Scarf: Gifted. Blue pinstripe top: Express. Vest: Thrifted. Jeans: Gap. Shoes: BCBG. Bracelet: Forever XXI.
This weekend had a perfect crisp chill in the air. A vest and scarf were enough to keep me warm!
I often like to bring in color with shoes, but since I brought in some fun orange and yellow with my other accessories - I kept my shoes neutral (they still had a fun stripe though!).
Shorts: Banana Republic. Tights: Macy’s. Shoes: Nicole Miller. Pink Ruffle Top: Target. Vest: Antonio Melan. Bracelets: Thrifted.
It’s just been announced that we can wear “whatever we want” at work, which definitely open a door to fashion creativity. At least that’s how I registered that announcement… While I think of that decision as a great way to give employees more freedom, most people seem to automatically assume it means “wear jeans every day”. I actually got several comments / questions when I showed up in something other than jeans after the announcement!
While jeans may be an American staple and while I definitely appreciate them from time to time, I don’t think I’ll be making them my 5 day a week work wear attire.
With this change - I would like to find more ways to be a little more funky and fun in my everyday business looks – while still keeping the chic simplicity that I like as well. May sound like a difficult combo, but I’d like to try and make it work! This outfit was my first effort :) What do you think. Did I succeed?
Top & Vest: Express. Pants: NY&Co. Pumps: Nina.
I always feel very “business-y” in a vest. Maybe because it reminds me of the TV shows of my youth that represented all the smart preppy kids (soon to be business people) in vests. Remember Jessie Spano from Saved by the Bell? Look – she’s even wearing a very fashionable headband below!
Quote of the day:
Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up.
Allen Klein
Not everyday will go perfectly (ok- hardly any of them will), but I always hope there’s a bright side to any situation, even if it seems small and distant.
Today, I kept my focus on the bright side by making myself bright - literally!
Tip of the day: I like to balance really bold items by accessorizing with neutrals. The same tip holds true (but vice versa) if I were wearing a neutral dress – then I would balance the look with bolder brighter shoes. It’s an easy and goof-proof way to keep interest in an outfit while not overdoing it.
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Dress: Bisou Bisou. Vest: Express. Necklace: thrift. Shoes: Alfani. Purse: Nine West.
White top: INC. Vest: Express. Skirt: Worthington. Tie: thrift. Shoes: Maxstudio.
I’m still loving ties! This is the only tie I have at the moment, but my man has quite a few that I am planning on stealing soon! I also want to try a smaller tie knot, but as I have yet to learn to effectively tie a tie (Jeff promises to teach me this weekend), I just leave in the knot he made and re-wear it each time. LOL. He tells me this is a more formal knot – the windsor knot.
I found a video that’s really good if you’re interested in learning to tie a tie too! Click here: how to tie a windsor knot
Back in 2008, I did a post on my Antonio Melan vest and some various ways I’ve worn it. It is clearly time for an update!
1 easy way to wear a vest for work and/or happy hour dining with friends, is to layer it over a pretty blouse or dress. Adding bright color accents is also a great way to add interest and “that special something” to a look.
If you’re looking for something a little different, try a trendy fur or zip up vest. Another option is to search for a vintage “old man” vest.
Basic black and white is always classic and chic.
For a funky mix to weekend looks, add a vest with leggings or jeans and a tee.
Color love! Professional or going out, a colored vest is a great layering option and also adds some good warmth.
I went with more of a typical business casual look than my norm today. I like to pair this button up with a vest or cardigan layer of some sort and I always love blue and purple together, so that was an easy pairing.
I just realized this look is somewhat similar to my last khaki dress post, only – this look is professional work appropriate!
Vest: Express. White Tee: INC. Skirt: Moda Int’l. Blazer: H&M. Shoes: Guess.
Uber amounts of pictures today… I’m not sure why… guess I was just picture-happy this morning. Well, for those of you who love detail shots – here ya go!
I originally wanted to stay matchy-matchy with this look, but it ended up just a bit too one-tone for me. So, to mix it up I brought in the bright pop of color with the blazer. It finished off the look and allowed me to be colorful or not depending on my mood.
I’m over the hump for the week, and I’m glad things are finally winding down. It’s been very stressful and busy lately in both my personal and professional life – so now more than ever I am looking forward to my weekends. Saturday – you’re only 1 day away!!
