Catalog inspired and other OTTD

I recently ordered superfine cotton suiting in beechwood because it was such a great deal on sale, but in the end, I decided I will only keep the skirt. I love the way they styled it in the June catalog with the white Jackie pullover and I tried to replicate it here with white boatneck t-shirt. Super simple but very much my style.   

Skirt Size 6

Shoes from Ellen Tracy (old)

I ordered the skirt in 6, which is one size up from my regular size, because I wanted it to sit a little lower on my waist. I like the way it fits and it is also more comfortable in the summer heat, being a little looser. It also gains some length because it sits lower. I cannot always do it, because sometimes the skirts are already too big in the hips, but most J.Crew pencil skirts are cut rather narrow, making sizing up possible.

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Cotton slub skirt from 2011

My second OOTD was also inspired by an old catalog picture featuring white Frances (sp?) wool skirt with dark charcoal sweater. I love the white skirt/dark top combination and this is my summer version of that outfit. This slub cotton pencil skirt is one of my favorites in the summer.

Skirt size 4

Everything is from J.Crew here, including red patent skinny belt and red roof Valentinas. That was the only day when I did not carry my Tillary purse, because I thought that would be too much red. I wore black purse instead.

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Talbots dress

I bought this dress last summer from Talbots on one of their super sales, I think it came down to about $30.
I don't usually find much at Talbots, but some of my purchases from there are my favorite pieces. That includes my yellow stingray slingbacks, my black sequin shift dress, my leather pencil skirt, my black boatneck LBD and now this dress.

It is a super easy knit dress for summer. It drapes well, the waist is in the right place, the length is good and the colors are flattering.  I have double wrapped the belt, but you can also wear it in a bow. It looks good in the back or you can swap it for other belt. I like how the stripes are horizontal in the skirt portion but diagonal in the bodice. I bought size M, because S was not available but I like the loose fit.

My sweater is the J.Crew cashmere double breasted pointelle cardigan in muslin (size Medium). I love this sweater and wear it a lot, I also have it in honey glaze.

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This is what I wore the day I was working from home: J.Crew vintage v-neck tee and Janesville linen white pants. I use J.Crew gold flip flops as slippers from spring to fall.

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This is my casual Friday outfit, including Banana Republic seersucker Martin fit pants and Boden bow espadrilles. The applique tee in shadow is from J.Crew. 

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That's all folks!

What are your weekend plans? Mine include volunteering in a soup kitchen on Saturday and celebrating 'Name Day' for hubs.

Plus the European Soccer Cup is starting today with Poland playing Greece in the opening game! 

Did I tell you I am a big soccer fan? Do you ever watch soccer?

And do tell me which is your favorite OOTD!

Styling Hilary

Here is what I bought with the recent 30% off and using my rewards card:

I have tried the Hilary dress some time ago (see HERE) and I loved the fit of it, but I thought it was way too expensive for a rayon dress. However, I kept coming back to it, and the simplicity and easiness of it was calling my name, so after it went on sale and with additional percent off, I decided  that the price was finally right.

Clothes like this can be deceptively simple. Many dresses will look the same on the hanger, but when you try them on, they end up not looking that great for one reason or another. It may be just the body type issue, of course.

size 8

I am wearing it with Giraffe charm necklace, floppy suede belt and patent leopard Valentinas, all from J.Crew. 

I like the idea of full skirt and longer length but it has to drape right, I can't stand anything puffy. I also hate when the waist is too high, armholes too low or  scoop neck is too deep (or too high). Hilary dress passes all of those requirements.  Plus, blue is my favorite color and  I like the back zipper and the pockets. I would prefer that this dress was made in cotton jersey knit, but they do sometimes stretch and fade quickly.

with Paintbox Cardi and cobalt Repettos

I like that I can wear this dress on its own, or just with the belt or necklace, but it also looks good with the cardigan. Actually, my paintbox cardigan turned out to be a perfect match for it and I imagine wearing it to the office and then taking it out, to go out on a lunch break.

 Madewell belt and Talbots shoes

This Madewell belt and Talbots stingray slingbacks have became my favorite accessories this spring, they go with everything I wear this season.

best mate belt

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My other 30% off/rewards card purchase was the cafe capri in Foulard print. Again, I tried them some time ago and really liked them but the price was too high.

With Spindrift Sweatshirt

I took size 4, which is my regular size in city fit pants and pencil skirts. They fit me very well in hips and tights. Sometimes I wish the calves were a little roomier, but I guess they would not look so streamlined then. They are pretty long, so if you are petite, definitely order a petite size. I have once tried ordering the tall size (in another color) to see if they will work as full length, but although the length was good, they did not look right, imo.

With pink Valentinas

Pink Valentinas give me an idea that they would probably also work with a pink top and navy shoes, what do you think?

With Chambray top

with white eyelet shirt

I love to wear white tops with everything. You don't always see it, because they are so difficult to photograph.

with Madewell Academy blazer

I am sure some JCAs will come up with some more creative styling ideas and I will happily emulate them. But contrary to many 'should I buy it' rules,  I usually don't worry about having thousands of options. This would be important if I had very pared down wardrobe, where every piece has to work overtime with everything in your closet. Since I never wear anything as often as I would like to believe, the important thing for me is not that I have so many options but that the options are good.

 OOTD

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That's all folks!

What do you think of my choices?

Do you own Hilary dress or Foulard capris? How do you wear them?

Please share, it would be no fun without you!!!

What's up with the white shirts?

Ines de la Fressange

If you'd peeked into my closet (you can do it HERE) you'd see that among my very limited selection of items, there are two white button down shirts. What's up with that? I also have a 3/4 sleeve white lace top and, you bet, there is an elbow sleeve plain white t-shirt in my lounge wear.

The truth is, if I have to pick only one outfit to wear, it would be a white shirt with jeans. I like to imagine I am channeling Ines de la Fressange when I wear it.  Now, don't laugh about the setting. OK, laugh, since apparently I also thought my reflection was hilarious. Is Ines funny, I wonder?

J.Crew white stretch perfect shirt size Medium

White shirts can easily get ruined, but fear not, I have a backup:

Charles Tyrwhitt Size 12 UK

White tops can go casual with rolled sleeves, jeans, hippie necklace and/or funky shoes, or this-time -I-mean-business with trousers and navy blazer. Plain white t-shirt will tone down loud printed skirt. White blouse can go to a party when paired with sparkly pencil skirt. White collar peeking from under a dark v-neck will bring out some light to your face.  I can go on, but you know what I mean.

I LOVE this vintage cotton lace tee but it is very see through

So I am wearing this underneath, similar here

I used to buy my white button downs at Banana Republic but the last time I tried them, the Medium was too tight and gaping at the chest and Large was too big all over. I think they changed the cut becasue they now come in numerical sizes, I should check it out. I like the fit of J.Crew perfect stretch shirts, although the fabric feels a little cheap (thinner, rougher and more prone to wrinkling), they are great for casual wear.

Maybe one day, when I am rich and famous (dream on), I will be buying my shirts from this woman:

Anne Fontaine

But for now, my current favorite white shirt is from a British brand, Charles Tyrwhitt. I like the fabric they use, medium weight, not see through, it feels crisp and smooth. I machine wash it, put it in the dryer for a few minutes then hang it to dry. I only needed a light touch up with an iron, much less than my J.Crew shirt.

cami: Brora,  Trousers: last year's (lined) 1035 in camel

Lisa from Privilege did an excellent post on white shirts and another one on  button downs, check it out. You will also find out that we are actually talking about 'button fronts'. Who'd knew?


Do you wear white shirts? What is your favorite brand? Please, share.