I had a surprise day off today and spent the morning shopping and dining on Newbury street. It was such a treat to stroll outside before the true cold hits tomorrow. See Twitter photos from me and Khatu (plus a lone Instagram) for some shopping updates. For anyone who liked this classic white blouse with black trim, H&M; now has a new one in a smoother, silkier material, plus collar (fun!), minus large pockets, minus black trim on the sleeves – for an updated price of $24.95. I did not try it on so I’m not sure about the fit. Item # is 045939.
I haven’t written any other suitcase style posts yet (I did receive your questions on packing & beauty bag contents and will try to show those), so here is a filler post showing the Crewcuts sweater from this review. I wore this simple outfit minus the sweater to work. I threw on the sweater for some quick photos to see how it’d look tucked in, but returned it afterwards and kept the yellow.
The sweater in a kids size 12 was easy to tuck in without being too poofy from the side or back. This thin, unlined, slightly-too-big ponte skirt, however, is not the best choice to conceal any tucked tops. I either need to find a good slip, or need to stop buying lower quality, unlined pieces that don’t fit and are unworthy of alterations. I also hope to find a similar camel sweater soon in womens sizing to fill the void in my closet.
I bought my first pair of brown tights this year and have found them to be surprisingly versatile – especially with animal print. They add a bit of “warmth” to outfits that basic black otherwise would not.
@Anonymous Try low wedges with a sturdy base. THey're more comfortable than heels.
@JJ It might! Motivates me even more to get my first pair : )
@CJ I must not be very picky about tights because I haven't come across a pair yet in size womens S or kids M-L that I didn't think fit fine : / What is the issue you're facing? Are the legs too long, or the waist too high?
@Anita Hi Anita, I get to work via public transit and it requires waiting outside sometimes plus walking a few blocks outdoors. I load up the layers on top and always wear a long coat, so I guess as long as my vital organs are toasty, my legs can survive in tights. Some ladies recommended fleece lined tights that look just like regular opaque tights from the outside.
@Anonymous The brown kids tights – I'm not sure what brand, but when I look at the inside tag it just says "Target" and size 12-14.
@Anonymous I wear them almost every day, rain or shine. Wet grounds leave some dark stains on the bottom, but no one can really see. I know the sole looks nice and pristine when you take it out of the box, but shoes are meant to be worn, right? The bottom front always be re-soled for $15-$25 by a cobbler after the bottom sole wears down.
nice outfit and great blog:)
Very practical information in your website. Love reading it!
Fabby Life
fabbylife.com
I like the trench most of all that fits perfectly with the blue skirt… congrats for your new brown tights and Happy New Year 🙂
Hey Jean! I was wondering if you would do a tutorial on how to take care of leather shoes. For example lots of Ann Taylor shoes have leather soles, how do you care for them? Can you wear them when the ground is a little wet?
Thank you!
Hi Jean , what a stunning blue skirt.
the brown kid tight you got at target, what brand is it ?
Thanks
I love this outfit! I've been wanting a camel colored cable knit sweater for a while now and this one is gorgeous. I love it paired with the leopard print pumps, which are to die for. You always look so chic and modern at the same time.
So pretty, Jean! I love that the tan in your sweater/blouse matches the tan in your shoes–I just *love* a good lil' bit of matchy-matchy. ♥
I have a question, how do you manage to stay warm in tights in this weather when you go to work? Do you travel via public transportation or car? For me I can't stand the cold coming up my legs so hence I tend to shy away from wearing skirts to work.
i really like the color of the skirt. it works so well with the neutrals of your other outfit pieces. 🙂
during the winter, i always wear layers since i get cold easily. i also buy a lot of skirts/slacks that are lined since they keep me warmer too.
