Hot Pink Suede & Cropped Purple Peasant Tops

One of my favorite parts of blogging is being able to connect with new people. So when my lovely reader Andrea asked for my thoughts on some new additions to her spring wardrobe I was beyond excited; especially when she sent me photos of the pieces in question. exhibit a) sheer, vintage purple blouse with a high lace collar exhibit b) pink suede pencil skirt with exposed zippers

The length of the cropped purple top has made it challenging for Andrea to style and while she’s worn the hot pink pencil skirt with nude heels and a button up Andrea’s looking to dial up the volume and step outside her comfort zone a bit. Keeping both of these challenges in mind here’s what I came up with:

Balance Out the Blouse – all of the bottoms I selected are high waisted so the blouse can be tucked in or worn loose without showing off too much skin

1. Express High Waisted Pencil Skirt - simple, chic, and a great way to let the peasant blouse take center stage while keeping your look 9 – 5 appropriate
2. Geo Print Pants - a fun and funky way to add interest to your outfit but subtle enough not to over power the sheer blouse
3. ASOS Platform Wedges - the subtle color of these wedges means you can wear them with just about anything including sheer purple blouses and floral pants
4. Citizens of Humanity Jeans - I loved the idea of tucking the bold purple blouse into these high-waisted skinny jeans for a bold and feminine look
5. Wilster Paperbag Shorts - comfortable and chic these short keep the focus on the blouse while making a statement on their own
6. Dolce Vita Oxfords - paired with any one of the bottoms listed above these oxfords add a touch of prep school chic to the boho blouse without clashing. I love them with the geo print pants!
7. City Classified Heel Flair Sandals - These sandals play off the lace detailing in the blouse and would look chic paired with the floral skinnies, paperbag shorts, or express skirt

Chic Skirt Pairings – I opted for tops with simple patterns and fun details that would stand out while keeping the skirt center stage. I also tossed in a few casual options to give the skirt a bit more versatility 

1. ModCloth Blouse - Add a ladylike element to the hot pink suede skirt with this pink polka dot bow tie blouse
2. Sheer Forever 21 Blouse - Amp up the volume with this oversized sheer blouse that balances out the mini skirt while keeping the look classy, perfect for a night out with the girls
3. Striped Seaside Sweater -  This nautical inspired sweater is perfect way to make the hot pink skirt brunch appropriate, especially when paired with nude or metallic oxfords
4. Nirvana Boat Neck Top - Layered over the hot pink skirt this boat neck tunic offers a more demure look that’s as sexy as it is chic
5. Floyd Rocker Tee -  A great rock tee can take you places and this Pink Floyd shirt is no exception. Paired with the hot pink skirt this top is blouse-y enough to tuck in or wear over your skirt for a fun, festival or concert look.

Thank you so much to Andrea for allowing me to share her style questions, I had a lot of fun putting this together. Have questions about styling a specific piece in your wardrobe? Not sure what to wear to that upcoming event?!
Drop Me a Line! I’d love to hear from you.

How would you style Andrea’s pink & purple pieces?

Sunday Shopping: Bustiers & Bralets

One piece I’m looking to add to my spring/summer wardrobe is a bustier or bralet. Perfect for pairing with maxi skirts and high-waisted Levi’s cutoffs these tops add a touch of sexy sass to any outfit but can be worn under a smart blazer with cropped cigarette pants for an office appropriate look.

1) Mara Hoffman Mexican Blanket Bustier, 2) Topshop Scarf Print Zip Bralet, 3) Swan Cutout Bralet, 4) Floral Bustier, 5) Modcloth Turned to Eleven Tank, 6) Lattice Bra Top

Which top would you add to your spring wardrobe?

Fashionably Historical – Marie Antoinette

History was my passion long before fashion so it seems fitting to pay tribute to one of my favorite ladies (and style icons) in all of European history, Marie Antoinette. A young woman at the time of her marriage to Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette could not fully grasp the political or social expectations that would be thrust upon her once she assumed the role of France’s queen. This overwhelming pressure combined with her well documented love for fashion and other fineries makes her one the most fashionable and misunderstood figures in history.

Inspired by the rich colors, opulent accessories and delicate floral patterns typical of Marie and Louis XVI’s reign …and the fact that Mitt Romney recently compared Mrs. Obama to Marie Antoinette… I put together a few things that any modern day Marie might enjoy. Want more? Check out my Pinterest!

Clockwise from bottom left: chair, clutch, hat, dress, glasses, converse, throw, sweets, jeans, heels, headband, cameo set, flats, blazer (similar), & bustier

What historical figures have inspired your style?

Awesome Outfits for Awkward Holiday Party Moments

Is it just me or do the holidays and awkward moments seem to go together like Santa and cookies?

No other place is this seasonal awkwardness more apparent than at office holiday parties. In my experience the key to surviving office holiday parties is a clutch big enough to hold a flask to look and feel your best. That way when your co-worker’s new boyfriend turns out to be the guy you hooked up with over labor day weekend and never called the only awkward part will be explaining how you two know each other…

Casual Celebrations

Clockwise Left to Right: Ring, Blouse, Skinny Cords, Heels, Blazer

 Perfect for grabbing drinks with co workers or the in-office potluck this casual look is chic without being stuffy. Classic silhouettes in rich fabrics and textures, like this Velvet J Crew Blazer, give your look a stylish twist this holiday season. How casual is too casual? Every office is different but I always suggest using what you would wear to a client meeting as a baseline with casual Friday attire at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Happening Holiday PartiesClockwise from Left to Right: Booties, Vest, Dress, Tights, Bracelet

First time attending your BF’s company Christmas party? Not sure what to wear to your boss’s “Holiday Open House”? Play it safe and take your cues from the host; check the invitation’s verbage (casual, cocktail or formal) and when in doubt stick with the classics. Add some holiday cheer to your LBD with jewel tone tights, classic military inspired booties and a bold bracelet.

Formal Festivities Clockwise from Left to Right: Headband, Skirt, Clutch, Tank, Coat, Heels

If your company is pulling out all the stops and hosting a  gala/formal sit down dinner you’ll need to pull out the big guns. My advice keep it classic, elegant and understated. I love the timeless silhouette of the silk maxi skirt, paired with a sparkly top and detail focused accessories (how cute are the horses on the clutch) this outfit is sure to wow.

The holidays are stressful enough without worrying about what to wear. Opt for classic pieces in unexpected fabrics and colors, when in doubt choose classics over trendy pieces and stay true to your own style.

Not sure what to wear to your holiday party? Drop me a line, I’d love to help!

Grace’s New Boots!

When the lovely Grace asked for advice on how to style her new boots I was giddy. Not only are her new boots are smokin’ hot but they’re LL Bean! Like me Grace is a Maine native enjoying the good life in Vermont. LL. Bean Signature Highpine Leather Boot 

My love for LL. Bean started young and runs deep; like I told Grace, “you can take the girl out of Maine, but you can’t take the LL Bean out of her closet.“

Clockwise from top left: Sweater, Slim Cords, Boots, Knit Headwrap, Chambray Button Up, Necklace

This outfit is the perfect mix of classic New England prep school with a hint of boho chic. Slim fit pants are great with boots/booties because they look great scrunched cuffed or rolled and help to balance out the thicker knit on top. I wanted to play up the red laces so I added a cozy knit headband from Etsy.

Clockwise from top left: Faux Fur Vest, Tights, Dress, Necklace, Boots, Clutch, Ring

For a dressier look I paired the booties with a neutral knit sweater dress, textured tights and a great faux fur vest that ties in the light brown of the boots perfectly. The beaded clutch and bold ring add the perfect touches of sparkle without outshining the boots.

How would you style these killer LL Bean boots?

Have a fashion question? I’d love to help! Drop me a line WoreOutVT(at gmail) or send me a message on Twitter or Facebook!

Happy Turkey Day!

What are you thankful for this year?*

*booties: Sam Edelman

There isn’t a new Outift Post Today

… because I’ve been running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off in 5″ stilettos. All at once everything is moving at 100mph and it’s been all I can do to hold on.

I promise there will be new, juicy content up tomorrow and the day after but today I need a mulligan… and your advice:

Should I buy these?I was just sent a reminder that they were gathering digital dust sitting in my shopping cart and it got me thinking…

Pros: They’re under $35 (including shipping), relatively practical (aka good for at least 2 seasons) and I think they would be prefect with leggings, a big cozy knit and felt fedora (my fall weekend uniform) or paired with these skinnies, classic flannel and a knit beanie.

Cons: Some reviewers called them more of an olive than a brown, this concerns me. For under $35 I’m concerned that the quality will leave much to be desired, especially when they’re put up against Vermont weather conditions. I’m also worried that their slouchy appearance will restrict them to weekend only wear.

What do you think? Is there a way to class these boots up so they’re good for more than weekend errands? Should I pick them up?

A Day at the Beach

Tomorrow D and I are heading off on a long weekend away at the beach! To celebrate our mini vacation I put together a list of items that I never hit the beach without.

1. WearEver Hi-Back Deluxe Steel Backpack Chair
2. The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen
3. ECO All Natural Sunscreen
4. Ralph Lauren Sea Horse Beach Towel
5. Blue Pattern Floppy Hat
6. Ray Ban Aviators
7. Colorful Navajo Scarf
8. Jessica Simpson Jacqui Sandals
9. The Original Little Sprout – Children’s Miracle Detangler
10. Swiss Dot Ruffle Shirtdress
11. LL Bean Sunwashed Canvas Tote

What do you stock your beach bag with? What mini vacations have you taken or plan on taking this summer?

 

 

 

 

Flora & Fauna

I remember seeing an interview with Barbra Streisand a few years ago where she talked about how she  used the layout and colors in her garden as inspiration for the interior design and decor of her home. Babs’s diva status aside, I can relate to wanting to emulate mother nature’s beauty in our everyday lives.

I took these photos in Arlington National Cemetery last week when everything was in bloom, it couldn’t have been more beautiful! The flowers in Burlington have just started to bud and hopefully the amount of May flowers we get will be proportionate to all the April showers we’ve endured.

 The deep reds and pinks of the tulips looked so rich against the whitewashed brick and muted lavender of the lilacs that were about to bloom. I was so inspired that I used this color palette to put together a casual springtime look and a spring evening look.

Perfect for a casual lunch date or an afternoon  spin on your bike ~

Starting at the Top, Clockwise from Left to Right

United Bamboo Sheer Striped Tank, Central Park West Blazer, LuLu’s Necklace, TOPSHOP Skirt, Poppie Jones Wristlet, J. Campbell Wedges

 

Just Right for a Night Out on the Town or a Spring Wedding~

 

Clockwise from Left to Right

JCrew Evie Dress, Annarita N. Blazer, Vintage Beaded Clutch,

Kate Spade Bangle, Melissa Patchuli Peep Toe

 

 

Would you wear either of these looks?

What colors are you mixing into your wardrobe now that spring is here?

Where do you find inspiration for your looks/style?

Pot of Gold and Green

Saint Patrick’s Day a jolly, boisterous holiday and “the one day of the year everyone wishes they were a ginger,” according to my sister. Since I’m Irish all year round I decided to skip the outfit post (don’t worry, I wore green).

Instead I thought I’d put together two “Pot of Gold” outfits celebrating the holiday color scheme (but perfect for any spring event!)

Just realized that it could also double as my birthday wish list… pure coincidence I promise

From left to right:

(Top Row)

Apostrophe Women’s Military Jacket $26.99

Cherish Crepe Chiffon Dress $24.80

Tom’s Shoes Gold Glitter Flats $54

Pretty Powerhouse Ring $27.99

On the Case Bag $179.99

(Bottom Row)

Secret Letters Beige Lace Top $57

The Vast Menagerie Green & Pink Scarf $16

Jeffery Campbell – Bootcamp- Green Leather Lace-up Bootie $175.00

Fab Skinny Jeans $9.50

Whimsical Wind Chime Earrings $15.99

Studio Recording Bag 54.99

These items are all quirky & unique making them statement pieces in their own right but when paired together they really balance each other out.

Hands down my favorite item is the pair of perfectly green ankle boots from Jeffery Campbell. The green is fresh and light enough to be worn with spring dresses but also perfect for fall. Lace up and military ankle boots are so hot right now and are still going to be on trend this fall, making these boots a worthy investment piece!

Pair the boots with a maxi dress, layered tops, and a crop leather jacket during cooler spring weather or wait till summer and wear them with a cute romper, bangles, and a fierce pair of  aviators.

How do you change your wardrobe when the seasons shift? What are you most looking forward to in spring?