Piece Perfect - The Utility Jacket

When I began thinking about this month's Piece Perfect column, I was thinking about showing a traditional jean jacket. I have shown a dark wash crop style denim jacket in a previous Piece Perfect column, which you can see here. I thought it would be fun to show a post with a more traditional cut and wash of denim jacket, but for lack of picture taking time, I will save that for another day. Today I am going to focus on the utility jacket. 

Looking for some definition for the utility jacket I was able to derive that our modern day utility jacket was modeled mainly after the Vietnam era military jacket. The color is most often olive green, but now can be seen in gray, black and even orange (see my Pantone Spring 2017 post on Flame.) These jackets are typically light weight with both buttons or snaps and a zipper, as well as multiple pockets. Most of them have elastic or a draw string to gather the waist more tightly against the body.

Today, utility jackets are all the rage. I like mine because it is roomy, which allows for a few layers underneath if it is cooler, but can also be worn as a light weight jacket over a tee or tank top. This is the look I came up with for my jacket.

If you follow my blog, you might remember this outfit from a post called Spring Trends 2017. I used these pieces for a flat lay. A flat lay is simply a picture of the clothing laying flat on the floor, folded, rather than on a person. See below.

I had another blogger tell me she would like to see the outfits from my flat lays on me, to get a better idea of proportions and fit. I liked the way this looked in the flat lay and I like it even better on me! 

As you can see I started with a pair of distress crop jeans, and a breton type tee.

Here's a closer look at the detail, both on the tee and the jacket. 

I thought the blush accessories looked perfect with this outfit. It keeps the outfit summery and fun. I also like the raw hem on the jeans. I kept the jewelry simple and gold to go with the gold sequins on my tee. 

If you've never considered a utility jacket you might want to invest in one. It gives an outfit a fun casual look and can be worn with so many colors. Do you like this outfit? Would you wear frayed hem jeans? I didn't used to think I ever would, but then here I am! Never say never!

Below I've provided some shopping options. This post contains affiliate links. If you do a little looking and/or buying through my blog, I make a little bit of money. I appreciate all of your support, especially your feedback. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Thanks for stopping by the blog and have a great weekend! 

Thursday linking up with Nicole of High Latitude Style. Friday linking up with Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots, Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style, and Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge. 

Color Crash Course - Blush and Pastel Orange

Color inspiration can come from anywhere. I love the bold greens of new plants and bright blues of summer skies.  I also have many fond memories of childhood trips to the corner store for candy, bubble gum and popsicles. All of these things, not only evoke memories, but also provide a spring board for fashion creativity. As with any visual creative venture, whether drawing, painting, photography, working with ceramics or fabric, color plays a part in our designs. Have you ever looked at a painting and wondered, "What were they thinking?" Have you ever thought that about a person's outfit? I've had that thought about pieces that I have brought home from the store that lay dormant in my closet, until some such time as I pull it out and that bell goes off. "What was I thinking?"

Intentionality is as important to outfits as it is to a painting, a story or a musical composition. I want what I wear to mean something, even if it is as simple as saying, "I feel attractive in this." Sure there is a time for improvisation, just like in jazz, a time to just throw on that comfy pair of jeans, a cute graphic tee and those fun sneakers and just wander around town, with no real intention at all. 

I think we can be intentional about the colors we choose in our outfits as well. My outfit today revolves around two colors that we often associate with summer, blush and pastel orange. 

I wore this outfit to work, one of my last days there. It was a cool day, thus the sweater. What inspired me to pull this outfit together was the top.

Have you ever had one of those mornings where you just don't know what to wear? Instead of pulling out the bottoms first, pick a printed top, then chose all your other pieces, including your accessories to compliment the top. In this case, this sleeveless top with a ruffle down the front heralds hues of pink, blush, orange and black all on a white background. I pulled out my blush sweater, bag and flats to go with the lighter pink. I added my pastel orange pants to emphasize the light orange and I added just a pop of Pink Yarrow for one of my accessories. 

