Style Crush (featuring few Brora OOTDs)

I have not done an OOTD post for some time, but I have been taking pictures and today I decided to post the ones that include Brora.

Brora is famous for their cashmere and I have quite a few sweaters from them, including cardis, v-necks, crewnecks, t-necks and even a luxe cashmere robe, about 10 pieces in total.  I can vouch for their quality, pretty colors, great fit and excellent customer service. Their cashmere has minimal pilling, is soft, fully fashioned and drapes well. The only problem is the prices are pretty high, even on deepest sale, their basic v-neck or cardigan is more than $150, when you include shipping. The shipping charges are high but when you ship to US the VAT is removed.  This is even more attractive if you buy more than one item.

Their customer service is stellar. When you call, you get the actual human being pick up the phone and they are very accommodating and helpful. The items arrive within about a week to NJ, and I never had to pay custom charges.    

There are three categories of items that I buy in multiples from Brora: sweaters, dresses and thermals. Today I will focus on the first two.

Sweaters

The red cashmere sweater below is my most recent acquisition, from this year January sale. I wanted a red v-neck and this is absolutely perfect medium red, similar to maraschino cherry or chili color from J.Crew.

The fit is on the slouchy side and I know a lot of people were complaining that Brora's v-necks from few years ago had better fit. For what I wanted it is perfect and I wouldn't like a fitted red v-neck, but you can see the older fit in the pink sweater further down.

Current version HERE

I usually take size 12 UK when I want looser fit and this is no exception. I order 10 when I want more fitted garment.  This works for me in Boden, Brora, Barbour and Charles Tyrwhitt. 

v-neck jumper in crimson, size 12

Below is another Brora v-neck, this time in pink dahlia stripe.  This actually is an older sweater, that I bought on ebay for very little money. It is size 10, shorter and more fitted, perfect to wear with pencil skirt.

Goes great with bright dahlia wool pencil skirt

Size 10 and more fitted

The fit of those older sweaters is beautiful,  they follow my curves and are nicely nipped in the waist. I have a black v-neck that has the same fit, you can see it HERE

The stripes are more playful and I love them either with a black skirt or going monochromatic with bright dahlia. I get many compliments on this outfit every time I wear it, I think it cheers people up.

Dresses

Aside from cashmere, Brora makes beautiful dresses, often using Liberty prints and almost always with nostalgic/romantic/old fashioned vibe.  I have to admit that my Brora dresses is a fantasy buying for me.  IRL, I like to wear clothes that are more modern and urban, but I like the idea of wearing romantic, old fashioned dresses, it makes me feel I am softer, gentler, more feminine and more balanced person that I really am.

Another reason is I want to be more like my friend DaniBP, a person that introduced me to Brora. I have a crush on Dani's style, very lady-like and 'growed up'. Dani and I have a lot in common, so it is easy for me to forget that my style maybe a little different, but on the other hand, it is good to try different hats on. After all, this is what fashion is about, making us women we want to be...


Here are a few of my Brora dresses. I actually have quite a collection and let me tell you, they are not getting enough love from me (that they deserve), but this is what happens when you buy for your imaginary self.

Brora Liberty dress from last year

Size 10, close fit

This is my kind of print

The dress above is my favorite Brora dress and something I feel like myself when wearing. It is still available HERE  on clearance. The Liberty print is subtle and reminds me of denim. The fit in size 10 is great, but it does tend to show every lump and bump.  I am wearing a slip underneath, which helps a little, but Spanks would be even better. 

Liberty carnation print, similar HERE and HERE

Size 12, it is self tied in the back

The dress above is from two seasons ago and I had it shortened about two inches. I like it, but not as much as the blue dress.  Those dresses are also super comfy and perfect for wearing about everywhere. I like it even better with black tights, boots and cardigans in the fall.

The last dress is my least favorite of the three, I think it may read a little mumsy with the ruffle and wrap style but it is very comfy and the berries print is just scrumptious.
 

perfect for the beach???

The picture above may seem a little strange with wearing boots and all on the beach but it was taken in February at the Dead Sea and I just came back from Jerusalem where I needed to be covered up.
 

Size 12, needs a pin or a cami, here is one also from Brora

All those Brora dresses were bought from clearance, and they were about 40GBP, I think they were definitely worth the price.

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Do you like Brora? 

Have you bought anything from them or are planning to?

What do you buy for your imaginary self?

Bored And Desperate - Should I Go Shopping???

I have a reluctant confession to make. I am tired of my Project 333 clothes.

You know how people are saying that narrowing your wardrobe to minimum let them discover what they truly love and liberated them from the tyranny of overflowing closets? I so wanted to be one of those people. I wanted to feel free from my shopping obsessions and satisfied with a few perfectly fitting, carefully selected garments. 

Well, I am bored!!!

Yes, I know I can create more cute outfits from what I currently have in my Project 333 closet. Yes, everything fits me, everything is my style and I love every individuaal piece. But still, I am sick of wearing the same things over and over (OK, so it was maybe 3-5 times each, but it feels like more).

On the top of that, we have an unusually warm weather here in New Jersey and I didn't take that into account. I cannot wear my wool pants, skirts and cashmere sweaters. As a result, I am stuck with about 15 weather appropriate garments in total. I don't feel liberated. I feel silly wearing the same boring outfits, when so many more appropriate choices hung abandoned in my other closets. Thank God I did not commit myself to 3 pairs of shoes or I would go nuts after 2 weeks (I have been doing it since January 1st).

