The Art of Winter Layering with Bridge & Burn

I've been smitten with the Portland label Bridge & Burn for about a year. I adore their no-frills approach to dressing. From shirting and jackets to French terry sweatshirts, these are pieces you'll reach for again and again. And you'll always find new ways to get them in your mix too. I challenged myself to go beyond my sartorial comfort zone with this waxed cotton jacket.

Normally I'd throw this on over something basic. It's water resistant so it's perfect for the rain we've been having here on the West Coast. But lately I've been itching to play with proportions. So I tried it out and voila! Short meets long! I was really surprised and pleased with how comfortable I felt with this featherweight cropped sweater layered over a silk button-down and a pendant necklace.

The trick was this: finding light layers that draped, rather than ones that created bulk. It also helped that I stuck to a very narrow palette—in this case shades of slate and mulberry—so the only variation was in the proportion. Then when I topped the whole look with the jacket (check out that striped lining!) it was an unexpected twist, rather than the usual casual statement I'm used to.  

I'd like to point out that Bridge & Burn clothing not only fits well and looks fantastic, but features top notch detailing. And it's very important to test all the features of a water resistant jacket. Including the drawstring hood. I recommend pretending you're a turtle while doing so. (In other words, even when trying to be fashionable, I can't stay serious for long…)

P.S. Bri at designlovefest and Kate at Wit + Delight are also modeling Bridge & Burn today! See how they styled their pieces to get a taste for the versatlity of the brand. Also thanks to my always fabulous photographer Jen Emerling for the pics. So fun! Other outfit details: Sweater and shirt, Etoile Isabel Marant. Jeans, J Brand. Shoes, DVF. Necklace: Iacoli & McAllister