Summer Pieces - Longer Kimono

Part of what makes a clothing piece interesting to me is color and pattern. As most of you already know, who follow me, I love pattern mixing and color combinations. Some of my pieces are busy with patterns and some are simply understated with texture rather than a mix of designs and color. What I like is the ability to choose. I have never been a fan of capsule wardrobes, not because they aren’t incredibly practical and workable, especially for vacations, but because I like to have choices. Not just the choice of what outfit to wear, but how to put that outfit together. As an aside, I really should try to do a capsule wardrobe for a month and see how it goes. That would make for some interesting blog posts

Today’s outfit focuses on a Sonoma kimono that I recently acquired on the clearance rack at Kohl’s. I love when they mark things down and then I get a 30% off coupon, plus a rewards coupon and some Kohl’s cash. That is really the way to stock up on fun pieces like this.

I like the sleeker fit of this kimono compared to a poncho, a ruana or a kimono that is wider. It gives a more fitted silhouette. If you are not sure what the difference is, check out my series on kimonos by clicking on the following links: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, and Week 6.

I normally don’t like to take pictures of my bum, but I wanted you to see the whole kimono front and back. This way you can see the length and the continuity of the pattern. The colors include a light blush on the front trim and a dark navy criss cross and diamond pattern.

I went with the silk tee from my Neiman Marcus, thrifted, sweater set. You can see how I styled the whole set in this post. It is a classy piece with plenty of texture and stretch. I also chose a choker set that has both a cord with a pearl and a chain. From there I added the bracelets.

This New York & Co bag actually belonged to a friend who was getting rid of it. You can used it as a large clutch or a tote, depending on how you want to carry it.

These sneakers were a Meijer find. I think one day, I found three pairs of shoes at Meijer on the clearance tables and this was one of them. They are a bit loose, but work well if you don’t want to pay the more expensive price of Converse. The brand is called Rocket Dog. Here are a few fun pairs, prints, stripes and slip ons.

My jeans are an older pair of Apt. 9 ankle pants. Many times I roll these up so they are more of a crop pant, but I like the ankle pant length for this outfit.

Do you wear kimono’s or other layering pieces like this? They are perfect for summer, when you don’t want a heavy sweater to wear outside, but you also need something for a chilly, air conditioned office, theater or restaurant. I have a number of kimonos now and am looking forward to wearing them more this summer.

I’m including a few shopping links for kimonos and fun bags. Be sure to check those out. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

InVESTments: Wearing Vests in the Summer - Asymmetrical Hem

I have always liked to wear vests. I know for some women, vests just aren't a piece of clothing they consider wearing. Today, however there are so many more options. Rather than the structured denim and stiff cotton fabrics of my childhood, vests come in all manner of materials, lengths and styles. In this series I would like to show you a variety of vest types and ways to style each of them for the summer months.

This week I am featuring a vest with an asymmetrical hem line. Asymmetrical means that the hem is not the same all the way around. This vest is shorter in the front and longer in the back. This vest is Say What? brand which can be found a numerous retailers including Target, Macy's and Kohl's. I know I found this on clearance, but I actually can't remember where. Ha, ha. My brain just isn't what it used to be! 

The looks in this series will revolve around a more casual style. This outfit would be perfect for work.

For this look I wore a pair of checked ankle pants that are New York & Co brand. Here is a cute polka dot pair. 

I wanted to keep the palette a soft neutral so I chose an off white Faded Glory tee that I've had for a few years. Here is a cute lace front one from Walmart. 

For accessories I just threw on a couple of beaded necklaces that drew in the soft pinks, grays and tans of the vest.

I found this bag at one of my favorite thrift stores called Savers. The brand is New Directions which is found at the retailer Belk. Here is a similar one currently in stock. I bought the bag because I loved the soft hobo bag styling and the buttery rum color. I'm sure I'll be using this in the fall. 

You've seen these cute SO flats before that I got at Kohl's. I loved them so much that I ordered two more pairs, a light blue and a floral. They will probably show up on the blog sooner or later! Click here to see these and many other colors. 

The open weave of this vest makes it a perfect addition to a summer outfit, but I can see styling it with long sleeves, skinny jeans and boots for fall. Do you like vests? How do you like to wear yours?

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a shopping link below, I will get a few cents. I appreciate all the support you give to me. I wouldn't have a blog without subscribers and readers like you. Thank you!

All opinions expressed are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Shelbee in the Spread the Kindness link up. Wednesday linking up with Sara and Hannah of The Perfect Storm. Linking up with Jo-Lynne Shane in the Fashion Friday link up. 

Piece Perfect - Spring Transitions

There are numerous pieces we could talk about for the season of spring. Look at what is on the racks at your favorites stores. Light weight blouses, flowy fabrics, pastels, bright floral prints and a variety of hemlines on both pants and skirts. However, if you have ever spent time in the mid-west in the months of March, April and May you know that going from winter to spring is not always easy to style. 

Layering is essential for me, especially until the temperature hits the upper sixties or seventies. However, as the temps begin to climb into the forties and fifties, I do feel less of a need for heavy layers. I turn more towards lighter weight long sleeve tops and pack away my turtleneck sweaters. I wear pants that end at my ankle with shoes that are more open.  

I like a 3/4 length sleeve top for these transitional days. The first is a light weight tee with a pastel floral print. The second is a hooded pullover sweater. The tee I would wear under a cardi or jacket, which I'll show in a bit. The sweater is heavy enough that I can wear it alone or over a tank top or camisole.  Below each idea, I'll show a few alternatives.

These are two pairs of shoes that I consider transitional. They are both flats, but more importantly they are more open than the boots and oxfords I had been wearing in the winter months. 

The reason I consider these transitional is that they are made of canvas. Canvas is perfect for summer months, but not so much for the cold snowy days of January. 

Taking my 3/4 length sleeve tee, I added a pair of ankle jeans. This length of pant is great for spring. It still gives you full coverage on your legs, but allows your ankles to breath and feel the fresh, albeit often nippy, spring air. 

Since layering is still essential I added my fun patterned blazer. This is a lovely piece made with light weight fabric and fully lined. It is not heavy at all, but still adds a layer of warmth.

By the time I posted this the cute leopard print was sold out! Sorry!

Here is another possibility, just by swapping out the jacket with a open front 3/4 length sleeve cardi. I found this light weight cardi at a thrift store this past weekend when I was visiting my mom in Buffalo, NY. Besides the weight I was drawn to the circular texturing. The circles are half cut open.

Here is an easy work outfit. Light weight dress pants, 3/4 length sleeve pullover sweater, canvas sneaks and go!

These are just a few of the transitional pieces that can help you go from winter to spring with ease, comfort and style. 

Let me know what you think of this post. Did you find this helpful. I hope that when you look into your closet you can find inspiration for new outfits to put together a great spring look. Let me know your thoughts and ideas in the the comments section. Your comments help my blog grow. And if you are not a current subscriber, but would like to receive my emails once a week be sure to click on the subscribe button. I appreciate it.

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

Thursday linking up with Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge. Friday linking up with Jennie of a Pocketful of Polka Dots and Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style.