Category:

The animals in my closet

9/3/2014

Animal prints are classic & seem to me to convey a little old Hollywood grace & glamour.

Here are the animals in my closet...

I began in 2010 by ordering just a zebra-print belt from Boden >>

I also bought a couple other leopard-print belts at Forever 21 for next to nothing & an animal-print microfiber purse from Amazon.

Boden still carries a similar belt:

Boden Waldour Waist Belt, $38

J. Crew dress, Boden belt

Last year, I found this leopard-print dress at Land's End for under $30. Very easy to wear.

Land's End dress, GAP maternity cardigan

Land's End Women's Petite Sleeveless Pattern Ponté Welt Pocket Dress, $29.99

My youngest son's very favorite item of mine is this leopard-print cardigan because it's so soft. I got at H&M for $5;
I noticed over the weekend they still carry them in store for $14.95.

F21 fake leather skirt, GAP top, H&M cardigan, Boden boots

Over the summer, I came across this animal-print skirt from Banana Republic that I managed to snag for the "kill price" of $9.50.

Photobombed by my son! :-)

J. Crew Factory crewneck sweater, Banana Republic skirt, Madewell necklace, Denver Museum of Nature & Science cuff, Piperlime sandals

Banana Republic Heritage Animal Print Jacquard Cargo Mini, $39.99. (I called the flagship store in S.F. to get the kill price!)

I'd always wanted animal-print shoes with mid-heels, & I finally got some from Sole Society.

Sole Society Isabelle pumps

Sole Society Isabelle, $69.95

These subtly-printed crops go with everything gray does & helped update my pant selection.

Anthropologie sweater, Boden crops

Boden Bistro Crop Trousers, $26.40

My latest acquisition is this leopard-print sweatshirt from H&M.

H&M sweatshirt, GAP shirt, Urban Outfitters jeans

H&M sweatshirt, $9.95

H&M Sweatshirt, $12.95

So what about you? Do you own many animal-print pieces? Did you buy them recently or in the past?

You may also like...

A leopard-print vest I'm eyeing for fall...

Uniqlo Women's Ultra Light Down Printed Vest, $39.90

More animal prints...

& yet more animal prints...

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New Year's Eve in July

7/13/2014

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I spent a lot of time around New Year's Eve looking for a sequin skirt. Who knew we could buy one now for next to nothing, probably to save for the Big Event but possibly to wear for a fun night out?

Banana Republic Sequin Mini, $29.99 minus 50%

J. C. Penney Joe Fresh Sequin Graphic Skirt, $19.99 minus 15%

Forever 21 Ditsy Sequined Skirt, bronze or mint, $11.99

Zara Seqinned Skirt, $19.99

H&M Skirt with Sequined Embroidery, $20

Styling suggestion for now...

Garnet Hill Modern Sequin Knit Skirt, $49

And later...

Sole Society image, accessories, & shoes

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The sweatshirt=the new silk shirt?

5/27/2014

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"...in today's culture, the sweatshirt has become the new silk blouse."
-- Fashion Designer Juan Carlos Obando

I wish I could say that we could just pull all our sweatshirts out of our drawers (or pick them up off the floor :) & voilà! we'd be styling the new silk shirt. If the sweatshirt is indeed the new go-to top for all our tuxedo pants & work skirts, I'm afraid we'll need a new one that doesn't have stains on it & the name of our alma mater across its chest. I'm not positive our old faithfuls won't work, though--I may have to try it!

The boxy shape of a sweatshirt is another problem. I don't look particularly good in a square shape (who does?).

But I can see the versatility of the sweatshirt look--it mutes & brings down the fanciest of fancy pants--in a good way.

Supposedly, Einstein wore a lot of sweatshirts.
He makes them look smart! :-)

Here are a few sweatshirts you may want to look at if you're considering taking on this trend...

