Denim Daze 2.0 - Ruffled Chambray Top - Casual

When we talk about denim, we often think of chambray. Chambray typically uses the same cotton fabrics that true denim does, but they are put together in a a different way, called plain weaving, as opposed to twill weaving for denim. Chambray is lighter weight as it uses single strands of thread as opposed to the double strands that denim uses. However, we most often identify chambray as denim as it comes in the same washes and typically serves the same purpose for casual dressing.

This darker wash Liz Claiborne chambray top was on the clearance rack at JC Penney. I don’t frequent Penneys as much now, but when I have a coupon and am looking for a specific item, I will go there. Believe me, as a clothes horse, I have spent lots of money on clothes, but I have always felt the need to shop clearance and second hand. Now, I feel thrifting is even more important for environmental reasons. Land fills are overflowing with plastic, furniture, appliances, clothing and just general garbage. Why throw stuff away, when we can repurpose it?

I thought for a casual look, wearing these Christopher and Banks, Bermuda length shorts would be something different. Plus, most people grab their shorts for summer outfits that are cooler. These Sonoma shorts are light weight, the perfect length for those of us who are a little more leg conscious. I like the way this darker chambray top looks with the tan shorts. For a girl who usually loves lots of color, being more toned down once in a while is a nice change.

I absolutely love the detailing on this popover top. The raw edges on the bodice and sleeves, as well as the ruffles make this a very pretty and interesting piece.

Since this was a relatively casual outfit, I wanted to keep my accessories more minimalistic with a few beaded bracelets, a pendant necklace from Christopher and Banks, a white bag and sneakers.

This white and tan bag is a thrifted Jaclyn Smith. It has a longer strap so you can wear it as a crossbody bag.

This pair of Windsor Knot Grasshoppers were a recent purchase this season. Here is a link to DSW where they have several colors. Once again, it is the details that make an outfit so much more interesting. The stripes on these sneakers and the braided cord, just adds a special touch. Of course this would have looked great with a fun pair of sandals as well.

Do you have a fun top like this, that has unique textural details? How about a pair of shoes that are more interesting because of their different details? A bag can also be a focal piece for an outfit, adding color, texture, and other details.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Remember your comments help my blog, plus I feel like I have friends out there, even though we have never met. If you ever have an idea for a post or a series on my blog, let me know. I’d love to have your input.

I’ve included a few shopping links for more chambray tops, but also for tops with fun details. Be sure to do some window shopping. All your clicks help support the blog as well. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Marvelous Maxis - Playing it Straight

When I decided to do this series on maxi skirts I wanted to be able to show you, not only ways to style them, but variations on maxi skirt shapes. Skirts come in various shapes from A-line, and pleated, to circular and pencil. Just Google skirt shapes, and you'll see a number of images that explain the different silhouettes. Last week I featured a pleated skirt. This week my muse is a straight, or what can also be called, columnar, skirt.

If you are not a fan of maxi skirts, because of the amount of material involved, I would suggest trying a straight maxi. This shape is fairly figure flattering for most women and allows for some amount of camouflage for those areas we often consider problems, such as tummies and hips. The straight skirt, also does not overwhelm with loads of material.

Once again, I styled the skirt two ways. 

Look 1 - Casual

I found this pretty printed skirt at a thrift store. I love the summery blues and greens of the pattern. For my casual look I paired it with my fringe hem tee. 

To not make the look too busy, I kept my accessories simple. The lariat choker, was a new accessory I decided to try after seeing it on a few of my blogger friends. It's basically one long chord that you wrap around the neck to form a choker, then tie at the front. 

My other accessories included a simple charm bracelet and a canvas off white clutch. To keep the look casual I chose a pair of gold thongs with tassels. 

Look 2 - Dressy

For my second look, I swapped out the fringe tee for a simple pull over top with ruffles around the arm holes. I did the front tuck to make the outfit a bit more figure flattering. 

This cutie pie is my grand puppy Beatrice. She's being coy in this photo. Ha, ha. For my accessories, I wore a multilayer royal blue necklace, which picks up the blues in the skirt. I also wore royal blue heels. Instead of the casual off white clutch I chose my green tote that I got for Mother's Day from Charming Charlie. I also grabbed an aqua sweater for those overly air conditioned places. 

Here's another shot with Miss Beatrice. You can see how I did the front tuck on the blouse. 

Here are the two looks side by side. Which one do you like better?

I hope you enjoyed this post and that you have been inspired to pull out that maxi skirt and wear it. I've gathered a few printed straight maxi skirts below. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions 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 of Shelbee on the Edge. Wednesday linking up with Sara and Hannah of The Perfect Storm Blog. Thursday linking up with Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood.