Did you ever buy a CD and listen to it over and over again until you were sick of it? I do this all the time. I do it with clothes too. I find a style that really works for me, alter it slightly and redo it with different pieces and colors over and over again. Looking back at my habits, I'd say I'm momentarily obsessed with each new "thing" that comes into my life (but hey, that's another story).
Recently I have been really into buying short cotton, woven and knit skirts and pairing it with a tucked in basic tee or tank top. I go for mixing two solid colors (usually a bright top and darker skirt) or a funky designed skirt and a casual soild top. I finish it off with a necklace, basic cardigan, and some strappy sandals or flip-flops. Not only is this a totally cute, put together look, but it is extremely comfortable.
The top is pretty easy. Anything basic and solid works best, but I'm not against being a bit daring and mixing 2 different patterns together for a completely "you" look every once in a while. I think the trick here is just to tie in similar colors from each piece. I have this one interesting white tank top I got at H&M with a huge beaded necklace sketch onto the shirt. I love pairing it with one of my stripped skirts. My mom loves to joke with me about how I never really match. She's right, but I love wearing two completely opposite colors together and pairing them with accessories that pull the whole look off. And as for those basic tops; Forever 21 and Gap has loads that I love. One bit of advice though. Go with a tee or tank that is either oversize (to puff out a bit) or a perfect fit (for a sleeker look). Anything in between doesn't look right. If it is a bit chilly or you just want an extra piece for your outfit, I always go with a cardigan. I'm kind of a grand-mom with my cardigans. I have one in every color and 4 or 5 different styles in the basic colors. I find really nice fitting ones at Target and Urban Outfitters. They both have great light weight 3/4 ones right now for the summer too.
The skirt? You can pretty much pair the basic top with any skirt. I'd try to stick with very simple material, but I bet a casual white tee would look just as good with a leather or dazzled mini as it would with a cotton skirt, but be sure to save that kind of look for a night on the town and not for daytime wear.
And now we've reached the bottom...the footwear. Well all you heal loving ladies out there are going to hate me, but I stay far away from heals unless I absolutely have to wear them. They are painful and I am an absolute klutz. Lucky for me, they have fabulous choices for us heal impaired girls. For this look, match the footwear with your skirt. Cotton, knit or woven skirts, try flip flops or simple strappy sandals (these are really in right now so they are very easy to find). I love Old Navy for flip flops and Payless for sandals (heck...all shoes!). If the skirt is a little less sporty and little more dressy, I would nix the flip flops and try a simple pair of flats or sandals.
What else? Accessories can be endless here. Dress it up and make it your own. Here my rules....
-If you can see your belt loops, wear a belt
-If you are wearing a wild or detailed necklace, only wear stud earrings (there is such a thing as too much)
-Only wear a small bracelet if you have any type of necklace on. Save the bigger ones for when your neck is naked
-1-2 ankle bracelets in the summer dresses up any outfit
-Stick with silk or very light scarves in the summer if scarves are your thing. It's hot out there!
-And though I don't love any dressy hats, if it looks good on you, rock it
-Always throw in something unique or personal to make every outfit yours
I'm really all about the unique/personal rule. I think it is my middle child syndrome, but I'm very into "this is mine, you can't have it". I recently came across these amazing 100% recycled key necklaces at a small flea mart. The designer takes old keys and other recycled pieces and turns them into charm type necklaces. They are all one of a kind. I found one there with an elephant (I collect them!) and snagged it. Unique and personal. It was a great find for me. She makes tons of other items, so be sure to check her out under "designer".
until next time...
Listening to: Forever the Sickest Kids
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