What TO Wear

Paris Takeoff - six days, five hours and counting. 

So these aren't today's  OOTD, but rather four of the outfits I've put together for Paris.

The weather there is forecast to be cool, low 60's, and rainy.  So layers are a must.  Walking is the our most used mode of transport, so comfortable, stylish shoes are also in order.

I'm sticking to a black and white palette.  It's easy to mix up and Paris is the black clothing capital of the world.  And while it is my favorite city, it's the only one I've visited where I feel badly dressed, no matter what I wear.  It's fashion sense intimidates me, but I love it nevertheless.

Core pieces for these four outfits include black denim trousers and side-zip pants paired with three jackets and black and metallic flats. 

Outfit Details: Cole Hahn Flats and Moto Jacket  - Nordstrom, both currently on sale.   Straw Belt  -Talbot's.  Black Peplum Back Jacket  on sale - Ann Taylor.  Slacks - Talbots (old) and both pair have been tailored.  Tops - Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Ann Taylor, Talbots.  Jewelry is old and from Talbots, Last Call and Limited.

Happy Hump Day!




 

Feeling Green

I am just in love with this minty green color.  Got the top a couple of weeks ago at Banana Republic and have already worn it three times.  I love it's elbow length short sleeve and the back has a low scoop neck that will be cute when warmer weather arrives.  Spotted the sweater on the Sale rack at Ann Taylor last weekend and knew it would look great mixed with the smaller green stripe of the top.  As our weather seems to continue to lend itself to the need for sweaters and jackets, this combo makes a perfect weight.  Happy Sunday!

Outfit details:  Striped Cotton Snap Front Sweater Jacket - Ann Taylor; Striped Elbow-Sleeve Tee - Banana Republic; Belt - Talbots; Amanda Demi Wedge Shoes - Tory Burch; Watch - Movado; Bracelets - Last Call, Kopecilla; Necklace - Banana Republic.

Triple Play

I love black and white and this season there is more than ever to chose from.  Last week during a 30 percent off promo at Banana Republic, I picked up this black and white vertical-stripe top.  I'd seen a look on Pinterest that utilized this vertical stripe in a jacket and I thought it was a terrific switch-up on the much more common horizontal stripe.

The top is silk with a bit of spandex, so it fits and feels wonderful.  I'm thinking of things and looks I want to take on my Paris trip at month's end and know this top will make the cut.

Outfit one contains mostly new items in the jacket, shoes, skirt and top.  The necklace is more than a year old.  I know both the jacket and skirt will pack well, resist wrinkling and are the perfect weight.  The skirt's already traveled to Florida.  The jacket looks more polished than a cardigan, but has the same comfort of a sweater.  Look three changes up the skirt for a pair of black matte jersey pants and changes out the pink peep-toes for nude pumps.  I untucked the blouse and added a black/white patterned belt from Ann Taylor.

I know this blouse will get a lot of mileage on its own and as a layering piece.  The matte jersey pants are an all-season travel essential.  I'll be able to wear them overnight to Paris and not walk off the plane a wrinkled mess.  They're the perfect travel pant. 

All these pieces were purchased either on sale or with a percentage off offer.  The striped top is not currently available on the BR website, but can be found in stores. 

Outfit Details: Ponte Knit Skirt - Talbots;  Knit Jacket - Macy's; Striped Top - Banana Republic; Peep-toe Wedge - Talbots; Matte Jersey Wide-Leg Pants - Talbots.

Mother's Day Blessings

Mother's Day Blessings

So fewer blog posts the past few days.  I'm having trouble being motivated and the weather is driving me slowly crazy.  This past week we (like much of the country)  have been dealing with weather temps that go up and down faster than my weight.  And we've had  (at least for me) an excessive amount of gray skies and cool days.

It's taken the umph out of any desire to wear much of anything except yoga pants, long-sleeved tees, warm socks and sweatshirt jackets.  When I have put together a decent outfit so that I can venture beyond my yard, I've snapped a pic and just posted directly to Facebook.   

