<![CDATA[Open Mind Fashion

<![CDATA[Open Mind Fashion - Blog]]>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 10:53:23 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Opening back up]]>Sat, 24 Oct 2020 15:54:37 GMThttps://www.openmindfashion.com/blog/opening-back-upPopular for fall: tops & sweaters with back openings--I like them even though they might seem to defeat the purpose :)

Abercrombie & Fitch Long-Sleeve Tie-Back Top, $39

Zara Back Cut Out Top Limitless Contour Collection, $25.90

Abercrombie & Fitch Mockneck Lace Bodysuit, $49

Anthropologie Ricki Open Back Merino Turtleneck, $128

Dynamite Open Back Mock Neck Blouse, $14

H&M Open-backed Top, $17.99

]]><![CDATA[Strike the pose]]>Fri, 17 Jan 2020 11:26:39 GMThttps://www.openmindfashion.com/blog/strike-the-pose
Going to the Oscars? Or just dressing the part...

Zara Asymmetrical Satin Effect Dress, $25.99

Zara Draped Crop Top, $12.99

Zara Flounced Hem Belted Skirt, $12.99

Zara Tulle and Taffeta Dress, $9.99

Zara Sequin Dress, $22.99

Zara Peter Pan Collar Organza Blouse, $12.99

Zara Embroidered Organza Top, $9.99

Zara Long Belted Jumpsuit, $25.99

Zara Flared Sequin Pants, $9.99

Zara Embroidered Tulle Dress, $25.99

Zara Mixed Print Dress with Tie, $9.99

Zara Ruffled Tulle Mini Dress, $25.99

Zara Embroidered Skirt, $12.99

Zara Flared Sequin Pants, $12.99

More likely we'll be dressed like this & watching from home for the big night :-)

Zara Relaxed Jeans with Rips, $12.99

]]><![CDATA[Tuck n roll]]>Sat, 16 Nov 2019 17:42:52 GMThttps://www.openmindfashion.com/blog/tuck-n-rollI love the look of jeans with a tucked-in top. But it does take work:

size up your jeans one size to keep from looking lumpy & stuffed in
choose either a wide statement belt or a low-profile belt of about an inch
skinny jeans work but wide or bootcut are easier

Zara Funnel Neck Sweater, $35.90 + ZW Premium Bootcut Jeans in True Blue, $69.90

]]><![CDATA[For the love of vests]]>Sat, 16 Nov 2019 15:24:31 GMThttps://www.openmindfashion.com/blog/for-the-love-of-vestsEven though they feel a bit retro, I love vests--especially long, knit ones. They can replace a blazer at work while looking equally professional. They hide figure flaws. They're warm without overheating.

My personal connection: My mom wore vests in her youth, & I passed my dissertation defense wearing a long, navy blue vest.

Poshmark Zara Waistcoat with Lapels and Belt, $25

Zara Full Cut Cable Knit Vest, $49.90

Poshmark Zara Belted Vest, $43

Zara Dress with Side Cut Outs, $49.90

Zara Belted Vest, $69.90

]]><![CDATA[High-neck blouses]]>Sat, 05 Oct 2019 15:03:25 GMThttps://www.openmindfashion.com/blog/high-neck-blousesI've always loved high-neck blouses. Wear 'em with jeans to bring down their formality.

Sundance Catalog Everyday Essence Tee, $58

Sundance Catalog Gentle Days Top, $128

Poshmark Gap Black Floral Mock Neck Blouse, $8

Poshmark Zara Sheer Floral Top, $39

Poshmark, New Zara Glossy Satin Blouse, $40

Poshmark New Zara Size XS Gingham Puff Sleeve Mock Top, $39

]]><![CDATA[Ceremony dresses]]>Sat, 05 Oct 2019 14:46:06 GMThttps://www.openmindfashion.com/blog/ceremony-dressesGraduation ceremonies, holiday services, weddings...

Zara Pleated Dotted Mesh Dress, $35.99

Zara Lace Dress with Jewel Button, $69.90

Zara Ruffled Print Dress, $29.99

Zara Floral Print Dress, $35.99

Zara Dress with Knotted Front, $35.99

Zara Floral Print Dress, $29.99

]]><![CDATA[Sigh. The Zara Sale pulls me back again...]]>Sun, 23 Jun 2019 13:59:31 GMThttps://www.openmindfashion.com/blog/sigh-the-zara-sale-pulls-me-back-againI haven't told you because you might hold me to it, but I am trying to stop buying clothes--pretty much at all. (Which is an odd thing for a clothing blogger to say :-) But here it is summer, my second-most-difficult-to-dress-for season (spring being the worst), & around comes the Zara sale, full of strange & alluring styles. Here are my fave picks from the hundreds of sale items...

Zara Printed Halter Top, $12.99 (was $19.99), more colors too

Zara Mini Flare Pants, $19.99 (was $29.90)

Zara Animal Embossed Leather Slides, $35.99 (was $45), all sizes

Zara Contrasting Dress, $19.99 (was $29.90)

Zara Gemstone Pendant Earrings, $12.99 (was $19.90)

Zara Asymmetric Top, $29.99 (was $49.90)

Zara Plaid Jogging Pants, $25.99 (was $39.90)

Zara Checkered Jogging Pants, $25.99 (was $39.90). I own these pants already & love them dearly. Super comfortable, true to size.

Zara Plaid Printed Leggings, $19.99 (was $29.90). This pair is different--it's leggings, not pants.

Zara Hooded Down Jacket, $29.99 (was $49.90)

Zara High Waisted Shorts, $29.99 (was $39.90). I got the navy, which is no longer for sale. Black & white are available but not for sale.

