Firecracker's Blog

thinking of spring: my work wardrobe

February 11, 2019

I read Angie's post about Spring and Summer Trends with an eye toward the outfits I just selected for this spring/summer season at work. I work part-time at OSKA Seattle, where I am a sales associate and what OSKA calls a style coach. Each season, we are provided with some help in building a wardrobe out of the current collection; we get to choose a couple of outfits, and we can use our employee discount to round out the capsule.
The pieces I selected are the first several shown below in Finds. They are unusual colors for me, and the pants are a style I haven't embraced before--the track-pant look.
I tried them on today, combining them in some outfits with other OSKA pieces in my wardrobe.

The outfits:
1. Iris viscose top and pants together, top semi-tucked. Worn with metallic oxfords.
2. Same outfit, with lightweight denim jacket added, and worn with floral loafers.
3. The top and pants, with pearl hemp-knit asymmetric double-breasted jacket and metallic slip-on sneakers.
4. The top and pants, with long light gray open-front asymmetric cardigan, and black, white, and gray snake-print sneakers.
5-6. Same outfit as 4, but with the cardigan worn short (turned upside-down).
7. Top and pants, with blush and gray mini-stripe cardigan, worn with blush sneakers.
8. Iris viscose pants with moss asymmetrical variegated-rib knit top, worn with blush sneakers.
9. Same pants and top as 8, with lightweight denim jacket, worn with metallic slip-on sneakers.
10. Iris viscose pants, kimchi (soft orange) pullover sweater, plaid scarf, worn with metallic slip-on sneakers.
11. Pants with hems pinned up. (My left leg is pinned shorter than the right.)

I think my new work capsule is pretty firmly in the Sporty Luxe trend,
and the outfits I'm creating are perhaps just-flattering-enough, rather
than conventionally flattering. I'm thinking of shortening the pants, probably to the shorter length pinned in photo 11. What do you think?

I welcome your thoughts on the outfits I've created here, including any suggestions for other styling or footwear ideas. Thanks for looking!

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Posted in the Dressing category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

43 Comments

  • Cee replied 5 years ago

    I like :)

  • Wise Shopper replied 5 years ago

    I think you have a nice slender figure for such baggy clothes. I like 8 and 9, but the rest... I'd try something more fitting.

  • rachylou replied 5 years ago

    My faves are 1 and 8-11. The Oska shop sounds like so much fun to work in. I love the idea of a new little mini capsule

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 5 years ago

    Thank you all!
    Wise Shopper and rachylou, my favorite is 8, too. I love that top, and it surprised me, because I never imagined I would choose something that color.

  • jmwolf replied 5 years ago

    The cut of the top in 8 is so wonderful! I would love to see it with white ankle jeans or wide crops and a luxe sneaker or oxford. 
    For 5/6 - that upside down turn of the sweater coat is great. The shorter length adds structure to the flowy pants and top. Nice! 

  • replied 5 years ago

    I like 1 , and 8-11 too . I’d like to tweak the shoe a bit ....maybe something with more of a true athletic -fashion vibe ? Or , on the other side of the coin , a boot with sporty luxe vibe .

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 5 years ago

    jmwolf, thanks for the ideas!

    lisa p, I think my sneaker capsule is outdated, not looking athletic-fashion. If you have any finds or links for the sneakers or sporty boots, I'd welcome them!

  • Angie replied 5 years ago

    I like the length of the pants as is, Sharan! Personally, I don't think your sneakers look dated. To my eye all renditions with the column of purple are fab and work well. My faves are pic #2 and #7. Just that bit more pulled together than the others. 

    I like pic #9 too!

    For pic #10, may I suggest a less casual scarf and shoe, and a semi-tuck. 

     

  • Bonnie replied 5 years ago

    #1 and #8-11 are my favorites, too. I love the soft orange top. Such a yummy color.

