take myself seriously posing for the camera, looking all dreamy into the distance with my hand on my hip like I'm all sorts of important. 75% of the pictures we take of my outfits are of me either mid-laughing fit at how silly it all feels or looking completely awkward with, like, an empty-eyed, Zoolander-style blue steel look plastered across my face. This isn't to say that I won't be sharing outfit posts anymore. I absolutely will, when it's physically possible to get outside again. I'm just being transparent about why they've become so few and far between.

All of this said (if you're still reading, yes, I'm finally about to get to the point), I started thinking about of all this, and how I could still share what I'm wearing at the moment without relying exclusively on my inconsistent outfit posts. And bam, a new series idea came to me. Once a month, I'll put together a round-up collage featuring some of the clothing and accessory items (or the most similar pieces I can find, if certain items are sold out, old, or thrifted/vintage) that I'm wearing the most that particular month. Truth be told, I tend to wear the same small handful of outfits on repeat for several week periods, so it's pretty easy to show you guys what's in the front of my closet at any given time.

So without any further rambling, welcome to the first post in the 'What I'm Wearing Now' series, which features pieces from my January 'uniform'. There's lots of basics happening during these stay-inside-and-remain-comfy weeks, lots of soft button-downs, and lots of layering. And lots of knit beanies, because my hair in January is filled with winter air induced static and dry shampoo on the regs.

Thank you again, by the way, for taking the reader survey. It was honestly very helpful, and it was also fun to see what you guys like (and don't like). If you missed the survey, please remember that I'm always happy to get feedback and suggestions via comments or email, any time. And I hope you enjoy this new series! What types of pieces are you wearing this month?

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