Outfits Not Just Clothes

blouse-BCBGeneration(similarish here ), vest-Thrifted(similarish here ), pants-J.Crew(similar here ), necklace- Martin & Osa , loafers- Zara , watch-Michael Kors(similar here ), sunnise- ViVI We've been seeing a lot of these pinstripe pants here this summer, you may recall them from this post , and this post . They speak so perfectly to my aesthetic, and are super comfy that I can't help but reach for them in my current outfitting mode. Here, I've paired them with a bold colorblocked blouse and a thrifted vest, which some may argue is more like a sleeveless blazer with its collar, button, and pockets. Overall, this outfit feels very modern to my sensibilities, but not overly trendy. You may recall my modern suit post here , and I think this outfit is a solid variation on that. The overall looser silhouette and the alternative to the standard blazer all are working for a laid-back, chic, and profesh outfit. 

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have gone from child sitcom starts to international style icons, and while I never got into their tween fashion empire back in the 90's I have more recently been appreciating their street style. Case in point this outfit inspiration photo: image via Who What Wear  Here's my take from this past Monday: blazer/ pants -Gap(similar blazer  here ), shirt-Old Navy(similar here ), bag- Zara , necklace- chloe + isabel c/c of Angela B , watch-Michael Kors(similar here ), shoes-Sole Society(similarish here ), sunnies- ViVI This may seem like a pretty simple/straight-forward outfit, but the details, for me, make this a statement look. First, I'm breaking that old rule of not mixing navy and black. True, certain navy and black combos don't always work, it all depends on the shade of each, and the level of contrast. Here it's working, as are the silver accessories. The necklace in p...

cardi/bracelet- Le Tote , jeans- J.Crew Factory , sneakers-Old Navy(similar here ), bag-Thrifted, sunnies- ViVI These pics are from Mr. Keller's smart phone and are a bit Ru Paul's Drag Race Season 1 lighting-wise. Dreamy indeed. it was a kind of hazy this past weekend, a lot of drizzling rain and humidity. This cardigan brought a bright note to a dreary day, while the bracelet added a bit of glam to a very casual look. 

blazer- J.Crew  via Threadflip (similar here ), shirt/necklace- Le Tote \, pants-J.Crew Factory(similar here ), wedges-DSW(similar here ), bag- G.H. Bass , watch- Nixon via Urban Outfitters A few months ago I featured a suit alternative in this post and discussed the changing silhouette of traditional office wear. Here, is another alternative take to the suit with neutral cropped trousers and a blazer in a statement color. Orange and navy is a great color combo, but what really makes this outfit pop is the print of the top incorporating those colors. It can be tricky to match colors up with patterns, there's the fear of coming off to matchy-matchy, but when you have a neutral base, like navy, it feels more grounded. I paired the necklace that came in the same package as this top from Le Tote and went with more neutrals in the shoes and bag.  Overall, I'm just loving this orange, amiright?  Also, don't forget to use the code BERNADETTE...

romper- Max Studio via Le Tote , necklace-J. Crew Factory(similarish here ), clutch- Banana Republic , loafers-Target(similarish here ), ring- Jewel Mint I've had a love/hate relationship with rompers trying to find the right one that best suits me over the past few years. This number comes pretty close and I really like the print. I kept the blue theme going with the clutch and loafers. I can also see this piece working with super-high heels and a blazer for a classy night on the town. We're headed to Butcher and the Rye next Friday so maybe I'll give that outfitting idea a go!