Blogging Besties: Kimono

Blogging Besties is a weekly series featuring Whitney of Whitney à la mode, Alex of The Cheerful Closet, Maricel of ::My Closet Catelogue:: and Selah of A Bibliophile's Style.  Each week, one of the bloggers will choose one component from the previous week's outfit to pass on in a brand new look.  This "take one, pass it on" challenge is an inspiration to stretch your closet and your imagination!

Last week Alex looked so boho-chic in her embroidered kimono and hat!  She gave me the following elements to pass-on in my own look this week: a kimono, maroon, a hat or something with a fun trim.

I thought about featuring a football Saturday look with a Michigan State hat but ultimately decided to pass-on a kimono.

The few instances that I've tried a boho look, I didn't feel like it was "me" so I paired my kimono with more classic pieces: straight-legged, cropped trousers and a pair of loafers.

I was super pleased with the way that this ensemble turned-out as a summer to fall transitional outfit.  It has been unseasonably warm around here but I was able to incorporate layers without the weight of a cardigan or jacket.  Plus, velvet is also going to be a big trend again this fall and I got to break in my new, velvet loafers!

So Selah, for next week you can choose from a summer-to-fall transition, velvet, or floral for fall!

September Wedding

It seems relatively easy to think of a pretty outfit to wear as a guest during "wedding season."  You know, June through August when it seems like you have a wedding to attend almost every weekend.  Just throw on your prettiest sundress and your strappiest sandals and you are ready to go!

Now fall weddings, that's another story entirely...especially in September!  First of all, there is the weather to contend with.  The temperatures could soar into the 80s or dip into the 60s (here in Michigan at least).  And weather aside, I know that I'm ready to look a bit more ready for fall.  So what's a girl to do?!

It's a good thing my friend Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood invited me to collaborate with her and two other lovely bloggers to feature our favorite fall-transition wedding guest looks!

So what's my answer to the September wedding-wear conundrum?  Two things: light, pretty layers and fall colors!  I know I've discussed my trouble with kimonos before, but I do love this one!  Not to mention its floral print gives it a feminine and romantic vibe-- exactly what I'm going for at a wedding.  On the practical side, it provides a bit of extra warmth on a chill almost fall evening but can be easily removed for a night on the dance floor!

Using the quintessential little black dress as a foundation, I've added elements in colors that make me think of fall!  Vibrant orange heels and floral print plus a deep green clutch take this basic dress into the cooler months.

And did you notice that my clutch speaks French?  Le Tote sure knew the way to my heart with this one!

And now let's take a look at how Ada, Carrie and Jennie dressed-up for a September Wedding!  Make sure to stop by their blogs to read about their beautiful choices!

Looks like I missed the pink memo!

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: Banana Republic Outlet (similar, similar)

Kimono: Ruche (similar, similar)

Heels: DSW (similar, similar)

Clutch: Le Tote (exact)

Where I'm linking-up!

Kimon-NO

If kimonos and I were in a relationship, our Facebook status would say "it's complicated."  On the one hand, I love the flowing silhouette and feminine prints of kimonos.  They add that romantic vibe that I love to any outfit.  When picking-out a kimono for me, however, things get a big tricky.  I become picky about the print and discouraged by the fit.  I think it's because the drape of the kimono hides my thinnest feature, my waist.  In the face of kimono-discouragement, I have managed to find one that I do love....but I've only really worn it one way-- with skinny jeans and a t-shirt.

But my love for kimonos prevailed and I was excited to receive one in my most recent Le Tote.  The print was a pretty pink (my favorite) and I was encouraged by the strings that would cinch the waist of the wrap.  I was also encouraged to experiment and wear it with a simple black dress.  But alas, it was not meant to be for me and the kimono!  Once I finally distinguished the top from the bottom of the piece and put it on, I discovered that the look is just not the most flattering on me.  Further, the kimono was very uncomfortable.  My arms kept getting caught in all of the fabric and I couldn't stop pulling and adjusting it.

In conclusion, my complicated relationship with kimonos persists as I continue on my quest to find the perfect kimono look!

What I'm Wearing:
Kimono: Le Tote (exact)
Dress: ASOS (similar, similar)
Necklace Peach Jewel (exact)
Shoes: Hand Me Down (similar, similar)

Create28: Mixing My Patterns Look

I have to admit that not too long ago I would never have mixed patterns. Honestly, I might not have even mixed colors. I used to be fairly matchy-matchy and stuck closely to black, brown and grey. Thankfully, I have learned to embrace both patterns and color, which has definitely made for a more interesting wardrobe. I even find that I'm more confident when I become more bold in how I dress. Whether that is color or patterns, I have found confidence as I moved away from colors that were more drab. This is one of those bold looks. Bold prints and vibrant colors that are tamed by the mixture of black.
 

