August 7, 2011

Today's Everyday Fashion: Outfit Evolution


































Once upon a time (this summer), I discovered an adorable outfit on a mannequin at J.Crew and snapped a photo of it with my phone. This photo (and SJP) lead me to seek out a similar woven belt which I found at Rogue Retro. I then re-created the J.Crew look sans blazer, and after mulling it over for a couple days, decided that a mustard top and turquoise earrings would be even better. The final result looks hardly anything like my inspiration, but that my friends is all in the evolution of an outfit. :-) Which look is your favorite? Have you ever gone back to "improve" an old outfit?

Inspiration photo: J.Crew mannequin
Shirt (left): TJ Maxx, $15
Shirt (right): Gap, $5
Skirt: Forever 21, $18
Belt: Vintage c/o Rogue Retro, $15
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry, $130
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot Website

Red skirt options

1. Urban Outfitters shorts, $29.99
2. Forever 21 skirt, $13.80
3. French Connection skirt at Yoox, $35 (on sale)

17 comments:

  1. I agree about mustard looking better, but i can't quite figure out why :-) 

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  2. I like either, personally. Switching up a variety of solid color tops gets you more mileage out of this outfit! Thanks for the link on the belt- it is so groovy and I am drooling over it!!

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  3. I think turquoise complements the reddish orange skirt better, the mustard top doesn't pop enough against the skirt, but that's jmo. I love the inspiration photo though.

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  4. they're both cute, but i think i prefer the turquoise. :)  adding the blazer will be a great transition outfit for cooler weather.

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  5. If I'm being honest, I like the mannequin best and here's why:  the colors on the mannequin are more subtle, they're paler.  The colors in your two outfits are much bolder, almost to the point of being from a "Native American" palette.  That may have been what you were going for.  It's just for me I don't care for the strong/bold colors in that palette and that's simply a matter of personal preference.  Either way, you look great and the skirt really shows off your awesome legs!

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  6. Love both looks, but I am drawn to the first more..maybe because blue is one of my favorite colors? I don't know, but either way they both look great!

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  7. I love the mustard top, only because it's kind of unexpected. Both looks are great though! Also, I have a very similar belt, so I definitely like the addition of this belt.

    I always try to improve on an outfit. Like you, I see a photo inspiration and it may not look exactly the same but inspiration photos are a good way to get a look started.

    Heather
    Www.hkstylejourney.blogspot.com

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  8. i like both your looks but i really like the turquoise top. i like how you create two completely different looks by just changing the top.

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  9. Since blogging I find that I re-design outfits. I think that its in part because now that I photograph my outfits, I see what other people see and it helps me be more aware of cuts and styles that look better on my frame.

    I love both of the outfits you created :)

    xo Teresawww.teresalifeandstyle.blogspot.comEnter my $50 Express Giveaway -  http://tinyurl.com/3djcbde

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  10. They both look lovely but I love the turquoise top just a little more. I love the way you are bold with color. It makes me want to up my own color game!

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  11. I like them both.  The best thing about inspiration is that your mood can steer you one way one day and another way the next.  I tell my friends to look for inspiration everywhere!  It's up to your personal style what   you do with it on any day. 

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  12. Love the belt, I actually found one almost identical to yours at Target!

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  13. i also like the turquoise top.. the contrast between the colors really makes the outfit. maybe it's the pic quality of the orange and with the skirt..

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  14. I'm Native American and I have to admit I really love that aesthetic! I think a large part of the variance in colors you are seeing is just the lighting of the photos though - J.Crew was snapped indoors with my phone and my outfits are usually flooded with tons of natural light. I am definitely a girl who loves her bright colors though!! :-)

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  15. Just thought I'd throw it out there for anyone who is interested - Skirt number three (French Connection skirt at Yoox) is now down to $22!! :)

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  16. I like both outfits but prefer it with the turquoise tank, actually. J, you have so many cute, adorable and affordable mini-skirts in bright, summer clothes. Once spring hits, no later than May I will be on the lookout for a few fun, colorful, minis myself. I hope to find ones in colors such as red, purple, hot pink or fucshia, orange, turquoise, cobalt or royal blue and/or kelly green. =)

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