JJ Basics cardigan, hand-me-down
Hollister "Pacific" lace tee, $15.90 (here)
denim pencil skirt, Old Navy
necklace, Forever 21
Let it be officially noted that I usually dread entering stores like Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch. The overwhelming miasma of perfume/cologne, the dim lighting, the weird store layout so there's dead ends everywhere you go, the masses of tourists dropping $200 at a time on piles of logo tees ... ugh.
But, I did brave the store to get the Mr. two buttondowns, one of which I gave him for Christmas. They were too small, so I headed back into the store to return them. Since I had to squeeze past the tourists anyways, I decided to take a look at the sale section. And lo and behold, there were two cute tops in the sale section. I've been wanting something with lace for a long time, so I was excited to find this.
Deep thoughts? Or wondering how much candy I ate today?
While I love both denim and pencil skirts, I have hardly worn this skirt. When I bought it, I was concerned that it was too fitted in the back for work (because who wants a bunch of fourth-graders ogling their rear? Not me.) But I decided to take a few side shots to see how it looked, and I think that while you can see my shape, it's not distracting (ha!) or inappropriate.
One thing I don't like about this top is that it has a ruffle at the front hem. But I do like that its cut accommodates layering a very light cap-sleeve tee underneath (below).
Stem turquoise tee, Nordstrom Rack
Beach by INC linen shorts, Macy's
That dratted ruffle in the front
Do you have a lot of lace in your closet? (I'll confess that I've always found lace itchy and thus avoided it, but this top is comfy). And how would you style this top?
I find lace itchy, too, so I have a dearth of lace in my wardrobe, despite loving the look of it. I think you're styling this top fantastically! Also, that skirt is just right; super-dark denim in a nice fit without being too tight. Classy, not assy!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right- the scent at A&F and Hollister is so overwhelming! Also, I love your lace top!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nnenna! I only go to those stores on occasion because the boyfriend likes their stuff ... :)
ReplyDelete"Classy, not assy" - that needs to be on a bumper sticker. ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat buy with the lace top. I just went to a spring preview show at a department store and lace is going to huge for spring!!
ReplyDeleteI love the look of lace, but you are right about it being itchy. And you are a braver soul than me when it comes to Hollister and AF--I hate their tricks to make you buy their overpriced logo tees (overpowering cologne, dark lighting, and loud music)!
ReplyDeleteOh, yay! Thank you for sharing the good news, Katie! I was worried that lace was on its way out - good to hear that I'll be on trend. :)
ReplyDeleteAshley - my ideal lace top would be the type that's a regular shirt with lace attached to the fabric so it's not touching my skin, but this isn't so bad.
ReplyDeleteIt would drive me nuts to work at those stores - but I suppose I am 20 years too old to appreciate overly loud music, overpriced clothing, overwhelming fragrance, and perpetual darkness. ;)
I love the lace top :) I love a bit of lace in my wardrobe :) It gives a bit of detailing in a work outfit but can also be used casually too :)
ReplyDeletekatattack2000.wordpress.com
Thanks, Kat! You're right about how versatile it can be - I've been wearing it a lot, so expect more outfits with lace ... :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun top - and a great layering piece! Funny, I have a very sim denim pencil skirt and rarely wear it either!
ReplyDeletecarrie, your outfit is classic! i dig that blouse! :)
ReplyDeleteOh man, amen to that. I always hate going into A&F, I'm so not their target demographic and the lighting always bugs the living daylights out of me. But this lace top is completely adorable, it's one of the prettiest lace tops I've seen in a while, I love the neckline on it. (I just really love lace in general, it's one of my favorite things and i can't usually resist a garment made with it.) I really think this is gorgeous on you, you dressed it down perfectly with the denim skirt and the bright red cardigan. You could wear this top with anything, it would be so cute with jeans or a pencil skirt.
ReplyDeleteLisa - I've been wearing this skirt more, and it's growing on me. Would love to see how you style yours sometime. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, teddi! I can't stop wearing this lace top - it's goes with so many things I own. :)
ReplyDeleteKatie - I totally agree on not falling in A&F's target demographic. (I'm not sure who does - tourists? 11-year-old girls who are the only people who can wear those itty-bitty camisoles?) But I'm glad I ventured in and found this top! I've already worn it several different ways, so it will be back on the blog soon. :)
ReplyDelete