Back to Basics (Part III)

or "How to un-prep the Chino"

I hadn’t worn chinos in a long long time. I don’t like the loose fit. However with divine interference, I found this Bennett chino on sale for $30 in J.Crew and took it to the fitting room. The fit is skinnier than usual chinos and the fabric is light and summery, the price is good… OK then, I buy it! And just like that, I had another classic piece on my hands. To make it modern, I fastened a gold and colorful collar necklace close under the shirt collar and tucked in the shirt. The best shoes would have been nude pumps. Since I still haven’t found the perfect pair, I went with my trusty wedges and folded up the pants’ legs a couple of times.

How to style a striped top:

I developed a huge weakness for navy and green stripes. I had looked for a dress but then settled for a cute tunic/t-shirt. This top is versatile and can be styled many ways. So far my most favorite ones are the followings:

-with dark wash chambray shorts and flats

-with high waisted denim skirt and wedges

-with white jeans and tan platforms

-with rolled up jeans and whatever shoes you like!

…. jean jackets are optional!

Boho top

I have a thing for boho style. Yes, I know I look better in tailored outfits but… 70s… I can’t help it! A bohemian top with tassels and embroidery is my weakness. So much so, I bought it in white too (has navy embroidery). From Cynthia Rowley, %100 cotton, longish length, $15 a pop… what’s not to like?!

It’s a Zoo!

A great day and an airy outfit to go to the local zoo and visit this cute guy. Everyone, meet Peter the giant anteater!

White dress

I’ve been anticipating the wearing of this dress for some time now. Today the temperature hit 80 inland and it was the perfect excuse to wear this pretty. For its first outing, I styled it very simple, letting the dress to take the center stage. I think I achieved that perfect nonchalant and relaxed vibe I was aiming for. Simple and happy!

Red Dress

I love red, almost every shade of it from coral and tangerine to cranberry and oxblood and bordeaux… which by the way are going to be huge this coming fall.

For whatever reason I keep having problems with my red dresses. Not one is perfect! My maxi is too revealing and makes me look ten pounds heavier. My color blocked dress has a plunging neckline, is a bit short, made of synthetic material and looks to formal for everyday wear. I had an old cotton shirt dress with middy hemline which was a disaster (no pictures available, thank goodness!).

Now I am pinning all my hopes on this one. It is 100% cotton and is lined with cotton. The color is darker, more crimson (or maybe chili pepper) in person than in the picture. The style is semi-shirtdress, which I like. The length is just above the knees (perfect!). It has cost me an extra $20 so far (a day after I received it, it went on sale!). Let’s hope the cost per wear will make up for that!