Shorts in the Winter?

Last night I was taking a leisurely walk around downtown Boulder after work and spotted an adorable girl with the most adorable look.

She was wearing black patterend tights under some woold shorts, heels, a belted loose plaid top and a floppy hat. It instantly reminded me of Bridgette Bardot but I never thought it could be pulled off in this day and age.

I saw similar looks in Georgetown but with more a punk feel with cut-off shorts (short and cute, not like the ones Tobias wears in Arrested Development) with sheer black hose and a loose T-shirt.

I think I'll be shooting for look number 1 but I think the most important tip is to keep the rest of the outfit the same as the material of the shorts. So if they are wool, do boots and a sweater but if they are more of a summer material then do breezier materials.

You can also take a pair of vintage trousers and hem them into shorts for all your DIYers. Like this girl did, notice the higher waistline.

Accidental Outfit

Ever had one of those moments? when you are in a rush or you don't like anything in your closet or didn't pack appropriately?

So, after breaking down and going shopping this first time this year, my wardrobe dilemma was still not over.

I still didn't have enough 'Professional' clothes to make it to the end of the week. Men, and nothing against men, can wear the same shirt twice in a week and nobody would notice. Honestly, white button down with black slacks, watch, loafers everyday would cause a stir with anyone. Once in a while, add a different colored blazer and you are pretty much set for the whole year...

So not fair.

So yesterday, at 6:15 am Mountain Time I was staring at my overstuffed suitcase searching for an outfit.

6:15 turns to 6:22 and I'm pulling dirty tops and the same jeans I've been wearing for two weeks, there's a breezy beautiful red dress with peeptoe heels...except it's 23 degrees outside, okay, NO.

So at 6:35, and I have to be at the office at 7:30 and grab breakfast, I grab a basic white tee and a basic black pencil skirt.

'No way is this going to work, the tshirt is too casual the skirt is too severe'

I throw it on and take a look in the mirror. I make adjustment. Tuck the tshirt, add a belt? nah, tilting that delicate balance between casual and dressy into neither (possible in the fashion world, it's called 'I don't know what I am doing') so I add the Forever 21 military booties I bought on Michigan Ave. the week before hoping my only shoes in commission would work.

And it did. Hallelujah. Age appropriate, office appropriate with a dash of personality.

Which always comes to remind me, my best outfits are accidents.

Weave peeptoe bootie-slingback-platform? I love a schizo shoe, it can be whatever you want them to be, @ forever 21

Quiz! Can you create the looks??

Test your own Closet Revamp skills by creating the 7 outfits from these 10 pieces.

Hint* One outfit has already been featured in a previous post

Answer:

Kooky Grandma

Hahahaha I see myself wearing this while sipping tea and challenging old men at the park to chess matches.

Earthy Vintage Shopper

Mixxxxxxxxx Printsssssss

B

Same skirt, green velvety ruffle jacket from Urban Outfitters with tiny flowers. By the way, those are Brooks Brothers Calfskin boots originally for $698. How much are they now? Check out http://www.thecheaphceep.wordpress.com/ to find out.

Classy Brunch

Part equestrian but the materials make it upscale. Enjoy your beignets in this getup

Rich Bitch

 

That's right, the Rich Bitch is back. Call this a signature look.

Punk Chic

 

 A sure attention getter, what type of guy doesn't love LOVE a school girl look? Instead of looking costumey, add trendy details and grown up booties to make you look tough, sweet and sexy all at the same time.

Just change the skirt...

And we get a totally different feel. Something more funky and less obvious.

However, remove the jacket...

 

And we get a very "Meet the Parents" look

Easy right?!

P.S. Yes! I own all these pieces except the boots. I have a very similar pair of tall brown leather boots, just didn't pic. However these Brooks Brothers Boots are an UNBELIEVABLE deal and you just have to go to http://www.thecheapcheep.wordpress.com/ to find out how much.

Add Mileage to your Closet with Tights

Have a bunch of summer dresses lying around in your closet? Not to be seen for another 5 months?

Although the winter months can be dreary your style doesn't have to look like your always going to a funeral.

