Fashion Fun: One Blazer Three Ways

Everyone should own at least one or two good blazers. What I consider a good blazer is a piece that fits well, is made well and doesn’t show wear after only a few years. I have my own stockpile of blazers, because they are timeless. I do have wool based blazers that I only wear in the fall, winter and spring because they are the perfect classy layer to keep me warm. I also have a few that serve me well in the warmer months in overly air conditioned restaurants and theaters. Today, I want to show you a thrifted piece that I recently found.

I have been looking for a tan colored blazer for a few months. I didn’t care if it was tan, or beige, or camel, I just wanted something in that color family. I now have two. The one I will show you today being the first one I found. Last week I found a darker one at the dollar thrift store in the town south of us. How could I possibly pass up a beautiful blazer that fit me well and made me look like a girl straight out of Pinterest, for only a dollar? I couldn’t! Ha, ha. Do I need two tan blazers? No, and eventually, I will probably get rid of one, but for now I have two.

Outfit 1 - Casual with Jeans

This piece is a brand called Collections for Le Suit and I got it at Goodwill when my husband took me out for my birthday back in January. Looking at it in these pictures shows me that it is a little big. I lost a few pounds when I was sick and have not gained it back. Not being able to taste anything helps with that. Ha, ha. However, it will be nice to wear with bulkier sweaters and sweatshirts in the cold months.

My Apt. 9 jeans are also thrifted, though from a few years ago. I like the darker wash and bootcut of this pair. I have found most of my favorite jeans at thrift stores. It is a great place to find and try brands you haven’t heard of or can’t afford at regular retail prices. My patterned turtleneck is a thrifted brand called Investments Essentials. The funky pattern is what drew me to it.

To complete the look I added a beaded layered necklace, my Very Peri thrifted Merona bag and my old Sonoma heeled ankle boots from Kohl’s.

Outfit 2 - Workwear with Plaid Trousers

These plaid trousers are another dollar thrift find. I didn’t even try them on, figuring for only a buck, I could just donate them if them didn’t fit. What drew me to them were the light blue stripes. These are Mossimo brand.

I decided to pair them with my light blue Sonoma shirt. I got this from Kohl’s a number of years ago. A good chambray shirt, whether a light wash or a dark wash, is always in style and can be worn with so many things.

I finished off the look with silver accessories, and my blue Converse sneakers.

Outfit 3 - Dressy with a Polka Dot Skirt

I found this fabulous black and white polka dot skirt at the same dollar thrift store where I got the pants. How could I resist this classy, flowy piece, especially when black and white is trending for spring. It is a brand called Urban Coco. It has a white elastic band waist making it very comfortable. It also has a partial lining which hits just above the knees. I hope to see this one get some wear this summer.

White tees are all the rage for pairing with blazers, so I thought why not bring that into play here. My simple white tee is a Time and Tru piece from Walmart. This brand has definitely given Walmart a place in the fashion world, and they seem to be affordable pieces meant for real life wear.

For the rest of my look I kept it simple by adding a thrifted pendant necklace, a blag sparkly clutch and my Clark’s open toed shoeties.

If a girl’s got a twirly skirt, the girl’s got to twirl!

Here are the three looks side by side.

Which outfit do you like the best? Do you have a blazer this color? How do you like to wear it? Leave me some love in the comments. I really appreciate it. I am including a few shopping links for items similar to pieces in these outfits. Feel free to look them over. These are affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Beautiful Blogger Bests - The Feminine Masculine Look

One of the first bloggers I started following was Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Catherine lives across the "big pond" in England and has been nominated for the coveted UK Blogger Awards. She has a huge following and it is no wonder! She's got sass, charm and a "I don't care what you think" approach to fashion. As far as she is concerned a woman can wear whatever she wants regardless of age. She approaches fashion with a flare for combining nontraditional colors and pattern mixes and makes it look fabulous! 

Photo from Catherine's post with her permission. 

The post that inspired me for today's outfit was from January 25th and is titled:  Wide Leg Trousers: How to Get the Katharine Hepburn Look. In Catherine's original post which you can see if you click on the title, she styles a lovely outfit that has a "masculine chic" vibe. The plaid wide leg trousers and black longer coat have a menswear inspired feel, but Catherine adds a touch of the feminine wearing a peach blouse with white polka dots, pointy toed heels and a sweet box handbag. 

For my look, I took a pair of wide leg trousers that I thrifted and paired them with a sheer blue and pink top. 

When I threw this outfit together I didn't realize the blue in the blouse matches the thin blue stripes in the pants. Hey I'm a pattern mixing fool! Ha, ha. 

I kept my accessories similar, so the belt and the purse matched and the necklace and bracelet pulled together the pinky orange in the top.

