If you’re just tuning in, this is the fourth installment of a little 10×10 spring closet challenge I am participating in with some of my very favorite blogger friends. Lee kicked us off, Paige and I hopped aboard, and Laura of The Lovely Laura Life is now on the wagon too!
I am eager to do some dissecting of looks 5 and 6. Since becoming a ‘style blogger’ I have watched my own style shift and evolve even further. The more I put my outfits under a microscope with this blog, the better I become acquainted with what I like. As I dial that in, a tiny piece of my heart sings a little more loudly each time I get dressed in a ‘winning‘ combination.
LOOK 5:
In coining the title of this post, I was thinking particularly about this top – a unique, handmade shirt from Jamie + the Jones – which has wide dolman/batwing sleeves. I love the shape a wide sleeve gives, it’s why I chose this top, but I always find it harder to style. When I am looking to layer something over top, I run in to trouble. With a regular cardigan the sleeves are pushed towards my body and the top sits funny. The same rings true with most jackets. Then a little light bulb went off and I realized I should style it with this kimono, which also features wide sleeves.
And the jeans. Do we think skinny jeans are almost done having their moment? Because each day I am seeing more and more straight-leg and cropped-flair denim. It is very fresh compared to the calf-hugging skinnies we’ve been wearing for years (and breezier too!). But my skinnies are still on high rotation, though I might think twice before investing in a new pair in the future.
LOOK 6:
I have never been one to do the buttoned-up thing, it always felt too forced or masculine for me. But something about this mandarin collar is different. Buttoned all the way up it looks polished and tomboyish at the same time. Honestly, I think it’s all in the sleeves, like I said in my last post. The sleeves are so flattering that you could do almost anything with the neckline and it would work.
I love a good shirttail and this one does not disappoint. It lays nicely over my cotton-linen skirt, which is getting softer by the day. It’s only April and already this skirt is a workhorse in my closet. I wanted to add black shorts for the summer, and instead I found these, which are a lot more fun and 99% as functional. So, I am just going to wear them like shorts and see exactly how few shorts I can get away with in my summer closet. (I think I have two!)
cheers,
Andrea
LOOK 1: top, Jamie + the Jones / kimono, Only Child / Levis, thrifted and distressed (similar) / oxfords, Nisolo / bag, Cuyana / necklace, c/o Loop Jewelry
LOOK 2: top, Everlane / skirt, c/o Bridge & Burn / huaraches, Nisolo / bag, vintage (similar)
Hi Andrea, I’m loving all your loose tops! I decided to try a 15X15 Spring challenge, starting today. It’s amazing how many outfits can be made from so few pieces of clothing. I’m at http://www.mycapsulewardrobe.net if you want to stop by!
Hi Tonya!! So awesome that you’re doing a 15×15. I just checked out your pieces, super cute!
I love the looser, dolman style sleeves too, but it’s so hard when they can’t be used for layering. I love your solution of pairing it with the kimono! I definitely feel I’m seeing a shift in the shape of the pieces you’re selecting, which is fun to watch. And I’m totally ready to move on from skinnies, though it’s interesting how that makes me feel I’d need a shoe wardrobe update to go along with the changing trends.
Thanks friend, I love your analytical and observant mind! No joke, that’s the tricky part of shifting trends, not feeling the need to overhaul everything else. But if we move and slow pace, we’ll be better for it I believe.
Thanks for the shout out Andrea! :)
And two great looks on you! I agree with you on the all the way buttoned up look — some pull it off well, but it there is something so stiff about it a lot of the time. You’re wearing it very well here! Somehow it still all looks really casual.
Also, I agree with your assessment on skinny jeans from what I’m seeing in the blog-osphere … but there ain’t no way I’m letting go of my skinny jeans! Haha! Most of mine fall into “jegging” (blech, I hate that word) territory so I really just feel like I’m wearing yoga pants. So yeah, I’m going to keep on wearing my “pajamas”… :)
I feel like skinny jeans will have a place in my closet for a long time still, they just make me feel so pulled together, and well, skinny! BUT I love the modern silhouettes I’m seeing. The change is nice. It does make me want to run out and thrift every pair of old Levi’s though…
love the first outfit! I may have to have the Only Child kimono. do you have the S/M or the M/L? it fits you beautifully!
Yay! I love hearing that. It has taken me some time to learn how to style this new (to me) shape, but the more I wear it, the more I love it. I believe mine is ‘one size fits most.’ If you order, tell Haley I sent ya! She does amazing work.
Looove that Everlane top. I know I couldn’t deal with the high neckline or I would have snatched it up, too.
You can also wear it unbuttoned. ;)
Both these looks are so great Andrea!
I’m wondering the same thing about skinny jeans. I am happy to take a bit of a break from them but I know for Fall I’ll be on the lookout for a black pair that tucks easily into boots and under giant sweaters.
Great job!! xox