Two Ways: Ivory Army-Style Blouse

Jan 17, 2013

 

Top: Blythe Silk Blouse (J.CREW, $110)

From Left, Tights: DKNY Fishnets ($15) Shoes: Corso Como Del Pump ($129) Earrings: Gorjana Laurel Hoops ($51) Bracelet: Remsey Bracelet ($100) Bag: Christopher Kon Satchel ($200) Sweater: Michael Kors Cashmere Sweater ($313) Skirt: No. 2 Pencil Skirt ($60)

 

From Right, Necklace: Stephan & Co. Stone Necklace ($24) Bag: Kelsey Dagger Bailey Tote ($199) Shoes: Nine West Speakup Flat ($69) Coat: First Snowfall Coat ($250) Sweater: Branitta Knit Pullover ($243) Jeans: Denim Trouser ($90)

For the Office.  There has been a lot of black on this blog as of late, so I thought it was time for a bit of color. For this outfit, I used the silk shirt as a base for an outfit my friend K referred to as “slightly glam secretary.”  I’m going to choose to believe that was a positive comment.

The sweater is a gorgeous burnt orange, but way out of my price range.  This Caslon boatneck sweater with buttoned sleeves is very cute and just $60.  I preferred the heather camel skirt, but if you would like to go darker, this sleek dark brown number from Dorothy Perkins is $27.

Instead of wearing regular nylons, I chose a pair of DKNY microfishnets.  They can smooth out the look of the leg, and add a bit of sex appeal, but not too much.  I also chose these Corso Como pumps in chocolate brown, but I think I would prefer these grey and brown toe cap Mary Janes.

I wanted to add a little bit more color, so I chose this green Amrita Singh bracelet and a green satchel.  Since I wrote this post, however, I’ve changed my mind about the green bag.  If you’re going to spend $200 on this satchel from a brand I know nothing about, you should probably just spend the extra $58 on a Dooney that look nearly identical and you know will last.  And if you need a cheaper bracelet, this one from Macy’s is $58.

For the hair, I would try a low side bun.  A high bun would play too much into the school teacher aesthetic, and down might look too undone.  For the makeup, I would wear a chocolate brown gel eyeliner and a hint of berry lip tint. 

For Casual Friday.  I really like this outfit.  The sweater plays with proportions and the colors are perfect for adding a jolt to late winter or early spring, which I’m promised is happening soon.  I hope.

To style the outfit, button the top button of the blouse and wear the berry-colored sweater over the top.  Then, add the necklace.  If you don’t think the proportions will work for you, I have some other options.  This striped sweater with a raspberry-colored yoke would look pretty fabulous.  And if you like cardigans, this grape-colored one could be for you.

The trouser jeans are a great option for casual Friday.  I prefer them to skinny jeans just because they look more like regular pants.  As for favorite brands, I like 7 for All Mankind Dojos and Citizens of Humanity Dita Jeans.

I added this coat because I love how it combines casual and cool.  The shape, the pockets, the knit lining, it’s fab.  If you’re looking for a simpler, more professional grey coat, try this one for $89.

As for the rest of the accessories, I’ve been on a real navy flats kick recently.  I just like the way they look with denim, and I’m thinking I might buy this suede pair.  And I adore this snakeskin handbag.  To me, it’s vaguely reminiscent of a Nancy Gonzales bag.  If you need something under-$100, this bag is similar but has a black trim.

For the hair, I would wear it up in a French twist or Gibson roll, something sleek.  For the makeup, I would use a rosy pink blush and a good coat of black eyeliner.

 

Three Ways

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  1. Rachel says:

    I think this has been mentioned before, but linking to an item to Dorothy Perkins through Shopstyle does not work. It consistently leads to the homepage and not the actual item.

  2. Kim says:

    I'm not sure what makes the first look read “secretary” and “school teacher.” The only reason I ask is because it looks really similar to something I would wear, and I am a practicing attorney and certainly don't want to give off secretary or teacher vibes.

  3. Laya says:

    The Dorothy Perkins links work for me, maybe it's a question of operating system or browser?

  4. CarlyRM says:

    Yikes! Check out the back view on the Dorothy Perkins skirt…

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