This works great for planning a weekend getaway. Pick your favorite printed bag or scarf and build all of your outfits around it. If you are like me, the disadvantage of having a bulging closet is having too many choices. Building an outfit around a top, a scarf or a bag limits the options. See my posts on styling an outfit around a bag, here and here. 

Both the sweater and bag are from a thrift store. I don't know the brand of the sweater as, the tag was torn out, but I like its ribbed shawl type collar, open front and waffle weave. Here is a cute option from H&M. The cross body bag is a Vera Wang. Here is a more pinky version from Kohl's.  I love to use a cross body bag when I shop. It let's me have both hands free to peruse the merchandise! Thus my bulging closet! Ha, ha.

I picked up these SO flats from Kohl's this year. They are cute, comfy and were very reasonably priced. I have already worn them a number of times. They are on sale for $17.99 right now and come in a variety of colors. Now that I looked at them again, I am thinking I may want another pair. The floral ones are both cute and so are the light blue!

I hope you enjoyed this month's Color Crash Course column and I hope it will inspire you to think more about the colors you choose for your outfits. Any color combination can work. It is just a matter of intentionality. 

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by the blog! 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Friday linking up with Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style, and JoLynn Shane in the Fashion Friday link up. 

Pantone Spring 2017 - Island Paradise

When Pantone created their Spring 2017 line up, the over all force behind the colors was the idea of nature. As I described last week, Greenery speaks to everything that is budding out now that spring has arrived. Trees, bushes and even the grass green up to their fullest potential. Island Paradise also brings the natural world into our homes and wardrobes.

Island Paradise exudes my idea of sunny days, blue waters and white sandy beaches. While I am not a sun worshipper, I do like to be near the water, gentle breezes caressing my face and the feeling of sun warmed sand beneath my toes. It creates the perfect harmony of peace and relaxation. This Pantone color gives me that same feeling. Just looking at it makes me feel happy and helps my stress level to decrease. 

I don't own many pieces that perfectly match this color. I have lots of navy, cobalt and denim, but not very much that truly speaks to this sunny blue. I found this sheer top at a thrift store and hadn't really worn it much. When I saw it hanging in my closet, I thought it might work well to create the feeling of the summery tropics.

Due to the sheer nature of the shirt I decided to wear it open more like a jacket or cardigan. I opted for a white ribbed tank top underneath. The beauty of styling a tank with a shirt like this is the outer shirt can be removed outside when it is really warm, and it can be put back on when you go into an air conditioned store or restaurant.

To keep the look fun and tropical, I paired the top with my Worthington pumpkin colored pants from JC Penney (possible options here). Worthington pants are a good fit for me, allowing enough room for my thighs and bottom, while not gaping at the waist. These are a light weight polyester blend with a side zipper, that allows easy movement. 

The above picture also gives you a good view of my blush flats and cross body bag. While the bag is not actually a true blush color, there is enough similarity that I think it works. Mind you, you  don't always have to match your bag to your shoes, but once in a while, I think it makes an outfit look crisp and finished. 

I kept my accessories simple with a single strand bead and metal necklace and one beaded bracelet. With the busy pattern of the blouse I didn't think it was necessary to add too much jewelry. However, I wanted to have a little something to show off, in case the outer blouse was removed. 

Overall, I think this is a great resort outfit, meaning I would take this on vacation to a warm place. I could see myself in this outfit walking on the beach with my hubby, breeze blowing the flowy blouse, pants rolled up, flats in hand, feet in the surf. It's probably a sunset walk, after a delicious dinner out.....ahhhhh, how relaxing!

What would you wear to go to a warm destination vacation? Did you like this outfit? Let me know in the comments section below. Or you can leave me a comment on Facebook. I love hearing from you. Have a great Tuesday!

Be sure to check back on Thursday to see this months, Beautiful Blogger. Until next time.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a shopping link I get a few cents. If you purchase something through a link, I get a little commission. Having a blog does take time, so I appreciate any support you give. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. Wednesday linking up with Sara and Hannah of The Perfect Storm.