Posts tagged: medium wash denim jacket
![04.22.2012 [sun]
Worn to: shopping @ outlets with Christine, dinner @ Joe’s w/Darrin, Ian, Jeff, and Christine
Dress: Banana Republic (outlet)Jacket: GAP (thrifted)Leggings: Victoria’s SecretOxfords: Bronx “Heat of Nite” (via Nordstrom)Hoop earrings: GNW (via Fred Meyer)Pendant: ASOSWatch: Timex (via Target)Purse: Kate SpadeShades: Forever 21
Thoughts:Today I went with a friend up to the outlet mall for a seasonal update of her work wardrobe, and we got her lots of great stuff! (I also got a few more spring purchases to round out my seasonal items: a striped summer dress, a floral pencil skirt, a sleeveless blouse, two summer sweaters, linen shorts, flat sandals, and two necklaces.) I love acting as a friend’s shopper, something I’ve done a few times usually for single occasions. Today was the largest wardrobe chunk I’ve helped a friend shop for, and I have to say I really enjoyed the whole process. We chatted for a bit a couple weeks ago regarding what she felt she needed, the styles she’s interested in, and the constraints of her work wardrobe. So when we went today we both had a pretty good idea of what we were looking for, and I was able to direct her to the best stores right up front; the two stores that I’d suggested as the best options (LOFT and Ann Taylor) initially got a bit of the stink eye, but we definitely found the most stuff at those two stores. And of course I did my best to be stubborn on only allowing items that fit and flattered. It was super fun to get to play pro stylist for a day!
Behind the outfit:Comfortable, flexible, and easy to move-in/change-out-of was the order of the day. When I shop for myself, I like to wear pants because that’s what I’m wearing most of the time; whenever I shop in a skirt, I end up with shirts the wrong lengths. So my usual shopping uniform is a jeans, a tee, comfortable walking shoes, and a cross body bag.
Since I wasn’t planning on really “shopping” for myself, I decided that leggings would be best for today so that I could easily pop something on or off without using the dressing room if needed, and thus could focus more easily on helping my friend with HER trials. I have a severe lack of tunics, or dresses short enough to wear as tunics, so I was quite happy that I’d rediscovered this tee dress just a few days ago. Definitely still need a topper so I went with my denim jacket for super casualization (also the sleeves stay up nicely), though I did take it off a few times while shopping; in those cases I used my purse and strap to hold it so my hands could stay free. I decided to wear my oxfords as the comfy walking shoes because they play up the arty aspect of the outfit. And because I was happy to see the sun, my bright Kate Spade bag was an easy choice.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma9dflD3O71r584afo1_1280.jpg)
04.22.2012 [sun]
Worn to: shopping @ outlets with Christine, dinner @ Joe’s w/Darrin, Ian, Jeff, and Christine
Dress: Banana Republic (outlet)
Jacket: GAP (thrifted)
Leggings: Victoria’s Secret
Oxfords: Bronx “Heat of Nite” (via Nordstrom)
Hoop earrings: GNW (via Fred Meyer)
Pendant: ASOS
Watch: Timex (via Target)
Purse: Kate Spade
Shades: Forever 21
Thoughts:
Today I went with a friend up to the outlet mall for a seasonal update of her work wardrobe, and we got her lots of great stuff! (I also got a few more spring purchases to round out my seasonal items: a striped summer dress, a floral pencil skirt, a sleeveless blouse, two summer sweaters, linen shorts, flat sandals, and two necklaces.) I love acting as a friend’s shopper, something I’ve done a few times usually for single occasions. Today was the largest wardrobe chunk I’ve helped a friend shop for, and I have to say I really enjoyed the whole process. We chatted for a bit a couple weeks ago regarding what she felt she needed, the styles she’s interested in, and the constraints of her work wardrobe. So when we went today we both had a pretty good idea of what we were looking for, and I was able to direct her to the best stores right up front; the two stores that I’d suggested as the best options (LOFT and Ann Taylor) initially got a bit of the stink eye, but we definitely found the most stuff at those two stores. And of course I did my best to be stubborn on only allowing items that fit and flattered. It was super fun to get to play pro stylist for a day!
Behind the outfit:
Comfortable, flexible, and easy to move-in/change-out-of was the order of the day. When I shop for myself, I like to wear pants because that’s what I’m wearing most of the time; whenever I shop in a skirt, I end up with shirts the wrong lengths. So my usual shopping uniform is a jeans, a tee, comfortable walking shoes, and a cross body bag.
Since I wasn’t planning on really “shopping” for myself, I decided that leggings would be best for today so that I could easily pop something on or off without using the dressing room if needed, and thus could focus more easily on helping my friend with HER trials. I have a severe lack of tunics, or dresses short enough to wear as tunics, so I was quite happy that I’d rediscovered this tee dress just a few days ago. Definitely still need a topper so I went with my denim jacket for super casualization (also the sleeves stay up nicely), though I did take it off a few times while shopping; in those cases I used my purse and strap to hold it so my hands could stay free. I decided to wear my oxfords as the comfy walking shoes because they play up the arty aspect of the outfit. And because I was happy to see the sun, my bright Kate Spade bag was an easy choice.
![03.22.2012 [thu]
Worn to: Walgreens, work, gym
Tee: Old NavyDenim jacket: GAP (thrifted)Trousers: Express “Editor” (via YLF swap)Booties: Matisse “Nugent” (via Zappos)Earrings: TargetNecklaces: Calypso St. Barth for Target (coral), thrifted (gold & pearl)Watch: Anne Klein (gift)Purse: Coach (gift)Shades: Forever 21
Thoughts:On Monday when I was looking over my spring/summer stuff, I completely forgot about my knits! I have them in a different closet, and remembered about them this morning. It’s not a huge jackpot or anything, but there are a few cute things in there that I was happy to find. This tee is one of them. I love the color and the stripes, but unfortunately it’s just too sloppy looking to wear on its own; I would LOVE to find a similar soft, silky blouse to replace it!
I’m also totally happy it’s finally dry enough to bring out the wide legs! I love wearing them on milder days in spring and summer, they manage to be both breezy and warm. This pair is quite light (both color and fabrication) so I don’t wear them into the fall, but my denim pair I can wear all the way through to the start of winter if it’s dry enough.
Not sure if I’ve mentioned it before, but I am 5’3”. I know that most petites operate under the thought that they cannot wear wide legged pants because they’ll be swamped in the fabric. I feel this is untrue, but we do have to work a bit to find the right pair, and in general we have to pay extra attention to lengthening the leg line when wearing them. Some tips on finding and working your pair:
Look for a pair that’s fitted along your hips so you’re not hiding all of your shape (also helps minimize excess fabric). Personally I like pairs that are fitted (but not necessarily tight) through the hip and seat because it shows the perfect amount of shape while keeping the wide leg integrity.
A higher waist will give the illusion of a longer leg line. This can be accomplished through the pant itself, or by tucking in a top, belting a longer top at the waist, wearing a cropped jacket, etc.
The hems need to be just about on the ground. 1/4” above it, max. Any more than that and you immediately start to get a leg shortening, flood pant effect. (I also feel this way about any long loose hem, like bootcuts and flares)
Unless your legs are proportionately long on your body (mine are a little short), you really will need a bit of heel to make them work.
In addition, all the usual “make yourself look taller” tricks will work well with wide legs (adding vertical lines, keeping things low contrast, etc.). I used all of these tips today!
Behind the outfit:This is yet another take on my current favorite spring color palette formula, with the addition of denim (that makes it three times this week, gotta chill on that eh?). I started with the trousers and tee; the trousers because I’ve been craving a new silhouette, and the tee because I wanted a light outfit base that followed my spring color palette without wearing my taupe tee two days in a row ^^
As I said above, this tee requires a jacket; blue denim isn’t in the color palette, but I liked how it helped make the trousers look more casual. I chose these cheetah wedges to provide the orange (next week I’m going to try this color palette with an accent color that’s not orange!) plus it’s a great subtle pattern mix with the striped top and lightly plaid pants. I tried a couple pendants, but wasn’t feeling it so I decided to go for a layered, maximal look to play up the breezy vibe of the trousers. This coral necklace was an easy first choice (more orange!), and I tried this gold and pearl tassel necklace on a whim to happy results. The final outfit has a great somewhat unexpected boho vibe (my hair helps with this too), which I really dig!](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1h1skcJAl1r584afo1_1280.jpg)
03.22.2012 [thu]
Worn to: Walgreens, work, gym
Tee: Old Navy
Denim jacket: GAP (thrifted)
Trousers: Express “Editor” (via YLF swap)
Booties: Matisse “Nugent” (via Zappos)
Earrings: Target
Necklaces: Calypso St. Barth for Target (coral), thrifted (gold & pearl)
Watch: Anne Klein (gift)
Purse: Coach (gift)
Shades: Forever 21
Thoughts:
On Monday when I was looking over my spring/summer stuff, I completely forgot about my knits! I have them in a different closet, and remembered about them this morning. It’s not a huge jackpot or anything, but there are a few cute things in there that I was happy to find. This tee is one of them. I love the color and the stripes, but unfortunately it’s just too sloppy looking to wear on its own; I would LOVE to find a similar soft, silky blouse to replace it!
I’m also totally happy it’s finally dry enough to bring out the wide legs! I love wearing them on milder days in spring and summer, they manage to be both breezy and warm. This pair is quite light (both color and fabrication) so I don’t wear them into the fall, but my denim pair I can wear all the way through to the start of winter if it’s dry enough.
Not sure if I’ve mentioned it before, but I am 5’3”. I know that most petites operate under the thought that they cannot wear wide legged pants because they’ll be swamped in the fabric. I feel this is untrue, but we do have to work a bit to find the right pair, and in general we have to pay extra attention to lengthening the leg line when wearing them. Some tips on finding and working your pair:
- Look for a pair that’s fitted along your hips so you’re not hiding all of your shape (also helps minimize excess fabric). Personally I like pairs that are fitted (but not necessarily tight) through the hip and seat because it shows the perfect amount of shape while keeping the wide leg integrity.
- A higher waist will give the illusion of a longer leg line. This can be accomplished through the pant itself, or by tucking in a top, belting a longer top at the waist, wearing a cropped jacket, etc.
- The hems need to be just about on the ground. 1/4” above it, max. Any more than that and you immediately start to get a leg shortening, flood pant effect. (I also feel this way about any long loose hem, like bootcuts and flares)
- Unless your legs are proportionately long on your body (mine are a little short), you really will need a bit of heel to make them work.
In addition, all the usual “make yourself look taller” tricks will work well with wide legs (adding vertical lines, keeping things low contrast, etc.). I used all of these tips today!
Behind the outfit:
This is yet another take on my current favorite spring color palette formula, with the addition of denim (that makes it three times this week, gotta chill on that eh?). I started with the trousers and tee; the trousers because I’ve been craving a new silhouette, and the tee because I wanted a light outfit base that followed my spring color palette without wearing my taupe tee two days in a row ^^
As I said above, this tee requires a jacket; blue denim isn’t in the color palette, but I liked how it helped make the trousers look more casual. I chose these cheetah wedges to provide the orange (next week I’m going to try this color palette with an accent color that’s not orange!) plus it’s a great subtle pattern mix with the striped top and lightly plaid pants. I tried a couple pendants, but wasn’t feeling it so I decided to go for a layered, maximal look to play up the breezy vibe of the trousers. This coral necklace was an easy first choice (more orange!), and I tried this gold and pearl tassel necklace on a whim to happy results. The final outfit has a great somewhat unexpected boho vibe (my hair helps with this too), which I really dig!
![02.10.2012 [fri]Neutrals week: black/gray/denim
Worn to: work, date night dinner @ Mukilteo Lodge
Dress: LOFTJacket: GAP (thrifted)Tights: DKNY (gift)Boots: Miz Mooz “Flynn” (gift)Pearl earrings: anniversary giftNecklace: YLF Secret Santa giftWatch: Anne Klein (gift)Coat: Worthington (via JCPenney)Purse, scarf: gifts
Thoughts:Neutrals challenge day five! I just realized I’m wearing a lot of gifts today, I sure do know how to ask for the things I like ^^ This is the debut of the pretty boots my sweet husband bought me for xmas! Why did I wait so long to wear them you ask? In a few words, I am lazy. In a few more words, I need to waterproof them and I haven’t yet and it’s always wet/rainy and I was afraid to ruin them. I still haven’t waterproofed them, but I just couldn’t wait any longer to wear them!
