Green & Gold

[Sweater: thrifted (similar style from Uniqlo); Skirt: Swapaholics; Booties: Report; Tights: J.Crew factory store; Necklace: Joyo c/o;  Ring: Aloha Sunday; Watch: Nixon]

Yes this outfit has the same color scheme as the Greenbay Packers, and no, I'm not a fan. I just think a slouchy sweater and a short swingy skirt make for a winning combo. Whatcha think?

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Proportion Play

[Shirt: Target; Skirt: Forever 21 (similar); Shoes: Bandolino via T.J. Maxx; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Ring: Forever 21; Scarf: H&M (old)]

On paper, this skirt and I should not mix. My torso does not take well to skirts, I am typically morally opposed to pleats, and the 3/4 midi length can be just awkward.

What gives? For one, the cobalt blue color. You want to win me over with something? Dip it in cobalt blue. The pleats actually give it some nice shape and detail, and I've come to accept that the midi length skirts are awesome because they can be dressed up or down. They just need the right styling. I love pairing fancier and casual, so I went with the plain white T (not the band). On its own the combo seemed to call attention to my tiny torso, so I added a scarf to balance things out a bit more.

Speaking of balance,  heels are a must with midis! The add length to make the skirt look more knee length, and make your legs look much longer in the process. I also happened to buy this same skirt in black, so clearly I got over a few style phobias here.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Minimalist

[White Blouse: Forever 21 (earlier this season); Black Skirt: Banana Republic outlet (old); Sandals: Target (old); Leopard Bracelet: SoWa Vintage Market]

I've been on a classic/minimalist kick recently, thanks to my summer reading: I Love Your Style, by Amanda Brooks. You'll hear lots more about this book, as it's recently joined the ranks of my favorite style-related things (alongside stripes and Atlantic-Pacific).

Amanda talks about how minimalism requires a sense of editing and restraint. I love that. I was immediately challenged to look at my closet and see how I could exercise that discipline and effortlessness with my current wardrobe. I'm still trying my hand at the whole thing, but I thought a black and white ensemble was an easy way to dive in and experiment with minimalist style. It was hard to resist the instinct to jazz up the outfit with piles of jewelry, but I'm pleased with the result, and the carefully chosen single leopard bangle. I thought the strappy sandals added a simple but interesting sense of detail and shape to the outfit. 

Stay tuned for more black and white looks, and lots more dishing on what I've learned and loved from I Love Your Style. 

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Slouchy Blue & Breezy Skirt

[Top: Barney's New York Outlet; Skirt: J.Crew factory (solids here) ; Shoes: Old Navy; Earrings: BaubleBar]

I'm craving all things slouchy, flowy, and patterned lately. This dress is the third of the J.Crew convertible-strapless-dress-I-can-do-anything wonder. In this case, worn as a skirt. That hits me at the midi length. A length I told you yesterday I had been afraid of. Oh, the strides I'm making.

Everyone goes nuts over dressy dresses with pockets, but this shirt has a pocket, so that's almost as cool. Yeah, so it adds extra material around my middle, but hey, that will be perfect for hiding a pregnancy once I get around to having kids.

One last thing, Mikhail kicked a soccer ball directly at my thighs 15 seconds before he started snapping away. So I was recovering for the first part of this shoot.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets