Blazer: H&M last season (similar in reg XS-L) Pants: old LOFT Shoes: Calvin Klein Elara
Top: J.Crew "perfect fit" tee (2010 version) in XXS Chambray shirt: old Target
Now that mild days are officially over, I'm turning to rugged textures for comfort and warmth. I was so happy to re-discover this chambray shirt, now soft from wash & wear. I wore it to death this spring, but once hot summer days rolled around, I got wary of sweat stains (which show up on light chambray loud and clear) and put it aside for fall.
Since the elbow-patched blazer, trousers, and button-up are so "masculine," I balanced them out with feminine jewels and leopard pumps. This Sparkling Sage jewel bib necklace (also comes in blue) was a random sample sale find a while back, and feels lightweight and a bit cheap - not worth full price, in my opinion. I kept it for the sale price because of the rich jewel tones.
I am so excited to share these affordable chambray finds with you guys. My shirt is a wardrobe favorite, and the styling and layering possibilities are endless. There are many colors of chambray out there, and in my opinion most of them are not "right." Some are too close to denim, some are too light, and so on. In my ideal world, the perfect chambray is a softly-colored, balanced weave of denim and linen fabric. It should have a casual fit and not be snug. Here are my bargain picks:
1. Old Navy Chambray Shirt - 2 colors, available in petite, reg, & tall for $21:
*Update - No more 30% off, but use ONHURRY20 for 20% off until 12/20/11*
*Update - No more 30% off, but use ONHURRY20 for 20% off until 12/20/11*
2. Coldwater Creek Chambray Shirt - P or reg XS - Now $10.19 & free ship!
Readers - How do you style your chambray shirts?
I like that red one you linked! I wonder if that's the true colour though.. Actually pretty shocked at the regular price. I don't shop at ON often, but $50-55 seems like a lot of money for that store!
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute outfit honey!! Loving the jeweled bib...I can never get my little chambrays to button all the way...I prefer mine slouchy and oversized with a belt for added definition...your petite figure flatters this look and vice versa! Awesome job with the cuffs, super chic!
ReplyDeletexo-Julie
Peace. Love. LOL!
www.HauteKhuuture.com
I am totally infatuated with this academia sort of look you've been sporting lately, Jean. I think it's partly the elbow patch that I associate with Mr. Feeney (from Boys meet World) and the previous ensemble with the button up collar layered under a sweater, that rings English boarding school (and maybe gossip girl, though haven't seen it myself).
ReplyDeleteGood balancing. Always nice to see masculine paired with feminine. The blazer is gorgeous.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thegirlieblog.com
Jean!!! We must be on some weird wavelength! I just planned/wrote a pairing episode about chambray shirts 4 hours ago!!! Because of the petite blogging community, I was exposed to chambray shirts. Before that, I didn't care too much about them. I only have one but do plan to buy more =) I wear my Madewell all of the time.
ReplyDeleteTalking about chambray shirts got me all excited that I forgot to say... you look awesome! Love everything about this outfit!
ReplyDeleteJust out of curiosity, did you tailor the H&M blazer at all? Because it fits you fabulously. I have the exact same one and it doesn't look anywhere near as good on me!
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your blog - I love the textures and colours.
ReplyDeletewhat a great idea! :) im gonna dig my chambray shirt out from storage! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the tweed jacket and elbow patches! Your lip color makes the outfit more feminine which balances it out :)
ReplyDeleteYou are just gorgeous! I love your style - so up my alley. You inspire me!
ReplyDeleteI am looking for a chambray shirt. Your post comes just in time. I am also looking for sweater/shirt/jeans in mustard yellow to spice up wardrobe. any recommendations or deals you would share?
ReplyDeleteOooh, I don't have a chambray shirt but I am picturing things in my wardrobe that I can re-create this look with! I have the same blazer and pants of course, so 2 of the key elements are already there :P
ReplyDeleteThe blazer looks great on you, did you hem the sleeves or are they tucked in?
Love the outfit - I like how you've combined your menswear pieces with, as you said, girlier accessories. It balances out so well and looks absolutely adorable!
ReplyDeleteMy chambray shirt has gotten so much wear over the past year that it's actually literally worn through in some places - in other words, it has a hole! :( I definitely need a new one, so I'll be checking that ON out. Thanks for the tip!
Cute outfit, but aren't your ankles cold?
ReplyDeleteLove it! I can't believe I'd ever buy something from Coldwater Creek, but I'm pretty sure I'm getting that Sour Cherry colored shirt right about....now.
ReplyDeleteMustard with chambray has been one of my go-to color combos this winter too! They go so well together! Thanks for idea to put the little H&M blazer over it. It goes fantastically!
ReplyDeleteYour pairings are always so nicely done.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that necklace!
Love this look, Jean! The layering is impeccable, and you look lovely!
ReplyDeleteI am really liking chambray with mustard or other bright, warm colors. However, I haven't really been able to find a good chambray shirt to my liking! I will have to check out the ON one you linked.
