Tag: blouse

10×10 Spring Remix – Day 1

I’m doing the 10×10 spring remix hosted by Un-Fancy and StyleBee. All this work week and next, I’ll be using 10 pieces of clothing to create 10 different outfits, using self-imposed limitations to spark some creativity. All the details – and all the clothes – here.

So Day 1.  I paired my peach leopard print blouse by Forever 21 with my taupe skirt from H&M and topped it all off with my coat dress from Tahari by Arthur S. Levine. The slides are Bandolino and the cuff is by Monet; everything except my earrings and necklace (heirlooms) is thrifted.

Still trying to figure out my camera set up… so you get a few early-morning closeups in my bathroom and a few blurry front-facing phone camera selfies. Good times.

IMG_5626Love this button detail: IMG_5628  IMG_5631

Sleeves worn long for chilly mornings:WP_20170410_10_34_33_Pro

Or rolled to get to work:WP_20170410_10_36_30_Pro

I was worried this lovely lined dress coat would be too warm for days with highs in the 80s, but man am I glad I wore it today. It was quite chilly this morning both outside and in my office when I first arrived.  Good call.  I wore the blouse sleeves long and rolled them up over the coat cuffs to bring a little pattern to the extremities of my outfit and make it all look a little more purposeful:WP_20170410_10_34_10_Pro

Bonus shot:WP_20170410_10_36_42_Pro

You’re welcome. Ha.

This outfit feels really “me” – classic silhouette and proportions with the subtle leopard print thrown in for a dash of interest. The coat is still a newer (to me) piece but every time I put it on I feel like Jackie O. Bam, done – call the elegance paparazzi.

If you’re doing the 10×10, how did your planning go? How’s your first outfit?  Have a great Monday!

 

Leopard Print – Solved

I wrote here about my love of leopard print and the search for a way to do it in more of an all-over fashion – i.e. a shirt.  I postulated in that post that perhaps a sleeveless number might do the trick, thinking that less fabric = less overwhelming.

But then, on a thrifting trip at the beginning of this month, I found this number by Banana Republic Heritage:

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BR’s “Heritage” label features “easy-care, natural fibers” for “sophisticated women on the go” – whatever that means.  One thing it does mean is that this baby probably retailed for $80-$100+.

It has a tailored fit (signified by a numbered size instead of just S/M/L/XL); it has roll tab sleeves (my favorite!) and button tabs on the shoulders as an interesting detail; but most of all, the print is more muted, more neutral, thanks to an absence of the brassy yellow tones found in classic leopard:

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I’ve already worn it several times (as you have probably noticed on Instagram) and I look forward to working this baby in all year round.  The silk blend contributes to its ability to be worn hot or cold; I’m thinking it will look great with skirts, white or red pants in summer, and of course my ever-growing collection of winter corduroys.

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An IG outfit outtake, because I love you.

How do you feel about this version of leopard?  Scroll down to comment!