March 18, 2011

Flashback Friday: Utility Belt


















[Click the photo to view it larger.] This is one of my favorite belts (Banana Republic, $30), and yesterday's outfit made me curious to see what other ways I've worn it! Florals are a recurring theme, as is the color olive. I also tend to pair this belt with the same H&M sandals because the colors go together, but I also recommend branching out and trying a lighter brown shoe with belts like this.

Styling tips: Use an elastic belt to cinch in a loose dress (like I did in outfit #3) or to keep a cardigan in place (like outfit #4). Also - I've seen this belt at tons of stores over the past few months including LOFT and Limited, but Banana Republic has an identical belt in stores right now!

Which look is your favorite?
Posted by JsEverydayFashion at 8:35 AM

34 comments:

  1. LidijaMarch 18, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    I like most Nr. 5 :)

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  2. JillianMarch 18, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    I like 4 the best! Fashion question for you: like you, I am not very 'curvy' and use skinny belts to define my waist. I am very inspired by J.crew catalogs and saw the look last season. I have been a fanatic ever since! In the last few j.crew catalogs for spring, skinny belts at the waist have been vacant! I am worried they are not 'in vogue' anymore. What do you think?

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  3. gorete sousaMarch 18, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    Great Post!!!
    lovely your looks!!!
    xx

    www.ilovenystyle.blogspot.com

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  4. jseverydayfashionMarch 18, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    J.Crew is always the first to try something. Banana Republic is JUST now getting on the trend and has put out a bunch of bright pink and orange skinny belts for spring. I was just in J.Crew yesterday and they are also still selling a bunch of skinny belts, so they probably just took a break from using them in the catalog! :-)

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  5. JillianMarch 18, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    Thanks for the advice J! I was in J. Crew yesterday too (I'm there almost every day AHH) and say the skinnies. No mannequins have them around the waist, but I won't let that deter me!!!

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  6. BubblesMarch 18, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    I love the dress:)

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  7. dpas28March 18, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    I love the styling of number 5 best. I also like how you turned your dress from #3 into a skirt in #5. Great job.

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  8. SarraMarch 18, 2011 at 10:58 AM

    its impossible to pick a favorite, they're all stunning! :)

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  9. Holly SantandreaMarch 18, 2011 at 11:16 AM

    2 & 3!

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  10. workitChristineMarch 18, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    they are all great! Nice variety!
    http://work-it-blog.blogspot.com/

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  11. Curls and PearlsMarch 18, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    I just discovered your blog - you are amazing! Such great practical tips :) I think my favorite one is on top of the purple cardi. But really I love all those looks!

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  12. NicoleMarch 18, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    Definitely the 3rd look with the fedora. So cute with a lot of attitude. I also think this dress would be flattering on a variety of body types.

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  13. Andreea @ Our Journey To USAMarch 18, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    I always stare at belts , not knowing very well what to wear with it and still be confortable. I must recognize that one has to have a call for this kind of stuff. I mean I m a girl and live to be nice and pretty but I really have no desire in the morning to do so. I just want to be able to walk from home covered so I wont get a cold or end up in jail for nudity.

    I wish you re my sister and we live togeder. I would be a pain in the ass.!

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  14. jseverydayfashionMarch 18, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    I never feel very creative in the morning either! I like to take an afternoon and come up with a bunch of outfit options for the week (and also that's when I take my pictures for the blog). Give it a try, it might help you feel more brave about wearing a belt! :-)

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  15. jseverydayfashionMarch 18, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    Nicole, I agree that dress works for a lot of different body types!

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  16. BlmuscatMarch 18, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    I love the dress in #4! Where is it from?!?!

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  17. KimberlylightfootMarch 18, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    I love ALL of them but if you are going to make me pick a fav then 3 it is!! You are such a hottie in that dress!

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  18. AmrMarch 18, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    i love how the belt really finishes each outfit...without it the looks would seem a little incomplete! Now I just have to figure out how belt my own outfits haha!

    ps J i just started following you and i LOVE your style! Thanks for all the great ideas!

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  19. Cassie LeeMarch 18, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    I love look # 5--what a great belt!

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  20. AllieMarch 18, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    This is really great! Do you think it would work in this case: I have a dress that has a nice shape with the waist at the smallest midway between your navel and breastbone. It fits great, but sadly is sleeveless. For the office, I have to wear a cardi, but it kills the curves. Do you think a belt would work here or is it too high up? I was debating all yesterday ...

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  21. AlwichmannMarch 18, 2011 at 6:15 PM

    I love #3 and #5!

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  22. dpas0428March 18, 2011 at 6:25 PM

    I LOVE #4. THE FLORAL PRINT AND PURPLE LOOKS GREAT TOGETHER!

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  23. Mary H.March 18, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    I was just at the Banana Factory outlet and they had a similar belt! They also had one in black/brown. It was 39.99 plus 30%, and then if you have the 30% give and get coupon, it makes it super cheap!! :)

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  24. MaegMarch 18, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    #4 is my favorite! Such a great summer outfit!

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  25. KristieMarch 18, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Oh I love #5! That's such a cute outfit.

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  26. jseverydayfashionMarch 18, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    Thanks and welcome to the blog! :-)

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  27. jseverydayfashionMarch 18, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    The dress in #4 is from Filene's Basement. I bought it for our wedding rehearsal so I've had it for about 3 years!

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  28. jseverydayfashionMarch 18, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    Thanks so much and welcome to the blog! :-)

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  29. jseverydayfashionMarch 18, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    Thanks Allie. This is a really tough call without seeing the outfit, but if you put a belt (esp. an elastic one like this one) over the cardigan it should help you get your shape back!

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  30. jseverydayfashionMarch 18, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    Woo hoo, great find!

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  31. AmyMarch 18, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    love the 3rd and 4th outfit

    http://amyfashionblog52.blogspot.com/

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  32. NatalieMarch 19, 2011 at 3:05 AM

    Hi J :) I just came "over" from the Fitnessista's blog where I loved your guest post! I absolutely adore your blog, so stylish AND budget friendly :) So happy I found your blog. Thanks for all the tips and inspiration!

    I heart outfits #1 and #4

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  33. AllieMarch 21, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    Thanks - I'm going to try it out next time.

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  34. Ada FurxhiDecember 9, 2011 at 2:38 AM

    I Love this belt, looks to be versatile and it's a perfect match with those brown wedges. I love it best with the pencil skirts as in number 2, 5 & 6.

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