  • Katerina replied 5 years ago

    I really like your Sport Lux capsule. Looks comfortable, lux and stylish. Very modern to my eye. My favourite looks here are no 2, 5-6 and 9. I think your different shoes are fab.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 5 years ago

    Angie, thanks! I really appreciate your thoughts. Pant-length is a super challenge for me, especially with a new-to-me silhouette like this. Glad to hear your outfit preferences and suggestions for #10. I do have another scarf that will work nicely!
    Thanks, Bonnie!

  • Angie replied 5 years ago

    YAY, Sharan. Lets see the other scarf when you have a moment. 

  • Suz replied 5 years ago

    That green top is so interesting! I can see it working into your existing wardrobe really well. I wonder how it would look with burgundy? Sort of a weird combo, but I'm curious. It would definitely be great with white. 

    I love the purple pieces in #1 as well. I think the pants length works. 

    You are a wonderful brand ambassador! 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 5 years ago

    Katerina, thanks for your picks! I was admiring the style of your sneakers on your color challenge post. I will have an eye out this spring for an addition to my sneaker capsule. My metallic slip-ons are stretched out and less comfy than they used to be.
    Angie, I'll take a pic with the items together.

  • Irina replied 5 years ago

    I really like it, Firecracker! I would wear most of these pieces with pleasure myself! :) only, I would prefer slightly cropped pants. FWIW, I like to pair these style pants with oxfords or flats. Wearing it with sneakers is kind of too literal and sporty to my eye :)
    My favorites are 1, 2, 9 and 11.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 5 years ago

    Angie, here's the outfit with the other scarf. It's a very light-weight wool, not super dressy, but not rustic like the other one. What do you think?
    Suz, thank you. Yes, I could see the green top with burgundy, especially a deep shade. Not sure I have anything for spring in that shade, but it's a color I like. 

    1
  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 5 years ago

    Thank you, Irina! I get what you mean about the literal idea of the sneakers. That crossed my mind, too.

  • Katerina replied 5 years ago

    Firecracker, my sneakers are Hogan Interactive, here is a link:

    https://www.hogan.com/ee-en/Wo.....111-Hogan/

    Beware of odd sizing, in European sizes about 1,5 - 2 sizes too big, I always size down. Only with this model though, others are regular sizes.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 5 years ago

    Thanks, Katerina!

  • Brooklyn replied 5 years ago

    I like the pants but much prefer them with a semi tuck or with more of the rise showing (as in pic 8). Love pic 8! I like the longer length.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 5 years ago

    Thanks, Brooklyn. I find those looks most flattering, too.

  • Angie replied 5 years ago

    WOW, Sharan. That dressy scarf is FABULOUS. 

  • Katerina replied 5 years ago

    More love for the dressier scarf. Looks wonderful with the orange sweater.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 5 years ago

    Angie, yay! thanks. Also, Katerina, the queen of scarves!

  • Kathie replied 5 years ago

    The moss top is fabulous..very tempting to add to my own wardrobe. My faves are the ones with a third piece- especially 2, 9, and 10.

  • replied 5 years ago

    I like 8,9 and 11 the best. I might switch out the purple top for the green in 5 and while I like the sneaker type shoes the oxfords don't look right to me at all.

    I like the two purple pieces together with your bare arms but would prefer a stronger color as a overlay, rather than the pale grey ones. I think I like 8,9 and 11 because the color mix creates support and structure where tailoring is not.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 5 years ago

    Thanks, Kathie. I appreciate your input and glad to inspire you with the top.
    Interesting analysis, Isabel. What you are saying makes sense to me.

  • Jaime replied 5 years ago

    I really like 1 and the top in 8 is fantastic. What a fun challenge!

  • replied 5 years ago

    Yum - love this new posting with the orange sweater ! 

  • Helena replied 5 years ago

    You have such a sophisticated ease to your style. Love it!

  • cjh replied 5 years ago

    Interesting choices. I prefer more closely fitting garments, but you’ve made some nice combos here. Can I ask, do you still sew many of your own clothes? I always enjoyed seeing them and loved your looks.

  • replied 5 years ago

    Love the orange with the dressier scarf, and the purple outfit and that green top!

  • replied 5 years ago

    Coming back to say : I want that green top. Is it available on-line? Perfect colour and shape for me too.  As to my shoe comment earlier - I wasn't suggesting anything was dated , not at all.  

  • Kathie replied 5 years ago

    Lisa- not Firecracker, but, I poked around on-line, and found the top at the Seattle OSKA, but not at the Vancouver or NYC stores. And, the Seattle store ships only in the US, while the Vancouver store ships only in Canada. Standard shipping is $20, in either CAD or USD.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 5 years ago

    Thank you, Torontogirl!
    cjh, thank you. How sweet of you. Yes, I do still sew, but I've gotten into bicycling in the past year, and it takes up a lot of my would-be sewing time. So I'm not doing as much these days. And also not as much posting on YLF. But I'll try to show some made-by-me items from time to time. Glad you enjoy them!
    Suntiger, thank you!
    Lisa p, thanks for clarifying. I wasn't offended. It's something I've wondered about: The sneaker trend is still strong, but that doesn't mean mine are still fashionable! So if you had some cool new looks in mind, I'd be all ears. And Kathie is right. We do have the top at OSKA Seattle, OSKA doesn't ship out of country. So if the Vancouver store had it, you could order it from them. Or we could work out something where I could ship it to you personally. Message me if you want to go that route!

  • LaPed replied 5 years ago

    Love seeing your outfits! Fav's are 1/2 and 8/9. I kinda prefer the pants longer, tbh. I like the bit of slouchiness you get with the longer inseam.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 5 years ago

    LaPed, thank you. I appreciate your weighing in on favorites. I like the slouch effect, too.

  • unfrumped replied 5 years ago

    I think what works with some of the favorite vote- getters are the shorter top proportions.
    I love track pant styles is drapey fabrics and will likely continue to keep an eye out for them reguof “ trend” because the right fit works for my body type.
    For shoes, not suggesting uncomfortable shoes BUT a dressier shoe/boot gives more juxtaposition with sporty pants. Not stilettos like the bloggers, but something.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 5 years ago

    Thanks for your thoughts, unfrumped. I agree with your observation about the shorter top proportions. And the dressier shoe idea makes sense, too.  I was kind of going for that with the more refined oxford, rather than a clunky one. I can do that with sandals (i.e., toward dressy rather than sporty), and will--much, much later in the summer here!

  • kellygirl replied 5 years ago

    Ooh, you hit the nail on the head with sporty luxe. Emphasis on the luxe because these are so yummy! My faves are the column of purple with and without the denim topper and the green blouse with the denim topper followed by the orange sweater. SO cool, Sharan. This is the kind of sporty I can get behind. Great picks. You always look so put together and stylish!

  • Bijou replied 5 years ago

    This is a great work capsule and you are a wonderful model. These all work with your sneakers and that is how I would wear them if working in retail as standing all day can be tough and comfy, supportive footwear would be at the top of my Wishlist.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 5 years ago

    Thanks for your comments and your picks, Kelly!
    Bijou, thanks. I appreciate your vote for the sneakers. I just got a new pair similar to the metallic ones in my photos, because I do wear them a lot for work.

  • Anna Kellogg replied 4 years ago

    I think that it’s not an outfit for work it’s more to go for a walk on sunday in the city.

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Welcome to my style blog. Dressing is something all of us do each day, but for me it is also a hobby. I like to find new ways to wear the clothes I have, make new clothes to add to my wardrobe (yes, sewing is another hobby!), shop for clothes, read and discuss fashion. Following You Look Fab has fueled my interest in taking outfit pictures to see where I've been and to get different perspectives on style. Thanks for joining me. I always appreciate hearing your thoughts.