Ladylike Grunge

TWEED JACKET: NANETTE LEPORE [SIMILAR] / TOP: [SIMILAR] / DENIM: LEVI'S / BOOTS: NINE WEST [SIMILAR] / CHOKER: [SIMILAR] / HOOP EARRINGS: & OTHER STORIES / SUNGLASSES: TAHARI [SIMILAR] / STUDDED HOBO BAG: REBECCA MINKOFF [SIMILAR] / LIPSTICK: CHARLOTTE TILBURY IN BOND GIRL. PHOTOS BY STEPHEN J. CARUSO

Weekends out give me a chance to dress up a bit more than I do during the week, but I can't go full on ladylike loveliness while traipsing around D.C. and mothering a curious toddler. 

I always start with basics, like a simple white cotton top and well-fitting denim, and build up from there. The peplum detail in the top balances the edgier ripped jeans, and the tailored tweed jacket is just feminine enough to counter my favorite gritty ankle booties and studded hobo bag. 

One of my fashion pet-peeves is looking too overdone, which is why I wear my hair messy with a full face of makeup, and pair something a little more grunge-inspired with something more fitted and feminine. If a look falls heavily in one trend or one mood, it surely makes a statement, and sometimes too much of one for my taste. 

What fashion faux pas do you avoid? 

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