WIW: looks for two long days

These last few days I faced the challenge of dressing for a sewing event that required long days on my feet. The first day was set-up only, and we wore jeans. The next two days, I wanted to wear something that would: 1) be comfortable for standing most of the day, keeping in mind that I have plantar fasciitis that gets more painful throughout the day the longer that I stand; 2) would showcase some items I've made; 3) would accommodate bending, squatting, and tear-down activities after the event on the second day. Oh, and 4) I wanted to wear the new jewelry I bought at my favorite boutique this week (photo 6).

The outfits:
1-3: Stone skinny ankle pants (Classiques Entier, City Weave Ankle Pants); mutli-colored mixed print cowl-neck shirt (made by me) over ivory scoop neck long-sleeved tee (Caslon); navy linen knit vest (made by me); gray shimmer oxfords (Naot, Kedma); taupe trench (Calvin Klein); taupe shoulder bag (Aunts & Uncles).
4-5: Gray skinny pants (Halogen) layered tunic in gray, brown, and ivory tie-dyed knit (made by me); taupe heather shredded cashmere knit shrug (made by me); gray moto boots (Frye, Lynn) with Superfeet inserts; brown metal swirl-embossed necklace and earrings.

I enjoyed the event and survived, though with a sore back. Fortunately I have a few days to rest and recover.

Thanks for looking! Thoughts and suggestions are welcome.

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wild cards & organized emotional shopping

In response to Angie's post about "Organized Emotional Shopping," I wrote that I carry around a mental list of what I’d like to have, usually for items
that 1)are going to help me wear things I already have or 2) represent
trends that I want to pursue.
I added that I recently bought a pair of shoes that did not meet either of these criteria. I feel like they are a departure from my usual style. And they are not only a departure, but perhaps one that harks back to a former style rather than moving my style forward. And yet, I bought them and at the moment plan to keep them. Perhaps I could be persuaded to return them, but I'm more intent on discovering all the ways I might wear them.

The shoes are clunky, cutout booties (Kork-Ease, Stina), which in the photos below, I just put on with what I was wearing earlier in the day. They are also shown as a Find. They seem more in keeping with my style of a few years ago, when I loved my Ariat clogs and other clunky shoe styles. Part of my attraction to rounded toes, chunky heels, and clog soles was that I felt they balanced out my calves, which are relatively large for my overall body size. I have since gotten over that idea and have gradually moved toward more refined footwear. One of my style goals in the last couple of years has been to aim for a little more sophistication.

And yet, here I am with a pair of shoes that are hardly refined and sophisticated and could possibly be the antithesis of those things. So what gives?

I came up with the theory that these shoes may be a wildcard for me--which Angie defines as "an item that is atypical to your style persona, but that speaks to you in some way."
Which makes me wonder if wildcards help put the emotion in organized emotional shopping. These particular shoes seem to speak to the same part of me that the arty pair of green/brown oxfords I toyed with last summer did. I ended up returning those, but these I don't have the same hesitation about.

What do you think? Where do wildcards fit in this OE shopping scheme? And what do you think of these shoes for me?

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WIW: comfort mode

My new stone corduroys are so much more comfortable than my old ones. The fabric is soft and stretchy. They are by Patagonia and feel quite a lot like the Kut from the Kloth Diana style that I also like. Cords are a favorite jeans alternative for me this year, and I can get away with wearing them to work, too.
These outfits are variations on some I've worn recently; just a couple of elements changed here or there.

The outfits:
1-3 (worn for a day mostly off and to teach a sewing class): stone corduroy skinnies (Patagonia, women's fitted corduroys); teal, green, and taupe mixed print knit tee (made by me); sage merino boyfriend cardigan (Halogen); pewter cutout belt (Fossil); knit shoulder cozy in blues and greens (handknit by a friend); gray moto boots (Frye, Lynn); taupe trench (Calvin Klein); taupe shoulder bag (Aunts & Uncles).

4-5 (worn for a day of work, setting up an event--jeans allowed!): dark straight leg jeans (Lucky, Sweet Jean); dark brown crew neck tee (Caslon) under black, brown, blue, and sage boucle knit boxy sweater (Two Dog Island); cognac cutout belt (Fossil); gray shimmer oxfords (Naot); not pictured: same trench and bag as above.

Thanks for looking! I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.

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WIW: skinnies x 3 & leather jacket

It seems my fall-back silhouette is long top over skinny pant.

Like Tr3kkiegrl, I've been building my outfits from the shoes up, since I've got plantar fasciitis again (this time in the other foot). (I had it last spring and into the summer.) I am not ready to put away my running shoes for good. I have had a good long "run" of it, some 35-40 years of running, with probably 30 or so half-marathons along the way. If I have to give it up completely, I'll be at a loss for what to do to keep me sane for the next 30 years!

But I digress. The outfits, built around the shoes.

