February 9, 2011

Today's Everyday Fashion: Opposites Attract




































J.Crew has mastered the art of pairing things that at first glance don't seem to "go." A velvet blazer is super-feminine, a denim-shirt is masculine, but together they make perfect harmony. I had my doubts, but when I tried this combo I immediately thought "J.Crew, you creative buggers you. Of course a denim shirt and velvet blazer go together!"

Why this works: Mixing masculine and feminine styles, while it may seem counter-intuitive at first, is one of the quickest way to look chic. Give it a try this week! Not quite up for the challenge? Try wearing a denim shirt in place of a collared shirt for work. Add a sparkly necklace and watch those compliments start rolling in. :-)

Occasion: Work
Photo left: J.Crew
Velvet blazer: H&M
Denim shirt: Gap, $14
Necklace: JcPenney, $20
Skirt: Banana Republic, $40
Belt: Express
Pumps: Calvin Klein/Filene's Basement, $70

24 comments:

  1. *sigh* I really love the idea of blazers and I love how they can pull a look together. Alas, I have a really short neck and blazers tend to make me feel uncomfortable and constricted. Maybe I'm just not wearing the right kind?

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  2. I love this look. It's so casual but still very put together. Think I'll bookmark this look for future reference!

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  3. Okay, if you're bringing denim back I'm digging through my closet to find mine! :)

    Love the outfit.

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  4. I desperately want a velvet blazer!

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  5. Is it on sale at H&M currently?

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  6. Yet another look I'm stealing! Already have everything I need!! Yet, I think I'll pair it with some kind of pant for now. It was in the 20's with a wicked wind chill when I left for work this morning.

    BTW - love the new pic on your masthead

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  7. love that outfit. I need a cute white skirt like that!

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  8. Denim shirt is one item that does not look good on me no matter what I do.. but of couse YOU made it work...

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  9. You know, I studied closely the inspiration photo and then your picture and I have to tell you not only are you incredibly talented for putting outfits together but the reason why those outfits actually work is because you wear them with such beaming confidence that you MAKE THEM WORK!
    Not everyone can do that, you are one very stylish lady:-)

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  10. I love your impeccable style. Do you have the link to the JCPenny neckalce .. love it but cant seem to find it online.

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  11. Nice work outfit! Love the blazer. :)

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  12. Thank you Renata, so sweet!!

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  13. Thank you! The necklace was on the website a couple weeks ago but I don't see it anymore. :-( You might try the store!

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  14. Is it denim you don't like? Or are you not a fan of collared shirts in general?

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  15. Maria, I've had this blazer for more than 5 years. I heard from a fan that J.Crew has one for $49 on their website though! (Run, don't walk.)

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  16. Erin, all blazers are not created equal. I would go for one with a longggg v-neck (like it buttons at your belly button!) to make your neck look longer. You could also try leaving one open (like pictured) so it's more of a "jacket" than a buttoned-up blazer. Try it and let me know how it goes! ps. Blazers by definition are a little constricting but after awhile you get used to it. And they sure are darn cute. :-)

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  17. I just checked the jcpenny website and it's still there....just search mixit and you will find it under the necklaces.

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  18. It's definitely denim. This is going to sound stupid but I've always felt kinda awkwardly cowboyish wearing a denim shirt.. like the only thing I need are texas boots and a cowboy hat lol. And while it looks perfecly stylish on you I just can't seem to make it work.. oh well it's true what someone said it is all about the confidence!

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  19. It's true- the velvet and the denim together create a really great balancing contrast to each other. I also like your tulip skirt- it's also super feminine, and a great piece to style with the denim blouse.

    *Claudia* x
    Molto ❤ Fashion

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  20. So I actually wore this today. I went with black skinnies then added a white tank under the shirt (and left the shirt open) to balance out all the dark shades. It also makes it a little more "me."

    Of course last night I went to pull out my plum velvet blazer and couldn't find it. After freaking out that I would have accidentally donated it to charity I had a moment of clarity and realized it was with some dry cleaning that had come back from the cleaners awhile ago. I had forgotten where I picked it up until I looked at the label. Got it at the JCrew outlet a few years ago!

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  21. I'm still on the lookout for a denim shirt that doesn't cost 50$

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  22. I keep praying this skirt will magically reappear at Banana! I even tried two Banana Outlets this weekend! If you see anything similar..let me know! (:

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  23. LOVE this look....comfortable chic!
    C

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