Zara Textured Top, $15.99 (was $25.90)

Zara Rustic Top, $15.99 (was $25.90)

]]><![CDATA[Spring sweatshirts]]>Wed, 13 Mar 2019 13:07:30 GMThttps://www.openmindfashion.com/blog/spring-sweatshirtsI remember many years ago falling in love with a company called Allen Allen that would dye sweatshirts to your exact specifications from a palette of a hundred shades (does anyone remember this company?). I ordered a pale pale sky blue sweatshirt, but did I ever wear it? This question has been in my mind as I study sweatshirts now as we move into spring weather--when you need something to warm you up but not as heavy as a coat nor as wintry as a wool sweater.

A couple years ago, sweatshirts were the new silk blouses--you could wear them everywhere--to work, with a dressy skirt--but I think they're back to being weekend wear again now.

I remember once buying the sweatshirt to my now-alma mater--where is that sweatshirt now??

I've also bought new sweatshirts now & again over the years that I haven't worn, & I have a couple athletic tops--so do I actually need a new sweatshirt? How many sweatshirts do you own? How many do you need? Have you bought one lately I should take a look at?

Well, anyhow, here are a few of my finds from my search for the perfect sweatshirt...

This sweatshirt/shirt combo has received rave reviews, & I love navy, so I'm going to give it a try. I always wear a shirt under a sweatshirt, so maybe the built-in collar will save some bulk?

J. Crew Factory Woven ruffle-neck pullover, $32

Sometimes the most basic might be the best of all. No brand name on the chest...

Zara men's pouch pocket sweatshirt, 9 colors, $39.90

Uniqlo Men's Long-sleeve Hooded Sweatshirt, $29.90

Text on clothing has become more popular over the past few years; the placement of the text is fun on this sweatshirt. H&M also often has the lowest price on basics.

H&M Sweatshirt, $9.99

Of course, I love this sweatshirt. Or do I? Does the embroidery make it or ruin it?

Poshmark J Crew Women's Embroidered Flower Sweatshirt, every size, new $39

If you did pick a logo to wear on your sweatshirt, which one would it be? I like the color of this A&B sweatshirt. Would we ever put a blazer over our sweatshirt like this...?

Abercrombie & Fitch Print Logo Sweatshirt, $36

As always Zara has about a billion sweatshirts, some like works of art, & some basic, & I semi-love them all.

Zara Basic Sweatshirt, 6 colors, $17.90

I like this idea of belting a longer sweatshirt, but would we ever do it?...

Zara Soft Feel Sweatshirt, $17.99

Zara Sparkly Stripe Sweatshirt, $39.90

Zara Sweatshirt with Chain at Collar, $19.99

I'm a sucker for this marled blue...

Poshmark Nike Gym Vintage Full Zip Hoodie, XS, $35

Kohl's Men's Champion Fleece Powerblend Top, $35

GAP Softspun Long Sleeve Lace-Up Tunic, $32.99

J. Crew Marled Jewel-neck Sweater, various sizes & prices

]]><![CDATA[Brunch with a friend]]>Fri, 28 Dec 2018 14:03:55 GMThttps://www.openmindfashion.com/blog/lunch-with-a-friend

There's a special category of outfits I call "Brunch with a friend." These are outfits you can't wear to work because they're a bit too low cut or statementy. You can't wear them out with your spouse or beau--they'll just call your style weird. The only person who will respect your fashion-forward self is your friend.

For this brunch, you can dress up all your want or go as casual/comfy as you choose. You can try out a new combination, or you can wear an old favorite. You can wear those crazy shoes you never get to wear. You can pretend you're a movie star. You can wear your clothes oversized and baggy or tight as a glove. You just have to feel fabulous in them.

Now let's have a New Year's toast to dear friends everywhere!

Here are some outfits I might wear for this wonderful outing...

I love the idea of a jumpsuit! I tried one, & it made me look like an airplane mechanic, but this one looks simple, easy, & pretty.
Maybe it's time to try again...

ZARA JUMPSUIT WITH BELT AND BUCKLE, $25.99

I'm in love with this retro-feel co-ord suit! I know the pockets are odd, but I could give it a try with a friend! I love the bare legs & tall boots. Feels so much like something from The Graduate.

ZARA POLO SWEATER WITH CONTRASTING PIPING, $29.99, + SKIRT WITH CONTRAST PIPING, $25.99, + HIGH-HEELED LEATHER BOOTS, $199

Comfy & fun & look at those boots!!

ZARA JOGGING PANTS, $22.99, + MOCK NECK T-SHIRT, $17.99, + ZIPPERED ANKLE BOOTS, $49.99

So pretty yet almost impossible to wear to any event except a party or brunch... :-))

ZARA FLORAL PRINT WRAP BLOUSE, $25.99 + FLORAL PRINTED PANTS, $29.99

Look at the lovely bow at the back! I love this blouse, & I know my husband would say I look like a nun if I wore it. I also love her cropped brown wide-wale cords!

ZARA PLAID BLOUSE WITH TIE, $29.99, + ZW PREMIUM MARINE STRAIGHT PANTS IN BROWN, $39.99, + LEATHER STILETTO HEELED ANKLE BOOTS, $99.99

Back of blouse

Such pretty, pajama-like pants! Perfect for brunch!

ZARA PRINTED PANTS, $29.99

]]><![CDATA[Picks from the Zara sale]]>Thu, 27 Dec 2018 14:18:55 GMThttps://www.openmindfashion.com/blog/picks-from-the-zara-saleAs usual, the Zara sale is so huge that you could really just take one category each day to explore (just shoes for instance).

I've also discovered that as I suspected, all the old trends have just been absorbed into the new--so front-slit skirts, pompoms, animal print, low-rise jeans--they're all here, still in style, not a flash in the pan.