Tag Archives: pencil skirt

White Shirt and Convertible Boots

Well hello there! I’ve come out of hibernation on this sunny day to show off some new items.

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Shirt: Old Navy
Skirt: Nordstrom
Vegan boots: BHAVA Studio
Wristlet: Crystalyn Kae
Jacket (below): eBay

I’ve heard a crisp, white shirt is a wardrobe must-have. For years, I didn’t own one. Even now, I rarely wear one. It’s hard to keep them clean and neat. I do agree that they go with everything and are a great part of any wardrobe.

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I paired this shirt with a stretchy pencil skirt and a pair of convertible boots. Yes, convertible. I’m wearing an ankle-length boot with boot sleeves for a knee-high effect. I’ll show you the look in ankle length soon.

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These nifty creation are by BHAVA Studio. There’s also an OTK sleeve option if you want extra tall over the knee boots. Love this! What a great travel accessory.

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I hope you’re enjoying February and that a bit of sun is gracing your day. I feel spring in the air, and that makes me happy!

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Uncommon Jewelry

Have you heard about Uncommon Goods? It’s an online marketplace that showcases unique items from artisans and designers around the world. I’ve shopped the Uncommon Goods catalog in the past because it’s a fantastic place to find gifts—especially ones that are handmade, recycled and organic.

I had a unique opportunity to work with Uncommon Goods and style a couple of pieces of jewelry from their catalog. I chose a cuff and a pendant. Finally something for me!

necklace and bracelet

Pendant and bracelet c/o Uncommon Goods

Artisans in Namibia made this tribal-inspired upcycled pipe cuff (yes, it’s made from actual plastic pipe!) I love it looks like ivory, but is cruelty-free. I learned that all of the Uncommon Goods items are green and sustainable and that they’ve never sold products made with leather, feathers or fur. You know how important that is to me!

Cuff from Uncommon Goods

The mini rock stack pendant on a silver chain reminds me of the cairns I sometimes see on hiking trails or by the beach. It’s so calming, and I love that I’m supporting artists with this piece. People should make a living wage through their work, and Uncommon Goods advocates for that.

Necklace from Uncommon Goods

As for styling these pieces, I went with a monochromatic look. The pieces were so nature-inspired, that I thought my black and white leaf-print skirt would work.

black and white outfit

Top: Swapped
Skirt: Nordstrom Rack
Shoes: Aerosoles

leaf-pattern skirt

If you’re looking for gifts for others—or treat for yourself—check out the Uncommon Goods site. Besides jewelry, you’ll find art, home goods, garden items, and things for kids.

Uncommon Goods jewelery

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Moto Jacket and Pencil Skirt

I didn’t do a lot of post-Christmas shopping last month, but this quilted pleather motorcycle jacket was an exception.

moto jacket

Jacket: Aeropostale
Top: Marshall’s
Skirt: Forever 21
Tights: Roots Canada
Shoes: Old Navy
Purse: JC Penney
Necklace: Herbivore Clothing

I found the jacket in the clearance section at Aeropostale.com–and then I saw the site had an additional 40% off! That made this $100 jacket about $22.

black and blue

It’s really soft, and completes my moto jacket collection. I have a velvet one and other variations, like pink, but until now, I hadn’t found the perfect faux Rebel Without a Cause version.

Today, I wore it with tights and a pencil skirt. Perfect for wine tasting and a live show, which is where hubby and I were off to.

touch of red

A jacket like this is a classic, and I’ll be able to wear it with everything from jeans to dresses. What classic pieces do you have in your wardrobe? Anything missing?

I’m linking up with Fab Favorites, Love your Look and Passion for Fashion today. See what all the other bloggers are wearing!

