Monochromatic Orange

What is monochromatic?

Monochromatic denotes a color scheme using variations of lightness and saturation of a single color.

I'm no fashion "expert" per say, I only know what looks "right" to my eye. Sometimes it is difficult for me to articulate why it looks "right". That is one of the reasons that I have truly appreciated reading Angie's articles over at www.youlookfab.com for years. She provides thorough explanations of absolutely everything related to style and fashion. 

I purchased this dress a little over a year ago. When I got home and tried it on, I saw that it was slightly too big from the waist up. It was a final clearance markdown, so I figured I'd either get it altered, or wait until my weight shifts (it happens). 

The other day I was in the mood for something bright, and this dress came to mind. I thought I'd try it out wearing a top underneath. I perused my closet, and out sprung this combination.

The only con about this cotton number: it wrinkles almost instantly.

Is it monochromatic?

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson, worn here

Earrings: Vintage, clip on

Necklace: Loehmann's

Shirt: Talbot's, worn here

Dress: Calvin Klein

Tights: Nordstrom

Shoes: Unisa

Coat: Vintage, thrifted

Handbag: Kate Spade, worn here

Interview Attire: Idea Number 1

After months of searching and applying for positions, you finally land an in-person interview! While you are elated at the prospect, herein begins the big debate: "What Should I Wear?" Everyone usually opts for a navy blue or black suit. Let's just say that you don't have a suit, or perhaps you don't like wearing suits. Guess what? There are other options!

It may be possible to select pieces from your current wardrobe that will provide a business appropriate look. 

I invite you to take a step outside of the "normal" interview attire box with me. 

I've worked in corporate America for almost two decades (Yep, I started working as an infant :-). Over the years, through three Fortune 500 companies, I have observed interview attire of every sort. I am not a traditional dresser, so it is not surprising that traditional attire rarely impresses me. I am impressed when I see someone who manages to show a glimmer of authenticity (the person that they truly are), yet still looks professional and polished.

Idea Number 1 features uncommonly considered neutral colors, grey and eggplant purple. I inserted hints of the authentic me by choosing: grey (not cream) pearls, jeweled earrings, a jeweled bracelet, and patterned tights.

Instead of purchasing a new grey blouse, I opted for a short dress, and wore it as a blouse. I added a full silk skirt, and peep toe pumps. In some places, showing your toes on an interview is an automatic "No", so to be safe I wore opaque tights.

For outerwear I opted for a classic pinstripe coat and grey gloves. 

Keep in mind that your outerwear selection does matter, as it may be the first thing your interviewer sees. 

First impressions are usually lasting impressions.

That wraps up today's post. What are your thoughts? What interview attire do you prefer?

Coat- Vintage Christian Dior, also worn here

Jewelry- Assorted

Top- Komarov Dress

Silk Skirt- Kate Hill

Tights- Hue

Shoes- Anne Klein

Handbag- Michael Kors, also worn here

Street Style: City Brights

Today's post is an example of how sometimes an outfit can come together without any planning. I woke up, was running late for work, and needed to get ready in a hurry. I picked the tomato red blazer first, due to the slight chill in the air. Then I decided I wanted to wear it with a dress versus looking for separates, i.e a top and a bottom. As clear as day it popped into my head that I had the thought sometime ago of wearing this mustard beauty, but transitioning it into a fall piece. I instantly knew what color tights and shoes I would wear with it. Now to pick a scarf. Should it be another bold color or a neutral? I decided on my idea of a neutral, black & white (as seen here, here, and here).

Oftentimes I have in mind what I will wear a week or so in advance. Years ago, I actually kept a journal of what I wore so that everything stayed in even rotation; A clear sign of way too many clothes! At present, every now and then, I don't have something planned to wear.  Or, I decide the morning of, I don't feel like wearing what I had planned to wear.  Perhaps nothing else speaks to me, i.e the dreaded: "I have nothing to wear" syndrome... :)

The spontaneous method is a hit or miss for me. Sometimes while searching for a last minute, pulled together look, I end up wearing something that I have recently worn because I can't seem to think of anything else.

How about you? Do you find that your best style creations are planned, or spontaneous?

Wool blazer: Pendleton (Vintage, thrifted)

Scarf: Gifted, from Iraq

Dress: Miss Sixty (Also seen here)

Tights: Hue (Similar here)

Shoes: Nine West (Seen here and here)

Handbag: Kate Spade (Seen here and here)

Thrifted Threads: Almost All Black Everything

This outfit was inspired by a post I saw on Beau Coo by User Brockleigh. She paired cream lace F21 shorts with a black top and tights. I started thinking: 'Why do I always pair my lace cream skirt with like colors?' (see here). I popped into my closet, and this is what I came up with. I really like the textural difference of the black brocade with the layered cream lace. 
This entire outfit was thrifted, for less than $25.00; There is nothing like the thrift! 
I am a #thriftstoreshopper4life !

Shirt: DKNY, thrifted

Vest: Marshall Fields, thrifted

Skirt: Due Pea Due, thrifted

Tights: Nordstrom

Stilettos: Nine West, thrifted (brand new)

Clutch: Vintage 'Block', thrifted

Neon Brights - Go BOLD or Go Home

I was in the mood for bright and cheerful...go BOLD or go home, right?

I paired this sheer pink top with a bright orange tube skirt. This skirt was an unbelievable deal at Nordstrom Rack …10 bucks and change….!!!The top fits rather large, so I added a thin belt for definition.  Sometimes I color block with my tights, but this time I decided I wanted a more streamlined look. Me, streamline? HAHAHA!!! Anywho, I added matching orange tights and camel colored booties paired with a neutral colored coat. I love how my handbag (also seen here) looks almost iridescent in a few pictures. It is an extremely richly pigmented shade of orange-LUV!

Actually now that I think about it, excluding my handbag, this entire outfit was just under $40.00! I love a good deal!! J

 

Top: Liz Claiborne

Belt: Nordstrom

Skirt: Nordstrom Rack

 

Tights: Hue

Booties: Mia

Coat: Vintage, thrifted

Handbag: Kate Spade (also seen here)

It Never Rains in Southern California

But it rained on the day I took these photos! I'm not complaining, just explaining =)

I can count the number of times it has rained since we moved to the west coast. It's a far cry from my home, Detroit, MI - where rain seems to dominate every season. Although not previously fond of rain, I must say that now I find it quite refreshing.

Blazer: Ralph Lauren

Necklace: Precious stones

Silk blouse: Rena Rowan

Sweater dress: Lord & Taylor

Tights: Nordstrom

Booties: MIA

Umbrella: Betsey Johnson

Handbag: Coach

Have a great weekend!