Elegance and Mommyhood.: 04/28/14

Monday, April 28, 2014

28 of 30 and 29 of 30: Styling Jeans 2 Different Ways from Dressy to Casual.

Before we get to today's two-fer post, I want to let you know that including today's outfits there are still about 10 Outfits that I have remixed during my April Remix month of the 30 for 30 challenge. If you are new here you can read about it here. And to all of you who have followed me along this challenge so far, thank you for all your encouragement, compliments and advise. You have been so supportive. =) It hasn't all been pretty, but I think overall I have done a good job of remixing my chosen 30 items.

Today's Outfits both have Jeans in common. But the Outfits couldn't be any more different from one another. The first Outfit I am wearing my Medium-to-Dark Wash Bootcut pair by WHBM and I dressed them up with not one but two Silk pieces: my Chocolate Brown Express Blouse and my Silver Blazer by Urban Behaviour. I added a Brown Skinny Belt since I tucked in the Blouse (which matched the Blouse, also) and my Nude Pumps. I went with the 'less is more' route as far as Jewelry goes so I skipped a Necklace, Bracelet or Big Earrings and let my Bright Red Lipstick do all the talking, while matching my little Red Drop Earrings, too. I really ended up liking this Outfit. Do you?

Pros: I love how 3 different shades of Neutral Colors (Brown, Gray and Dark Blue) work well together unexpectedly. I also like that I went with Bold Red Lips and Simple Red Earrings.

Cons: The only cons I see is that the Outfit perhaps doesn't translate as well in pictures. But it was both Cute and Comfy in real life which is a win-win.

Brown, 100% Silk Blouse, w/ 3/4 Bell Sleeves: Express.

Light Silver, Silk Blazer w/ Pinstriped Silver+Gold Lining: Urban Behaviour.

Dark-Wash, Boot-cut "Noir" Blue Jeans: White House Black Market.

Chocolate Brown, Faux Leather, Skinny Belt: Comes with my Hazelnut Corduroys (included in the challenge).

Light Orange, Round-face, Quartz Watch: Gift from My Husband (New).

White, Sea-Pearl, Silver, Heart-shaped Cocktail Ring: c/o American Fashion & Jewelry Boutique.

Dark Red, Sparkly, Globe, Drop Earrings: c/o Parfois.

Berry Red Lipstick: Avon.

Nude, Round-Toe, Patent Leather Pumps: Apartment 9 (Kohl's).

For my second Outfit, the next day it was cold and rainy so I had to do some layering and out came the Rain Boots. This Outfit is definitely very Casual. In my head, I really liked the pairing of this Striped Tee (which hadn't been worn since the first day of the challenge - what?!) with my Polka Dot Cardigan. I just wish the sleeves of the Tee were longer. I think it looks fine but definitely not as good as I pictured it. A little bit of bling via the Necklace and the Cocktail Ring play off the Blues and Whites of this Outfit. Once again Red Lips to try to stay positive and happy on a rainy day. But these photos were taken late, after a long day (some hours of which were spent outside) so I do apologize about my messy bun. What do you think of each Outfit?

Pros: I like how the Black Dots on the White Canvas play off the Black+White Stripes of the Tee. The Little Blue Belt & Blue Necklace mix well with the Blue Floral piece of the Cardigan.

Cons: I just feel sort of 'ehhh' about this Outfit. Yes, I mixed patterns, yes there are 3 patterns (including the tropical florals of the boots) but it still feels kind of blah. And my hair was not co-operating either.