J. Crew Factory Short-sleeve quilted sweatshirt, $29.50

J. Crew Factory Medallion-print Sweatshirt, $24.99

J. Crew Paneled Sweatshirt in Surf Stripe, $78 minus 30%

J. Crew Paneled Sweatshirt in Navy Floral, $78 minus 30%

Anthropologie Starboard Sweatshirt, $49.95

Banana Republic BR Monogram Silk-Back Sweatshirt, $34.99 minus 35%--FRONT

Banana Republic BR Monogram Silk-Back Sweatshirt, $34.99 minus 35%--BACK

Whistles L'Ete Logo Sweatshirt, £60

Piperlime Pam & Gela Hi-Lo Sweatshirt, $165

Baukjen The Asymmetrical Jumper, £79

H&M Sweatshirt with printed design, $9.95

Zara Two-tone Sweatshirt, $49.90

H&M Sweatshirt, $39.95

J. Crew Jacquard Floral Sweatshirt, $34.99 minus 30%

J. Crew Jaspe Tunic, 2 colors, $79.99 minus 30%

Maybe you do already own one like this one?

J. Crew Factory Heathered Sweatshirt, $26.50

I bought this sweatshirt in the winter from Banana Republic. It has only worked out so-so. I love the beading on the collar, but the rest of the sweatshirt has a slight sparkle (you can't see it in the photos). I think it'd be easier to match with things if it didn't have the sparkle--it's sometimes just enough extra to categorize an outfit as "too much going on."

Will you be making like Einstein & getting yourself a sweatshirt? What do you think of this trend?

5 Comments

The peplum question

5/12/2014

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I didn't buy peplum when it first came out, did you? One, I couldn't find anything I liked that wasn't too expensive. Two, there was some question--especially for shorter women--if it might (gasp, sigh) make us look fat.

But peplum is popping up again this season, & it seems to have softened its lines & become more wearable, less
airplane-wings-like.

I've ordered a couple of these tops. I'll be reporting back to let you know if they work out!

Fossil Camille Peplum Top, $49.99

GAP Eyelet Peplum Top, $34.99

back view GAP Eyelet Peplum Top, $34.99

Banana Republic Black Peplum Top, $29.99 minus 40%

Banana Republic Denim Peplum Top, $69.50 minus 40%

Love Culture Plus Size Strappy Peplum (also in orange), $27.95

Dillard's Sanctuary Clothing Ponte Peplum Top, $59.40

J. Crew Factory Ponte Peplum Top, $54.50 minus 30%

Nordstrom Lauren Ralph Lauren Peplum Top (Plus Size), $85

Piperlime Wells Grace Ellery Vegan Leather Peplum, $27.97

H&M Off-the-shoulder Top (also in black), $29.95

Fossil top, no longer available dang it!

Garnet Hill Sleeveless Peplum Top, 3 colors, limited sizes, $38

Do you own any peplum? Has it worked out well for you?

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Who's wearing the pants?

4/4/2014

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...the printed pants, that is.

A year or so ago, printed pants--in everything from polka dot to brocade--hit the scene hard. Now I find they're on sale!

Is it because they aren't as popular as they used to be? Or are you wearing them regularly & ready to bring back out your cropped ones for spring?

Printed pants can take you to work, out for lunch, to an afternoon gathering, or out for the night because of their playful styles & dressy fabrics. They're easy to match with (black, white, cream). The only tricky part, I think, can be the shoes.

Are you the one wearing the pants?

In jacquard, brocade, sateen, & medallion prints

H&M Jacquard-weave Pants, $49.95

J. Crew Campbell Capri in Lattice Medallion, $69.99 minus 30%

Talbots Signature Dot Jacquard Ankle Pants, $29.99

Boden Bistro Pant, $52.80-$74.80

J. Crew Factory Skimmer Pant in Metallic Brocade, $64.50

Boden Bistro Crop Trousers, $27.60

Boden Wow Bistro Crop, $27.60

In blues

New York & Co 7th Avenue Pant Cuffed Crop Sateen Print, $25

J. Crew Factory Skimmer Pant, $39.50

Boden Bistro Crop, $17.60

Boden Bistro Pant, $70.40

J. Crew Minnie Pant in Foulard, $79.50

J. Crew Campbell Capri in Abstract Wave, $69.99

In animal print

Zara Printed Trousers, $59.90

Talbots Signature Animal-Print Ankle Pants, $23.99

Ann Taylor Maven Leopard Ankle Pants, $89.99 minus 40%

H&M Pants Loose fit, $17.95

In black & white

Garnet Hill Jacquard Capri Pants, $68

New York & Co. Crosby Street Slim Leg Pant, $21.18

H&M Slacks, $20

Ann Taylor Windowpane Slim Ankle Pants, $79.99 minus 40%

LOFT Floral Print Stretch Cotton Pants in Marisa Fit, $49.50

Banana Republic Hampton-Fit Geo Print Crop, $69.99 minus 40% with code BRSPRING40

