Outfits Not Just Clothes

You can't go wrong with a solid wool trousers. And now a side view. blazer-H&M(more blazers here ), blouse- Modcloth , trousers-Banana Repbulic(more options here ), belt-Gap(similar here ), heels-Thrifted This is a fairly straight-forward outfit--blouse, trousers, blazer, heels.  Of course the collar really makes things pop.  When I first got this blouse I figured I could wear it for going out, but then I realized it's a twist on a basic so why not rock it at the office.  This outfit is in the same vein as last week's blouse/trousers look .  Standard pieces that are well made with a statement element for a bit of flair. Sidenote: The weather is not very outfit friendly at the moment. I'm sorry for all the inside shots. I'm hoping to get more location shooting over the weekend, we shall see.  Stay warm out there.

  shirt /dress-Uniqlo(more dresses here ), tights-Modcloth(more tights here ), ring- Jewel Mint , necklace-Free People(more necklaces here ), shoes-Liz Claiborne via DSW(similar here ), sunnies-Ralph Lauren(similar here ) It got up into the 60s yesterday so I decided to dress like a nun.  Of course I didn't realize this until after I left the house and realized my new shift dress and shirt from Uniqlo had a convent vibe going on.  I'm writing about this nun thing as if it's bad, when in fact it's awesome. I totally feel like Maria von Trapp in this outfit, all I need are seven motherless kids in lederhosen to complete the look!  

blazer-Urban Outfitters(similar here ), trousers-Jcrew Factory(more trousers here ), blouse/bracelet/ring- Le Tote , belt-Isaac Mizrahi for QVC(similar here ), necklace- Jewel Mint , heels-Jones New York(similar here ), sunnies-Ralph Lauren(similar here )     The snow is starting to recede by evidence of our back deck. For a Monday I went with a blouse and some jewelry from my first Le Tote package (made mention of here ), wool trousers, and a color block blazer.   I enjoy the color play happening here. There's a nice mix of bright and neutrals going on that creates a fresh feeling for a mid-winter warm front. Oh weather, I can't quit you. 

I'm not a huge follower of the Couture shows in Paris, unlike Ready-to-Wear it's not as easy to translate an outfit from the runway.  However, this year's Spring Dior Couture show has gotten me excited.  All the models had short little bobs! As a woman with short hair myself I always appreciate when shorter styles are showcased whether on the runway, red carpet, or as a beauty trend.  Whenever friends ask my opinion on whether or not they should go short  I let them know that short hair takes confidence.  You don't have anything to hide behind, well maybe a bang, but let's face it, that's not much of a conciliation if you're used to having long layers protecting the sides of your face and neck.  I also caution that they may feel a bit colder, that a proper winter hat is a must. Besides the hair styling I enjoyed the number of looks that incorporated pants and separates, which is not the norm for couture.  Usually, when I think couture I think

blouse-Zara(similar here ), trousers- Banana Republic , necklace-Anthropoloige(sort of similar here ), bracelet- Cookie Lee , ring- Jewel Mint , shoes-DSW(similar here ), belt- Gap This is fairly simple: blouse, trousers, heels, statement necklace nothing too revolutionary or ground breaking.  But still a solid outfit, great for a Thursday at work. I think the necklace does provide a good dose of interest and even though it's not so discernible in the pictures, the trousers are quite chic, a great color and flattering cut.  And sometimes that's all you need, a bit of interest and the right fit. 

You may recall from earlier in the week I signed up for a new clothing loan service Le Tote .  Here is the result of my first shipment.   I received a complimentary tote bag, cute eh? So I received two tops, a dress, a ring, and a bracelet. I'm really digging this polka dot top and think the jewelry pairs nicely with it.  The dress is cute, but does not fit and the green blouse is okay. I mean it's really cold in Pittsburgh right now and the blouse is quite sheer and I'm just not feeling it.  A personalized note from the stylist was also included in the package with her email for me to provide feedback! I'm going to email her today with my thoughts. Overall, I'm fairly satisfied with my Le Tote experience thus far. I'm hoping with an email to the stylists my next tote will more precisely hit the mark.  

I find outfitting inspiration from magazines, other blogs, and runway shows, which I've written about here , here , and here .  I also find certain celebrities to be very inspirational in terms of style. Case in point Charlotte Gainsbourg: image via le Fashion image via i n scientia veritas image via Style.com Charlotte has a certain gamine, slouchy, cool vibe.  I really love her in the film My Wife Is an Actress where she's running around in this chic as all-get-out trench coat which I can't seem to find a great picture of, but the above definitely shows her working it.  I need to find a new trench for the spring, something simple and comfortable that has that thrown-it-on-over-anything-and-you-have-an-outfit kind of quality.  Here's a trailer from the film: