Mixing It Up

The biggest lesson I've learned since finding interest in style blogs is how to remix my clothing.  Now it feels like second nature to constantly change-up my combinations and accessories.  This was not always the case, however.  In the past, I don't think that my style was bad but it was perhaps a little bit boring.  I would purchase a dress, choose one set of accessories to go along with it, and then always wear that combination.  This way of thinking about my wardrobe just feels so silly now!

That being said, I still sometimes feel stumped by how to remix certain pieces in my wardrobe.  Take these red pants, for example.  I mentioned before that I was concerned about splurging on such bold pants because I was nervous I wouldn't be able to think of that many outfits to go with them.  I quickly found, however, that I did have a number of ways to wear them.  Nonetheless, I was still only pairing neutral pieces with the pants...until now!

This was not an outfit that naturally occurred to me.  This was the sort of dressing experience where I put the pants on, then proceeded to try different tops and shoes until something worked.  And the final product still surprises me a little bit!  I wouldn't have expected to put such a colorful top or a pair of coral shoes with the red pants...but I think it works!

How do you find your best outfits?  Are they preplanned or do they magically come to you as you are trying on your clothes?

P.S.  I'm sorry I didn't have time to provide links to the clothing items.  I don't think that I can find the exact matches to any of the pieces I'm wearing.  If you would like me to find similar items for you, just let me know in the comments section which piece you are interested in!

What I'm Wearing:
Sleeveless Top: Gap Outlet (similar, similar)
Chambray Shirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Pants: C/O Stitch Fix (similar, similar)
Flats: Hand-Me-Downs (similar, similar) 

Linking-Up:
Perfectly Coutured- Three-fer Thursday
Rachel and the Hat and Lena B., Actually- Passion for Fashion 
Simple Sequins- Fashion Item Friday
Style Elixir- Friday's Fab Faves
Vodka Infused Lemonade- Très Chic Fashion Thursday

Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Skirt Edition

I have been having so much fun with the Fall Capsule Wardrobe Remix on Caitlin's blog, Greater than Rubies!  For this remix, I am creating 30 fall-friendly ensembles from 20 clothing items.  I believe that I have previously mentioned my love of autumn which definitely extends into a love for fall clothes!  Even though it is still too warm in the Washington D.C. area to wear most of these outfits, I find myself counting down the days until I can comfortably wear my mustard sweater and my new riding boots.  

I have found that it is easier than I expected to put together so many outfits from 20 items of clothing (remind me of this moment when I'm stuck on my 29th outfit).  For this reason I chose to focus this post on five outfits created with the two skirts that I included in my remix.  Further, due to the bare legs, I figure that I might be able to wear these outfits a little sooner than my other fall creations.  When it (finally) gets cooler, I can easily add tights to each outfit.

You will recognize my navy and white print skirt from this post.  As my favorite summer skirt, I am super excited that it works well in cooler weather creations.

Here I paired my favorite skirt with a mustard striped sweater.  I used to think that I couldn't wear yellow due to my fair skin.  I liked the mustard trend so well, though, that I decided to try it anyway...and it worked!  If there is a particular style you like but don't think you can wear, don't write it off just yet.  You owe it to yourself to at least try it!  If it still doesn't work, try to make minor adjustments until it works for you (for example, try different shades of yellow instead of mustard).  To complete my outfit, I added my beautiful, new riding boots that I got for a great deal (that's what happens when you combine birthday coupons with purchasing boots at the end of May...).

Side note: I locked myself out of my apartment while taking these photos which is not so much fun when you are wearing a sweater in 90 degree weather.  My neighbor probably thinks I'm nuts.

This outfit is a bit more transitional from summer to fall with its loose eyelet top and patterned wedges.  Some chunky and sparkly jewelry add a bit of a glamorous touch!

This is an exact outfit from my previously mentioned "One Piece Many Ways" post.  It is perfect for work as a teacher and I am STILL waiting on that cooler weather to wear it!

On to the second skirt!  I like that this green number has an entirely different shape from the first skirt.  The differences between the two make for more versatile remixing options.

I think that the blue and green in this outfit compliment each other so well and that the button-up with the a-line skirt create a polished silhouette!  With my sassy, new booties and a glamorous necklace, I'm feeling good!

Phew!  We've made it to the last outfit of the post!  Are you still there?  This shirt is another purchase from my infamously successful outlet trip in August.  I love the colors because they work with just about every bottom I own!  By adding the denim jacket, I'm ready for cooler temperatures!

Now if only those temperatures would actually cool down!

What I'm Wearing:

• Navy Print Skirt: Target (similar, similar, similar)
• Green Skirt: Banana Republic (similar, similar)

• Mustard Sweater: Banana Republic (similar, similar)
• Boots: Piperlime (exact)
• Amber Necklace: Gift (similar, similar)

• Pink Top: Gap Outlet (similar, similar)
• Wedges: Gift (similar, similar)
• Necklace: Gift (similar, similar)
• Bracelet: Forever 21 (similar, similar)

• Chambray Shirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
• Belt: Eastern Market D.C. (similar, similar)
• Heels: DSW (similar, similar)

• Gingham Shirt: Banana Republic (similar, similar)
• Necklace: super old (similar, similar)
• Booties: Target (exact)

• Sleeveless Top: Gap Outlet (similar, similar)
• Denim Jacket: Hand-Me-Down (similar, similar)
• Flats: from France (similar, similar)