To mix things up a bit, I will show this almost monochromatic outfit with a few color accents.
I wore this skirt and a blouse before, though I did not photograph that time, and can't remember the accessories I picked then. I think it could be my yellow ballet flats, instead of these suede magenta loafers, and the whole look was a bit more playful. The tailored blazer gives it an almost business-y feel, like I am about to meet with a team of bankers or something. And it is just soooooo not me... I was debating (with myself mostly, but Justin also said his word) as to include this outfit in my blog or not, and decided that since this blog is my honest style journey, I will include this too - there is something to learn from this experience.
I actually like all the pieces here, but will probably try different combinations next time. The good thing is that both the blouse and the skirt were thrifted, and the blazer was bought on clearance - my favorite kind of shopping. I used to avoid such shape of skirts, but when I tried this one on in a consignment shop, I liked what I saw in the mirror. I still think that pencil skirts, mid-knee or midi, look most flattering on me, despite the fact that my hourglass figure is hidden at the moment, but at the same time I enjoy experimenting with different shapes and lengths these days, so here it is. The skirt is made of a lovely silky fabric and is perfect for twirling. I will probably try it with bright tops next. I really like the pattern and shimmer of the blouse, and the cut is fun as well. The blazer is striking, and I have some ideas how to style it, so it won't look like I am going to a bankers' meeting.
Of course, I did not meet with any bankers that day. I just went browsing to my favorite antique mall and Goodwill, and brought some new friends home. I felt a little strange, but not bankerish... it is now when I look at the photos, I see this weird Banker-Meets-Al-Pacino kinda person. I am way too cozy to be either of them, of course.
Blouse and skirt - thrifted. Blazer - Lane Bryant. Loafers - Me Too. Purse - B Makowsky. Jewelry - gifts.
Linked up with Mis Papelicos' Share-In-Style: Pink!
I love, love the monochrome with pink accent, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
ReplyDeleteYou are just fabulous, dear Natalia
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Thank you, my dear friend, you are sooo kind! I actually picked the pink shoes in the theme and in honor of your next event. :) Hugs!
Deletethe outfit is totally chic! but this seems to be the problem. it is chic in a very conservative way. no twist.
ReplyDeletei can see in your face and body language that you are not really happy with it - even if you did not mentioned it. would love to see all the great pieces styled more "natalia" - there is a lot of potential.
can i say that the pearl jewelry are the last nail in the coffin? some colored, fun pieces which pick up the bag and shoes would save the whole outfit.....
very great that you posted it nevertheless, we can learn a lot here!
big hug!
Agree with you - chic/glamour is just not me. I am way too free, creative and FUN to wear outfits which are simply chic. :) Nothing against it, of course. Just not me, as I said. :) Interesting thought of colorful accessories! I;ll try some time! xxoo
DeleteIsn't it funny, I was going to say just the same as Beate - it shows in the photos that you aren't 100% comfortable with this look! As you say, each piece is lovely, but the overall effect is quite business-like and conservative. Where's the colourful, vibrant, creative, playful Natalia we know and love?! I can imagine you mixing up the work-y pinstripe blazer with jeans or your bright green trousers; and the skirt would work with all sorts of coloured tops and your funky wedges. So lots and lots of potential for many different looks, I think! And the gorgeous blooms match your shoes perfectly!
ReplyDeletePS. I sometimes post outfits which I don't think are that successful - if the photos are REALLY dreadful, I just delete them and they never see the light of day, but I have certainly worn and blogged about outfits which I have never repeated. All part of the process! And you never, ever look less than gorgeous! xxx
Bingo, darling! I purchased this blazer (which I consider one of best that I have) with the boyfriend jeans, and that's exactly how I wanted to style it. Though, now that the idea has been already kicked around here on the blog, it feels redundant to do a photosession. :) I am a weirdo like that! :)
DeleteI think it is both part of the process (we learn) and part of the fun - it keeps blog rather alive and dynamic when we share both good and bad, colorful and black and white etc. So many things to share, yes?
Love
I'm chiming in with an echo of what Beate and Curtise said. The outfit is lovely because you are talented at styling and the individual pieces are good but it doesn't really look like you. I would be the same way and I would have felt that I was supposed to wear something like that to work. You look happier once you've taken the blazer off. I think the skirt and blouse with some more colourful accessories or the skirt with a colourful blouse would look like you. I think the blazer would look like you styled with more casual pants and colourful accessories.
ReplyDeleteI have one blazer in my wardrobe, bought on a whim mostly because I loved the fabric. It's very fall/winter so I won't be showing it on the blog for ages but I am interested in doing so because I am not sure I can wear it and look like me. Also, while I love it there is also a possibility it looks like I borrowed the upholstery from grandma's favourite chair.
xo
Oh you are so sweet, Shawna! I actually love blazers (I'd like to see yours), though I don't go to office and don't wear them much. They do have a somewhat conservative/restricting nature, and it really doesn't feel like me much, even though I love the style! Here in this case, I think it's the whole combination is simply not to my liking now when I see the photos. Nothing wrong with it, it's still stylish and attractive, and I believe many ladies would rock it! Hugses!
DeleteI like blazers in theory, just as I like monochromatic or minimalist decor in theory. I just find I can't live with it. I don't like my arms restricted and jackets tend to do that more than a cardigan does and I generally don't like collars either. Having said that I still by a blazer every few years. LOL Minimalist decor is less likely to happen in my life than a blazer is.
DeleteHugses back at you. Check out my post, there are three drawings of you!
Thank you so much for joining Adrienne and me for "How I Wear My: Sneakers." I was especially fond of the picture of you in the black dress, with jacket, scarf and sneakers so that's the one I used in my post. It was wonderful to have you with us once again! XO, Jill
ReplyDeleteThank YOU so much, Jill! You two do amazing job composing these wonderful themed posts!! Hugs!
DeleteIf you hadn't mentioned that you weren't overly struck on that blazer I perhaps wouldn't have noticed but, like Curtise & Beate say, you don't radiate your usual confidence in this blazer, which is a shame as its a lovely outfit.I think I'd like to see it with the green skinnies and the hot pink loafers and give it another chance as its a gorgeous piece and a fab fit.
ReplyDeleteI read your post this morning before setting off to the car boot sale where I had to laugh as the van we parked next to had "Al Capone" written on the licence plate - spooky! xxxx
Spooky indeed! :) I will definitely wear these pieces in other combinations, and I love the idea of the blazer with green pants and pink shoes! :) Thank you, my dear!
DeleteNatalia, you look as if you were set free once you removed the blazer! I also feel constricted when I wear them. I only wear them on occasion.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good way to put it, Glenda! :) I think for such free spirited people like yourself the only way to wear a blazer if the rest of the outfit is fun and creative, then it won't feel so alien. I love the shape of this blazer, it's very well made, and I sure will wear it... with boyfriend jeans and such :)
DeleteLovely outfit! In my humble opinion -- the blazer is pretty stylish and looks great in the picture #2, unbuttoned.
ReplyDeleteAnd the pearls! Love them!
That's a great point - unbuttoned blazer doesn't have such a business-y feel! I agree with you on that, the blazer is a beauty, and the jewelry as well. I think it's just the combination of all these things doesn't thrill me. :)
DeleteI know you say it's not really your style, but I love the blazer and especially with the pop of color on your flats. You look great and I just found your through Adrienne's Rich Life sneaker post.
ReplyDeletexoDale
www.savvyspice.com
Thank you so much, I appreciate your comment! I will sure try other combinations with these pieces, as I love all of them. And yes, the blazer is great! xo
DeleteI love when this happens. Different opinions and only one winner. You and your quest to evolve your style and have fun. My opinion is that you knew all along this ain't your style but you were willing to experiment. It didn't work fine and we are here to suggest. I'd love to see that jacket again when the banker has gone to sleep and you are free to wear it as you please.
ReplyDeleteYou got it right - I experiment, and have fun doing it, although I was not sure about "me" or "not me" just until I saw the photos... which is curious in itself, I think! :) I used to wear blazers, I love them, and have a few in my wardrobe. Still, not every combination works. And we all are winners here as far as I am concerned. :)
DeleteNatalia ,
ReplyDeleteI have to say I actually really like this look on you. I can see where you would think that this pinstriped blazer is very traditional and perhaps not quite your style as it has evolved since you been a blogger. I do about that gorgeous blouse and I love the color of your shoes and nail polish. It's those additions that you added to this outfit that make it very un banker ish.. I love shopping at thrift stores, too!
I can't wait to see you wearing this jacket again maybe you'll add a bright scarf or something whimsical to make it a very different outfit. It is such fun to experiment : we are always reinventing out style!
And of course you look very pretty in a serious way,
Kisses,
Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Thank you, my dear Elle! I like the idea of a scarf - they transform outfits, don't they? The most business-y blazer can become romantic in an instant! And of course you are so right about always reinventing our styles! I agree. I wore a blazer like this one a few years ago, and felt perfectly doing so! We'll see what the future brings. :) Hugs!
DeleteEach piece is lovely! yet I understand what you mean, a little conservative, maybe? but there is Natalia there in the vibrant pink shoes and beautiful jewelry - I also blog outfits that I am not sure about, the camera and photo seems to be a better judge than a mirror for me, I have worn something I like and when I have photographed it, it is an absolute no-no! but it helps me hone my own personal style x x x
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Sandra - there is something about photos, it's not the same with the mirror. I actually liked what I saw in the mirror. :) But all pieces here are fine, and I will wear them... just not in this combo. :) It's fun to learn about ourselves, isn't it? xxxooo
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