1-3 (worn to work): Charcoal skinny ankle pants (Classiques Entier, City Weave Ankle Pants); mauve floral surplice blouse (made by me); maroon sweater vest (Caslon); green trench (Gallery); espresso and black satchel (Joy Gryson, Natalie); gray moto boots (Frye, Lynn) with my trusty Superfeet inserts.

4-6 (worn to work): Espresso skinny ponte pants (NYDJ); brown, gray, and ivory tie-dye knit layered tunic (made by me); long charcoal cardigan (Halogen); black and mauve packable coat (Mycra-pac); espresso and black satchel; gray shimmer oxfords (Naot, Kedma) (no inserts needed!).

7-10 (worn for a day off): Dark skinny ankle jeans (Lucky, Charlotte Rail); fuchsia cashmere shirttail tunic (Halogen); flame stitch wool scarf in browns, grays, fuchsia and wine (Asian Eye); olive leather moto jacket (AllSaints, Hawks in khaki); taupe shoulder bag (Aunts & Uncles); gray moto boots (Frye, Lynn) with Superfeet inserts.

This is the first outing for the new leather jacket! I saved it till after Christmas (even though I bought it during the black Friday sale), since I decided it was going to be the gift from my parents, using the money they sent me. It was perfect for the day, as an outer layer. I will wear it as an indoor jacket, too, I think.

Thanks for looking! Thoughts and suggestions welcome!

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WIW: hard edge with skirted leggings

Angie's ensemble, "Hard Edge with a Soft Touch" is one that stuck in my mind. It's a mostly black look, with some softness added with color or feminine style. I recalled it today, as I put together this outfit. Encouraged by Torontogirl on my thread here, I not only wore the controversial skirted leggings again, but I am posting the outfit for you here. ;)

The outfit (worn to work--yes, as in, skirted leggings to work): Black knit tunic with ghost horse print in shades of gray and asymmetric hem and seams (made by me); black skirted leggings (Eileen Fisher); light gray scarf; black distressed suede tall boots (Donald J. Pliner, Devi 2); long black coat (Gallery); espresso and black satchel (Joy Gryson, Natalie).

I had planned to wear my long gray cardigan over this outfit, but I didn't like the look. And I didn't want to cover up the tunic so much. So I went with the scarf for warmth instead.

Thanks for looking! And, my joking about controversy notwithstanding, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions!

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WIW: cords, jeans, & a new bag

These outfits are some days-off looks: jeans, cords, and favorite boots. And a new bag that I was excited to find. I had been wanting a bag in brown and black that would look good with my espresso moto boots. I wanted it to have black on it, so it would pair easily with black shoes and black-based outfits, too. I was sure a Brahmin bag featured at Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last year was going to work, but I didn't like the shade of brown. Finally I stumbled across this Joy Gryson bag on sale recently and took the plunge. It was a gamble, because I hadn't seen it in person, and it was final sale. Fortunately, it turned out to be just what I was looking for! I carried it with the last outfit shown here, and I have included a photo from the website as well as my own photo of it.

The outfits (all worn for days off):
1-2: Olive skinny corduroys (Kut from the Kloth, Diana); blue, olive, red, and ivory print knit surplice top (made by me); indigo blue merino boyfriend cardigan (Halogen); cream and stone belt; blue on blue textured stripe scarf; olive distressed suede tall boots (Donald J. Pliner, Devi3).

3-4: Amethyst and bright purple merino color-blocked pullover (Eileen Fisher) over wisteria thin layering tee; fuchsia and purple scarf (Eileen Fisher); dark bootcut jeans (Hudson, Beth baby boot); taupe nubuck booties (Paul Green, Jano).

5-7: Dark straight leg jeans (Kut from the Kloth, Stevie); dusty teal long-sleeved tee (Caslon); blue and sage hand-knit cardigan with mismatched buttons (Amy Brill); brown belt; espresso moto boots (Miu Miu); black and mauve packable, reversible jacket (Mycra-pac); espresso satchel (Joy Gryson, Natalie).

8-10: satchel and moto boots.

Thanks for looking! Thoughts and suggestions welcome.

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WIW: sequins for work and holiday party

I was inspired by a blog post to make a sequined short-sleeved sweatshirt, but I'm not sure which post it was now! I think it was a combination of the shell-over-blouse ensemble and the holiday ensemble one here. Anyway, I thought I could use a sequined top for our company's holiday party this year. (Our party is always post-holidays, in January.) I wore the sequined top to work, then came home and made a few changes before heading off to the party.

I felt super fab in my new top. I don't think I've ever had a sequined garment before! I like that the sequins are a matte black with a subtle blue tone to the shine, though that doesn't really come through in the photos.

Last outfit is my barely-a-step-up-from-gear, hang-around-and-do-laundry look. Though I did go out to breakfast in it.

1-3 (worn to work): tencel chambray placket-front shirt (Side-Stitch); black ruched tube skirt (Vince Camuto); black sequined cap-sleeve sweatshirt with mesh knit bands at hem, neck, and sleeves (made by me); black tights; black flat booties (Munro, Lexie); gray, black, ivory, and taupe ombre plaid coat (Michael Michael Kors); black satchel (Elliott Luca, Olvera).