I actually found a fantastic denim shirt at Aeropostale (of all places!) not too long ago, and I've styled it with yellow pants, an orange skirt, and olive green cargo skinnies lately. Aeropostale seems to have chambray shirts regularly, and their logos are discreet or nonexistent on button-downs, so other petites may want to check there and see if there are any available in XS.
I have always loved chambray shirts, but I haven't owned one since high school! I haven't had the best luck with button downs fitting properly. For some reason, I feel too masculine in them. I came across this one the other day at BR and ordered it. http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=51167&vid=3&pid=884687
ReplyDeleteIt has a less slouchy look than I was expecting, but I like the tailored look better! It has a shirring detail at the shoulder that adds a little femininity. It will look great with skirts. Love surprising finds! And LOVE how you styled yours!
mine is too light of chambray. Still need that right color.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, thanks to you, I have the same chambray shirt as you and it is definitely a staple item. It's also great for layering since it's so thin.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize the ON button ups came in petite sizing. The chambray one you mentioned was on sale in store for $15. If I didn't already have my Target one, I would have snatched it up! I picked up a plaid button up in pink (LOVE it) instead - worn here: http://wp.me/p1zwP7-Bh . Don't forget that you can print a coupon from ON's FB page for $10 off $50!
Thanks for the tip on Coldwater Creek. Never looked at them before. I ordered the Sour Cherry specifically for my mom but might have to keep if for myself if I really like.
ReplyDeleteAlso, for BR/GAP/ON card holders, code LUXE2011 gives you 15% off any day during 2011. I don't think this code stacks with others, but could be helpful for the ON shirt. I do know that the code does work with GAP's current 50% off denim sale!
Hello jean! I've recently discovered layering from your blog and it's something I never would've thought of doing. Do you usually try to find button up shirts with no detail (i.e. no pockets) so that it doesn't show through when you layer it under a thin tee or sweater? or do you purposely buy sweaters in a larger size so the bumps don't show? Thanks!
ReplyDeletei still need a chambray! by the time i get it, it'll be way long out of style. lol. i like how you layered the chambray under the tee too.
ReplyDeleteI really like the lighter colored chambray shirts. Sometimes the darker ones remind too much of a dude ranch for some reason. I haven't found a good one yet, but my sister has this perfect on from J. Crew that I've been itching to steal. I love how you layered it under a sweater with the blazer!
ReplyDeleteThis look is great, Jean!! Everything matches so well!
ReplyDeleteI love those pumps!
nice pairing, jean! i love the whole outfit and it goes so well with the background. i would have never thought of wearing a shirt underneath a tee but you're giving me great ideas. thanks! ;)
ReplyDeleteI got the chambray shirt in black. We'll see how it turns out - thanks for the tip; it really was at a great price :D
ReplyDeleteI was wearing my AT chambray shirt yesterday. What a coincidence. The shirt is by far my most worn collared shirt. :) I can't miss the great deal on the Coldwater Creek deal so I ordered both black and red color. If they turn out too big on me, I have someone to gift to. So thank you for the great tip, again.
ReplyDeleteI love how you made this look so feminine! I want a chambray shirt now :)
ReplyDeletePerfect pairing of a schoolboy look but with girly jewelry and pumps! The chambray is on my list of "craves" on my blog...I want a classic blueish one but that blackish one from CWC looks great! I just ordered and will try it out too! Can't wait to read your post about it! =D
ReplyDeletei love the blue one! i'd wear it with a big statement necklace & pillarbox red lipstick :)
ReplyDeleteKatie x
For those considering the CWC version, there is a 40% off sale on all items with free shipping until 12/18 midnight with code BEST40.
ReplyDeleteIf you have already placed your order, but did so late last night, contact customer service and ask for 10% credit back when the order ships.
Happy shopping!
I really like the pairing of the mustard sweater with the chambray! I'm on the lookout for a chambray, but not actively looking - I'm shopped out.
ReplyDeleteOld Navy has 20% off + Freeshipping till 12/20/11 with the code word: ONHURRY20
ReplyDelete:) Chambray shirts
OH! and 5% cashback on ebates! woohoo!
ReplyDelete@Anonymous I didn't tailor it (except I do have sleeves folded under a few inches), but it may seem super fitted due to having two layers underneath.
ReplyDelete@sarahp Alterations Needed recently reviewed an ASOS pair of mustard jeans: http://www.alterationsneeded.com/2011/11/asos-petite-mustard-skinny-jeans.html
Also, check J.Crew as they always seem to have something in that color!
@Tam Thanks for the Aero tip! I do like juniors brands that don't have visible logos, unlike A&F.
@Carrie L Great pick! It's one of those things that I assume look better in person than on the BR model. Glad you found a chambray-esque blouse that works for you.
@Anonymous I am new to layering myself, so I typically don't look specifically for pieces that are layer-friendly. When evaluating purchases though or comparing items, it is a bonus if it can be layered comfortably!
@Anonymous Thank you very much for the heads up. I probably wouldn't have tried for a price adjustment if I didn't see your comment, but they were so very nice and accommodating.
Beautiful pictures, love them! =)
ReplyDelete