Color Play: Burgundy and Gray - Classic Fall Color Combo

Burgundy is one of many colors that I look forward to wearing in the fall and winter. These days there is no reason that we can’t wear those darker, richer colors all year round, but for me, I like the special feel of pulling out colors I haven’t seen for a while to embrace a new season.

This outfit was inspired, once again by an Instagram challenge where today’s prompt was Academia. I love the classic vibe of the full range of academia inspired clothing combinations. There is something cozy and chic about layering plaid blazers, knit vests and button down shirts with the university silhouettes of trousers, a-line or pleated skirts or nicer jeans in a variety of washes and colors. Obviously, in today’s society, the university campus is a rainbow of styles, colors and nationalities making it an interesting melting pot for both fashion and learning.

To build an academia inspired outfit, I typically start with my topper. Today’s choice was this beautiful gray, plaid blazer. This was a second hand find a number of years ago and is Talbot’s brand. It is a lovely, wool blend piece and fully lined. This one from Kohl’s is a brownish color; here is an oversized twill version from Old Navy; here is another brown piece from JCPenney; and here is a pretty one from Chadwick’s. Always check the second hand stores for blazers, especially if you are looking for something vintage.

If I look a bit peckish in these pictures it is because I just started an antibiotic yesterday for a sinus infection. Today I didn’t roll out of bed until almost 11. Yikes! You know I don’t feel well, when I stay in bed past 8 or 9. I think the stress and grief of this past year has definitely caught up with both my husband and I, so If we are still in bed at 11, so be it. Right now we are able to do that and we’ll take that as a sign that we need the extra rest. This too shall pass.

Once I chose the blazer I chose the vest. This knit piece is a men’s Docker’s brand. I just found this at the beginning of this month, when we were on our getaway with friends. I had been looking for a few more knit vests that were not bulky. I got this one and a creamy white one, both in the men’s section. Here is a blue vest from Kohl’s; a button down style from JCPenney; a plus size cable knit style from Woman Within; and a pretty gray from Lee. There is also this burgundy one from Oliver and Blake.

The button down shirt is an older thrift find and is Apostrophe brand. This is a nice, structured button down with a little stretch, which I like in a more fitted shirt. I really like how the vest and the shirt look like they were meant to be together. It is always fun when that happens. Here is one from JCPenney; a 3/4 sleeve one from Walmart; another version from Kohl’s; and a petite version from Macy’s.

I wasn’t sure what sort of pants to wear. At first I just had a pair of regular jeans, but then I remembered my thrifted, gray Gloria Vanderbilt jeans that I have had for years. Though I don’t use these a lot, they commonly get worn a few times a year. They are comfy and hold their shape well. Here is a pair from JCPenney; a pair from Lee; and a cute pair from Old Navy.

I knew I had a couple of burgundy colored bags so I grabbed this one out of my purse pile. This is a thrifted Libby Edelman piece. I will be throwing this one in the trash, even thought it is a cute piece. It is peeling all over, so it is time to go.

I chose silver for my jewelry. I have way too much jewelry and with not working anymore, I do try to put something on most days. I actually did wear this outfit today…once I got dressed. Ha, ha.

I also knew I wanted a more academic type shoe so I dug out this old pair from when I still worked at the bookstore. I love this pair of suede oxfords. They are a little snug, but like a good pair of leather gloves they seem to stretch and fit after you have them on for a bit. These are Naya brand and I got them at DSW. Here is a page from their website for black oxfords.

What do you think of this outfit? Do you like the academia vibe? Do you own a plaid blazer? How do you wear it, or do you prefer to wear solid color blazers? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from each of you.

I have provided shopping links for you to explore. These are brought to you at no cost, and I do not make any money through any of these sites. These are just for your benefit.

I hope you have a great day!

Styling into the Holidays - Part 3: Dressed Up

I couldn’t finish this series without a shout out to those of you who have fancier events to attend at the holidays, especially New Years. While today’s outfit is not black tie attire, I think it would do well for an evening out for dinner and a show, like the Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker. Many years ago, my mother, and father-in-law got my husband and I, along with his sister and her husband tickets to this holiday ballet. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had just been my sister-in-law and I. Ha, ha. My spouse does not appreciate ballet anymore than the color pink. He’s such a goof, but I love him.

I was helping my hubby pick out a shirt for the university December graduation ceremony that he was attending this morning, and while he is donned in his regalia, he still likes to look presentable under the robe. He was wearing black pants and asked if I would pick out a shirt for him. I ended up giving him a navy button down.

“Is it okay to wear black with navy,” he questioned.

I assured him any color can be worn with any other color and it also served as the inspiration for today’s outfit. I already had the blouse on, as I was using it as part of my Instagram outfit. It is one of the dressiest blouses I own. With that beginning I began looking through my skirts and settled on this beautiful navy, velvet piece with pleats. This was a Kohl’s clearance purchase a few year ago and is Chaps brand.

In my opinion pleated skirts never go out of style, nor does velvet, making it the perfect choice for fancier attire. An added bonus is that this skirt is warm, which is helpful on a chilly winter night.

The combination of this thrifted Jaclyn Smith satin blouse and the vest gives the outfit a classy academic vibe, and also adds more of an hour glass silhouette. This Rachel Zoe vest was a recent TJ Maxx clearance purchase. I have been looking for a waistcoat of this sort since they were trending back in the spring. I had all but decided they were only intended for the slender folk to wear, so low and behold when I saw this, tried it on and it fit I was super excited. It is definitely going to be used all year round.

You can also see my delicate gold jewelry, chosen for its association with the Silver and Gold song sung by Burl Ives. Ha, ha.

The black, faux fur, No Boundaries bomber was a gift a few years ago from my hubby for Christmas. I never think to pull it out once the temperatures plummet, but when I was taking these pictures I was totally cozy with it on. The draw back is that it is short and in the cold weather I like my bum and thighs to be covered. That is exactly why it is perfect for an outfit like this where you will be mostly in and out and not standing outside for a long time.

Style Tip: Fabrics like velvet, fur and silk or satin will add panache to any outfit, whether you are wearing jeans or tweed. If you are attending a function, but don’t want to go the whole gambit of a dress or skirt, try a dark wash pair of dress jeans with a silk blouse, and heels. You will look like a million bucks!

My Steve Madden, velvet, heeled ankle boots were a thrift find. Who knew they would work beautifully with the velvet skirt? A classy, heeled ankle boot is a great alternative to regular heels in the cold weather.

My sparkly clutch typically makes an appearance on the blog when I am showing off an outfit that is more dressed up. It was a good purchase all those years back. In the photo below you can’t really notice the sparkles. Ha, ha.

I hope you enjoyed seeing this more dressed up outfit. It was fun to put together, and afterwards I showed the pictures to my spouse and said, “You need to give me an excuse to get dressed up like this more often.” Ha, ha. I’m not subtle at all.

I interspersed shopping links throughout the article. You can just click on a picture to find out more about the piece as far as brand, store and pricing. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

There will be no fashion posts for the week of Christmas and New Years as I am going to take a little break and hope to get back to see my mom and other friends and family in NY between Christmas and New Years.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year!