Friday was a lovely day and in the evening I did the Talbot's fashion show.  I did pull myself together before I arrived for that, but as I was running late, didn't get a photo.

Saturday most of the day was spent in gym clothes until we ventured out for some late afternoon errands.  Then I just threw on  that comfy Talbots knit dress from about three seasons ago.

Mother's Day dawned sunny, but breezy and on the cooler side.  We were able to eat brunch outside in the early afternoon, but dinner had to be moved inside. 

Plans to snap my Mother's Day ensemble went awry and so this shot, taken before dinner and sunset has to suffice.  Here I'm joined by Princess the Younger. She and her husband did a terrific job putting together a fabulous dinner.    

Outfit Details:   Though the BR top is current, it isn't showing online.  All other items are no longer available.  Sweater - Ann Taylor; Top - Banana Republic; Necklace - Limited; Cropped jeans - Talbots; Shoes (dark blue suede flats) - Talbots; Belt (black and white mini dots)  - Ann Taylor.

 

Black & Blue

It's another gloomy day here and still a bit on the chilly side.  Needed to break out of the jeans, but dresses, skirts or shorts don't work for me on rainy days--except, of course, in the stifling heat of July and August when they are a welcome respite.

But here and now, I'm over this chill spring with its intermittent sunny days.  So while there isn't much blue in the sky, I can put some 'blue skies' in my outfit with these cobalt pants. I lighten up the look with this, now on sale, cap sleeve blouse from Loft.  It's a great piece that will travel well, can be dressed up or down and should work well into the summer because of its sleeve.  I jazzed up the neckline a bit, and should have taken a close-up, with two rather than one necklace.  A multi-strand pearl and chain from Talbots a few years back and a two-strand gold and pearl necklace from JCrew. Another tip from Mr. Kelly was to mix your metals.   A basic black jacket finished the look, both for warmth and polish.  Had to go with flats--I'm breaking these in for Paris wear at month's end--it's a walking and standing kind of day.

Outfit details:  Jacket - Talbots; Blouse; Colored Denim - Talbots; Belt - Ann Taylor; Shoes - Miz Mooz; Necklaces & Bracelets - Personal collection. 

These Short Were Made for Walking

Saturday's Clinton Kelly Style event featured a number of outfits featuring shorts. The models ranged in age from teens to 50ish and selected ensembles reflected trends appropriate for each age group.  Shorts went from very short and casual for the teen and to progressively longer the older the model.

I know many women of a certain age think they can't wear shorts because their legs have issues.  From wrinkled knees to varicose veins our legs change as we age. My own legs have never been my best feature--they are short, I'm hippy and I don't have trim ankles.  I'm not beating up on myself, they get me where I want to go--they are sturdy.   So despite their imperfections, I like the comfort and freedom of a pair of shorts if they are the appropriate length.  I'm loving all the length choices out there.  There is a length out there--more flattering than a crop pant.  If you wear skirts and dresses, you can find an attractive and flattering pair of shorts. 

I love the corals and oranges out this season, but I don't care for them with black.  That combination just screams Halloween to me--sorry if it's one of your favorites.

I do, however, love orange and navy (despite the fact that they are the school colors of dreaded athletic foe UVA).  Adding a wedge gives the outfit a bit of polish and for even more polish, you might substitute a jacket for the sweater.

Outfit details:  All Talbots - Charming Cardigan in Pink Flamingo; Paisley Slub Knit Tee; Twill Bermuda Short; Belt (old); Shoes (old); Necklace (old); Bracelets (old).

A Tale of Two Jackets

On Saturday I was touched by Clinton Kelly, it was only a handshake, but nevertheless, I've been touched by a fashion God.  AND, he complimented me on my jacket (Talbots Tweed Jacket - currently available on sale).  I may wear it at least once a week going forward, right after I have it tailored.  All of this took place at a Clinton Kelly Style Event on Saturday at Macy's Towson (Md.).  He's hilarious, snarky but not mean, as cute in person as he is on TV, hyper-energy, and down to earth.

