July 15, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Fail


It's been a hot minute since I posted an outfit fail, so today I'm breaking the streak. I think you can learn just as much from your style successes as you can the outfits that don't work, and it's also my goal to bring you a realistic style experience on this blog and failure is a part of that. (Read more in this post.) I tried this outfit on in my room and instantly knew it was a no-go. My shorts are a size too big (I sold them in my closet sale this week), and for this outfit to "pass" I would make two changes - switch the shorts to a skirt and change the shape of the necklace (I love the one below). I totally dig this color scheme though, so I may have to try again! What changes would you make to this outfit?

Inspiration photo: Net-a-Porter
Shirt: J.Crew, $45 (similar dots, similar stripes)
Shorts: Forever 21, sold them (similar shorts)
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $27
Necklace: H&M, $4
1. Aldo shoes, $41.99
2. Ann Taylor necklace, $59.99
3. Calvin Klein skirt, $49.99

54 comments:

  1. I agree, this is not one of your best looks. I'm totally in love with the blouse though. It's really classy and pretty. But I would have a hard time picking a neon necklace to go with it. Because of it's shape, I would only wear a simple silver necklace with it. I don't think anything else works with the collar and shape.
    Pink shorts are a great idea, maybe you should go with a pair that has a better fit. It has a cool edge to pair this blouse with shorts instead of a skirt, so I wouldn't change that part of the look.
    But in my opinion, black pumps are the way to go (skip the pink ones).
    Anyway, this is how I would style this look. But then, you wouldn't have the neon pop of color you probably wanna add. But like I said, it seems hard to find a nice necklace that goes with the shape of the blouse and its collar. Maybe just go with a neon ring or bracelet instead? What do you think?

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  2. Agree with Mia on all accounts. Skip the neon. It's a total distraction and it's a tired trend. Beautiful shirt, but shorts that fit would be key. Also, the pinks don't match but they also aren't different enough to be "coordinating." Black pumps or, really, many other colors would serve this outfit better. You often do the same thing with your yellow pumps - match them with a non-matching/coordinating yellow in your outfit and it makes me cringe - too matchy-matchy (but a failed attmept at it) and it ends up looking unpolished.

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  3. Love the color combination and the shirt! Agree on the necklace and shorts.

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  4. I would've just tucked the necklace under the collar of the shirt so it's just a peek at the bright color. I agree with the comment below that the shorts were good, and I probably would suggest neutral shoes instead of the pink. :)

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  5. Honestly, I like the outfit, though the size of the shorts like you said were big, so I would get a smaller size. I would change the heels to another color either black, white, or neutral. 

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  6. Paula @ Eat: Watch: RunJuly 15, 2012 at 10:23 AM

    Really? You think that's a fail? Before I read your post I thought, I LOVE that outfit. haha. Guess I would wear your fails then. The only thing I would change is the shoes. That's too much pink for me so I'd go more neutral but man...I love this combo and I don't think the shorts look big from the picture at all. <3

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  7. I actually love the outfit, but if I had to change anything it would be the shoes. I think the pointy toed courts make it look a little bit disco, whereas if you wore ankle boots, like the girl in the inspiration photo, then it would look a little more edgy. Love the bold colour and polka dots combo.

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  8. Agree, I would change the shoes. The hardware on them, and the fact that their pointy looks a little off. I love the rest of it though. Great color combo, I'm going to try it out!

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  9. I love the shorts and top together. I'm iffy on the shoes, but I don't think this outfit is a fail at all!!

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  10. I like that the shorts are a little baggy, the only thing I would change is the shoes - if you didn't like it though then that's all that matters anyway, you're the one wearing it after all!
    ♥ ThankFifi

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  11. Honestly, the only things I don't care for are the necklace and the fact that your white bra shows through the sheer black shirt. Overall, I think the outfit is still very cute.

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  12. i actually think you pulled this off better than the inspiration! :) but fashion is always so much about opinion and different tastes isn't it?
    kw, http://www.ladiesinnavy.com

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  13. Kelsie @ My Beautiful LifeJuly 15, 2012 at 12:00 PM

    I would leave the shirt fully tucked, or try one that isn't so blousy. I agree that you should change the shape of the necklace too. But I love those colors together. And I actually don't think those shorts look too big, just more of a relaxed look.

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  14. I'm definitely not wearing a white bra, I don't own one. And this shirt is NAVY, not black.

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  15. Definitely not a fan of the black ankle boots!! I agree that if I had flat sandals on though that would be a "step" in the right direction. ;-)

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  16. You crack me up Paula!! And yes, if your shorts are big enough to remove without undoing the button, they are too big. ;-) Hard to see from this picture though.

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  17. Change the shoes for sure.  Pointy toe pumps with shorts lends too much of an '80's look. 

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  18. Thanks Kelsie! Like I said below, if you can remove your shorts/pants without unbuttoning them, they are too big. ;-)

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  19. This is one of my favorite shirts, I've had it for about 2 years. Shirts that come up high like this are one of the best kinds for statement necklaces. Neon is a personal preference of mine, but a chunky necklace in many different colors would definitely go well with this kind of top!

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  20.  Probably just the way the colors come across on my monitor, then, because it definitely looks like a light colored bra peeking through. Not saying it's a terrible thing, but just an observation.

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  21. okay this may be a failed outfit, but Iuvvvvv the top! you have a wonderful blog. my favorite part is that you give us different options for us to actually buy. i just bought the similar one on modcloth.

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  22. In my opinion, the necklace and the shirt neckline don't work. I do, however, like the top and shorts together!

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  23. I like the shorts and the shirt... I think the shoes are the main fail here. I'm not a fan of the pink shorts with the pink, pointy-toe pump. I'd try a different color wedge or sandal with the outfit.

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  24. I love that inspiration necklace...I saw somewhere that it was a DIY with some pom pom trim! I like the color scheme together, but where this outfit falls flat for me is the matchy-matchy shoes/ shorts combo. The ankle boots in the first photo give the whole outfit a chic vibe! I love your polka dots, though...maybe even more than the stripes!

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  25. I agree that the shorts aren't a great fit, but I love the combo. Not a fan of the pink, pointed toe shoes with the overall outfit...maybe a black flat or a simple strappy sandal might be better?  

    -AJ
    FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com

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  26. I would go with different shoes, maybe a neutral sandal. Then it looks great! If you went with a skirt, then the pink pumps would work better. I like your version better than the inspiration!

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  27. i think changing the shoes would fix it for sure. i do LOVE the color scheme!

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  28. In all honesty, the only think I don't like are the pumps with it. Other than that I happen to like it :)

    http://www.mythriftychic.com/

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  29. I have a striped shirt just like the one in the pic.  I never thought to pair with pink.  It another option.

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  30. I have those ALDO pumps and that same AT necklace...will have to give this one a try! :)

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  31. Amy @ Leopard and Lillies.comJuly 15, 2012 at 5:16 PM

    Love the necklace it looks fabulous!  I would perhaps have picked a top without the pattern and the ruffles.  But you still look great!

    Amy









    Leopard and Lillies

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  32. I agree with everyone else. I would totally changed the shoes. I would do cute black sandals or even a bootie like the inspiration pic.

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  33. I actually really like the look. I would def change the shoes to something more neutral, though, and a different shaped necklace,too. I love the neon yellow!

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  34. First off, you have really great legs. (LOL) and I LOVE that yellow necklace you like. I am not a huge fan of polka dots, but this shirt doesn't bother me too much. I like the color scheme. The main thing I'd change is the necklace. It just looks out of place/

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  35. I think I'd change the length of the necklace, and the shoes. While I love both of them, I agree that the necklace doesn't work with the shirt. And I think the shoes and shorts clash a bit. I do love the mix of dots with neon.

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  36. I think nude shoes will look nice with  this outfit :)

    Smile On:)...Classy Pam

    classypam.blogspot.com

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  37. I love most of this outfit.  I definitely like the below necklace more, but other than that it is cute!!!
     

    Creamy

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  38. I feel like the neckline of the blouse is competing too much with the necklace, but you're right that the color combination is AWESOME. Hopefully you can rock it outta the park next time.

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  39. I agree. I always wear statement necklaces with your type of shirt!

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  40. I wouldn't call it a complete fail.  I think the outfit as is, is fine with other shoes.  These are a bit too precious. If you change to a skirt, it think the shoes would work.  My first instinct, before reading your comments was "She looks better than the model"  Good job!

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  41. Great combo...LOVE YOUR SHOES!!!!!!!!
    xoxo Ewa
    http://livewithstyle-ewa.blogspot.com/ 

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  42. Shoes that aren't suede! They don't go with the summery look. 

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  43. I LOVE the outfit, minus the shoes. Though they're hot pink, the color doesn't echo the bright neons you have going on in the shorts and necklace. Strappy sandals or nude heels would look great with it! 

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  44. I agree with all on the shoe color for sure!! By a glance that's the only things I could see this outfit was a fail for sure.  I do agree with you on the shape of the necklace but LOVE the color combo!

    On a personal note: I'm a new blog reader and read it on Friday (possibly in the office? :) and this weekend I wore some inspired outfits getting SO many compliments!!! THHANK YOU SO MUCH!! No I just need to get it into my boring, conservative work style!

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  45. Whitley Adkins HamlinJuly 16, 2012 at 3:38 PM

    So, I really like your outfit here!  I'm a big fan of brights, and I think you look wonderful... Certainly I'm more drawn to your outfit than your inspiration!  Love those shoes.  Thanks for the intro to MJR Sales.  Best, Whitley at the Queen City Style

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  46. Thank you so much Tracy and welcome to the blog! :-)

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  47. Love this outfit! The pink pumps and shorts are to die for! I have a similar pair from Chinese Laundry that make any outfit pop!

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  48. A pink skirt would do wonders. The shirt has to stay...it's too adorable to be swapped. And maybe different shoes that weren't so matchy? 

    www.aspiringkennedy.com

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  49. really love this outfit -  i would do different shoes - but its a great combo overall ;) 

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  50. I actually was going to say that I liked it! I see what you're saying about the fit and I can't wait to see the next time you try this color combo
    work-it-blog.blogspot.com

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  51. I like this outfit!! Even though you think it's a failure & you're the expert. Haha. You look great in everything & I would kill to have your wardrobe.. Not to mention your amazingly tan legs. :) Thank you for all your posts.. They definitely help me when styling myself.

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  52. The girl in your inspiration photo is Geneva from A Pair and A Spare! I believe she DIY-ed her necklace by spray-painting a beaded collar necklace.
    I agree with other commenters, I would change the shoes to a more chunky-heeled neutral, like a taupe colour? But still - love the rest! Not a complete fail!

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