Try-it-out (Wednesday): texture + sparkle

     I wore this on Thursday and felt pretty and put-together all day. :)  The funny thing is, I just threw this together without the pondering and thought that's gone into other outfits. Does this mean I'm improving at this getting-dressed business, or just got lucky?

Collective Concepts top, previously loved by stylish cousin K

Banana Republic cardigan, previously loved by mom

petite pencil skirt, Calvin Klein outlet store

necklace, Forever 21

Jeffrey Campbell Tab-2 shoes, Nordstrom Rack

    Either way, cozy cardigan + top with pretty colors and a dainty floral pattern woven into the fabric + sparkly necklace = happy.

     While the photos show this outfit with a pencil skirt and heels, I actually wore this with jeans.  I didn't get to take photos the day I wore this outfit, so for the photos I thought I'd see how it looks with a pencil skirt and shoes.
    I think I prefer wearing this top untucked and with pants, because tucking makes it poof out and makes the cardigan poof out, too. Although I did experiment with a different, leaner tuck which I have dubbed the origami tuck because it results in some interesting pleats.

Origami tuck = less poof

        I don't play with texture enough when I get dressed (although every time I do, I love the results), so that's what qualifies this for Try-it-out Wednesday. Also, I have to confess to being excited about how easily this outfit came together and how much it feels like "me" -- it's visually interesting without being over the top, it features a print and pretty little details, and a pencil skirt. And I'm even wearing shoes in these photos! (Major bonus points.) :)
    Happy Wednesday!