It was a balmy 31 degrees with a wind chill of 25 when we were taking these pics. Catherine wears a black coat, which looks lovely with her outfit. I opted for my JJill velvet gray jacket. 

For my shoes I wore a simple black pump. I thought this bag a good mix of masculine and feminine. It kind of resembles a mini brief case. At least that was the idea I was going for. 

I think the look on my face is saying, "Hurry up! I'm freezing!" I think I need to take a modeling class. Ha, ha. I'm seeing my Dad's side of the family in this picture. Isn't that funny? Do you ever do things or look at yourself and think, "Oh my goodness. I'm doing just what my mom/dad does/did!" Or, "I know that face! That looks just like Aunt Mildred!" Actually, that is just the face I am displaying and I did have an Aunt Mildred! Ha, ha. ha.

Enough of my familial silliness! Do you think this outfit says, masculine chic? Is it too masculine? Leave me a comment in the comments section below. I love to have your input, good and bad! 

Be sure to check back on the blog tomorrow when Jodie and I will be finishing our series on styling a white blouse in a variety of ways. 

Until then, have a great day.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

This post contains affiliate links. All opinion are my own.

Thursday linking up with Nicole of High Latitude Style and Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge. Friday linking up with Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style. Saturday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb. 

Pantone Fall 2016 - Riverside Blue

I have plenty of blue in my closet. Blue just seems to be one of those colors that appeals to me in so many shades and textures and styles. So when I saw that there were two blues in the Pantone Fall 2016 color line up, I was excited to search my closet and see what I could come up with. I showed you how I styled Airy Blue in this post here. Today's post features Riverside Blue.

This blue is a medium blue and I think would look good on everybody. Never say never to a color. So often it is more about how you put an outfit together than whether it is a good color for you. It is true that some colors can make a person look washed out or even peckish, but a color can still be worn on the body while adding a sweater or jacket or scarf closer to the face to brighten up your look.

I found this 3/4 length sleeve tee at a thrift shop and found that it matched the subtle blue lines in this pair of dress pants that I've had for some time, making this an easy outfit to throw on for work. What I especially liked on this top was the embellishment around the neckline.

Here you can see the detail. The lines are raised and the blue threads are interspersed with silver ones. Because of that, I decided to keep my jewelry simple and opted for a cute cross necklace.

I decided to add a little pop of extra color with this mustard and white tote bag. We often think of yellow as a summer color, but it is a fall color as well, think leaves and goldenrod and sun flowers. 

Here you get a better look at my shoes. I featured this pair of oxfords in my Great Transitional Shoe post which you can view here.

Do you like Riverside Blue or Airy Blue better? I think blue is a great color for everyone to wear and because there are so many shades everyone can find a blue that suits them. I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know in the comments section below or leave me a comment on my Facebook page. 

You can also follow me on Instagram, though I am still working on doing more with that. I don't have a smart phone, so I have to take a pic and then send it to my daughter who posts it for me. I know, I am so living in a cave. Ha ha. At least I am a fashionable cave woman, don't ya think?

Check back on Thursday for a look at the changes our wardrobes make as we move into Fall. Until then have a great week. 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Shopping Options:

Blue Top - JCrew - $29.99

Plaid Trousers - Lord and Taylor - $89.00

Tote Bag - Macy's - $46.20

Black Oxfords - DSW - $59.95

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. Wednesday linking up with Tania of 50 is Not Old. Thursday linking up with Nicole of High Latitude Style. Friday linking up with Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style and JoLynn Shane on Fashion Friday link up and with Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots. 

Awesome Accessories - The Oxford: A Great Transitional Shoe

When it comes to shoes there are so many choices. From sandals and flats to heels and boots. At times the number of choices can be, well, overwhelming. There is also the question of what do I wear when it is not warm enough for sandals anymore, but not cold enough for boots? This week I want to look at the simple, but classic Oxford.

The Oxford shoe originated in Scotland and Ireland and was called Balmorals, after Balmoral Castle. Later the name changed to Oxfords after Oxford University. These particular type of shoes didn't come to North America until the 1800's. Women's Oxfords, which do not adhere as closely to the actual shape and stitching of the original have become a trendy fashion piece stemming back to the early 1900's.

Let me introduce you to my family!

As the assistant manager of a small university bookstore, I am required to dress professionally, and I also have to wear close-toed shoes. Trying to find shoes that are both comfortable for walking, standing or even receiving heavy boxes of books and that look nice is no easy feat (I know that's puny). The Oxford has provided me with a shoe that meets both of the aforementioned requirements.

Though this was not my first pair of Oxfords they are definitely one of my favorites. I found them at DSW on the clearance rack and as real suede often does, they fit perfectly. These are much less formal so I would call them my "casual" Oxfords.

