February Freeze: flare jeans

     iris silk top, thrifted

navy cardigan and necklace, Forever 21

Carole disk and quartz necklace, Nordstrom Rack clearance

Dansko "Sakura" sandals, Nordstrom Rack

     These flare jeans are my next February Freeze item. I've only worn them a few times since buying them a year ago; I love the fit and different silhouette, I'm just not sure how to style them for different situations. I think I'd have an easier time styling them if they were a dark wash, too.

     This is really what I wanted to wear, but I decided to save the quirky color combination for the weekend vs. a day when I needed to pop in at work: 

  Julie's Closet burnout animal print cardigan, Ross

inspiration Monday: Alexa Chung

The inspiration:

My take: 

Vivienne Vivienne Tam cut and sew dress, Ross, $25 

Christian Dior tie as belt, thrifted

Fossil key necklace, Nordstrom Rack, on clearance for $7

long necklace, Forever 21

Dansko "Sakura" sandals, Nordstrom Rack

    This isn't quite the perfect everyday black dress I've been looking for, but it does come close. I'll wear this a few times before I decide whether to lop the long sleeves off because short sleeve works so much better for this climate. I do like the seaming detail - it adds a little interest and a lot of flare. Now I need to find a pair of bike shorts or something similar to layer underneath so I won't have to clutch at my skirt in a panic every time there's a breeze ... 
 

Linking up with inspiration monday at two birds! See other bloggers' lovely looks here!

denial & a remix

     Why yes, I do plan to wear this dress every week, now that it's summertime. ...

  side-zip chambray pullover, via Mom

oia jules bracelet, giveaway win

seed bead bracelet, DIY

Blue Plate dress, Ross

Dansko "Sakura" sandals, Nordstrom Rack

     It's in the mid-80s degrees here, and while there's a breeze, it's undeniably sunny and warm. Somehow, I managed to ignore this when I layered this chambray top over the dress. Upon getting outside I promptly rolled the sleeves all the way past my elbows -- stretch fabric to the rescue. :)
     When I first received this top, I had no clue that it would work well with just about everything. It balances out a floaty or fancy dress or makes a strapless or low-cut dress work-appropriate. 
      I won this gorgeous oia jules bracelet from a giveaway generously hosted by Hayley of The Weekend File. Blogging has definitely changed my taste in jewelry! I've always considered myself a devotee of dainty, understated pieces, and while I still love them, I've made room in my heart for chunky chains and bold stones. :)

 Dainty and chunky bracelets and a fuzzy hedgehog for good measure

     ** Want to see other ways I've worn my chambray top? I wore it in February to dress down a poofy dress and with a wide belt to pull off a monochrome look.