One Skirt 3 Ways: Day 2

Here's my second outfit for Jane's skirt challenge. The long top over the skirt gives this one a 20's flair, while yesterday's was more modern. Not one person at work noticed that I'd worn the skirt 2 days in a row, or at least no one said anything if they did.

I was all set to wear the third outfit tomorrow, however an unexpected and very important meeting is now on the calendar and the outfit I put together is a little too casual for my liking. I'll save it for Monday, which at least will make it 3 days out of 4, which for me is pretty amazing. I rarely wear the same skirt twice in a month, let alone three times in less than a week.






T-shirt, scarf: H&M
Tunic: Porcelynne
Skirt, tights, hat: Noa Noa
Shoes: Sofft

Cocoon

Awhile back I decided I should get myself a sweater dress, having seen Sal look great in them as well as a couple of ladies I've spotted at work. But I also decided I would buy one second hand, because I figured the sort of dress I was looking for would cost more than I was willing to pay. So off I went to the thrift shop, and though I didn't find one there, I thankfully stopped in at Crossroads Trading Company, where I snagged this seemingly never-worn one for just $18.

I had some pretty specific requirements for the dress, too, which makes it even more miraculous that I found it. It had to have a cowl neck, long sleeves, be a thick cable knit and not too clingy, and be soft and of good quality. This one is 100% merino wool, and as you can see it clearly satisfies all the other requirements. It feels like wearing a big cocoon; I couldn't be more thrilled with it.

I added the harness to give the boxy dress a little shape, and tied the scarf cowboy-style up under the cowl in order to bring some vibrant color to the outfit. Adding the purple scarf reminded me that it had been awhile since I'd worn these pretty purple boots, which I thought paired well with the edgy harness.

Dress: Banana Republic
Harness: Audra Jean
Scarf: a long-ago gift
Boots: Eject

Resolution

In the last weeks of the year I decided to get a jump start on my New Year's resolution to drive less, and not knowing exactly how far I'd end up walking or how long I'd be standing and waiting for public transportation (I hadn't yet tried taking public transportation to work from the new house), I decided I should make my outfits as comfortable as possible while I was still getting used to the new system. I'm not the sort of gal who will put on sneakers with a work outfit and change at the office; no way. So if you look at the last few outfits you'll see two of my favorite pairs of walking shoes -- these boots as well as my brown Batas -- and plenty of soft, flowy knit fabrics.

Now that I've done it a few times, I've realized that taking public transportation to work is actually quite easy from the new place. Not only that, but I arrive at work far less crabby than I do if I have to suffer through the traffic on the freeway. This might just be a resolution I can stick to.

Cardigan: BB Dakota
Gray skirt (hiked up and worn as a dress): S
Teal skirt: LA Made
Belt: Red Dress Shoppe
Boots: Modern Vintage

Team Building

This was a casual outfit that I wore to a company event in which we were having a team-building exercise that required a lot of walking around outside. Oh, how I live for corporate team-building exercises (insert sarcasm here). Actually it turned out to be not as mind-numbingly stupid as I'd anticipated it would be, and as an added bonus I got to spend the day in downtown San Francisco rather than having to commute to the office.

The comfy and casual ensemble I picked was made up of my soft, warm argyle sweater, my most comfy pair of jeans, and my beloved and well-worn brown boots. The big scarf not only kept me warm, but it also added some interesting pattern and color to spice up the casual look.

Sweater: All Saints
Jeans: Acne
Boots: Bata
Scarf: a gift from my sister

Team Building

This was a casual outfit that I wore to a company event in which we were having a team-building exercise that required a lot of walking around outside. Oh, how I live for corporate team-building exercises (insert sarcasm here). Actually it turned out to be not as mind-numbingly stupid as I'd anticipated it would be, and as an added bonus I got to spend the day in downtown San Francisco rather than having to commute to the office.

The comfy and casual ensemble I picked was made up of my soft, warm argyle sweater, my most comfy pair of jeans, and my beloved and well-worn brown boots. The big scarf not only kept me warm, but it also added some interesting pattern and color to spice up the casual look.

Sweater: All Saints
Jeans: Acne
Boots: Bata
Scarf: a gift from my sister

Building Blocks

This is just a simple casual Friday, jeans-and-t-shirt outfit, but it illustrates the importance of accessories and shoes in elevating an outfit from ordinary to interesting. By itself, the red scarf isn't even really that exciting, but paired with a dark purple shirt it gives the outfit a lot more pop. Adding the multi-colored shoes is a funky finishing touch.

I should also point out that I bought this shirt specifically because it combines eye-catching details with a comfortable, relaxed design. It cost more than I would typically pay for a long-sleeved t-shirt, but it's one of those interesting basics that makes it a snap to put together outfits that are both casual and unique. I also have plenty of basics that are truly basic, but I try to spice up my wardrobe with pieces like this when I come across them (All Saints is one of my go-to retailers for interesting basics), because when I'm pressed for time or don't want to think too hard about my outfit, they make the perfect building blocks.

Shirt: Just Angels
Scarf: H&M
Jeans: Joe's
Shoes: Fly London