Outfits Not Just Clothes

dress-Glamorous via Le Tote , harness- Zana Bayne , heels- Shoe Mint , ring- Jewel Mint , necklace-Gifted via The Limited(more options here ), sunnies-Ralph Lauren(similar here )  Yesterday I announced my Le Tote Ambassadorship, and today I'm rocking a dress I decided to keep from one of my Le Tote packages, which is a rare occurrence. I'm very selective in terms of adding pieces to my wardrobe, because I ask a lot out of my garments--quality, fit, versatility, etc. This dress is a great example of something I would never pick for myself, but ended up really liking and can see wearing throughout this summer into fall. I've made this dress my "own" with the harness and heels, a bit of edge never hurts a bohemian-inspired dress for this outfitter!  That's one of the perks with Le Tote membership -- not only do you get new pieces to try out, and with which to mix things up, you're also "exposed"...

blazer-J.Crew(similar here ), pants-BCBG(more options here ), shirt-Gap(similar here ), scarf-Ralph Lauren(similar here ), boots- L.L. Bean , jewelry- Jewel Mint , harness- Zana Bayne A lot of contradictions are happening in this outfit. First, you have the kerchief scarf all done up ascot style, with a navy wool blazer fresh out of the country club paddock, that are then paired with tight leather pants and a badass harness last featured here . What makes it all work is the classic preppy color combo of navy and camel/tan. And, if you look closely the equestrian print of the scarf with it's abstract saddle and stirrups totally works off of the harness. Plus, the pants have jodphur feel, again going for the dressage chic--a country club staple if I do say so myself. Yes and that IS a totally random jack-o-lantern on the street next to the barrarier, one of the many reasons we like shooting in the South Side. So many random treats!  Hehehe, get...

blouse -Le Tote , skirt- Ann Taylor (thrifted), harness- Zana Bayne , boots-DSW(similar here ), jewelry- Jewel Mint  & Cookie Lee You may recall my long awaited harness's arrival here . Since then it hasn't made a lot of appearances. It's not the easiest accessory to pull off.  In this look it works because of the neutral palette of black and gold (go Steelers!) as well as the silhouette. The higher-waisted skirt fits with the shape the harness creates.  And I think it also keeps the blouse in check from being too full, which can make me look bigger on top than I actually am. Also, it's totally badass! No one wanted to mess with me at work on this day that is fo' sho'.    Sidenote: I'm so sick of wearing boots! Yesterday was on the warmer side here in Pittsburgh, but today it's snowing.  My open-toed heels and sandals are starting to get suicidal from lack of wear.  Come on spring!

harness- Zana Bayne (online store is currently on hiatus, but due to be back by April), dress-ModCloth(not at all similar but something totally rad here ), heels-Aldo(somethingk kind of similar here ), cuff-Martin&Osa, necklace-gifted You may recall my post about harnesses here .  Well I finally picked one up and I feel like a total badass!  Reminds me of a holster, and when I'm wearing my coat I feel like an undercover cop, an undercover style cop! These heels from Aldo are what I like to call my "Big Girl Shoes" they take some work getting into and staying upright. As for the dress, I love the shoulder and hip details and I feel it works well with the harness, two outstanding/contrasting pieces that rock it out together.  This combo probably won't fly at the office and I think I may use this harness with more casual pieces, but so far its been fun playing around.