January 13, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Outfit Fails

I love experimenting with fashion. But like with all experiments, results can vary and sometimes an attempt to re-create a look is a total fail (happens to the best of us!). I like to share all sides of my "fashion story" with you guys, including the fails, so here are 5 looks I would never let see the light of day and why. Do you think I made the right choices?








































1. Marilyn Monroe called and she wants her sexy office look back. The fur, the purse, the tight skirt - it's all just a little too much at once. (Although, the model is pulling it off quite nicely!)





























2. Attack of the gold space-age bubble butt. Unfortunately this skirt is a size too big for me, so it honestly looks pretty silly in person.







































3. All I can think about are poor baby chinchillas when I look at this. Possibly because the sweater and faux fur are so similar in color? Love the J.Crew inspiration though.







































4. I look like an American flag. No, really.







































5. Meh. This is just a little too bland for me, and I like hers better. (Although I could pretty much wear anything with these shoes and be happy, I love 'em!)

87 comments:

  1. I actually really love #3! But can't really disagree with you on #4... :)

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  2. I think #1 wouldnt be bad without the purse (would just take it down a notch) and I like #3 as well

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  3. I really like 2 and 3, but I'm with ya on the others.  I think 4 is the worst, lol.  As proud of an American as I am, the whole flag look is just not cool!!  Maybe without the blue shoes and a more neutral pair and it wouldn't have been quite as bad.

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  4. um...is it bad that i kind of like all of these?

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  5. i actually love #1, but it does seem a little "va va voom" for the office.  you're right, the shoes in #5 are fierce!

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  6. I really like outfits 1 and 3 actually, but I'm a sucker for a furry collar/vest.  I can see why the first one might be too much for work though.  I'm always so impressed that you can mimic these inspiration photos so closely!

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  7. Ha I actually liked the first 3 outfits...too funny you didnt like them yourself!

    http://www.theprettyfactor.blogspot.com/

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  8. Outfits #1 and #3 are really cute, but I can see why you were a little hesitant.  Outfit #1 definitely has the sexy secretary vibe, but it would probably work in the right type of work environment.  #3 is actually pretty cute.  Faux fur vests are all the rage right now.

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  9. I actually love look #1! And you're so adorable that even the others look great too. I love reading your blog every day!

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  10. haha I'm not gonna lie I really like 1, 3, and 4

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  11. I love #1!  Maybe too much for the office, but awesome for date night.  I think that skirt is gorgeous. 

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  12. I honestly love all of the outfits, especially #1, #2, and #5. 

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  13. I actually do like 3 & 5 :)

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  14. I love your fur vest in #3!  Where is it from? 

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  15. I like 1 and 3 they look really good on you.

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  16. J!  I have to disagree with you here.  You have no idea how freaking AMAZING you look in every photo except for #4!!! That one is just not good for anyone period!  # 3 is perfection.  #1 is the most flattering look I have ever seen you in, and # 2 is such a fun look for going out with the girls on a fun night, even if the skirt is slightly big!  The styling may not be your style, but honestly, the looks are perfect for your body type.  THe similar shade colors in #3 are actually a good thing too.  In the picture and on you, it looks so classy.  I think the jeans should be flared though, but I don't think I have ever seen you in a flare jean, so that could be why the look isn't quite right.  This is such an interesting post to me, because for me I see perfectly executed style in every picture besides #4.  LOL!  Maybe I am crazy though?

    xx
    Pip
    http://chicstayathome.blogspot.com

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  17. LOL @ " I look like an American flag. No, really." I actually LOVE the first outfit! It might be a bit much for work, but would be perfect for a nice dinner out!

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  18. Pip, I think this is a class case of fashion is so different for everyone! I think it's great that you love them. Thank you!

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  19. Meg, I got that vest at Ross for $30!

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  20. Thanks Laura!

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  21. Haha Erin, no I think it's great! To each their own. :-)

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  22. I know, I love wearing red/white/blue but that just takes it to a whole new level of wrong. No idea how my inspiration is pulling it off b/c I'm certainly not!

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  23. I personally love look 3 and you look fabulous in it!! :) that vest is killer, and definitely something id wear! You look gorgeous, no need to doubt it! :)

    xo
    Alyson
    www.crushingonclothes.com

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  24. Sara_ItsAboutTheLookJanuary 13, 2012 at 10:35 AM

    I really love the first outfit, but I would swap out the bag and add a more playful (less serious?) shoe, and I'd be good to go! I agree that it looks a tad secretary-ish, but changing the bag and shoes would change the whole look I think. :)

    WHERE did you get those shoes in the last pic??

