July 26, 2011

Today's Everyday Fashion: Not-So-Simple






































Imagine this outfit without accessories - no belt, necklace or purse. Boring, right? This is why I love the "extras" so darn much. It's almost a running joke how much I love belts, and my statement necklace collection is out of control, but it's not without reason! I'm a big believer that a budget-friendly wardrobe is full of these types of items because you can use them again and again to make your closet stretch way farther. Tell me - what is your favorite accessory - jewelry, purses, belts or something else?

Inspiration photo: Milly
Occasion: Work
Shirt: Banana Republic, $20
Skirt: Limited, $25
Belt: Gap, $12
Necklace: Shop It LA, $35
Shoes: Restricted via Endless.com, $40
Purse: It's in the Bag, $62
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

47 comments:

  1. I love this! I'm surprised how many outfits that necklace can rock. I would look at that and have no clue what to pair it with. I think I'm in need of a Forever 21 trip soon for some new necklaces.

    My fave accessory is definitely jewelry. But I don't mind snuggling every night with my shoes either.

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  2. i am a bracelet girl and if i don't have a bracelet, i love a good necklace
    brett

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  3. I love this outfit!  The necklace is fabulous!  I have been wanting to find a great statement necklace!

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  4. I feel like I would never be able to put this together - but I love it!

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  5. I love the navy skirt!
    http://work-it-blog.blogspot.com

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  6. FAB outfit as always! My fave accessory has to be jewelry; a huge statement necklace or pair of earrings (since I have short hair, they really stand out).

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  7. Perfect Outfit!!!

    lovely

    xx

    www.ilovenystyle.blogspot.com

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  8. I LOVE how your outfits are so stylish yet, affordable! 

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  9. my fave accessory is definitely statement necklaces and this outfit proves my point exactly!!  i love the orange color and it really makes this look stand out!  love it.  :)




    kileen

    cute &
    little

    Sproos
    Hair Accessory Giveaway

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  10. I agree, the extras are what can definitely make an outfit!  They can be purchased fairly cheap to add to an otherwise plain outfit.  You look great with your orange statement necklace and navy skirt. Very sharp looking.

    http://www.hkstylejourney.blogspot.com/

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  11. BrazenbeautyeditorJuly 26, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    Couldn't agree more accessories will make-or break your outfit!!

    brazenbeautyeditor.blogspot.com

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  12. Accessories change the look of an outfit entirely!  I'm a HUGE jewelry person, I pile on necklaces and bracelets and big earrings!  I normally don't switch out purses too often, and I feel that belts accentuate my gut :(  Any tips on the belt issue?  I would LOVE to wear them more!  (I really don't have a defined waist))
    xoxoxo
    Lia

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  13. I LOVE my jewellery and I keep adding to it, bec I am huge believer in accessories. Accessories are my best friend, mainly necklaces and purses I should add.

    xo Nav
    http://navlandstyle.blogspot.com/

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  14. This look is so classy with that extra touch of fashion!!!

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  15. Perfect outfit! I would love to have something like this in my closet for work!

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  16. Perfect outsit for work! I am a necklace girl...the bigger, the better!

    http://teachchic.blogspot.com

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  17. How do you keep the belt in place without belt loops? On a dress I can achieve this because the belt hits right at the skinniest part of me and is usually elasticized but when I try to add a belt to an outfit like this, whenever I move, the belt either rides up in the back making the front sag down or it turns. The belt never stays in place.

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  18. Belts, definitely belts!!! I have so many and I belt everything!  I've also recently gotten on a shoe kick.  I enjoy shopping vintage for both of these as I'm 4'11'' and wear a size 5.5 shoe...vintage sizes tend to fit me better and give my outfit a unique twist!

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  19. This might be my favorite yet. If only I had your legs!

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  20. After reading your blog for a the past few months-I've now fell in love with belts too! I just bought a neon blue one from h&m for less then 5 bucks and a braided leather belt for 12! WOO!

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  21. I love, love, love this outfit! :)
    My favorite accessories are jewelry and belts.
    I have several cognac belts but now I must find me a nice pair of cognac pumps.
    You can do so much with this color and pair it with just about everything!
    Any leads on a cute pair of cognac pumps?

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  22. My favorite accessories are SHOES of course :)

    Michelle
    www.pinqueblog.com

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  23. Love the necklace and purse SO much! I really could use a statement necklace in my wardrobe...

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  24. chicstayathome.blogspot.comJuly 26, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    I can't even begin to tell you how much I love statement necklaces too!!!  They seriously make any simple outfit look a million times better.  Even a t-shirt and shorts look so much more decked out when you put on a statement necklace.  I can't do without my belts or scarves because I collect both and love to have lots!  I love your necklace, and the price you paid for it too!  LOL!  

    chicstayathome.blogspot.com

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  25. I love the simplicity of this outfit!