So why does this look work? The pants are a bold print but that print is not fully of color. The color comes from the pattern in the kimono. The pattern is not too large but complimentary with the print in the pants. To tie it together and keep the boldness, I chose a coral tank for under the kimono. Although there are other colors in the kimono, the coral was the most bold. This was not a difficult look to pull together. I think anyone could try something similar and I hope you'll do just that and then post your look on Instagram. Hashtag it with #Create28SummerLooks. I can't wait to see your beautiful creations, friends.
 

pants/ON {similar, similar}tank/target {exact} kimon/image {similar} shoes/dsw {similar}

Check out the Create28 Summer Pattern Mixing board.

Follow Carrie Carson's board Summer Pattern Mixing on Pinterest.

Kimonos and Clothing Advice

When I noticed several of my favorite style bloggers sporting kimonos this spring, I wasn't sure if I was trendy enough to pull-off the look.  However, trendy or not, I decided that I love how feminine and floaty a floral kimono can look and I decided to give one a try.  I waited several months to purchase one because I was looking for the perfect kimono that I had imagined.  It's a good thing I had birthday money to spend when I came across this lovely little number!

What is that one random curl doing in the middle of my forehead?

Now, I'm not going to lie.  Other bloggers have said that kimonos are a great layering piece for summer weather because they are so light-weight.  I agree that they are light-weight but if your summer weather is anything like my summer weather, the least amount of clothing touching your skin, the better.  For this reason, I've only worn this ensemble to happy hour with some girlfriends.  This expedition involved hopping from an air conditioned car to an air conditioned restaurant.  However, I am looking forward to taking my kimono to Michigan in a couple of weeks where the temperature is a bit more moderate.

And on to my next topic of conversation: I need some clothing advice.  You may have gleaned from my most recent budget post, that I had a lot of fun shopping with my birthday money and wasn't too much concerned with shopping for staples.  As a result, I now have enough fun items to get me through the summer and really into the fall.  I want to spend my next quarterly budget (July-September) a bit more mindfully.  I have come-up with a list of things that I have been wanting or needing for awhile that are going to be the focus of my shopping trips (although, let's face it, if a cute ASOS dress pops up, I might  throw it in there for good measure).

1.  A denim vest: I wanted a denim vest last summer but never found quite the right one.  This summer I again find myself wishing I had one in my closet.  I think it would be a great layering piece to add interest when it is SO hot outside.

2.  Dress pants: I love my pairs of trouser pants for work, but in looking at my outfit pictures from this school year, I feel like the pants are a bit out-dated.  I would like a few pairs in various colors with more of a skinny leg (but not too skinny...I don't want to give those high school boys a show!).  I have been looking for these for awhile and haven't been able to find any that are flattering on me.

3.  Jeans: Like with the dress pants, I am constantly on the look-out for jeans I actually like.  Although I think I need to get a little bit more serious about this search.  I would like some comfortable pairs of skinny jeans and perhaps a pair of boyfriend jeans.

4.  Purse options: I am woefully unprepared when it comes to my purse collection.  I have a few that I absolutely love and carry for an entire season.  I'm fine with this way of doing things for the most part but sometimes I find myself thinking, "If only I had the perfect clutch for this occasion."  I want to find a few bags that will spice-up my outfits.

So here is what I need from you, fashionable friends: advice on any of these items!  You have the perfect denim vest...where did you find it?  What is your favorite fit for dress pants?  You got your favorite jeans where?  Do you have a go-to retailer for fun purses?  Thank you in advance for all of your help and I will keep you posted on my progress when I write my budget posts!

An attempt at creative posing.

What I'm Wearing:

Kimono: Shop Ruche (exact)

T-Shirt: Everlane (exact)

Jeans: LOFT (exact)

Flats: Hand-Me-Downs (similar, similar)

Linking-Up:

Because Shanna Said So- Random Wednesday

Cha Cha the Fashion Genius and Pink Sole- #HowISummer

DC In Style- Monday Bloom

I do deClaire- Confident TWOsday

The Modern Austen- Sunday Best

Style Elixir- Style Sessions