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Two Ways: White Collarless Jacket

Jul 31, 2012

 

Jacket: Crop Back Collarless Blazer ($130)

From Left, Necklace: Kendra Scott Aimee Necklace ($98) Bag: Coach Legacy Colorblock Tote ($458) Shoes: Kate Spade Licorice ($298) Top: 212 Collection Tank ($14) Skirt: Hugo Ramika Skirt ($230)

From Right, Earrings: House of Harlow Sunburst Labradorite Studs ($55) Scarf: Printed Eagle Scarf ($210) Bag: Club Monaco Vanessa Bag ($160) Shoes: Mix Snap Sandal ($30) Tee: Saint James Galathee ($90) Jeans: AG Jessie Midrise Jean ($172)

Polyvore Set Here.

For the Office. Several years ago, I purchased a grey and yellow print blouse.  I still love it, and I am so excited that the grey and yellow combination is carrying over into the autumn.  This outfit can be worn as is straight through September.  Then, change out the bag for a simple grey one, and wear it until Election Day.  

I love a good silky shell.  It’s far superior to a strappy tank because you can remove your jacket without being inappropriate.  But if you’d like an actual sleeve, Banana Republic has an ah-may-zing grey blouse that I will wear 100 times this Fall.  Okay, maybe only 50 times.

I chose this darker grey skirt because it works in all seasons.  If you’re looking for an attractive pencil to finish out the summer and then tuck away for next year, The Limited has a great with a back-flounce for $40.

The bag is, of course, from yesterday’s Ask Belle.  I liked it so much, I had to use it again.  So chic for the end of summer.  And the yellow necklace helps pull it all together.

For the hair, I would wear it half-up with large waves.  For the makeup, I would keep it neutral, but I would darken my eyebrows with a pencil and add some more eyeliner.  I’d also use a hint of bronzer to combat the wash-out effect that white can have.

For the Campaign Trail.  It’s time to start thinking about what to wear while you’re out doorbelling and doing GOTV.  Layered outfits like this one are great for the trail because you can adjust to changing temperatures.  You also have a jacket, so it’s borderline professional. (If you’re not in the biz, this outfit would be great for casual work days or weekend events. And if you are, we’ll talk more about dressing for the trail next week, since I know people are starting to head out.)

I’m still experiencing the lingering effects of my blue period.  So we have a navy stripe tee and a navy and mint printed scarf.  This mix of colors is great for the end of summer, but not so summery that you can’t easily carry it into fall.

I chose cognac and dark grey for the shoes and bag.  Mixing neutrals well looks really chic and is much easier than mixing bright colors or pastels.

Also, I love AG jeans.  Sometimes I buy another brand, but I always come back to AGs.  Always.  These mid-rise jeans are great for those of us who shouldn’t be wearing low-rise, the dark wash is great for the office and they have a “curvy” bootcut that helps women who need a little more room in the rear (like myself).

For the hair, I’m a big fan of the low bun for the trail.  Why?  Because I like to have my hair out of my face, and the messy “I didn’t pull the ponytail all the way through the elastic” fake bun gives me heartburn.  So I opt for a real bun instead.  For the makeup, keep it minimal and simple.  But most importantly, choose long wearing products.  Nothing is quite as annoying as being on the 18th hour of a 20-hour day and looking in the mirror to see that your makeup raised the white flag six hours ago.   

Bonus. I mentioned this morning that I would also wear jacket with a cocktail dress or ballgown.  I think it would look best with a flowy chiffon like this Halston gown.  I like the interplay between the soft breeziness of the dress and the structured jacket.

COMMENTS

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  1. Love the outfits, especially the casual one. I found that BR blouse yesterday and immediately bought multiple copies!

  2. kartasi says:

    Any recommendations for good long wear make-up? I just started using primer and have been very overwhelmed by the results. By lunch, my make up is mostly gone.

  3. Belle says:

    kartasi: What primer are you using?

  4. lulu says:

    I want that BR bow tie blouse you linked to. It will be mine.

  5. Belle says:

    Lulu: I hope that when it arrives tomorrow, the quality is good. It's so perfect. If it goes well, I'll buy the navy and white print one as well.

  6. MM says:

    Along the lines of campaign wear, I'd love to see a post at some point on what to wear when visiting a rural congressional distrcit for work. I grew up an a farm, so you'd think I'd know better than to wear a suit and heels to visit one, but yes, I have been that person. Your thoughts on how to look professional, but not “city slicker/DC sell-out/completly-out-of-her-element” when at staffing the boss at something like an agricultural fair, etc. would be appreciated!

  7. Claire says:

    kartasi: I'm really into Urban Decay's De Slick setting spray. It works as a primer and a setting spray, and keeps you from getting oily. I've used it with several different foundations and BB creams and it extends the life of all of them, but I'm an especially big fan of using it with the Revlon colorstay line. This spray is basically the only beauty product I use religiously, it's that good.

  8. LL says:

    That blouse you linked to is gorgeous, but I am always afraid of pit stains with silk. Any tips?

  9. Belle says:

    LL: My immediate response is stronger deodorant, but you've probably tried that. When I did theater, they would sew garment pads into the costumes or make us wear adhesive pit pads. Both work fine.

    https://www.kleinerts.com/index.html

    https://www.amazon.com/PURAX-PURE-PADS-Antiperspirant-30pcs/dp/B0013UY7XM

  10. Lindy says:

    That skirt and the gray kitten bow blouse you linked to are to die.

  11. kartasi says:

    I'm using the Laura Mercier primer.

  12. Chloe says:

    Have you actually worn the Kohl's tank? For that price point, I'm tempted to just go order a bunch …

  13. Audrey says:

    It's that Saint James Galathee tee again. I may go out and get it, after seeing how versatile it really is!

    On an unrelated note, how do you decide when to let your hair down, do an updo, and etc.? I never sure if my hairstyle matches my outfit.

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