I know nobody is forcing me to continue, but I am stubborn and I just cannot give up without feeling defeated. So I will stick with it until March 31st, boredom be damned. (I know, that's even more silly).
 

***

So here we go, this is what I've been wearing recently:


Brora skirt, J.Crew perfect fit tee, Bandolino shoes

You have seen this Brora skirt with petrol blue lace trim thermal HERE, and this is very similar but a bit more appropriate for the warmer weather that we are enjoying.

Btw, it is not in our imagination. Did you know that the February 2012 was the warmest February on record in NJ (that is in last 118 years!)?  I don't mind it at all :)

Love those elbow snap perfect fit tees!

Cheap substitute for navy Valentinas

J.Crew capris, lace panel tee and black blazer, Repetto flats and Banana Republic bag

You have seen the pants HERE and Lace tee HERE, Repettos HERE.

Pop of Red never fails for me

It got too hot for the blazer

J.Crew  skirt , Banana Republic tee, J.Crew belt, Coach handbag and Chie Mihara shoes.

You have previously seen the skirt HERE and HERE and shoes HERE.

I noticed this awfully visible t-shirt hemline, so I have tucked it into the pantyhose. Yes I do wear pantyhose. It is useful for hiding hemlines and general smoothing out. No, it does not bother me at all.

no hemline!

I usually get untucked by the afternoon

Talbots shoes, necklace Banana Republic, everything else J.Crew

You have seen the skirt HERE and I have previously styled the blouse with trousers HERE, this is how it looks tucked into a pencil skirt.

Is this too much yellow?

J.Crew shirt, belt and bracelet. Peoples Liberation jeans and Bandolino shoes

You have seen the shirt HERE and HERE  and jeans HERE.

Love this Liberty shirt!

New bracelet, I don't see it online

That's all folks!

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Which one was your favorite?
Do you own any of the items? How do you wear them?
How quickly do you get tired of your outfits?
Please share, it would be no fun without you!!!

Can I pull off the schoolgirl chic?

I love plaid skirts, but they do have the Catholic schoolgirl vibe, so you have to be careful not to end up looking too juvenile. Wear some makeup and avoid pony tails and flat shoes, especially loafers and oxfords. And don't even think about braids or pigtails :)  I would not wear it with peter pan blouse and cardigan. In fact, no button downs. Instead, I would add some adult accessories and grown up shoes and I think you are safe.

Brora thermal t-neck and skirt, Boden shoes

My skirt and turtleneck are from British brand, Brora. If you haven't heard about Brora you can check them out HERE.  I was introduced to Brora by DaniBP, you can spot many Brora pieces on her wonderful blog. Brora is famous for their cashmere and rightly so. I have several sweaters from them and the quality is superb. I also own a few dresses, thermals and skirts. Their products are pricey, even on sale, but well worth it if you like the style. Almost everything is made in UK, from natural fabrics.

One warning, for the same reasons that make them unique, namely their slightly old-fashioned, romantic style,  if you overdose on Brora, (like I am prone to do), you have to watch out for the 'frump factor'. Modern shoes and accessories are the key, imo.

Add leopard clutch

This look was also inspired by this photo featured by the Fabulous Florida Mommy, but I wanted to winterize it a bit.  She always picks the best street styles in her 'Love this' series and her posts gave me plenty of ideas. Thank you FFM! If anyone knows where I can get that skirt, please let me know.

Add leopard shoes

Or black patent pumps

I think it works

On the side note, did you notice that I am matching my bedroom decor?  I told you so!

What do you think, did I pull it off? 
Do you like plaid skirts and schoolgirl chic? Please share!

The Name of the (Floating) Rose

You know you are a nerd when you reference Umberto Eco in your fashion blog and you think it is cool.

A print that is pleasant to the eye and flattering against ones complection is priceless, snatch it when you see one. This is what I did with the 'Blurry Rose' aka 'Floating Rose' print ( why wouldn't J.Crew stick with one name for the same print is a mystery). I bought both Winsome dress and wool double serge flair skirt.

Check out the skirt on Gigi HERE, she is also referencing other wonderful, creative bloggers that have reviewed and styled it. I am planning to wear the Winsome dress on Valentines Day, and if I do, I will post pictures. This dress in not one of my 33 items, since I consider it special occasion dress and therefore separate category. It would seem silly not to wear a perfect dress that I already own. Buying a new special occasion dress is another story.

So now, about the skirt. I don't wear many prints and I don't wear too many a-line skirts. I usually stick to pencil skirts since they are a reliable fit on me, especially the J.Crew ones. I tried the solid and plaid flair and it did not work for me. But the rose print skirt was perfect. I think the fabric is softer and this makes the drape better. Like many bloggers, I sized up one size from my pencil skirt size.

Today, I am wearing it with black and it is a very comfortable and surprisingly easy outfit The print is bold and quite memorable, so I try to keep rest of my clothes neutral and accessories minimal.

My sweater is from Brora, they make the best cashmere. I didn't know about Brora until I read about them on DaniBP's blog couple of years ago. But after my first purchase I was hooked. The fit is divine, nipped in waist, with the v-neck cut just so, and perfect length to wear with the skirt. They have a sale going on right now, it is still pricey, but you get what you pay for. If  the prices seem too high, there is always an ebay, and this is where I got this sweater for pennies (comparatively speaking).  It an older version, with slightly different cut (shorter an more fitted), that what they currently sell.. It does not pill, if you can believe it.

How do you like this print? Do you own this skirt or Winsome dress? How do you wear it?
Please share, your comments are the best!