Do You Wear a Uniform?

I recently read an article about an art director who ditched her creative wardrobe in lieu of a “uniform.” Not a uniform like a flight attendant or bus driver, but a go-to outfit. This woman worked in a creative field and was allowed to wear whatever she liked, but the time hit of finding the perfect thing to wear every day was too much. She simplified.

Her look: black trousers and a white blouse. She bought 15 white blouses and a few pair of pants and that was that.

There’s something appealing about skipping the morning panic of “what do I wear?” and changing seven times before heading out the door. But such a simple look would get boring. I have a better idea.

I would pick a few pair of pants in neutrals: black, gray, tan, denim. I’d gets tops in a few different colors, and add to them a couple of blazers and a cardigan. I’d still be able to get dressed quickly (in the dark even) because all the tops and bottoms would go together. I’d have endless combinations and never get bored.

Or, I would gather up 20 work-appropriate dresses–one for each workday in a month. Dresses are simple, one-piece, and polished. I’d wear them with tights in winter and bare-legged in summer. They’d work with boots and flats and sandals or whatever my mood dictated.

There are a lot of options, depending on the work climate and dress codes, that are more interesting than plain black and white. Still, the article gave me food for thought.

Do you have a uniform or go-to outfit. Could you (or would you) wear the same thing to work all the time?

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Black and Red Maxi Skirt and Nicora John Boots

Today, I’m starting from the bottom up.

striped skirt

Vegan boots: Nicora John
Skirt: Fred Meyer
Top
: Gifted
Scarf: Herbivore Clothing
Faux leather jacket: Aeropostal

My new Nicora John boots are my favorite thing ever! They go with everything and are quickly becoming part of my “uniform.” These are handmade in LA, in an eco-friendly factory (solar panels anyone?). NJ is keeping the craft of shoemaking alive in the US, while working exclusively with textile leathers (meaning they’re all vegan). I can’t say enough great things about this company.

nicora johns noots

I found out Nicora John is doing a fundraiser to upgrade their factory, increase production, and lower costs.

Turns out there are next to zero shoe manufacturing facilities left in the United States available to emerging shoe companies, which forces them to outsource. The USA has lost 70,000 jobs in the show industry since 1979! And unregulated foreign-made shoes often lack animal welfare laws or labor and environmental standards.

There are so many reasons to support Nicora John. Plus, these boots are comfy! I’ll be getting the Willow boots next. So cute!

black and red

Okay, up to the skirt. This skirt looks red, but is actually a fine red and black striped fabric. I saw it on clearance and couldn’t resist (even though I’m trying to stick to my shopping goals of supporting USA-made and/or small businesses–it’s hard to break old habits and shop in a new way!).

I wore my new skirt with a scarf (purchased in a small shop), so maybe that evens things out. Scarves are my favorite way to dress up an outfit (and stay warm).

scarf and maxi

I think a faux leather jacket goes with just about anything. I wear mine all the time–with jeans, pencil skirts, dresses, and long skirts. This quilted version has a nice texture and is my go-to jacket.

skirt and jacket

I’m linking up with Style ElixirRachel the Hat, Penniless Socialite, and Rhea Etcetera–check out what everyone else is wearing!

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Safari Jacket with Scarf and Jeans

No, I’m not heading out on safari, but I am wearing a handy safari-style jacket. I found this in Vancouver, and as soon as I checked to make sure the sleeves were faux leather, I bought it.safari jacket

Jacket: Bedo
Jeans: Suzy Shier
Sweater: Express
Scarf: Bebenoir
Boots: Novacas
Tote: Crystalyn Kae

It works well with lots of outfits, but this time, I paired it with a bright sweater and scarf with a bird motif (Put a bird on it!).

bird scarf

I’ve been trying to shop locally, buy sustainably, and support fair trade brands. I find these types of articles last longer, even though they often cost more–so it evens out. Of course it will take a while to convert my wardrobe to the ethical closet I want it to be, but with each outfit, I try to incorporate such pieces.

For this outfit, my Novacas boots fit the bill. Made in Portugal, from green (non-leather) materials, the company prides itself in good working conditions and fair wages.

jeans and a sweater

My tote is glazed fabric and handmade by Crystalyn Kae, so it counts too (made in the USA, small business, sustainable, and ethical). I love her work and I’d encourage you to check out the line. She was one of the first brands to reach out to me to review a product, and I fell in love with her bags.

I’m joining the Penniless Socialite, Rachel the Hat, and Happiness at Mid-Life for link-ups. See what everyone else is wearing!

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Style Challenge: Tartan Top Two Ways

You might be aware that my mom loves it when we dress alike. I happen to not like wearing the same thing as someone else. She started the habit when I was too young to know better. Now, I do it only occasionally–just to indulge her. Personally, I like having my own style and take on things.

Thankfully, during her recent visit we came to a compromise. A style challenge!

tartan and denim

 

Blouses: Bliss Seattle
Pants: Lucky and Hue
Boots: Cri de Coeur and MIA
Necklaces: Thrifted and Fremont Sunday Market

This shirt caught our eyes because it’s such a unique cut. My mom focused on the blue in the top and paired it with dark denim leggings. The flowy top balances the skinny pants nicely.

mom in tartan

 

The wrap-style front and shirt-tails added a feminine flair to what might otherwise be a regular plaid shirt. The white running through it inspired me to pair it with my wide, white jeans. To keep from looking sloppy, I half-tucked the top into my pants.

my take on the top

We do have similar tastes and we tend to like a lot of the same things. (During my mom’s visit we did a bit of shopping and bought the same leggings, necklaces, sweaters, tights, jackets, tunics, blouses.) But now, instead of twinsies (AKA Thing One and Thing Two), we can show our own take on an item of clothing.

I’m linking up with Fashion Should be Fun, Passion for Fashion, and Happiness at Midlife. See what all the others are wearing!

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Stripes and Dots

Here’s a #TBT (Throwback Thursday) post for ya, taken about a year ago (before I stopped growing out my hair and started snipping it bit by bit until it was short again). I don’t mind posting this so late because I plan on wearing this tomorrow. It still works.

black and white

Sweater: Thrifted
Skirt: Ililana (via flea market)
Tights: Roots Canada
Faux suede booties: Old Navy
Pleather cuff: Etsy

I enjoy pattern mixing (is that still a thing?), especially when the look is monochrome. If everything is black and white, it has to work! Here, I paired a well-work black and white striped sweater with a Swiss dot wrap-around circle skirt.

stripes and dots

I love adding a pop of color and I thought the red cuff did the trick. I read recently that some clueless company in Norway made their female employees wear red bracelets during “that time of the month” so managers would know why they were taking extra bath room breaks. Ridiculous! Talk about TMI and “none of your business.: Well for better or worse, I think about that story whenever I reach for this bracelet. Then, I often decide not to wear it. Well, this is purely a fashion statement. I am discouraged to hear of such backward practices from an otherwise forward-thinking nation.

pattern mixing

Back to the outfit! I bought this skirt at a flea market in Brooklyn. It was new, from a company called Ililanga, but I can’t find them online anywhere. I guess you’ll have to go to Brooklyn to see their collection of skirts and dresses. I like the length and shape but I think a midi needs to be worn with heels–so that’s what I did.

I’ve joined a linkup at Fashion Should be Fun. See what everyone else is wearing!

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Going Boho with Jeans and a Jacket

Do you ever start creating an outfit from a single piece? In this case, I started with my shoes. I loved the sage green faux suede boots when I saw them online. They might not be the most neutral color but I’m determined to fit them in with my existing wardrobe.

boho vibe

Blouse: Bébénoir
Jacket: Forever 21
Jeans: Swapped
Shoes: Michael Antonio via DSW
Necklace: Brooklyn flea market
Cuff: The Base Project
Purse: Freedom of Animals

Jeans seemed like a safe bet. When I added my blouse, with its tone on tone embroidery, I felt slightly bohemian. So I embraced that boho feeling and added a peace sign necklace and PVC pipe cuff with a tribal vibe.

peace sign

My velvet moto jacket has made an appearance here before, and it’s such a classic style, that you can bet you’ll see it here again. I like pieces that I can wear in many different ways.

embroidered blouse

I can’t forget my purse by Freedom of Animals. I’ve wanted one of their bags for a while and jumped at the chance when I visited a Nordstrom eco pop-up shop on its last day and saw this on sale. Score! Freedom of Animals makes quality animal-free bags with great structure.

neutral and casual

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White Jeans and Silver Sequins

I’m breaking all the rules! Sequins for day? White for winter? I say go for it!

white jeans

Sweater: Gifted (thanks Mom!)
Jeans: Lucky Brand
Boots: Cri de Coeur

It was a bit chilly, but I can’t complain. The only white in this photo are my jeans–not snow! I like white for winter (as long as the slush doesn’t dirty your hems). I think it works well when the fabric is weighty enough (think knits and denim and heavier items). I’ll save thin, sheer fabrics for warmer weather.

silver sweater

My sweater has subtle, silver sequins but because it’s a slouchy top, not a tailored, evening piece, I don’t mind wearing it during the day. In fact, I think it’s too casual for an evening out.

denim and sequins

Are you a rule-breaker too?

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Lace Pencil Skirt and Message Shirt

I’m a fan of hi-low. Hi-low hems but also hi-low outfits. A lace skirt might seem fancy, but a message t-shirt and boots dress it down and make it more casual. A prefect combination of high and low.

Love Life

Shirt: Herbivore Clothing Co.
Skirt: Brooklyn Industries
Tights: Target
Pleather boots: Diba
Glazed fabric purse: Crystalyn Kae

I like that I can still wear this skirt with heels and a jacket for dinner, but I can get more use out of it my making it suitable for day. This day, more days ago than I care to admit (okay, November), I wore my Love Life shirt with the skirt.

black and burgundy

I like how the color in the skirt is also in the shirt. But best of all, I love the message: Love life, no matter whose. It fits in with my animal-free wardrobe and vegan lifestyle. And it’s a cute, friendly way to spread the love.

shirt detail

A lot of message shirts are short-sleeved, and I like that this one is long. I didn’t even show off the nifty thumb holes on the cuffs. I love this shirt!

lace for day

I’m joining Style Elixir for a link-up. Be sure to check out what everyone else is wearing!

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Retro Blue Shoes with My Merled Dress

My gray merled dress is ba-aaack! The cost-per-wear must be so low by now–I’ve worn this a lot! But I still like it. I can style it with bright tights, fun scarves, or, as I did on this occasion, fancy blue shoes.

blues shoes

Dress: TJ Maxx
Tights: Fred Meyer’s
Shoes: Crown Vintage via DSW
Earrings: Swapped

I couldn’t resist these shoes. They’re faux leather, affordable, a great color, and have a fun retro vibe. The shoes may be 40s-inspired, but the rest of my outfit is current. The yellow belt was a fun touch–and it’s a complementary color to the shoes.

merled dress

I think I’ll be able to wear these with lots of things–from pants to skirts, and on all sorts of occasions. Probably not for sweeping the lawn, but the broom did make a nice prop!

blue, yellow, gray

Are you drawn to colorful shoes or do you stick with neutrals?

I’m joining Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet. Check out what everyone else is wearing!

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Floral Noir Jacket

I’m not really jumping on the “floral noir” bandwagon. I’m just wearing a floral print jacket I already own. Until recently, I’d never heard the term floral noir. But I do like it as an accurate description of a black-background, floral print.

floral noir

Jacket: Forever 21
Tank top: Target
Pants: Banana republic
Boots: Prada via thrifted
Pleather bag: Gunas
Necklace: Vivienne Westwood

Floral is so sweet and summery–and it’s not that nice in Seattle yet. So the black background makes florals a workable pattern for winter. At least until my Camila bush starts to blossom!

floral jacket

I wore this jacket before in a pattern-mixing frenzy. This time, I kept the rest of the look simple (basic black) and let the jacket steal the show.

floral blazer and jeans

Well, I couldn’t resist carrying my Gunas bag. It’s yellow and white–two of the colors in the jacket–and brightened things up a notch. It’s two-tone, but that’s not exactly a pattern, is it?

Gunas bag

Do you wear floral patterns in winter? Have you embraced the floral noir trend?

Oh, I’m linking up with Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet. See what everyone else is wearing!

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