MNG by MANGO Challenge # 4 – Boston Public Library

library5

Cowl-neck tank: c/o MNG by MANGO sz XS   Blazer: H&M; sz 2 (from this post)
Wool Mini Skirt: H&M; sz 2 (worn here and here 
Accessories: H&M; scarf, Prada suede heels & Peri cameo, both from ebay

library1

This week’s MNG by MANGO challenge was to take photos in front of a local landmark, in an outfit inspired by that landmark. My city is chock-full of landmarks, but I chose a functional one that I pass by almost every day, in honor of Nick’s mom who is a librarian. I wore a houndstooth jacket with “scholarly” elbow pads, plus a print scarf to accentuate my deep teal blouse.

Old postcard

library3library

library2

Both the jacket and skirt from this set are so easy to pair, and thus have become quick favorites for me. The jacket fits slim but not perfectly. See it again on Kelly. Although the elbow patches hit my short arms at the perfect place, the sleeves are slightly roomy and too long. As much as I hate too-long sleeves, I can’t bring myself to pay $25 to alter an H&M; non-classic blazer, so I have them safety pinned up for now (tsk tsk, I know). 
library4
Here’s another variation I’d wear with this Fall outfit, replacing the orange wool skirt with my cheapy H&M; mustard pants. Which color combination do you like better?

Disclosure: This campaign is produced by Style Coalition and sponsored by jcpenney.
When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

For Daily Posts

Leave a Comment

46 Comments

  1. Rinny wrote:

    I love the skirt and blazer combo! The orange/red skirt looks great with all the other colors in the outfit. You look great Jean! 🙂

    Posted 10.15.11 Reply
  2. Rena wrote:

    I like the mustard better. It's more muted and a really beautiful fall look.

    Posted 10.15.11 Reply
  3. Ivy wrote:

    love the mustard/yellow colored pants. I was in Boston not too long ago for travel. Such a pleasant place to be at.

    -Ivy
    http://www.pocketfulofapples.blogspot.com

    Posted 10.15.11 Reply
  4. Anonymous wrote:

    Hello, Jean. I am a fan of your blog. Thanks for boosting the library/librarian image by picking BPL as your landmark and sporting a stylish look. Also, honoring Nick's mom. 🙂

    xxx
    I

    Posted 10.14.11 Reply
  5. MsbeautyMagic wrote:

    you inspire me so much!!

    Posted 10.14.11 Reply
  6. Jackie wrote:

    I like this outfit with the red skirt…of course! I love red. Both look good though.

    These pics are beautiful! I love living near a city full of landmarks! =D

    Posted 10.14.11 Reply
  7. Ly wrote:

    I love the blazer. My dad use to have a tweed blazer when I was super young and I just remember always loving it.

    -Ly
    http://www.lyzhang.com

    Posted 10.14.11 Reply
  8. zimt-peppermint wrote:

    Could you do a pairing episode on that skirt? I just bought it, but I'm not really sure what to wear with it, because I usually don't go for colourful bottoms. Please help! 🙂

    Posted 10.14.11 Reply
  9. Canadianpetite wrote:

    I like the skirt combo better altho it was a difficult choice for me as they both looked color-delish. I think the skirt one is more your usual lovely style.

    Posted 10.14.11 Reply
  10. Anonymous wrote:

    hahaha – love the safety pin on the sleeves. These photos are beautiful, BPL adds such a nice background to the pics. I love the orange skirt but I love the mustard pants more. I am on a mustard high these days. You always look so chic, thanks for sharing!

    Thu from Just Tututiny

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  11. Anonymous wrote:

    Love your hair! Do you curl it at all? Thanks

    Xoxo from Toronto,
    Karen

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  12. Anonymous wrote:

    A scarf-challenged reader is wondering: how did you wrap your scarf? What is the trick??!!

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  13. Jenn wrote:

    I love the back of that blazer and the flower-like slit. So pretty! And I've been trying to accomplish that color combination forever. I just don't have a top that color!

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  14. Anonymous wrote:

    I was wondering how you hang your petite-sized blazers? I just scored this H&M; sz 2 blazer but my hangers are far too wide, I think they would stretch out the blazer along the arms.

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  15. newpetite wrote:

    I agree about the alteration costs! Just hem the sleeves from inside. Pluck the buttons and sew them on the new sleeve length and then iron it out properly. Thats what Ive done with a few of mine 🙂

    I like it better with the skirt. Not a big fan of those pants.

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  16. Catherine wrote:

    I love both outfits! I wore the mustard pants with a teal sweater last week and one of my students told me that my color combo was "whack." High schoolers have so much to learn about fashion 🙂

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  17. Mae Lu wrote:

    BOTH of these outfits are gorgeous, and I would wear them both, but I think despite the amazing hue of the orange skirt, I think my heart is with the pants ensemble. There's just something almost too perfect about teal and mustard with a herringbone blazer. It's perfectly fall, but remove the coat… and you have spring/summer! LOVE.

    xx{ish.},
    Mae Lu @ thereafterish.!

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  18. Anonymous wrote:

    I love your first outfit!

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  19. Loi wrote:

    I like the 2nd look with the mustard pants.

    http://www.laestetica.com.ph

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  20. AubreyOhDang! wrote:

    I like it w/the mustard pants, esp when you roll it up.

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  21. Angie wrote:

    I was in your beautiful city over the weekend saw this wonderful landmark. There are so many! Thanks for the eating guide as well!

