Tied Down

Sunnies: Charlotte Russe, Britches of Georgetowne Blazer: Savers, Paisley Tie and Blouse: Goodwill, Ring: GILT, Bag: Originally my Grandmother’s, High-Waisted Jeans: Urban Outfitters, Jeffrey Campbell Boot Camp Booties I was worried that I would look too costumey in a blazer and tie so I added a few me touches and ended up with something I could see Outside Providence‘s Jane Weston wearing to class.

The chambray shirt as the casual counterpart to the smart navy blazer and high-waisted dusty pink jeans that scream 70’s high school “it” girl (think the Senior girls in Dazed and Confused). I rounded this look out with a mix of accessories, old and new favorites, and learned that my style comfort zone has expanded further than I ever thought it would.

What pieces have expanded your style horizons? 

Grandpa’s Sweater

Hat: Downtown Threads, Vintage Sunnies: Gifted, Sweater: The Get Up, Denim Button Up: Walmart, Forever 21 Jeans, Jeffrey Campbell Boot Camp Boots, Revlon Just Bitten – Adore

It never ceases to amaze me how much a pair of heels and swipe of lipstick can spice up the most casual of outfits; not to mention what they can do for the sweater D lovingly nicknamed my “grandpa sweater.”  Understandably the sex appeal of vintage, hand made knitwear is lost on some. I however think it’s foxy, especially when worn with all denim.

What little trick do you use to dress up casual looks?

Boot Camp Blazer

Dollar Store Sunnies, Blazer: Saver’s, JCrew Sweater: Goodwill, Boyfriend Jeans: Gap, Jeffrey Campbell Boot Camp BootsWhile I prepare for the arrival of winter (and the mayhem of the holidays) I’ve been gravitating toward simple basics. I usually get the most wear out of my boyfriend jeans in the spring/early summer but this year I was hesitant to pack them away. The relaxed fit works with classics and cozy basics alike and the slightly cropped length is perfect with ankle boots and booties.

What out of season pieces have you mixed into your winter wardrobe?

Aerating the Lawn in Heels

Hat: Dirt Chic, Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, Blouse: Talbots (via Goodwill), Jeans: Hurley (via Plato’s Closet), Jeffrey Campbell Boots: Footnotes, Sweater: Battery Street Jeans, Watch: Gifted, Bracelet: Charlotte Russe, Bar Ring: Downtown ThreadsFor a casual Saturday afternoon lunch with D’s parents this outfit was perfect; for measuring our little backyard and planning out landscaping projects, not so much. At least an inch of my 5″ heels were sunk into our little lawn (see above photo) at all times creating a hilarious scene that D had no trouble enjoying.

In my defense the post lunch greescaping was completely impromptu (had I known I would have worn more practical shoes) but since I’ve never been one to let platform heels interfere with spontaneity I just went with it. In hindsight my choice of footwear may have actually been beneficial to our lawn as my heels were acting as the perfect aerating tool.

Who knows, maybe I’m on to the next big thing?! I can see it now, Charlie Sheen hiring models to strut up and down his lawn in stilettos and lingerie all in the name of lawn aeration. Weirder things have happened…

In Neutral

Sunglasses & Stag Ring: Downtown Threads, Knit Scarf: Plato’s Closet, Faux Fur Vest: Gifted, Sweater: Forever 21, Blue Stone Ring: Gifted, Jeans: Consignment Shop in Philadelphia, Boots: Jeffery CampbellTaking outfit pictures in single digit weather has been a blessing in disguise. In an effort to minimize the amount of time I’m without my coat, hat or mittens I all but cut out my habit of agonizing over reviewing shots the moment after they’re takne. Instead I take a test shot while I’m still bundled up to check the lighting and framing, set the timer on my camera, quickly remove my outerwear and jump in front of the lens.

My abbreviated approach to taking outfit photos has made me more cognizant of what I want to capture with each shot and I think has improved the overall quality of my shots. I’ve also found that since I’m not  critiquing reviewing each shot down to the final detail I’m able to relax, making the shots feel and look more natural.

For this post I used all but one of the shots I took and was really happy with the way they turned out. I wanted comfort (and warmth) to be paramount since my work calendar was booked to the gills so I kept my look casual and opted for layers of neutrals. The chunky knit scarf lent texture and depth to the look and highlighted the lighter tones in the vest. Since the color palette I was working with was largely neutral I relied on bolder accessories like my gold rimmed aviators and stag ring to give it that little something extra.

What’s your process for taking outfit photos? How do you “punch up” neutral color palettes?

Penny Lane

Sunnies: Gifted,  Jacket: Vintage (via Downtown Threads), Sweater: Gap, Belt: Target, Jeans: Charlotte Ruse, Booties: Jeffery CampbellI’ve wanted this coat since I saw Kate Hudson as Penny Lane in Almost Famous. A few weeks ago I got a call from Carolyn at Downtown Threads telling me to get to the store ASAP because she’d found my dream coat. When I finally made it to the store and Carolyn pulled this suede beauty out my heart almost stopped. It was the coat I’d always wanted and it fit me like a glove!

The jacket is 100% suede and I love that you can flip the collar up for a more dramatic (and warmer) look. The collar itself is shearling, it’s so dense that your fingers disappear into the fleece when you touch it. I love how the coat is nipped in at the waist so you can be warm and cozy without looking or feeling bulky. I couldn’t believe the jacket’s pristine condition after Carolyn told me that she found it in a storage unit!

It may have taken me a few years to track it down but now that I finally have my perfect ‘Penny Lane’ coat I can say it was definitely worth the wait.

What pieces are you still searching for? What piece in your closet took you the longest to track down?

LDB Co-Lab Look #2 Going to Boot Camp

If you’ve been following Wore Out for any period of time then you know these Jeffrey Campbell booties, I’ve lusted over them here and here…

Distressed Denim Shirt: Miley Cyrus for Wal-Mart,

Braid Belt: T.J Maxx, LBD, Tights: Hanes, Bali, & Playtex Outlet,

 Booties: Jeffrey Campbell Boot Camp Footnotes Online

Can we take a moment to talk about these shoes. I’ve lusted after them for months… I first posted about them in Friday Finery & Frivolities and since then the hunt has been on. Finally I found them and at more than $120 off! It was fashion destiny. They were my first Jeffrey Campbell’s and they wont be my last, I love them.

Even though Carolyn pulled this outfit together it’s exactly my style. I love how she was able to pick up my taste after spending some time in my room and my closet. I absolutely love how this outfit turned out. I would wear it with or without tights and it would look so cute layered with a leather jacket or trench coat.

It’s a much more casual look than the yesterday’s post and I’m loving how the military feel of booties is working with the classic vibe of the LBD. So far I am loving this remixed outfit.

Which look do you like better? Would you wear booties with your LBD?