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  26. Belts. Definitely belts. I wear one almost every single day. I'd wear necklaces more often because I love them too, but we're not allowed to wear things like that at work.

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  27. Yeah, you're so right, without the extras it would look boring. Already only with that belt it looks way better. My fav extra are long necklaces over shirts or t-shirts.

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  28. Alicia, try watching this how-to video I did on belts. I talk about "creating leverage" with your belt, and with enough leverage it should pretty much stay in place. (And as a bonus you don't ever need to punch new holes in your belt with my method) Hope this helps! http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/2010/11/video-how-to-belt-cardigan_12.html

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  29. Lia, I recommend doing a belt in the same color as your bottoms. So a black skirt with a black stretchy belt worn right at the top of that skirt will add some texture but won't stand out and draw attention to the waist. I did this trick a few times in the pilot episode of my show. If you fast forward to the end, I put Colleen in 9 different looks and we use this trick with a black skirt of hers! http://www.izonorlando.com/2011/05/js-everyday-fashion-season-1-pilot-colleen/

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  30. How about this pair? They are 50% off and look really comfy! http://us.asos.com/ALDO-ALDO-Santellan-Color-Block-Court-Shoes/w9toq/?iid=1546642&MID=35719&affid=2135&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-ArY3uK8AjzfWURRnGFh7OA&r=2&mporgp=L1Byb2Qv

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  31. Statement jewelry all the way! I just can't get enough. I also love belts and shoes and scarves and bags. You name it, if its an accessory, I love it. :) I stay pretty simple with my clothing choices and I love how the accessories can make just a simple top and skirt or shorts look amazing.
    I always love seeing how you interpret your inspiration photos to fit your closet and your life! I do the same thing. I would totally wear this look, just with black shorts and sandals or wedges because that's what fits my life. :)

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  32. Stephanie_walter0409July 26, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    I bought these...sooo cute!  I haven't worn them yet, so I don't know about comfortablity, but they do run small so I had to go up a size!

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  33. Aldo tends to run small! I usually get a whole size bigger than usual!

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  34. I also just found these cognac pumps for only $28! http://www.lordandtaylor.com/eng/Shoes-Pumps-high-Ramonna_Leather_Peep_Toe_Pumps-lordandtaylor/188104/?utm_source=GAN&utm_medium=Affiliates&utm_term=na&tag=GAN&ctcampaign=221&utm_campaign=ShopStyle.com&utm_content=&cm_mmc=Affiliate-_-GAN-_-ShopStyle.com-_-Primary

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  35. My favorite accessory is a great handbag...  It doesn't have to be expensive or high-end, but it needs to be well constructed and made of quality materials!  J, Thank you for stopping and commenting on my post today!

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  36. I love these pumps! Also I saved an additional 20% by using coupon code SAVEMORE!!!!

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  37. First off, my favorite accessories by far are SHOES! 

    Secondly, I love the outfit, but I'm not too crazy about the belt. It's a great belt, but it doesn't seem to really mesh with this particular outfit. Either way, great transformation from the inspiration look! Love it!

    Jessica.

    http://www.jessicawearspearls.com

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  38. I love the accessories you used with this outfit, it totally takes it from ordinary to extraordinary. You look amazing as always!

    xo Teresa
    www.teresalifeandstyle.blogspot.com

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  39. You are so genius, I love it.  I'll definitely try and let you know how it works!  PS, you should totally come out to CO and help me :)
    xoxo
    Lia

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  40. The handbags you have in your hands are nice and good looking. can you see our handbags at here cheap designer handbags

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  41. I absolutely agree! Accessories can turn a simple outfit into something great. My favorite statement piece is actually a necklace almost identical to the one you are wearing: you can see it here & here. I love it because it complements almost all bright colors but can also be worn with neutrals.

    OveLoves

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  42. This one might be my fav of al time! So sophisticated yet fun and colorful!!
    cute!!

    -Katie

    www.ktdaily.blogspot.com

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  43. Before I was always so bad about accessorizing, but since reading your blog you've definitely inspired me to break out of my comfort zone and add belts and necklaces to my outfits...you've shown me it really makes a difference and adds another level to my outfits :)

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  44. Great outfit! I'd say my favorite accessory is watches. Or shoes. I have quite the collection of both. 

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  45. I love the outfit and I agree the accessories make the biggest difference. I wonder if I could get tbe same effect with a pair of navy capris instead of a navy skirt. Love that bag where is that from?
    Thanks Namrata

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  46. I definitely think you could do navy capris instead! The purse is from a  store called It's in the Bag. I had the pleasure of meeting the owners and I love their purses! A link to where you can buy the one I'm holding is in the caption.

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