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  22. Ping wrote:

    pretty pics! i need to start going outdoors to taking photos. i been so lazy and so much quicker and easier taking pics in my room. i also like the first look a lot. i been really into wearing skirts and stockings.

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  23. Yulia wrote:

    Liking both color combinations but for me it is more of a skirt vs. pants matter. I prefer the skirt outfit. Would be interested to see the same blazer/top/scarf paired with a mustard-colored skirt.

    BTW I love the Boston Public Library…good choice!

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  24. Noora Katariina wrote:

    I like your pants 🙂

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  25. Elle wrote:

    I like the first look!

    These photos are stunning…when I saw the post pop up on my blogger feed my heart skipped a beat. The Boston Public Library is the perfect backdrop for the outfit. I think this is my favorite outfit out of this entire challenge.

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  26. My Dressy Ways wrote:

    Absolutely LOVE that blazer!

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  27. Emily wrote:

    love both the outfits, but the teal and mustard is a great combo.

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  28. thenauticalwheeler wrote:

    I think I like it with the pants the best. Love the scarf! ~jen

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  29. Anonymous wrote:

    The wool mini skirt looks more classic than the mustard pants, but both look good. It's a nice touch to have photos of the library in the background and to see what Boston is like.

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  30. lpng24 wrote:

    I'm loving these outfits paired with a pop of color, whether red or mustard yellow, I think you've paired them beautifully.

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  31. Emma wrote:

    You look gorgeous in both, of course, but I prefer the skirt. I'm in awe that you can pull off the pants, though! But the skirt is such an awesomely bright colour that I have to choose it. I really do like bright colours and you look fantastic when you wear them.

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  32. Kristie wrote:

    I love your outfits! They're always so well put together and chic.

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  33. Petite and Hungry wrote:

    love the blazer. it is so pretty!

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  34. Vivian wrote:

    Both outfits are great! As always. But I'm leaning more towards the second one with the mustard pants. I love the setting as well, really set the mood for the look.

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  35. Megan wrote:

    Definitely love it better with the mustard pants… but both outfits are great. 🙂

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  36. Mary Ann wrote:

    I love the picture set today – I passed by the library many a time when I lived in Boston. I love how it's right across from Copley Sq.

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  37. maggie wrote:

    I've got to say… although I love both variations, the mustard color of the pants are just a nicer touch than the skirt, and they bring out the color of your shoes nicely. Love your outfit!
    xx maggie

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  38. Ria wrote:

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE your outfit….I actually wore that exact outfit in the dressing room at H&M; but only took home the skirt. I do love that Jacket though and I love how you paired it with the teal blouse and printed scarf! Hmmm…thanks for this style!

    Posted 10.13.11 Reply
  39. Kristen wrote:

    I love your second outfit:) I love the mustard color! The Boston Public Library seems beautiful! I work in a library that is brand new, only two years old, yet I appreciate historical libraries like this one and the New York Public Library much more!

    Posted 10.12.11 Reply
  40. Lucy Myers wrote:

    I love your first outfit, it's so retro! I have a similar jacket from H&M; and it is wonderful. I agree, it is easy to pair with other pieces to build an outfit.

    I love your posts. I am glad I found you because I am petite as well and have struggled buying clothes that fit in the US. I love your style.

    Good luck with your preparations for your trip. I am sure you'll do great.

    Lucy

    Posted 10.12.11 Reply
  41. lin wrote:

    hmmmmm…..looks like something's going on at the library?? it's so sweet of you to use this landmark in honor of your bf's mom. 🙂

    i like both variations of your outfits, especially the one with the orange wool skirt. you're looking fab as always! 😉

    Posted 10.12.11 Reply
  42. R.L. wrote:

    I can't choose which one I like better! You really managed to use this blazer in two gorgeous but very distinct looks. I love how vibrant the orange skirt looks against the library bricks! And even though the H&M; pants were probably meant to fit like a glove, your styling makes it look like it was meant to fit casually.

    On altering the blazer, I never imagined it could be so versatile from your inital fitting room pics. If you're going to wear it so often and in so many diff ways, I think it could be worth the $25 hem job 🙂 From the pics it looks high quality.

    Posted 10.12.11 Reply
  43. shimmering2light wrote:

    I like the second variation much better and absolutely adore how you pinned the cameo to the jacket! Your posts actually inspired me to get a vintage cameo and I can't wait to use it!

    Shimmering2light@blogspot.com

    Posted 10.12.11 Reply
  44. Justine wrote:

    I really like the back of the H&M; jacket 🙂

    Posted 10.12.11 Reply
  45. Michelle wrote:

    I love how personal this challenge was for you! Loving the flags in the background!

    Both colors combos are pretty, but I am loving the orange! I would have never thought of that because I tend to think orange + black = Halloween, but you pulled this off nicely without looking overly festive!

    I am so excited for your trip to Barcelona! Have you already started planning out your outfits?

    Posted 10.12.11 Reply
  46. Michelle wrote:

    I know what you mean when it comes to alterations. I just went in yesterday to get a quote for my work jackets….$15! The pants are $12, blazers are $15! Man, talk about a high price…(especially considering my pants and jackets are only $20-$25 when purchased brand new.) *SIGH* Oh well, the cost of being small and looking good…..

    Posted 10.12.11 Reply

Get the newsletter!

What updates would you like?