Tag Archives: pleated skirt

Kiss Me I’m Stylish

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Before the whole blue and black vs. white and gold dress debate, there was the green sweatshirt incident.

I was minding my own business on the playground during morning recess when he cornered me.

“That’s more like an aqua color,” he taunted, pointing to my outfit of choice for St. Patty’s Day. I was wearing my favorite mint green Care Bears sweatshirt that had each bear hanging out on a fluffy cloud. I insisted it was green, but to no avail. I was no match for this class clown who was very gifted in the skill of debate. He had me seeing red as he proceeded to torment me with his book of jokes and pranks and wouldn’t leave me alone until the end of recess, when he disappeared into a hawthorne tree.

What the silly boy failed to understand is that there are different values of color. Value refers to the darkness or lightness of a color. My dear Care Bears sweatshirt happened to be of a very high value mint green versus the medium value kelly green that is usually associated with four leaf clovers and leprechauns.

Banana Republic blouse (similar) / Urban Outfitters skirt (similar) / H&M necklace (similar) / Urban Outfitters belt (similar) / vintage purse (similar) / Nine West pumps (similar)
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Green symbolizes harmony, balance, and calm – but perhaps this head to toe monochromatic outfit will inspire some envy too. The monochromatic look is great for helping elongate the figure because of the long uninterrupted silhouette. You may remember this skirt from a past St. Patty’s Day post, but it just so happens to be the luck of the Irish that I thrifted a blouse that matches it exactly. For accessories, nothing beats a beetle necklace – I love how the iridescent hues from the rhinestones complements my head to toe green. Considering my lucky streak, maybe it will continue if I stay up all night.

Whether you recycle, compost, carpool, or smoke it, I’m sure you can agree that nowadays, green is the new black. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
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Textural Context

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Look first, and then touch.

It’s finally been cold enough for me to wear my beloved woolens that have been in hibernation all season. Time to work my pattern play magic – winter edition.

All of the elements in this outfit are great stand-alone pieces that beg for individual attention. You would think they clash together, but instead they actually cozy up quite well. This is thanks to the color palette of blues, grays, browns, and creams – all of which are neutrals and will always be in each other’s good company. The plaid print of this 1980s pleated skirt and the blazer’s checkerboard weave are both classic patterns that work together in sophisticated harmony.

To lighten up this winter woolen look, I opted for a lovely chiffon blouse. It adds an effortless airy touch to the outfit, and the Swiss dot pattern takes the sheer factor from humdrum to noteworthy. As much as I love pattern and texture, sometimes there is a need for solids. My solid opaque tights and cream beret add some balance to the otherwise texture rich outfit. Baby it’s cold outside, so why not layer on the hosiery? I chose to wear a lacy pair of ankle socks over my tights cause I’ve got fancy feet.

The resulting look is one that is visually stimulating and makes the eyes travel from head to toe. Whether it is the pleated wool, the woven checkerboard, or the textured chiffon, I bet this is one outfit you can’t keep your hands off of. What can I say? I’m easy on the eyes and oh so tactile, not to mention lovable too.

Feb. 2014: Textural Context

Urban Outfitters beret (similar) / Orofino blazer (similar) / Daniel Rainn blouse (similar) / vintage skirt (similar here & here) / lace ankle socks (similar) / Guess platform pumps (similar)

Style 101: Preppy Plaid n’ Pleats

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I recently visited my alma mater where I studied my dura and pia mater, but none of that matters anymore, as it has no bearing on what I do at my 9 to 5. Psych!

It’s been a while since I’ve been on the UC Berkeley campus, but my visit reminded me of how beautiful it is. I love the architecture of the lecture halls and buildings. Red bricks somehow remind me of all things academic, which inspired my next look.

I’m a Professor Mix A Lot of sorts when it comes to mixing and matching patterns and textures. Case study: the almost tonal plaid skirt serves as a neutral canvas, allowing the vibrantly colored plaid blouse to dominate. However, one must also take into account the confounding variables of different fabrications and textures, such as the pleats and sheen of the skirt, the delicate lightweight cotton shirt, and the ruffled edge of the cardigan. In the place of schoolgirl knee high socks, I opted for the grown up version in the form of ooh la la nude fishnets. All of these add layers of interest to my outfit. Instead of following the crowd, I like to be an outlier sometimes. There is no regression toward the mean for me!

As my age gap closes in with the older folk, suddenly the undergrads look like such youngsters and the grad students seem mighty attractive. Excuse me Professor, when are your office hours?

Dec. 2013: Preppy Plaid n’ Pleats

RED sweater (similar) / Old Navy plaid blouse (similar) / vintage skirt (similar here &  here) / Urban Outfitters shoes (similar here & here)

A New Look (give thanks)

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Gobble gobble till you wobble.

Tis the season of thanks. I decided to pay tribute to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend by putting the black into Black Friday. And what better way to do so than with Dior’s New Look?

The world emerged from the World War II with a renewed sense of hope and a fresh outlook on life – a perspective that fashion reflected also. When Dior introduced the “New Look,” he did away with the minimalistic utilitarian look of the war years and ushered in an era of excess and femininity in the form of long skirts, voluminous use of fabric, nipped in waists, and emphasized hips.

Dior's "New Look"

To channel this New Look, I chose an all black ensemble complete with pleats and a very sheer organza top. The prudy length of the skirt off sets the risky business of the blouse. The blouse’s faux leather collar and button placket gives this look a subtle edge that even Dior would be proud of. This is certainly a new look for me of sorts, but you won’t catch me wearing this whilst shopping on Black Friday. Clawing my way through crowds to get that deal wouldn’t be very ladylike, now would it?

I always remind myself to have an attitude of gratitude everyday. I have a lot to be thankful for: loving family and friends, good health, a roof over my head, food on the table, and of course, a blog following. As always, thank you dear readers, for continuing to follow my humble blog.

May we be ever so lucky to fall victim to tryptophan – Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov: A New Look

Urban Outfitters blouse (similar) / vintage skirt (similar) / Landau earrings (similar) / Sam & Libby shoes (similar)

Green with Envy

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day! The only time of the year when Elphaba can feel comfortable in her own skin.

Unless it is my favorite lovable funny Irishman, Chris O’Dowd, I would prefer not to get pinched by drunken strangers. Not a problem, as I already have a stylish solution that will make you green with envy. Just call me Chic Shamrock.

Chris O'Dowd

When I first laid eyes on this skirt, it was love at first sight. Being a petite gal, I was pleasantly surprised that it was the right fit in the length – no hemming needed! I knew it was the one because I instantly imagined the countless combinations that I could wear with it. The rich green color and the pleats had my name written all over it.

To get in the spirit of the shamrock, I almost went monochromatic by pairing the skirt with my momma’s vintage muted mint green blouse. And before I knew it, I was paying homage to the Irish flag with cream and a hint of orange in my cardigan (okay, so I cheated with the white). The details in the accessories added the final touch; I especially like how the iridescent chunky beads contrasts with the soft knitted yarn bow made by a friend.

I toast my Guinness to corn beef, cabbage, riverdance, and Chris O’Dowd’s lucky charms.

St Pattys