February 17, 2011

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Winning Recipe






































Some people follow recipes to make dinner, I follow recipes to make outfits. Today's inspiration photo is from Zara and it's a bit like a recipe in my eyes. Add one cinnamon skirt + buttercream cardigan + a dash of a belt? Anyone else seeing what I'm seeing? All joking aside, today I have some meetings for my social media gig and needed a look that is professional but stylish, and comfortable to boot. Ding, ding, ding we have a winning recipe! :-)

Styling tip: Look for inspiration everywhere. Today's photo is from the regular merchandise pages of Zara (not the fancy lookbooks they create, which are also full of inspiration). Whenever you get inspired or think of an outfit idea be sure write it down. Then consult your list the next time you need a new outfit in a snap!

Occasion: Business meetings
Photo left: Zara.com
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $14
Shirt: Banana Republic, $17
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Belt: Gap, $10
Shoes: BCBG/Ross, $23
Watch: Michael Kors, Christmas present
Necklace: Banana Republic, $18

30 comments:

  1. I love when you show your interpretation with skirts. I’m a total skirt/dress girl – I rarely put pants on. You have captured the essences of the outfit in your own unique way and that is exactly why I follow you on a daily basis. Thank you for the inspiration! Nan

    http://heytherecarole.blogspot.com/

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  2. loooov those colours.
    so springy and flirty and romantic!
    100% a winner

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  3. LOVE, love those colors together on that silhouette! you're so cute. come to VA beach and dress me, please. :)

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  4. Jess (Daly Authenticity)February 17, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    Oh my gosh, J, I LOVE this look! I need you to help me!

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  5. I might just suggest untucking the skirt because with it tucked in AND the belt, there are too many lines - but i LOVE the colors together.

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  6. Monica, did you mean untucking the shirt? I agree that that would also look nice, but the skirt waistband is pleated so a shirt over it has crazy lumps and bumps. :-) Same amount of lines though - it's just the skirt making a line instead of the shirt!

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  7. love todays outfit! esp the skirt!

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  8. Is the skirt a recent purchase? I love it and would like to try to find it...

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  9. I love this look! Nice color combo.

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  10. I love the color choices, they're very flattering on you!!! You have great sense of style. Personally I am not a fan of the belt with the pleated waistband. I think the outfit would look better without the belt altogether.

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  11. I bought the skirt last fall online from J.Crew!

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  12. I see your recipe...never thought of clothing like that before. Perfect choice for a meeting. You look fabulous!

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  13. I have never find those kind of prices at BananaR! when do you do your shopping?

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  14. i ne ver thought that a buttercream cardigan could be so edgy combined with this outfit i just love it the color combo and the skirtttt so cute
    http://insidekatouscloset.blogspot.com/

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  15. I agree with Monica (I was going to comment the exact same thing). I LOVE the color palette. I'm kicking myself for not buying that exact skirt then I had the chance. But I would have skipped the belt altogether if the shirt couldn't be untucked.

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  16. I look in magazines but most of my inspiration comes from this site right here! Keep up the good work girly cause i'm loving it! --Heather:)

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  17. I dare say YOUR version is better.

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  18. oh my gosh, this is absolutely stunning on you. the colors and fit are just perfect! one of my favorite outfits you've done!

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  19. you are seriously gorgeous! and so is that outfit ;)

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  20. I think there are some differences in regions (I had a harder time finding deals this good in Boston than I do now in Orlando), but here are my tips for shopping at Banana:
    1. Day after Christmas - don't miss this sale. It's where I get most of my amazing deals.
    2. Look for stuff on sale that's NOT in the sale section. Those prices are often lower. If there are tons of an item left the price will be low, but they often can't fit in the sale section.
    3. Sign up for the credit card and take advantage of the extra coupons and rewards they send you.
    4. Learn the retail rhythm. A couple weeks after they put new stuff out, they often drastically mark down the old stuff. Ask when they are getting new stuff in so you can figure out when the next good sale will be!
    5. Take a risk. If you see a cardigan on sale for $30 and there are 10 left in your size, come back in a week. It will probably be $15 (I think this one is how I found this cardigan!).

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  21. http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/skirts/PRDOVR~36116/99102274533/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~30~~20+17~15~~~~~~~/36116.jsp

    ^is the "toffee" color of this skirt similar to the one you're wearing?

    Thanks! :)

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  22. Paige, my skirt is wool and this one is cotton, but otherwise I would say they are pretty much identical! :-)

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  23. J, those shoes are gorgeous as is the rest of your outfit! can you recommend a comfortable (and fabulous) high heel? i'm a teacher and made the mistake of wearing heels two days ago.. i'm still feeling the hate!

    ps. LOVE the silver top/ bronze skirt mixed metal look. this may be my favorite outfit of yours ever!

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  24. hi there! i just came across your blog and i fell in love with it! i love your style!!! come check out my blog and follow if you like it, i promise i will do the same!
    www.fullclosetbutnothingtowear.blogspot.com
    kisses

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  25. Thanks Heather! :-)

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  26. On my way! ;-p

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  27. Thanks Ally! I have five tips for finding comfy high-heels:
    1. "Invest" in some brand name pumps. By brand name I mean Steve Madden or Calvin Klein. The higher the brand, the more comfy the shoe. And you can find great deals at DSW, Filene's, Macy's, etc. so they don't have to break the bank.
    2. Buy the right size. If they are even a half-size too big or two small they will be uncomfortable. Don't settle just because you love the style.
    3. Patent leather and fake leather can rub and be uncomfortable to wear. Choose real leather or suede shoes that are soft and conform to your foot.
    4. The smaller the stiletto, the harder to walk in. A chunky heel is better, with wedges being the most comfortable of all.
    5. Platforms are your friend. Platforms negate the height of the heel and put your foot at a more comfortable angle. And they are cute to boot!
    ps. I am totally doing a blog post about this, thanks for the idea!

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  28. Love how you tied the belt a little higher....fun and updated!
    I like it.
    Great blog....just following you now....excited to see all your outfits:)
    C

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  29. I asolutely love that outfit!!! And I would never think to pair those colors together - it looks awesome and I am now inspired to try it! And I have to say, your outfit and those colors are so much better than the Zara ad, in my own opinion! :) I think your creme cardigan looks so much better than their beige/brown one.

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