One interesting thing about the leather these boots are made of: it’s much more taupey/gray indoors, but when in natural light they become much warmer looking. If I showed you an indoor photo of them, you wouldn’t believe it’s the same boot! I do wish this was the other way around since I spend more time indoors than out, and the outside color is just gorgeous with my skin and functions like a nude.
Behind the outfit:Today’s outfit formed around the dress, and this was the second outfit I put together for this challenge at the start of the week. Because this dress is neutral colorblocked I knew it would be perfect for this challenge! I also wanted to sneak another shot of blue denim in, and was pleasantly surprised to find that this jacket fit over the dress’s wide dolman sleeves; it’s just a little bit too long over dresses, a more cropped version would certainly be cheekier and is on my list to buy for this upcoming spring/summer season.
Since most of the week’s outfits were primarily dark (winter and all) I thought, to lighten this look, having more exposed skin instead of adding white would be fun. So I planned to wear these boots and crossed my fingers that it wouldn’t be pouring by today. Happily the weather cooperated! It’s definitely still too cold to go tightsless, so I added these nude mini-fishnet tights (you may need to load the full size image to see ‘em). If you haven’t ever given this type of hosiery a try, I HIGHLY suggest them! They are super fantastic for transitional and mild weather, and as an added bonus add a little extra textural interest.
I had originally planned on wearing my brass and pearl bib necklace with this outfit, but since I wore it yesterday I needed to find something else instead. So I decided to further play up the many vertical lines in this outfit and chose this long pendant. I had expected it to be cold enough to need both my wool coat and a warm scarf, but to my surprise it was quite mild so I ended up tying the scarf to my purse and ditching my coat.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m08g0mzXjF1r584afo1_1280.jpg)
02.10.2012 [fri]
Neutrals week: black/gray/denim
Worn to: work, date night dinner @ Mukilteo Lodge
Dress: LOFT
Jacket: GAP (thrifted)
Tights: DKNY (gift)
Boots: Miz Mooz “Flynn” (gift)
Pearl earrings: anniversary gift
Necklace: YLF Secret Santa gift
Watch: Anne Klein (gift)
Coat: Worthington (via JCPenney)
Purse, scarf: gifts
Thoughts:
Neutrals challenge day five! I just realized I’m wearing a lot of gifts today, I sure do know how to ask for the things I like ^^ This is the debut of the pretty boots my sweet husband bought me for xmas! Why did I wait so long to wear them you ask? In a few words, I am lazy. In a few more words, I need to waterproof them and I haven’t yet and it’s always wet/rainy and I was afraid to ruin them. I still haven’t waterproofed them, but I just couldn’t wait any longer to wear them!
One interesting thing about the leather these boots are made of: it’s much more taupey/gray indoors, but when in natural light they become much warmer looking. If I showed you an indoor photo of them, you wouldn’t believe it’s the same boot! I do wish this was the other way around since I spend more time indoors than out, and the outside color is just gorgeous with my skin and functions like a nude.
Behind the outfit:
Today’s outfit formed around the dress, and this was the second outfit I put together for this challenge at the start of the week. Because this dress is neutral colorblocked I knew it would be perfect for this challenge! I also wanted to sneak another shot of blue denim in, and was pleasantly surprised to find that this jacket fit over the dress’s wide dolman sleeves; it’s just a little bit too long over dresses, a more cropped version would certainly be cheekier and is on my list to buy for this upcoming spring/summer season.
Since most of the week’s outfits were primarily dark (winter and all) I thought, to lighten this look, having more exposed skin instead of adding white would be fun. So I planned to wear these boots and crossed my fingers that it wouldn’t be pouring by today. Happily the weather cooperated! It’s definitely still too cold to go tightsless, so I added these nude mini-fishnet tights (you may need to load the full size image to see ‘em). If you haven’t ever given this type of hosiery a try, I HIGHLY suggest them! They are super fantastic for transitional and mild weather, and as an added bonus add a little extra textural interest.
