Tag Archives: Banana Republic

Preppy Stripes & Casaual Chambray

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Chain reaction fashion /CHān rēˈakSH(ə)n ˈfaSHən/ noun: a series of outfits, each created by an item from the previous one.

December: Brr for Fur
January: Leopard Faux Fur & Preppy Stripes
February: Preppy Stripes & Casual Chambray

“I’ve never seen you wear anything more than once!” is a phrase I’ve become quite familiar with. If you’re doing a double take on some of the outfits in my recent posts, I can assure you that you are in fact seeing double. In a new series I shall call, “chain reaction fashion,” each month I will feature an item from the previous month, styled differently into a new outfit. Finally, I am going to prove that I DO wear things twice, just like how I put my pants on one leg at a time.

Old Navy chambray (similar) | Banana Republic striped tee (similar) | Zara jeans (similar) | vintage flower brooch (similar) | vintage belt (similar) | vintage handkerchiefs (similar here & here) | vintage purse (similar) | vintage Ferragamo slingbacks (similar)

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This outfit challenge proves that dressing up a simple striped top isn’t so black and white. While the high contrast graphic print makes for a striking fashion statement, there’s room to add a soft touch of casual chambray in there too.

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Jazzing up the basic stripes required a few small accessories: a skinny belt and a brooch. I rolled up the sleeves of my chambray top, and got right to work on fashioning a neck scarf, which is just two small handkerchiefs tied at the ends. Not only does this create a longer scarf to drape in the front, but it also incorporates two times the pattern play. My tiny red purse adds a pop of color to the outfit and brings out the specks of red in my neck scarf as well.

And the finisher to this outfit? None other than a classy pair of toe cap slingbacks. The only thing that could beat these vintage toe caps is a night cap.

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Old Navy chambray (similar) | Banana Republic striped tee (similar) | Zara jeans (similar) | vintage flower brooch (similar) | vintage belt (similar) | vintage handkerchiefs (similar here & here) | vintage purse (similar) | vintage Ferragamo slingbacks (similar)

stripes

The Cool Chic

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You’re hot then you’re cold.

I’m talking about the finicky weather lately. A heatwave one week, and a chance of rain the next week. Or, it can happen all in the same day: mild in the daytime, but winds pick up soon after sunset. Lightweight layering pieces are key to surviving these fast-changing temperatures.

For this weather driven style challenge, I reached for my leather jacket. I finally got my hands on one for a price that I can live with – $15 at Goodwill! A simple leather jacket is classic and timeless – you won’t have to worry about it going out of style. It’s the perfect mid-weight item for that in between weather, when it’s neither frosty nor too hot.

It’s black and it’s white. Still high off my previous outfit post, black and white seemed most appropriate for this leather jacket. Not one to be very edgy, I softened up the ensemble with feminine details: a polka dot bow, a strand of pearls, a sheer blouse, and a vintage beaded cardigan.

Between the jacket, the killer heels, and the graffiti in the background, I couldn’t help but feel too cool for school (while staying warm) in this outfit. I tried my best to give a mean mug, but to no avail. Instead of looking bad ass, I just look cool chic.

This cool chic chick needs a cigarette, a tatted up boy toy, and a motorcycle. Who da baddest chic?


thrifted Banana Republic jacket (similar pleather jacket) / vintage cardigan (similar cardigan) / Old Navy blouse (similar blouse and blouse) / Levi’s jeans (similar jeans) / Dollhouse booties (similar booties) / vintage Coach Willis handbag / thrifted headscarf (similar scarf)

Net Werk It

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I recently attended a happy hour network event to mingle with other industry professionals over drinks. Half informal, half business professional, this occasion called for a fine line between looking fashionably casual and professionally boring.

The easiest way to pull this off is to isolate a single business professional piece. This can be a suit blazer, a pair of trousers, a suit skirt, or even a business dress. Then finesse that piece with more casual items and don’t forget to accessorize. The result is a perfect harmony of casual professionalism, with a dash of style.

I started with a navy pencil skirt as my building block, and paired it with a vintage eyelet blouse. With a little help from my rhinestone gecko, I incorporated some green into my outfit, and all it took me was 15 minutes. Now if only if I could save some money on my car insurance.

Looking sharp with my business card in one hand, I was ready to werk it. May I have a drink and a job with that?


Jones New York cardigan (similar) / vintage eyelet blouse (similar) / Banana Republic skirt (similar) / Old Navy gecko bracelet (similar) / Me Too shoes (similar) / vintage Coach (similar)

+1

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Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

Jack Frost nipping at your nose.

Company holiday party time is here.

Rhyming isn’t my best suit. But I love a holiday party where men must wear suits. Anybody need a plus one?

The holidays are upon us, which means it is time to be a plus one to company holiday parties galore. Normally I find it quite awkward partying it up with other people’s co-workers, let alone my own colleagues. I often think back to my past experiences at conference room potlucks with the obligatory White Elephant gift exchange. However, when the occasion calls for “black tie optional,” that changes my perception quickly. This party went from awkward social gathering to an off the chart fancy soiree topped with bubbly champagne and delectable hors d’oeuvres. Time to bring out my shiny number.

I found this maxi romper suit at my local Buffalo Exchange. “New and recycled fashion” is their mantra. Although Buffalo Exchange mostly offers a lot of contemporary pieces, I would say that out of all the chain resale-clothing stores, you are more likely to spot an authentic vintage item in their racks for a very reasonable price. This one-piece was in great condition and fit as if it was custom made for me. I couldn’t have been more elated, especially when it was only $17.

I had a blast at the company party, and couldn’t get enough of the delicious appetizers, the bubbly, and of course, the elegantly dressed ladies and dapper gentlemen. Unfortunately as the night went on, my photographer/date’s beer goggles started fogging up. The pictures don’t do this classy onesie justice; you’ll just have to take my word for it.

Now, go on and get your fancy pants out there. It’s time to get drunk and say some inappropriate things to people you will never see again. Oh, the joys of being a plus one. Cheers!

The Holiday Party