Outfits Not Just Clothes

 One last party outfit that I would have worn this holiday season if times were not so socially distant.  dress-Saks off Fifth(more options here ), pin- Amazon , tights- Target , heels-DSW(similar here ) The details of this dress, with its texture and scalloped hem are just right for holiday season and perfect for a winter LBD. I love the idea of playing up the cutouts of the hem with a boldly hued tight and matching heel for a long and lean look. When you think of Christmas broaches or pins, the standard fare comes to mind of snowflakes, Santas, holly, etc. But the red trim of this ribbon makes it holiday appropriate, even though an insect is an unexpected adornment to say the least.   Continuing to post these mirror selfies, two things I've realized. 1. I need to clean my mirror, and second, I need to maybe not center-part my hair, or figure out some different lighting.  Going makeup free may not be the best idea... oh the vanity of it all. 

Today's outfit was inspired by this street style pic: Image c/o of Who What Wear and their recent feature on Girls with the Best Accessories . Here's my take for yesterday at work: blazer-Banana Republic(more blazers here ), blouse-J.Crew(similar here ), cargoes-Saks off Fifth(similar here ), wedges-Sole Society(similar here ), necklace/bracelet- Le Tote , sunnies-Ralph Lauren(similar here ) First off, wedges are really the only heel one can wear in the grass, and second I pretty much nailed the street style inspo pic, right?! Of course, as I've illustrated many times ( here , here , and here ) replicating the inspiration isn't the goal, but more so capturing the feel/stylish essence of the original. On the flip side, inspiration pics should give you new ideas on how to wear/style pieces you already own for a new, fresh look!  Beyond the inspiration for this outfit I really enjoy this silhouette--skinny bottom...

blazer/boots-Target(similar here and here ), tee-Jcrew(similar here ), pants-Saks off 5th(similar here ), necklace- Jewel Mint And here's my standard weekend uniform in yet another variation.  You may recall similar looks here and here . I'm a big proponent of "uniforms" in the sense that's it's a good idea to have go-to pieces/silhouettes/styles in your wardrobe when outfitting.  However, I think I may be on the edge of rut. I'm thinking it might be time to reinvent my uniform for spring...What say you?  Also, I LOVE this tweed tee, it has amazing texture and wears so easily--two great characteristics for a weekend outfit.  

Skulls and Tweed! blazer/tee-Zara (similar here and here ), cargos-Saks off Fifth(similar here ), booties-DSW(similar here ), necklace-Gifted  I'm loving the mix of edgy androgyny and classic tweed going on in this outfit. You may recall the blazer from this post last year here . I didn't want to do an all black look again with it, so I opted for a take on my " uniform " of cargoes and a tee. I think the contrast of the tweed and beading with the tougher skull tee and skinny cargoes really pops, without being outlandish.  You don't want too much to compete with a statement blazer like this, but you do want to keep up the visual interest. 

WHAM! The front of this blouse is standard, but the back brings the drama! blouse-Anthropologie(similar back drama here ), trousers-Jcrew Factory(sort of similar here ), necklace-Bauble Bar(similar here ), shoes- Saks off 5th   I love how the shirt and cropped trousers came together in this outfit. I've had these pants for a while and had never worn them before yesterday. I went back and forth on how to style them and wasn't sure if a blazer was called for. But, with this shirt a blazer is completely unnecessary it's all about the cascading back hem and floral panel.  Perfect to add some drama to a Wednesday at work.