I had originally planned on wearing my brass and pearl bib necklace with this outfit, but since I wore it yesterday I needed to find something else instead. So I decided to further play up the many vertical lines in this outfit and chose this long pendant. I had expected it to be cold enough to need both my wool coat and a warm scarf, but to my surprise it was quite mild so I ended up tying the scarf to my purse and ditching my coat.
![11.14.2011 [mon]
Worn to: lunch with Brad and Joe at Scuttlebutt, Dave’s birthday dinner with David’s folks at Arnies in Mukilteo
[[MORE]] Tee: Calvin Klein (outlet)Cardigan, necklace: TargetDenim jacket: GAP (thrifted)Culottes: BCBG Max Azria (via Plato’s Closet)Tights: Nine WestBoots: Vaneli (via Macy’s)Hoop earrings: GNW (via Fred Meyer)Watch: Timex (via Target)Purse: Forever 21
Thoughts: I took the day off to get chores and cleaning done since we were out of town this weekend, and was musing on what to wear in the evening to my husband’s step-dad’s birthday dinner when I got a call from friends asking if I wanted to go to lunch with them. I put this together (very quickly) for lunch, but then decided it was also good for the dinner. I think it’s kind of fun that it’s dressy on bottom and more casual on top; it was casual enough for lunch, and dressy enough for dinner.
Behind the outfit:I didn’t have a lot of time (10-15 minutes at most) so you’d think I’d use one of my fall-back formulas, or at least something simpler. But for some reason I really felt like wearing these culottes today, I have only worn them once or twice. Those times I paired with my brown slouchy buckle boots, so today I thought I’d pair with my sleekest boots (which are still slouchy, heh). That made the bottom half too dressy for a casual lunch at a brewery, so I decided to add a tee and denim jacket to dress it all down. I knew I would be taking the jacket off to eat (the denim is a bit too thick to be comfortable while eating), so I added the cardigan; the cardigan is quite a bit longer than the jacket, but I rather like it. I’m really pleased with how it turned out, though it was certainly too cold without a heavier coat.](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lw48ecj0921r584afo1_1280.jpg)
11.14.2011 [mon]
Worn to: lunch with Brad and Joe at Scuttlebutt, Dave’s birthday dinner with David’s folks at Arnies in Mukilteo
![10.28.2011 [fri]
Worn to: work, mechanic
[[MORE]] Chambray top: TargetPants: Max RaveBoots: Madden Girl “Sheldun” (via Zappos)Denim jacket: GAP (thrifted)Scarf: TargetEarrings: Fossil (gift)Watch: Timex (via Target)
Thoughts: My car door handle popped off this morning! Completely caught me by surprise, but hey I’ll take that type of auto malfunction over an under-the-hood malfunction (way cheaper). So I had to stop by my mechanic’s to order the part before work, boo -_-
I bought these boots late last winter so I haven’t had too much time with them, but still I don’t reach for them as much as my other boots and I’m not really sure why; if I can get the synthetic leather to break in and soften up a bit that would probably help though. So far I’ve only worn them with skinnies and tunics+leggings, but I’m thinking they could also be fun with dresses or shorts. The mid-calf shaft height is tricky, so I have some homework!
Behind the outfit:Today’s outfit started with the boots, first wear of the season! Haven’t worn the skinnies in a while, so I added them to the mix. I love pairing chambray with these skinnies because of the muted neutral base it creates, and decided to add interest with a fun scarf. I was in a neutral mood, so this was the scarf that won out because the black and white dots are very graphic yet still neutral. And it kept with the theme of things I haven’t worn in a while. It also bookends the boots, and keeps the attention by my face because it’s the darkest as well as the only printed element. Definitely, officially too cold to go without a topper so I added the denim jacket as a tonal blue element against the shirt (also it’s sassy!). The earrings mimic the dotty scarf, and the watch/purse play up the black in the scarf.
Do any of you build outfits around a single item you feel like wearing because you haven’t worn it in a while?](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lu9roocLuX1r584afo1_r1_1280.jpg)