My shopping hiatus has made me pay attention to the details besides the clothes, like tights.

I usually stick to my black wool tights from the GAP but in a recent shopping trip to, you guess it, Target I've discovered so many more possibilities. The colors! The textures! The Patterns!

Here's how to add some extra mileage to that closet of yours:

Day
Try Fishnets, really!

Take that pretty floral summer dress I was talking about and give it an edgy feel with some fishnet-esque tights. Keep it All-American by adding a classic Jean Jacket.

I love a more vintage floral dress for that 'Naughty Housewife' feel

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I love my class Gap Jean Jacket, it's well worn in and a staple in any casual wardobe.

Black pumps or black booties (when it's cold outside) tone down the fishnets and then some vintage simple jewelry makes you the center of attention.

Fishnets too much, lace works too.

The lace adds to the feminity of this "Sunday Best" floral number

I would top it off with a leather bomber jacket :-D

Night

Do Color

Be playful, be young, be curious by adding a bold-colored tight to a sheer cocktail dress such as this Nude Rodarte piece

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Work

Sheer with shorts

One of my favorite ads is this Tod's look

It's so darling, who doesn't want to look like this?

Replicate this look with a pair of Wool walking shorts (substitute a pencil skirt if you have none,) layer a pair of sheer black tights underneath, add a button-down and cashmere cardigan. And don't forget, the Heels are a must. I do think the accessories make the outfit like that brightly colored bad, gloves and hat.

In fact I just found a mens style fedora in my closet while I was cleaning it out.

Sheer Black Tights are classy yet sexy. Layer then under any work outfit when the gams are getting chilly so stock up.

Of course I wouldn't recommend an outfit without trying it myself

Fashion Equation, The White Shirt

Ode the to Brooks Brothers' White Button-up.

It can complete almost any Fashion equation. Pieces in your wardrobe that you could not dream matching each other, come together beautifully with the help of the classic White Button-up. It's one of my favorite All-Time basics (as you can guess from my profile pic.) In fact, I would put the Brooks Brother's White Button-up in the Fashion Hall of Fame. I go for the Miracle shirt, fitted, size 2 for women. I don't do the petite size because I enjoy it's boxiness and the Miracle Shirt moves with you so you don't get those weird horizontal creases from sitting in it all day.

Take for example this Boyfriend Blazer from Urban Outfitters. And this Jersey knit Red Red pencil skirt. Both Bold pieces in their own way but add the Brooks Brothers and voila' a fresh, fun ensemble.

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The White Button Down classes up the fiery red tight skirt and adds charm to the boyish blazer.

Just Add black pumps and a chunky charm bracelet.

Here's another way a BB's white shirt can pull an outfit together, this time for evening.

Take one Ralph Lauren Navy Silk Skirt (found this at a vintage store,) add a Lux yet Hippie fur coat and have the White Button-Down finish your Classy evening look:

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Add a punch of color with some uber-feminine pink Heels to complete your "Rich Bitch Look"

The coat was a precious hand-me-down from my Mom this Christmas. It was bartered from an artist friend for one my Dad's paintings back in 1978. It's been sitting in the abyss of my Mom's closet since then.

What I love is the lining.

It's so 70's, so hippie yet the coat is so soft and the lining just enahances the coat's beauty. Hand me downs are sentimental and if you are done shopping your closet, I encourage to shop other's closets (with their permission or course.) It can be your roommates, for clothes she doesn't care for, or your mother's ( a hot spot for amazing vintage), your grandma's or any stylish relative whose outfits you admire. Just make sure you are generous, offer a piece of clothing from your wardrobe back.

The pink open-toe shoes were one of my first high-heel purchases back in high school. I thought they were so 'Sex in the City.' It was my innocent impression of being a big-city fashionista. They killed the first time I tried wearing them so they've been sitting in it's box in my closet ever since. Now I practically live in heels and are ready to give them another chance. 8 Years later and they are still cute :-D

Day 2 and doing well so far.

P.S. By the way, tights and leggings and under garments and socks don't count. Sheesh, I still need to be appropriate. A spat I got into with my brother today.