Love the neutrals with a pop of blue. I didn't even know that the tights are brown until I read that! I found a really great pair of leopard pumps – same brand as the nude pumps I purchased a while back. I love how it looks with skinny jeans, but I haven't purchased it yet. Don't feel the price is right 😛
multiple posts w/these nude blouses has got me thinking…
Haven't put it on my wishlist yet, but definitely a contender for 2012.
this is a great ensemble! I so want those leopard heels. I'm sad to hear they're no longer available in that print. wah 🙁
I love your skirt! The colour especially. I never know how to wear skirts like that but it looks gorgeous on you!
x Angie
sundaybelle.com
Love the color of your skirt! I wish I could tuck sweaters into my skirt but it never looks right on me. Looks fab on you, though!
http://sincerelysammie.com/
In your post about the JCrew sweaters I had voted for the sz 14, but wow the sz 12 fits so nice styled like this! I like how the camel shade looks neutral here. Overall, what a great winterized outfit. Can't believe none of these pieces are the traditional black or grays! And maybe the slight roominess of the skirt is a good thing in this case bec I don't notice any lines from being tucked in.
I'm surprised to learn that your tights are from Target Kids! What a great idea! I've had a hard time finding tights that fit, so thank you for this wonderful idea. Do you have recommendations about tights that are petite friendly?
Happy 2012! Love the pop of color from your skirt. When it's really cold and I can't do skirts and dresses, I will layer a thermal tank under a button down shirt with a sweater over it and do lined wool pants with high boots underneath. I'm a real wimp when it comes to the cold.
Does tucking your shirt/blouse into Spanx not help smooth out the look? That's really unfortunate, because the skirt is SO cute – I love the color.
What a great outfit for work! If it's really cold out though, I won't be wearing a skirt. Even with tights, it just won't be warm enough.
Today I'm wearing something very similar to your look, but with pants (button down underneath a sweater).
-Sharon
I have this skirt and although I love the color and length, I don't reach for it as much as I thought I would because it's not great for tucked in looks. 🙁 Pretty sad about that! I also felt like the front creates a pooch which so strange for a pencil skirt.
You say "basic work outfit"… I say "classic work outfit." Simply sensational. LOVE!
As for my "recipe", I am a HUGE fan of my array of skirts and wear the year-round so naturally I also have a drawer full of tights for this time of the year. I pair my sweaters with blouses and sweaters, almost year-round as well. You see, my office is always cold in the summer and quite comfortable in the winter so I can wear pretty much whatever I like, regardless the season. That's nice, I have to admit.
http://theleatherskirt.blogspot.com/
Love the shoes….however I cannot wear heels like that, my feet would be killing me….any other suggestions on what to wear?
What an amazing blue!
The Life After
Good luck on your camel sweater search. The weather here has been nice but office is super cold. My outfit usually consist of a blouse, peacoat, skirt with tight,sock and boots.
Love the leopard shoes and the camel sweater! I rely heavily on skinny ponte pants/leggings with boots and sweaters. I'm generally too chicken for skirts when it's cold out! Happy New Year Jean!
xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com
So glad you had a surprise day off!!
That is a very pretty color combo, Hope you can find the right size in your camel sweater…will keep an eye out for you!
Try Club Monaco for a camel sweater. I've seen a few and I'm a huge fan of their clothes (even though they are big…)
i love the chain detail ;D
Happy new year 2012 for you dear
I'm following you via Bloglovin and please Follow me too ===> http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2201312/deluxshionist
so that we can stay in touch and i can read your updates post everyday 🙂
Thank You
Herdiana Surachman
http://deluxshionist.blogspot.com/
I schlep around samples from clients to vendors and vice versa all day long…my go-tos are layers and more layers…Usually starts with tights, a long tank, another blouse/ long tee combo, a cardi, then overcoat…and of course tons of accessories to keep me glowing throughout the day…although this would be wayyyy too much for an office environment.
Love this bright bolt of blue…especially in the dead of winter, color is the perfect pick-me-up! Beautiful look Jean, Happy New Year!!
I love the sweater! I wear a lot of knitwear during winterdays, its quite cold where I live, so I layer up like crazy!
wow~! great thrifted necklace! love that ann taylor skirt! i have the same one too!
Your skirt has a nice color. Love the shoes. My cold weather recipe is probably sweater dresses and a scarf. Scarves are super warm.