Mr. Gadget

Moving to the UK, requires layers upon layers! First, you can never go wrong by layering with neutrals. I started off with picking my inner layer and working my way outward. This printed button-down looked warm/inviting (aesthetically) and the knit brown sweater (with patched elbows) toned the print down from looking too busy. Make sure when you're layering, the colors, prints, or textures of fabric compliment one another. After, my inner layers were complete I topped it off with this wool overcoat and added a gold lapel to match my bag. To keep things simple, wearing a solid overcoat will be a good option. (Black, grey, wool, or something with a more refined look)

The bag, to the right, is one of my favorites because my grandmother gave it to me (well I took it.) One day I stumbled across this old authentic leather bag in my grandma's closet. She never used it, but back in the day when she worked for an African-American insurance company, she carried her important papers in here. I begged her to give it to me and her response was priceless, "Well, damn Inspector Gadget you just gone go through all my stuff?" But I couldn't help it! The bag has so much history and spews black excellence with every wear. Here's a couple of links to get your "Inspector Gadget" bag. Ted Baker , ASOS, Nordstrom. 

Photographer:  Maddy Bunnenberg-Ross