In florals & nature patterns

Garnet Hill Santeen Capri Pants, $78

Boden Bistro Crop Trousers, $17.60

Zara Floral Printed Trousers, $59.90

Zara 5 Pocket Printed Trousers, $49.90

Zara Floral Printed Trousers, $59.90

Zara Printed Trousers, $59.90

In artistic designs

Zara Printed Trousers with Side Zip, $79.90

Zara Cut Work Trousers, $99.90

New York & Co. 7th Avenue Ankle Pant, $24.97

Boden Bistro Crop Trousers, $117.30

Boden Bistro Crop, $17.60

J. Crew Collection Cafe Capri in Iced Lilac Paisley, $129.99 minus 30%

Zara Palm Tree Print Sarong Trousers, $59.90

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What have you bought for me lately?

4/1/2014

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Do you sometimes recount exactly what you've bought lately to see how much you've spent?
Here are the 8 items I've bought in the past few weeks to help me make the transition to spring. The total cost I paid is around $200 after discounts I took advantage of. (P.S. I bought a lot of other stuff I returned.)

10 Ways I Save $ for Clothes

Gotta Stretch that Dollar Bill

How Much Should You Pay for Shipping?

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Take-a-graphic-tee-to-work Day

3/7/2014

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Typically graphic tees are only for the weekend. But I think these ones are pretty enough to wear to work under a jacket or cardigan.

Banana Republic Palm Tree Graphic Tee, $39.50

J. Crew Linen These Are the Days Tee, $45

J. Crew LINEN THESE ARE THE DAYS TEE, $45

The lovely Julia Cruzan on her blog Glitter and Juls; Her outfit details: Skirt: The Loft factory Shoes: Forever 21 Necklace: Ell & Emm

J. C. Penney Joe Fresh Graphic Tee, $6.99

Super Obvious Tips

Do pick a tee that fits you well.
Don't wear a trashed out tee. You may want to iron your tee.
Make sure your tee isn't too see-through.
Don't wear a now-yellowed white tee or a tee with stains.
Don't wear any offensive language on your tee.

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Stripes with benefits

2/16/2014

4 Comments

We knew we could wear a striped tee with solids, but how 'bout with patterns, lace, florals, & more?

stripes with solids...

Ann Taylor Shimmer Stripe Long Sleeve Top, $24.99 minus 60% with code SHOPANN

Victoria's Secret Low-back Ballet Tee, $34.50

stripes with patterns...

J. Crew Factory Outfit Obsession #2

Here's her top:

J. Crew Factory stripe boatneck tee, $24.50

stripes with geometric patterns in a similar color ...

Banana Republic Bold-Stripe Metallic-Trim Tee, $39.50

Boden stripe tee with Statement Ankle Skimmer, $118

stripes with dots...

Boden Essential Short Sleeve Tee, $20-$22

stripes with florals...

Ann Taylor Petite Ottoman Stripe Ponte A-Line Top, $29.88 minus 60% with code SHOPANN

stripes with lace...

Ann Taylor Petite Shoulder Button Striped Top, $19.88 minus 60% with code SHOPANN

Stripes with sequins...

Joe Fresh outfit: striped top & sequin skirt

Can't find exact top on left, but this Joe Fresh striped tee is $6.99 minus 15%

Joe Fresh Fringe Sequin Skirt, $16.99 minus 15%

stripes with side-stripe pants...

Ann Taylor Petite Striped Ponte Boatneck Top, $59 minus 30% with code SHOPANN

stripes with stripes...

