Chinese Laundry – Page 2

I don’t always love the outfits I put together. And usually when I wear something that isn’t quite right, I find myself wishing for a “do-over” all day long (don’t you hate that feeling?). And since starting this blog, I now have my daily ensembles documented which has been an interesting journey in and of itself. And let me tell you, it can definitely be a blessing and a curse.

Take for example the below outfit. This blouse is one of my favorite items that I own and I thought I loved this look the day I wore it. BUT in reviewing these photos, I’m kind of having that “do-over” feeling-but can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe it’s the belt? Maybe it’s the yellow cardi? Maybe the blouse is better suited with a skirt? Maybe I should have worn my hair down for this particular look? So i want to know what you think. Is this an ok outfit and I’m just being critical? Or am I correct in wishing for that “do-over”??

Silk Ruffle Blouse: JCrew (old)
Yellow Cardi: Nordstrom Rack (recent)
Skinny Jeans: Gap
Sunglasses: Calvin Klein via Macy’s
Belt: Mossimo for Target
Bracelets: Tiffany and Co., Forever21
Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack
Shoes: Chinese Laundry Love Me (last summer)

So while they say hindsight is 20/20, I’m not totally convinced that is exactly the case in this instance. So I suppose I will have to resolve myself to staying on the fence about this one. BUT the good news is, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Which indeed I will. 🙂

I have always been a fan of all things nautical and generally find that the looks inspired by this fun fashion trend tend to be timeless and easy to recreate. I mean seriously, what’s not to love about Sperry Topsiders, stripes, stripes, and more stripes, preppy sweaters, white pants, the liberty to mix red, white, and navy (without feeling like you’re dressing for the 4th of July), and how about all of those adorable little anchor embellished polos and shorts? Nautical inspired looks are not only easy (try mixing a navy and white stripe back to a red or white base), but always a winner in my book (as long as you don’t go too overboard-no pun intended!). 😉

So when the thermometers hit 80 degrees the afternoon I was headed out to see the famed Clinton Kelly do a presentation at our new Macy’s store in the downtown City Creek Center, I had the perfect outfit in mind to tackle both a warm afternoon in the city, and hopefully impress one of my favorite fashion icons (if our paths were to cross-which they did!!). Inspired by JCrew (of course!!) and my new favorite striped skirt that I picked up at the H&M in Seattle a couple of weeks ago, this is what I wore…

Cardigan: JCrew

Red Silk Shirt: Forever21

Striped Skirt: H&M (recent)

Belt: Mossimo for Target (recent)

Shoes: Chinese Laundry Love Me

Sunglasses: Calvin Klein c/o Macy’s Sunglass Hut

Monogram Necklace: Keti Sorely Designs (Etsy)

Watch: Michael Kors c/o Nordstrom Rack

Gold Bracelets: Macy’s and H&M

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany

Handbag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier

There is nothing better than feeling confident in an outfit, and while I wish I had that feeling every day, that is not always the case. BUT, despite showing my legs and bare toes in public for the first time this year, I felt pretty darn confident in this selection. So when Clinton and I walked past each other in the Impulse department at Macy’s and he smiled approvingly and said “hello” to me, I managed to give him a huge smile, but couldn’t get a single word to come out of my mouth. It was an awkward moment, no doubt, but at least my outfit was fantastic-and I feel pretty happy about that.