Denim Daze 2.0 - Long Sleeve Chambray Shirt - Dressy

This week I am styling a long sleeve chambray shirt. When I began this denim series a few weeks ago, I differentiated between true denim and chambray. Chambray and denim are made with the same type of cotton threads, but the denim uses a double strand and the chambray uses a single strand. It is amazing, these days how soft and moveable denim is. Now we add other threads to the mix like spandex and viscose to make this normally stiff fabric more figure and lifestyle friendly.

This long sleeve polka dot top works well as a jacket or a light weight layering piece for when you are going to be in an overly air conditioned office for the whole work day. My husband and I like to go out to eat and then spend the evening at Barnes and Noble. We both love books and enjoy working on writing projects, the blog or just relaxing with a book or magazine. I noticed the last two times we went into the store, the air was blasting and it was down right cold. Enter the light weight layering piece.

Whereas Tuesday, I showed this Christopher and Banks blouse styled casually, today’s outfit would be work or date night appropriate. On Tuesday, I wore it as a jacket with the tails loose and the front unbuttoned. Today’s look involves tying the tails and buttoning one or two buttons to create a fake ruched look.

Some gals might be fine with wearing a style like this without a tank top underneath, but I wanted a more appropriate work look, so opted to add a thrifted Loft tank top for additional warmth and layered interest.

You’ve seen this skirt before on the blog when I did my print mixing series. You can see those two posts, here and here. This was a thrifted piece and is Gianni brand. I love this simple a-line silhouette and the colors of the print. It has proved to be a very versatile piece.

I was excited to add this statement necklace to this outfit. I have had it for about a year and haven’t worn it too much, but I thought it was the perfect length and colors for this outfit. I found this beauty at Christopher and Banks online. Many times that is how I find my deals. I shop their clearance and wait for additional percents off.

My little bag is thrifted. It is a fun little piece to use all on its own, or you could use it inside a larger bag for holding the little odds and ends that every woman has in her purse.

Once again, I grabbed my trusty gray heels. Sometimes a simple heel is the best shoe of choice, rather than going for something with more interesting details. This pair is older, but is Comfort Plus brand. Have you ever noticed how hard it is to walk on squishy grass in heels? You sink! Ha, ha. The things you put up with as a woman, right? Ha, ha.

I hope you enjoyed this post and are enjoying the Denim Daze series. Most of us have a least a few of these denim or chambray pieces in our wardrobes. How much use are yours getting?

My hubby and I are heading to Wisconsin this weekend to be with his parent. Tomorrow is their 60th wedding anniversary. What a wonderful accomplishment! We are going to do a few fun things with them in celebration of the special day. I hope you all have a great weekend!

See you next week.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

I decided to feature a few fun pieces from Nordstrom since they are having a sale right now. Have fun shopping. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Denim Daze 2.0 - Long Sleeve Chambray Shirt - Casual

Before I get into the actual post for today, I wanted to let you know that there is a nice interview with, yours truly, on Rebecca Trumbull Photography’s blog. As most of you know, Rebecca is both my photographer and my oldest daughter. Her website, not only includes information about her packages and what she offers, but her own blog, which gives her experiences with clients and some fantastic pictures. Be sure to click on over the the interview by clicking here and give us both some love.

There are times in the summer, where it gets really hot outside. The problem, then is not the heat, but the air conditioning. Many places have the air blasting and it makes it uncomfortable for people who like moderation. Especially if you are going from the cool house, to the hot car, to the hot outdoors and then back into the cool indoors. My husband and I always take a light weight sweater or jacket with in the summer months, just to have something to put on when the inside air gets too chilly.

This week’s denim piece is a long sleeve, polka dot chambray shirt. A light weight blouse like this is another great way to have extra coverage for those chilly indoor spaces. You can use it like a jacket and take it off, if you get too warm.

This Christopher and Banks blouse is light weight and covered with fun purple polka dots. I decided to do some print mixing wearing it over this purple printed popover sleeveless blouse by Izod.

I think the print mix works well, because the popover top, which has the busier, and larger print is paired with the smaller polka dots of the chambray blouse. It also works because I chose a common color to mix with, which in this case was the purple. Here is a close up of the two prints. In the close up, you can see the popover top does its own pattern mixing.

White seemed the obvious choice for my bottoms. These cropped white jeans were thrifted.

We didn’t get a picture of the back pockets, but they have pretty bling on them. The cuffs on the bottom also add another interesting detail. The crop pant typically falls between where a capri would fall, several inches below the knee, and where an ankle pant would fall just at or a smidge above the ankle.

I wanted to add in another color, so when I chose this choker necklace that got passed over to me from my daughter, I decided to add green, thus the olive green hobo bag.

I also added this pretty multi layered beaded bracelet. I got this on clearance at JC Penney a few years back and I really like the way the beads change color as they wrap around the wrist. Its colorful and has a fun boho vibe. Couldn’t you see this piece of jewelry with a long flowing tiered gypsy skirt, a bright top with an off the shoulder look, lots of beads and a bandana on the head? Maybe not on me, but you get the idea. Ha, ha.

I found these sandals at a thrift store and they went into my cart as soon as I tried them on. I love the color. I don’t own very many accessories that are purple, other than jewelry, so I thought these were a fun addition to the wardrobe. I also like that they cover more of my foot. I would love to wear those strappy cuties that many women wear, but my bulbous veins, are not attractive. That doesn’t mean I can’t wear sandals, it just means I try to find styles that give me a little more coverage.

Do you own a long sleeve chambray shirt? Do you ever wear it like a jacket? Wearing long sleeve shirts as jackets can be done with any long sleeve, button-up in your closet, just keep it in mind when you are putting your outfit together, and pick accordingly.

Be sure to check back on Thursday for a dressed up version with this long sleeve shirt. I’ve included a few shopping links for long sleeve chambray’s below. Be sure to check them out.

Have a great Tuesday.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.