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  25. I like everyone except american flag!! The american flag look is even kinda cute... I just don't know about the blue shoes. My favorite is the marilyn monroe. I just think the bags a little too big!

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  26. I LOVE looks 1-3. I think I would have worn sleeves with look #2, any maybe even black tights. What I'm trying to say is that there is something there to that outfit! You look great as always, J, and I'm even inspired by your reject looks! :)  

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  27. No way! These are all FABULOUS! Though to be honest, I am not sure if I would feel 100% comfortable in red/white/blue either!

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  28. I like #1 a lot, but that's how I like to dress for work (btw, I think you look hot in it). With the rest, I only raised my eyebrows at the 'flag' look.

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  29. i think they all look great! i like all of them; #4 could maybe use some neutral colored shoes.

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  30. I doubt myself a lot in terms of recreating someone's outfits too, but I usually grow to enjoy all of my mistakes - I love looking a little weird sometimes))))
    As for this outfits - I actually like almost all of them, but especially the first one. Well, not like, but love it! It's so pretty and feminine! I know that it may look a bit o sexy for offices with strict dress code, but I don't have one in my office , so I'd gladly wear this outit to work. Oh, ad the collar! I need to buy something similar asap.

    http://tri-skelos.blogspot.com/

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  31. I'm going out on a limb and loving most of these looks. In outfit #1, I love how you spice up a drab office outfit with the fur and shoes. And to me, animal print is such a classic and it isn't competing with anything else in the photo, so I love it. Although, the skirt is obviously too big for you, I love the outfit as a while. Glitz is in, and this is perfect for a night out. Outfit #3 is my absolute favorite. I don't think you have to have a bold piece every single day and I would wear this anywhere! It's perfection. #4: I do actually agree with you on this; too American flag. Switch out some colors though and it's great. Although #5 isn't my style, I think it's great. Wear these out girl; I'm sure you've inspired someone out here in blog-land with these looks!

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  32. I like #1 but I don't know if I would feel confident enough to pull it off.  I tried on a cardigan similar to the inspiration photo and I felt that it just overwhelmed me.

    #2 is okay but I think it would look better with a tighter skirt like in the photos. 

    I LOVE #3.  Totally my style. 

    I don't like red, white, and blue together so I don't blame you for passing on #4.

    And #5 just reminds me of a little girl playing dress up or something.  But swap out the skirt for black skinny jeans and it would be an awesome rock 'n roll look!

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  33. I love them all except #5. #1 is really cute, I'm obsessed with #2 and that skirt is adorable, #3 looks stylish and comfy, and although #4 is a bit patriotic, I still think it works! #5 is a bit much for me though.

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  34. I actually really like all of those looks, and think that there's a "place" for each of them (the red, white, and blue is my least favorite, but I still think it's a wearable look).  I would've had to include yesterday's outfit with the mustard tights on this list...

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  35. Thanks for sharing these! It helps to see what works and what doesn't and that you have doubts too in what you experiment with. I really love #1 and #2! I think you look great.

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  36. The american flag is definitely patriotic :)

    Love first outfit with the maroon skirt though, very warm!

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  37. Honey, I have outfit fails all the time (and I never really know if until I've already released it into the World Wide Web).  Let that fail flag fly!!
    http://stylishsass.blogspot.com

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  38. I actually like all three of these! The red, white, & blue one is a little TOO red, white, & blue, sure, but even it looks great, & could be changed with just a different pair of shoes to work just fine - or worn as-is to something patriotic!

    Also, I posted what's only my second go-'round at outfit blogging earlier this week to some nasty reviews. I know you delete comments with blog advertising here, so I won't leave the link, but should you find yourself bored & perusing the Internet, I sure wouldn't mind some advice! You're great at what you do.

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  39. I think you're pulling off these looks quite nicely! I really like all of them except for the american flag one lol. I think it's more of a personal taste thing I guess but as an outside observer, I like them!

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  40. I am w/ almost everyone else...I LOVE the 1st picture, the 3rd picture is also great.  I like #3, too.  The last 2, not so much, but they def. don't look bad at all. 

    I think #1 and 3 are just too cute and def. not a fail, IMO!

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  41. #1 & #4 are actually good outfits. #3 would be cute minus the turtleneck.

    Tiffany
    http://shoeschampagne.blogspot.com

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  42. I love #1 and #3. They look fabulous! The last one is fun too! I do agree though if its not your style. It just isn't. I like how the Faux fur outfit looks on you but I would never wear a vest like that. Not my style. Thanks for posting these. Have an awesome weekend!

    ~nina

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  43. I LOVE pretty much all of these outfits--I think they are really well styled! If you are looking to unload that gold skirt, you definitely have a taker :)

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  44. I like them all. What are you talkin about? :)
    k at www.beautystyleandgrowth.blogspot.com

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  45. I love them all ... except for the fit of the skirt in 2.

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  46. I actually like #2 from the front.  Though it might not work in real life, it looks good in the photo.  I do however respect your decision to leave it out.  Sometimes I think bloggers post photos that read ok on the computer, but look a mess in person.

    I kind of like #5, but I think because you're so pretty and fit it looks more Rock 'N Roll groupie than edgy.  Maybe it would work better with motorcycle boots?

    I love your blog!! Really inspires me to shop and restyle my own closet!!

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  47. Oh come on...these aren't as bad as you think!  But honestly if you feel like it's a flub, I don't blame you for not featuring it.  I've taken numerous outfit post pictures as well only to take another look and to nix it.  I actually like the Jcrew inspiration with the fur vest, monochromatic is a great look, and for a midwest winter...we see it all the time ;)  Have a nice weekend!

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  48. I think we have a general consensus that you rocked outfit No. 1. It's a look that sexy in a classy way. I will be attempting to pull that off pronto.

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  49. Hmmm I must have bad fashion sense because I absolutely love every one of those outfits!!! Well maybe except for the American flag one ;) But really, love them all, especially the 2nd one despite "bubble-butt" skirt, I don't see it at all in the pic! :)

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  50. that's funny.  i dind't realize what this post was about til i looked at the title, but before that, as I went along, i was still thinking everything looked great!  i only agree abt the amer flag.

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  51. now i feel like i must have terrible fashion taste if these are your outfit fails...because i absolutely LOVE the first 3, in fact i think they're some of the best i've seen on your blog. the flag one is pretty cute too, just a little tooo red white & blue. and i even like that band tee/leather jacket outfit.

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  52. Me too. I think it's a great classy date night look!

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  53. Hi,

    Kinda of a off topic coment here, I was watching the Nate Show and saw this segment right of your alley, thought you might like. If you don't know of it already, that is!.

    http://www.thenateshow.com/videos/detail/3691/30-winter-looks/

    http://www.thenateshow.com/videos/detail/3693/expand-your-winter-wardrobe/

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  54. I have to say I like a lot of these outfits! If the look "off" in person, then that doesn't really come through in the picture. Glad you shared your non-favorites, because these might be some of my favorites! 

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  55. I'm with the rest of the bunch! I think they all look good and I for sure would not wonder where your fashion sense went if you posted any of them as a regular blog post!!! I get you comments though. . .except #3! I LOVE LOVE LOVE #3 and now feel the need to invest in a faux fur vest to recreate it!

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  56. I love #1 & #3. #1 look amazing and you look amazing!
    #3 I think the turtleneck needs to be a different color. I think it's a cute look!

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  57. I have to agree with above. you look fabulous in #1 and really in most of these while I do see there are a few things off (and the red, white & blue is just not something anyone could pull off on a non-holiday) they are still not fail. I would have to agree that the mustard tights outfit belongs on this list before many of the others, & i wasn't a huge fan of the all white flared leg ensemble from a while back. You know you have a good blog when I can only think of 2 outfits I didn't care for!

    Now excuse while I go try out #1 and #2 and try to pull them off like you did.. :)

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  58. Way to go, posting fashion flubs! They actually all look really great on you - the American flag one does flatter you shape wise, its just the color palette that is a little much :)

    xo Teresa
    www.delightfullydarling.com

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  59. Thanks Katy! I agree with you on the other two looks. I really like to experiment on the blog and with the mustard tights I'm definitely just getting started and hoping to learn how to style them better. Figured I should share the whole journey from the start so you guys can learn along with me. ;-)

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  60. Haha no way Erica! I still believe in your fashion taste. :-) That's the beauty of a thing like fashion. It's art and there is no one right way to do it!

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  61. No way Shayla! I still believe in your fashion sense. :-) That's the beauty of a thing like fashion. It's art and there is no one right way to do it!

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  62. Thanks ladies!