He pulls no punches when it comes to identifying and critiquing fashion faux pas.  One brave soul--a very busty mom who had had twins, her first children, at age 40-- volunteered to be his subject for a style critique.  She was wearing a horizontally striped tee, elastic pants and crocs!  His first words to her, "Get a professional bra fitting."  It's a sore point with him that far too many women aren't wearing a correctly fitted bra.  Don't know if you've heard this before, I had not, your breasts should rest half way between your elbow and your shoulder.  So if you've got girls, go to the mirror and check yourself out.  I'm not sure where to find a professional bra fitter, which is who Clinton wants you to see, but I'm going to try to hunt one down.  I think I'm okay, but just want to check it out. 

Now about the jackets...if you follow Clinton on What Not to Wear or have read any of his books (I got 'Oh No She Didn't on Saturday and was able to get it signed), you know he thinks a jacket just completes an outfit whether it be casual or dressy.  He also expounds the need for tailoring.  He did a bit during the Q&A on fashion designers and fit models and why we need tailoring.  So right along with my hunt for a bra fitters, I'm going to search for a better tailor.  That is, better than the lady who does alterations at the cleaners who isn't really a tailor.

It's been cool enough to need a sweater or jacket over the last few days, low 60's weather with a breeze.  The jacket on the left was one modeled during the Style Event.  It's a great knit and was under $40.  It will be perfect for travel.  The denim jacket, which is actually what I wearing out and about yesterday, is from Old Navy and was around $35. 

Which look do you like best?

Outfit details: Right:  Macy's - Alfani Collarless Jacket; ;Banana Republic -Striped Elbow-Sleeve Tee; Polka dot scarf - Old; Jeans - Talbots - Old; Shoes - Tory Burch
Left: Old Navy - White Denim Jacket

It's a Crop

These three Talbots' looks all include the pervasive crop pant.  The first two are the super crops and the last is their five-pocket crop which features a 'slim leg.'  That becomes legging-like on my body type. 

While no fan of the crop, I've a thicker calf and ankle and feel they shorten my silhouette and emphasize the wideness of my hips, these looks all work.  

If you love crops, and many do, you might want to try the monochromatic look to lengthen the silhouette and add a great scarf or jewelry to draw the eye upward. 

I'm in love with the beaded stripe cardigan in the first look and think it will make a classic and useful addition to my wardrobe.   

Do you feel the love for any of them?  Which one might you wear?

Outfit details, all Talbots, left to right:  Beaded Stripe Cardigan; Signature Fit Twill Skimmers; Wrinkle Resistant Shirt in Pink Flamingo. Middle - Charming Cardigan in Lapis; Wrinkle Resistant Shirt in Palm Frond; Signature Fit Twill Skimmers in Palm Frond;Fleur-De-Lis Floral Wrap.  Right - Ponte' Knit Jacket; Cotton Crewneck Tee; Signature Seaside Dot Crops Seaside Sea Glass;Lexa Crisscross Espadrille; Striped Straw Tote

Mellow Yellow

This is one of my very favorite color combinations that I don't wear enough.  And while pattern mixing may not be for everyone, done well, I love it, believing it takes ordinary to extraordinary.  This skirt caught my eye in the Talbots May catalog, but sometimes I shy away from patterns on the bottom--I've a lot of real estate in that body area.  They are also more of a styling challenge, once worn with the easy solid color top look where is there to go?

On the hanger, this look made me go, "hmmm?" Once on it was love at first sight. It's a great summer mix of colors and the individual pieces can work so well with other existing wardrobe pieces.  The yellow in the skirt is a beautiful tone--bright sunshine captured in pattern, what's not to love? The blue and black in the sweater works beautifully with the skirt, but the sweater is lovely on its own.  The scarf adds a lovely extra dimension with its bandana print. And  there's a darling tee tucked up under the sweater that has a sweet bit of cut-out lace at the top. 

Outfit details:  Floral Sweater - Talbots; Skirt - Talbots; Tee - Talbots; Scarf - Talbots; Necklace;  Shoes - Michael Michael Kors via Macy's.