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Two Ways: Lela Rose Lace Top

Jan 8, 2013

 

Top: Lela Rose Lace Blouse ($21)

From Left, Tights: Spanx Tight End Tights ($28) Shoes: Vince Camuto Jensen Pumps ($75) Earrings: Julie Vos Mimi Earrings ($70) Ring: Majorca Anastasia Ring ($87) Purse: Rebecca Minkoff MAB Mini Satchel ($495) Jacket: Iro Black and Lurex Jacket ($529) Skirt: Smooth Ruth Slim Pencil ($88)

From Right, Ring: Baroni Ruby Jade Ring ($132) Purse: C. Wonder Foldover Clutch ($95) Shoes: Strappy Satin Sandals ($178) Coat: Coccoon Coat ($325) Earrings: Marrakech Earrings ($32) Pants: Minnie Slim Pants ($118)

For the Office.  I wear a lot of black during the cold weather months, and I usually pair it with white, ivory, blush or tan.  It’s a simple look, but it’s chic too.  But how do you make black interesting?  Mix textures and shapes.  This outfit mixes a chunky tweed with smooth wool and delicate lace to make all black just a little bit better.

The lace trim on this top makes it difficult to tuck in, so leave it out and pair it with a sleek tweed jacket.  $529 is out of the price range of most young professionals, but this Pim + Larkin tweed jacket is under-$100 with a classic, simple shape.  If black isn’t what you want, this ivory tweed jacket is only $30.

The skirt hits below the knee.  This isn’t a good look for everyone.  I have short legs in comparison to my body length, so I look better in a knee length skirt.  This Kenneth Cole slim pencil should do the trick.

You’ll notice that these tights are not Commandos, the brand I have been promoting non-stop for a year-plus.  Why aren’t these Commandos?  Because over the past three months, I have ruined four pairs of Commando tights.  No, I haven’t been climbing mountains in them or been attacked repeatedly by rabid cats, and I’m starting to believe that the quality isn’t as good as I thought.  So I’m back in my former favorite, Spanx.

I like suede pumps in the winter, and these Vince Camuto’s look like a good buy.  They can be a little bit wide for some people though, so these Ivanka Trump pumps might be a good option for the narrow footed ladies out there.  

As for the jewelry, I absolutely.adore these pearl cluster earrings.  They are just lovely.  I added a pearl ring and a smart satchel to finish out the look.  Like the satchel but not the price? Try this $98 number.

For the hair, I would wear it down with a bit of curl or wave and some teasing at the crown.  Maybe a slight bouffant.  For the hair, black eyeliner with a bit of Black Honey lipstick.

For Cocktail Hour. This is a pretty and simple look: slim pants, a strappy heel and a pop of color in the accessories.  I chose the Minni pants because I didn’t want a cotton trouse like the Cafe Capri.  The smooth, richness of wool or jersey is what is needed to match the delicate lushness of the top.  If you want something with a slim fit that’s a bit more forgiving, try these Banana Republic tuxedo trousers.

I chose the sandals because I think seeing a little foot when you’re wearing ankle length pants makes a difference.  If you prefer a closed toe, try these t-strap pumps from Macy’s (also good for the office).

I chose the open metal work earrings to pair with the open lace work on the top.  The magenta ring and magenta foldover clutch give a burst of life to the black separates.  And the tan-colored coat adds a bit of volume and swing to the outfit.  If you like the shape but not the price, this French Connection coat is pretty close and under-$200.

For the makeup, I would wear a berry-colored gloss and a pop of pale pink Bobbi Brown blush.  For the hair, I would wear it braided and pinned up.

COMMENTS

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  1. M says:

    Belle, thank you so much for this post. I've seen this lovely top at Target but I didn't know what I could wear with it.

  2. Belle, just as an FYI we're giving away this top for free on our blog right now. You're welcome to pass it on to your readers or enter yourself. P

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