4-6 (worn to holiday party): wine silk blouse (Eileen Fisher); skirt and sequined top as above; black and silver shimmer tights (Commando); black d'Orsay pumps (Vince, Claire); long black coat (Gallery); silver bag with chain detail (Michael Michael Kors); sparkly necklace and earrings.

7-8 (worn for a day off ): dark boyfriend jeans (Kut from the Kloth, Catherine); mid-blue waffle tee (2 Dog Island); black, brown, blue, and sage boxy boucle sweater (2 Dog Island); cognac perforated belt (Fossil); black flat booties (Munro, Lexie).

Thanks for looking! As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.

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WIW: skinny cords 3 ways

It's skinny corduroys week here in the Firecracker abode. I'm wearing them for the third day in a row.

The outfits (worn for days mostly off, and to teach a couple of sewing classes):
1-2: teal skinny corduroys (Kut from the Kloth, Diana); aqua merino boxy sweater with stepped hem (Eileen Fisher) over steel gray tee (made by me); silver toned belt; gray shimmer oxfords (Naot, Kedma).

3-5: stone fitted corduroys (Patagonia); black, gray, taupe, and teal abstract bubble-print tee (made by me); long charcoal cardigan (Halogen); pewter cutout belt (Fossil); taupe nubuck booties (Paul Green, Jano); gray and brown wool coat (made by me); black satchel (Elliott Lucca, Olvera). These are the ones I just bought, to replace the Eddie Bauer ones that were feeling too tight. 

6-7: olive skinny corduroys (Kut from the Kloth, Diana); white and brown scroll-print burnout knit tunic (made by me); cropped black denim moto jacket (Free People); olive distressed suede tall boots (Donald J. Pliner, Devi 3).
This tunic is one that some of you suggested I might cut off to be asymmetric. Instead of cutting it, I decided to tie the two ends from the slit at the hem on one side--viola! an asymmetric hem.

Maybe I'll wear skinny corduroys again tomorrow. I have one more pair before I'd have to start repeating! Any thoughts on styling?

Thanks for looking! I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.

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WIW: living in Neutral-land

Here are outfits for the last few days. Lots of neutrals. I don't find them especially drab; to me they feel calming and comfortable.

1-3 (worn to work): black and brown. Espresso skinny ponte pants (NYDJ); black, brown, gray, and tan mixed-up plaid print tee (made by me); black drape front cardigan (Olivia Sky); black distressed suede boots (Donald J. Pliner, Devi 2); green trench (Gallery); black satchel (Elliott Lucca, Olvera).

4-5 (worn to work): black and gray. Black slouchy skinny pants (MosMosh); black, red, gray, and ivory blurry-print tee (made by me); gray collarless leather jacket (Hinge); black belt with rhinestone studs and ornate buckle (BedStu); black flat booties (Munro, Lexie).

6-8 (worn to work): brown and black. Black and brown tiny-bubble-knit bodycon dress (made by me); black tights; (black and brown animal print fuzzy sweater (Free People, Out of Africa); black distressed suede boots (Donald J. Pliner, Devi 2); long black coat (Gallery); black satchel (Elliott Lucca, Olvera).

9-10 (worn to work): sage and gray. Sage wool pegged pants (made by me); sage tee (Majestic); gray and mauve print wool cap-sleeve sweatshirt (made by me); gray shimmer oxfords (Naot, Kedma).

Thanks for looking! I welcome your comments and suggestions.

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what to wear with my stone trousers

After your suggestions on this thread for a lighter support act for my stone trousers, I tried out a different look, with several footwear options. I recalled that my initial impulse to make these trousers was in response to a suggestion, from another thread, that a light-colored, drapey pant would work well with my gray and mauve print wool sweatshirt. But I don't have light-colored winter footwear, so I've been wearing the trousers with something black or charcoal on top, so that black shoes might not look so out of place.

Here I've paired the mauve and gray sweatshirt with the pants and tried out different shoes. Note: I could also wear the mauve and gray sweatshirt over a light gray blouse, rather than the sage tee; I just had on the tee for another outfit already.

I'm not super thrilled with any of my footwear options. I have ordered some metallic pumps in hopes that they will work, but I won't know till I see them in real life.

Meanwhile, I'm working with what I have. What do you think? Any of these worth going out of the house in?

1: d'Orsay pumps with spikey heel (Vince, Claire)(not an option for every day--these are party shoes, not all-day shoes)
2: burnished gold pumps with black cap toe and heel (Anyi Lu)
3: brown metallic booties (Donald J. Pliner)
4: heeled oxfords in mixed neutrals (Fidji)
5: taupe nubuck booties (Paul Green, Jano)
6: back view with taupe booties (just so you can see the outfit from back).
7: photo of the Anyi Lu pumps

8: photo of heeled oxfords

Thanks for looking and sharing your opinions!

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