Ann Taylor Striped Perfect Long Sleeve Shirt, $79.50 minus 30%

To quote my husband, "They're breaking all the rules. Do people really wear stripes with patterns like that?"
Do you think they've gone too far?

T-shirt Sunday Tees

4 Comments

Colorful skinny belts

2/13/2014

2 Comments

I know you don't want to, but let's talk about belts. Many of us gave up belts when our bellies got big or pregnant & never took them up again. And who wants to spend money on some little piece of leather or fabric, an accessory? But if we can find the right outfit that won't make us feel like an elephant, belts can add some spice when used as a contrasting color.

With pants & jeans...

Red & pink belts contrast nicely with navy

Banana Republic Heritage Velvet Skinny Ankle Zip Pant, $69.99; patent skinny belt, $34.50

Banana Republic Floral Ikat Print Skinny Ankle Jean, $89.50; patent skinny belt, $34.50

Banana Republic chinos & patent skinny belt in turquoise, $34.50

An otherwise bland outfit gets refreshed with a strip of bold spring color

Boden Skinny Ankle Skimmer Jeans, $23.40 to $46.80; yellow Skinny Belt, $19

Pink, gray, & yellow seems such a pretty combination to me.

Red, yellow, & off-white works well too.

Skinny Ankle Cord, $29.99; yellow belt

Anything goes with jeans...

GAP 1969 stripe-hem always skinny skimmer jeans, $48.96; Colorblock belt, $24.95

Garnet Hill Red Engine Cayenne Skinny Jeans, $59 - $124; pink belt

Land's End Long Sleeve Print Fine Gauge Supima Cardigan, $40-89; Perforated Diamond Belt $29

Land's End Women's Pin Straight Colored Jeans, $59; Perforated Diamond Belt in light meadow mist, $29

The bright belt becomes the centerpiece. Just add a basic white shirt.

With skirts...

Boden Italian Lace Jacquard Skirt, $82.80 to $110.40; Super Skinny shocking pink belt, $20.40

Belted over a pullover, the bright pink belt makes a playful statement when contrasted with dressy neutrals.
Do you like the look?

You don't have to have belt-loops to add a belt to your outfit.

Garnet Hill Lace Pencil Skirt in jade, $44; pink belt

Boden Zoe Top, $27.20; robin's egg blue belt

I have such a weakness for turquoise & burgundy.

With dresses...

Belting dresses can add life to dresses old & new.

Boden Laura Dress, $59.20 to $74.00; yellow skinny belt, $19

Garnet Hill Ponte Knit Dress, $29; Anna Leather Braided Belt, $54

I hear blue is the new neutral this spring.

Land's End Sleeveless Ponté Sheath Dress with Pockets, $69; Patent Leather Bow Belt, $29

One of my favorites of the belts pictured above--GAP's Colorblock belt:

GAP Colorblock belt, $24.95

I think colorful belts in the spring are the equivalent of colorful tights in the fall. Do you want to give them a try?

You may also like...

Shortening & belting old dresses

Delayed gratification

You'll get used to it

2 Comments

Back to the ole burgundy & blue

1/21/2014

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I've been obsessed with burgundy with blue for some time (see post here) & have been amazed how many new outfits I've come up with thanks to this surprising color combination.

3 from Boden

Here are my latest outfits assembled with this color combo...

New Abercrombie & Fitch striped oxford, H&M skirt, GAP maternity cardigan, cabernet tights

Just a minor variation--a decade-old blue-gray shirt from Target with the same H&M skirt, cabernet tights

Very cheap J. C.. Penny Joe Fresh skirt (around $2.97 in store), old wine/aubergine-colored GAP cardigan, new sleeveless thin white shirt from Abercrombie & Fitch to wear underneath, navy tights

Super old Boden merino sweater, same thin sleeveless Abercrombie shirt, old Banana Republic cord skirt, heather brown tights

After I told my 8-year old son/photographer about the color scheme, he picked out this outfit for me.
At first I thought I was just humoring him putting it on, but then I realized I really liked it!

Never underestimate the power of children to mix up your wardrobe in new, fun ways.