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  63. OMG that made me laugh Tina! I love that you put your thumb over my head, lol. Feel free to make a little stick with a picture of your head on it if you'd like! :-)

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  64. Kate, I will be selling this skirt soon (for cheap, it was only $15 to start!) so stay tuned! I've done some closet sales on Facebook before and plan on doing another one soon.

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  65. Thank you!! Feel free to leave the link. I was actually just referring to my Facebook page. I never delete links here! :-)

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  66. Best.comment.ever. Thank you Terri haha! :-)

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  67. Sarah, yes the mustard tights were an experiment for sure. I wanted to share the journey of learning how to style them with you guys from the very beginning though. I'm definitely not afraid to post things that aren't perfect if I think there is a good lesson in it! :-)

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  68. Like a lot of other people have said, I actually REALLY like #1 and #3. I think #1 is very office appropriate.

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  69. Thanks Sara! The shoes are by Colin Stuart, which are sold by Victoria's Secret. I got them for a steal from MJR Sales though. 

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  70. I actually really like the outfit with the faux fur and torn jeans! I think it's gorgeous! 
    I know what you mean though- so many times I try a look, then when I see the photo of it I think "Yikes" This is awful! 
    I love your style and am enjoying your blogging tips! Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

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  71. Okay either I just have no sense of style and figure this is the reason I have yet to start my own fashion blog, or you were just not feeling good these days. In my opinion all of the outfits that you dare not share with your fellow blog followers are just GREAT!! I really like all of them. Keep'em a comin:)

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  72. I love #1, it's very mad men. And #3 is totally cool too. I like the gold skirt, but I think you need more black on top, like sleeves or something. You rock!

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  73. These are not bad at all!! You should see some of mine! I actually really love the red white and blue outfit!

    Lindsey Turner
    http://thriftandshout.blogspot.com

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  74. Okay, your comments cracked me up! You are way too rough on yourself...haha but quite hilarious. I like the space aged gold bubble butt. I think it's cute! 

    http://irisfocusedonfashion.blogspot.com

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  75. I LOVE the first outfit!!!!  The second two are great, too!  It is funny how perception of outfits is so individual.  It is an art. :)  Love your blog, J - first thing that I check every morning. :)

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  76. Love the first outfit!

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  77. In that case, here ya go: http://www.suburbansweetheart.com/2012/01/fashion-police-me.html

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  78. I like them all except for the flag.  I LOVE the Marilyn pic.  I wish I had it, I would wear it to church.

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  79. Although you've posted 3 or 4 of your single "outfit fails/failures" before............ (and, even at that, *your* fashion fails/failures are FAR BETTER than *my* fashion wins/successes, haha!!)............ it's *really* admirable/encouraging, J, that your wrote this 1/13/12 post with the Strong, Optimistic Message it sends............ (i.e., at the beginning of the New Year  *F.O.R.*  those women who are maybe less than fashion-confident, which is probably most of us!!)............ that  #1) It's okay to NOT always get it right fashion-wise, but to INDEED HAVE some outfit fail/failure days;  and  #2)  When you do have an OUTFIT fail/failure day, you're always-always-*a.l.w.a.y.s.*, however............ still "good enough" as a PERSON, you know. 

    Anyway, (patriotic USAF Nurse Corps Veteran that I am), when I looked at outfit #4, for SOME reason............ I started  *h.u.m.m.i.n.g.*  The Boston Pops' wonderful, rousing "Stars and Stripes Forever" to myself, (haha)!!             'Just another great, keepin'-it-real, rockin' post, J!!

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  80. I love 1 & 3. Very chic.

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  81. I think you're wrong about #s 1, 3 and 4  the look GREAT.  I will agree that the skirt in #2 is too puffy (in the alterative a blouse or jacket would have probably pulled it off) and # 5 just isn't my style but it does look good, if you're into that look.  Don't be so hard on yourself.  Thanks for posting these.  I'll definitely be trying #1 and over the Christmas holidays I bought a skirt similar to #2 inspiration and will be wearing shortly.

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  82. I will admit that I don't love #4. I love America, but I prefer more of a nautical look when wearing red, white, and blue. I usually start with navy and then use accents of red and white.

    I really do love the rest of the outfits though. It's most important that you feel comfortable though. If I don't feel good when I am fixing to leave the house, I know that I'll be uncomfortable all day long!

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  83. I agree with the general consensus.  You have to be true to your own style which you'll know better than any of us...but other than #4, they are all great in their own way.  I'm generally not a fan of the metallic bubble skirt, but you make it work if you want it to!

    Keep it up!

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  84. Actually I love 1 and 3!!! and 5 is super cute!!!

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