This gray pair adheres a little more closely to the true Oxford form with the stitching on the toe cap. The open stitching makes the shoe less formal, so I would call these my "cute" Oxfords.

This black pair is much more formal and is reminiscent of the early men's wingtip shoe. The patent leather gives it a polished shine and the closed stitching gives the shoe a much more finished look. These are my "formal" Oxfords.

These were my most recent thrift store acquisition. The color is perfect for fall and the open woven look, make it a great shoe to transition from summer to fall. These are my "fun" Oxfords.

Oxfords are the perfect menswear inspired accessory and will go with anything in your wardrobe. There are so many lovely versions out there that you could find a pair to wear with pants, skirts or dresses and it won't break your bank account. 

I hope you enjoyed meeting my "family". Do you own a pair of Oxfords? How do you like to wear yours? Do you think they are a good shoe for transitioning from summer into fall? I'd love to have your input.

Have a great weekend and keep stylin'!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. 

Shopping for Oxfords:

Suede - Zappos - $79.00

Cute - Aerosoles - $49.95

Formal - Nordstrom Rack - $46.97

Fun - Nine West - $89.00

Piece Perfect - The Faux Leather Jacket

Our weather, here in Ohio has yet to really cool down. Tonight was rather pleasant with a steady, soft breeze and less humidity, but Labor Day and the week following still looks to be very warm. However, before we know it, the temperatures will drop and I will be pulling out one of my favorite cool weather pieces - the faux leather jacket. 

I own a leather jacket, which I love, but for days when I want to wear a different color, or I am looking for something heavier to wear over my top at work, I frequently turn to my less expensive faux leather.

As you can tell, I just love to be silly and my daughter always seems to capture my silliness quite well. This is an outfit I would wear to work. The stripes on my sweater and the plaid pattern on my crop pants could be a mild attempt at pattern mixing, but the main piece is the brown faux leather biker jacket. This piece was adopted from one of my favorite thrift stores, Savers. The material is soft and pliable, not stiff like some leather or faux leather can be.

The day we did this shoot, it was turning stormy just as we went outside. The wind was blowing and the gray clouds were rolling in. We had just enough time to snap some pictures before it started to rain.

A jacket like this can be worn in so many ways, similarly to a denim jacket or a blazer. It can add warmth to any outfit, without a lot of bulk. Wear it with a nice pair of trousers for work, a distressed pair of skinnies for date night, or with a maxi skirt or dress for some other special occasion. These jackets come in all forms - bombers, bikers, moto (a tad different than a biker), blazers, and trench. 

You can see in this picture my faux leather collection. I have two moto jackets, the black and red, which I purchased from Christopher and Banks (they currently do not have this style of jacket). I also have two biker jackets, the brown, which as I said, I got at Savers and the gray, which I think I got at Kohl's. 

Is she a Rockette or is she kicking the 4th quarter touch down that wins the game? I think she's just being silly!

And here's one more for good measure! 

Okay, enough of my attempt at being a fashion model! 

I think a faux leather jacket is a great investment. They are reasonably priced, come in a variety of materials, styles, colors and sizes and can be styled in so many ways. You won't regret adding this type of jacket to your fall wardrobe and it will become a piece you turn to again and again. 

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Friday linking up with Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots.

Layers of Fun: The Outer Limits - Week 2

Here is the conclusion of my first photo shoot. Remember, I am not normally a photogenic person, so it took some gentle direction from my photographer daughter to help me know when to smile, when to walk, how to tilt my head and so on. I am a work in progress, a living, breathing testament to Philippians 1:6 - "...He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."

Photo Credit: Rebecca Trumbull

This is one of my favorite outfits. It was classy, but comfortable. A perfect outfit for my job as an assistant manager at local university bookstore. I paired the tunic and narrow leg trousers, both from Christopher and Banks (see similar pants here). The tunic is no longer available. The vest and shoes were thrift store finds. The vest gives the outfit an edgy vibe and the shoes shout menswear oxfords. The necklace was probably clearance at Kohl's (bought a few years ago).

I like this outfit too. I am most comfortable in jeans and these skinnies are easy to slip into my taller boots. As I said from last week's post, I am not real fond of the vest worn by itself as the pattern tends to widen my already wide middle. But putting it under the fitted jacket works. The raspberry shirt adds a pop of color. Now if I could just find my horse!

Thanks for checking out this week's fashion post. Next week (and month) we'll be looking at Pantone's Spring colors and I'll be searching my closet for outfits that work the color scheme. We will also be doing a "closet clean out" with tips for slimming down our bulging closets. I hope you will join me.