Outfit Inspiration - Jacket, Chambray and Colored Pants

I decided to start four new columns on the blog to replace those I had last year. Thursdays seem to be the days I like to focus on a particular fashion idea, whether it be inspiration from a source outside myself or how to style a particular piece. Today being the second Thursday of the month, I am going to feature outfit inspiration from other sources. Last year I devoted this Thursday to other fashion bloggers in my Beautiful Blogger Bests column. While I will still be featuring different bloggers once in a while, I wanted to focus on other sources to show you that you can be outfit inspired in so many different ways and by so many different people. 

What got me started on this idea were several sources including a Chico's catalogue/ad, and a home decorating book focusing on color. The outfits I saw in the Chico's ad were lovely, but I couldn't afford to run right out and buy all the beautiful things I saw. I thought to myself, "I wonder if I could come up with a similar outfit using my own closet as the pool from which to pull the pieces." Today's outfit is my version of one I saw last fall in a sales flyer I received from Chico's.

Due to copy right infringement I cannot show you a picture of the original outfit, but I have included a few shopping links to give you an idea of a similar outfit. 

The outfit included a herringbone blazer, mustard colored ankle pants, a dark blue chambray shirt and orange jewelry. The original model also wore a pair of black loafers. 

This is my version.

My jacket is not Herringbone, it is Houndstooth. I found this little gem made by Pendleton  at a thrift store that I've driven by hundreds of times, but never stopped at. Silly me! Pendleton is an iconic American made brand that has been around since the mid to late 1800's. They are known for their manufacture of quality wool blankets and clothing. 

The difference between Houndstooth and Herringbone lies in the pattern. Herringbone is more compact and looks like zigzags, where as the Houndstooth looks like each spot has little teeth attached at the opposite corners. 

My darker chambray shirt is Canyon River Blues, a brand that has been sold at Sears and K-Mart and is also sold at Walmart. This one is also thrifted. 

I chose a rust color pant, because I don't own any yellow ones. These rust colored pants I got at Chico's just recently. These are their So Slimming Slim Leg Pant. They are high waisted and have no zippers or belt loops. Just pull them on and go. 

Because I went with rust for my pant color I thought olive green would go well with the rest of the outfit, so I added by olive beaded necklace, an olive bracelet and my new SO olive suede ankle boots. I also picked up my olive colored tote to complete the ensemble.

Do you see my clenched fist? Ha, ha. It was pretty cold and got colder as we continued our shoot. You'll see some of the blustery pics when I start my Pantone Spring 2018 series. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. Next time you are at a bookstore or library, take a look at a few fashion magazines. These are great places to look for inspiration. Don't let the glamorous models and glossy pages make you lose heart. The goal is to find YOUR style, not someone else's by taking bits and pieces from different places.  

I hope you have a good weekend. 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Friday linking up with Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style, Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge and Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots

 

A Fun Casual Valentine's Look

I am going to take a break from my series on Working Undercover, to post a couple of Valentine's looks this week and next. After that I am going to start the Pantone Spring 2018 series. Don't worry, I will get back to more posts on hiding our "flaws" at a later date.  

Today's outfit revolves around a summer dress by Vera Wang. I got this fun watercolor print from Kohl's a few summer's ago and thought my Florida trip in December would be the perfect place to wear it. Unfortunately, the temps were not conducive to wearing it as a dress, so I chose to style it as a longer tunic over a pair of skinny jeans.  Take a look. 

I added a light pink tee to wear underneath for extra warmth. It was the perfect combination and went with the light pink in the dress. In addition I threw on the SO flats. I am not as much a sandal type of girl due to my vein issues (yes varicose veins can cover the feet too). So I like to wear ballet flats or sneakers in the warmer months. 

I have been intrigued by Vera Wang's Simply Vera, line of clothing at Kohl's since I first became acquainted with it a number of years ago. I love that she chooses patterns and colors that are out of the ordinary. I am not a big fan of everything she puts out on the run way, but she does have many cute pieces that are available to the average shopper. Many of her pieces have unique and interesting details. The prices aren't too bad and even better when you can score something off the clearance rack. 

I added the distressed cropped jean jacket as another layer. I kid you not, it was only about 50 degrees. so I not only added the cropped jean jacket, but before we left to go play mini golf, I also added a wind breaker. Ha. ha. 

Here are a few silly pictures of me being cold. 

In addition to the jean jacket I decided to wear the dress over my Rock and Republic jeans. 

I think this outfit would work well for a casual Valentine's date. The dress is flirty and feminine, but I made it my own, by adding the edginess of denim. I also wore minimal jewelry to let the dress take center stage. 

What do you think of this outfit? Would you wear something like this? Do you like Vera Wang's line of fashion? I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts. 

I hope you enjoyed today's post. Check back on Thursday for the start of a new monthly column. I think you will enjoy it. 

Below are a few links to a few other Vera Wang pieces. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link, I get a few cents. If you purchase something through a link in my post, I might get a little commission. As usual all opinions are my own. 

Have a great day!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. Friday linking up with Jo-Lynne of Jo-Lynne Shane