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Head in the Clouds

I have an astronomical theme going on today. I learned that if you wear tall enough shoes, your head will be in the clouds. Mine looks to be flirting with the morning fog.

blue and yellow

Sweater: JC Penney
Skirt: Forever 21
Jacket: Thrifted
Shoes: Payless
Purse: Forever 21
Belt: Steve Madden via Ross

And what goes with clouds? The sun and the moon and the stars–and stars are on my sweater! I liked this top when I saw it in the clearance section of JCP. Partly because of the great color combo (and stars) but especially because it’s reversible! Don’t be fooled if you see me wearing a blue sweater with yellow stars. It’s this ol’ thing.

stars and denim

I really wish (upon my starry shirt) that all clothes were reversible. Imagine the options? My wardrobe would double.

pencil skirt

I lucked out this spring when I visited Payless and found thse faux suede platform wedges. I’d gone in looking for flats but all the flats I tried on were uncomfortable. I tried these on, just for fun, and wouldn’t you know it: they were comfortable! No, I won’t be walking all day in them, but for a tall shoe, I’m impressed! No pinching or rubbing.

blue skirt

Do you wear heels and flats or do you gravitate toward one type of shoe?

This is my first time linking up with Lena B Actually (another Canadian blogger-yay!) I’m really happy to get the chance to discover even more amazing bloggers. I’m also linking up with Style Elixir again. Won’t you see what everyone else is up to?

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Dressing Down a Pencil Skirt

I love this lacy, blue pencil skirt but so far, I’ve only worn it in a slinky, evening-out sort of way. This time, I wanted to make it work for work so I added a chambray shirt over a tank and got playful with the colors.

blue lace skirt

Tank: Wet Seal
Shirt: Old Navy
Skirt: Target
Shoes: Aerosoles
Tote: Crystalyn Kae
Bangle: The Base Project

I thought the yellow shoes were fun, and complimented the outfit despite not really matching it. This next shot would normally be in the throwaway pile but I kind of liked the misty, moody haze of the morning.

misty morning

You might notice the bag I’m carrying. It’s handmade by Crystalyn Kae. I love her purses and totes. Worth every penny. They’re glazed fabric, look like leather, and are machine washable! I use this one to lug around my laptop.

And the bracelet might look like horn or bone but it’s actually discarded PVC pipe! Artisans in Namibia hand cut and carve them. The project helps artists thrive in their communities and gives them a living wage while learning finance, marketing and communication skills.

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I’m enjoying the sun we’ve had lately. Spring in Seattle can feel like fall and winter in Seattle. I just hope I don’t pay the price with a rainy summer!

blue and pink

How do you dress up or dress down certain items in your closet?

I’ve joined the Anything and Everything blog hop at My Thrifty Chic. Be sure to check out everyone else!

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Pencil Skirt and Stripes

I love my new pencil skirt! I don’t usually wear pencil skirts, as flattering as they are, because many don’t stretch and I imaged myself being confined and restricted in them.

pencil skirt

Sweater: Thrifted
Skirt: Forever 21
Tights: Target
Shoes: Old Navy
Scarf: NYC street vendor
Cuff: Greenbelts
Clutch: Crystalyn Kae

But this little number is thick, stretch jersey and is very comfortable. It doesn’t have zippers or a lining or anything fussy. I can just pull it on.

orange skirt

I’m looking forward to wearing this with a bright, contrasting top for a color-blocked look. But it’s still cool so I wore a sweater today. Instead of a coat, I wrapped a scarf around my neck. I chose lime green to continue the citrus theme. Plus, the added color removes the Halloween effect that black and orange usually cause.

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It’s so funny how what I wear affects how I feel. The colors and shapes of the pieces in this outfit felt right. I walked a bit taller and felt confident in this look. It pays to try things on. I initially didn’t want to get a pencil skirt, but the skirt proved me wrong. It cost less than $10 too! An inexpensive mood booster if ever there was one.

What articles of clothing do you have that make you confident, happy, or bold? If you like stripes, check out all the participants at the Pretty, Shiny Sparkly stripes challenge.

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