winter fashion

The story of the $12 dollar skirt

A few months ago on a trip to one of my favorite consignment stores I found the cutest skirt.  It didn't have a label in it and looked to be a one-of-a-kind beauty.  I immediately loved the print of the fabric and the cut of the skirt itself.  It is an A-line skirt and the print is a blend of patterns with blues and greens.  As I talk about often, I love it when a gem in my wardrobe can be worn in different ways.  Not only can I wear this skirt in different ways and in different seasons, again I mention, it was $12 bucks! 

Here is how I wore it first:

Skirt in late November

In late November I wore it with a black turtleneck, jean jacket, tights and my all time fav MaryJanes.  Everything I'm wearing isn't available anymore, but here are some suggestions that are close 

Here is how I wore it today:

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Today I wore the skirt with a simple gray long sleeve tshirt, a black cardigan and black boots.  

The t-shirt is still available here:  http://shopstyle.it/l/vY6N and the cardigan here:  http://shopstyle.it/l/vY7v  Both are on sale!  (p.s. these too are affiliate links, just so you know).

I am looking forward to Spring (I mean is anyone not???).  Here is one way I will be wearing the same skirt when Spring finally shows her face:

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This is a simple tie waist white shirt from Chico's (no longer available) and my favorite pink Dansko clogs (also not available).  I did post some items similar for you to check out

 

All three of these looks are easy to duplicate.  Choose a great skirt and wear it with some simple closet basics - a long sleeve tshirt, turtleneck, white blouse and layer (depending on your preference) with a cardigan or jean jacket.  Add your favorite shoes or boots - simple or with a pop of color or flair and there you have it.  A fun, easy to wear skirt is the star of all of these outfits - it just happens to be a bonus because I got it for such a great price and it's wearable in any season.  Check your closet - if you wear skirts - I bet there is one you can pull from your wardrobe, match with the same items as I have, and wear it multiple seasons.  

Have fun putting together a new look and of course, owning your style.

 

** just a note - there are affiliate links in this post.  Not comfortable using them?  No problem just google for the items or shop for yourself at your favorite sites.  

To wear or not to wear ...

Do you have a favorite pair of pants?  You can't count jeans!  I do.  Well, more so, I have a favorite style of pant.  I found 2 pair I love equally, from different brands, so I bought them both.  The pants?  A simple wide leg cropped pant in black.  The fabric on both is a mid-weight washable fabric that makes these pants perfect for almost any time of year.   The styles though very similar, have just enough different details that it was worth buying both.  One pair is plain, zip in the front button closure.  The other pair zips on the side with silver buckles at the waist on each side.  The seaming on both pair make the pants flattering for all body types.  

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This look I paired with my MaryJanes, tights and a layered blouse and cropped sleeveless sweater for a holiday party.  If the temps had been really cold I would do fleece lined tights for warmth but otherwise I love this look for colder months.  For me, the wider leg balances my body shape and helps me own my style.  

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This look is great for fall or spring.  I have the mules I'm wearing in both fur-lined and unlined.  I paired the pants with the mules, a sleeveless mock sweater with a denim jacket.  I love the mulit-strand pearl necklace to add a pop to the outfit.  All these elements together for this outfit again, helped me own my style. I have also worn the pants with a simple long sleeve tshirt and mules and a light cardigan (or the jean jacket) for Spring or Fall.  In the summer I do the same thing with a short sleeve shirt and sandals or wedges, depending on the occasion.  I love all the options for these pants.  I have added a khaki green pair in canvas recently because I am such a fan of this silhouette.  

If you want to get technical, in most cases you see 2 key silhouettes if you are searching for a wide leg pant.  A search for a full leg/wide leg full length trouser will most likely show examples of palazzo pants. A cropped version is often called a culotte which typically reaches either knee length or calf length.  For my style, I like the cropped length better because, you guessed it, there are more options.  I love a full palazzo pant for a dressy look.  I think, if styled with perhaps a glittery top, can easily replace a cocktail dress. But, I digress or trail off... here are some examples of the cropped styles:

One of my favs....

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If I have a fav look, this might be it.  I paired the pants with tights and my MaryJanes (surprise!), a beautiful flowy top and used a scarf as a belt to complete the look.  This outfit I wore in the winter as well and it was perfect, regardless the temps.  This outfit was perfect for a holiday dinner the Mister and I attended.  I topped it off with my vintage pink wool full length coat which adds just the right amount of "dress" for me.  Once again, I was able to own my style in this look.  I am 5'4" which some would say is too short for a cropped wide leg pant but I disagree.  First, I don't like rules like that and second I don't think it's true.  What's always been most important is that you own what you're wearing and make it yours.  I think confidence is the best thing you wear.  

What's your favorite pant?  How are you wearing it?  How are you owning your style?