Mix It Up Monday: Floral Top

Loose-fit tops like this floral one [LOFT] are a wonderful example of how to avoid wearing t-shirts all the time, but still feel relaxed. A beautiful feminine print & subtle details play up the piece--button panel and bow on the front, ruffled edge on the sleeves, wide band on the bottom. On occasions when I want to get a bit more structure out of this piece, I will skinny belt it for a fitted effect.

White jean jacket [Old Navy]
Pinstriped brown trousers [The Limited]
This outfit requires the same amount of effort
as sweatpants, a tshirt, and a jacket...but the
effect is so polished; upgrade your casual look!

Fitted vest [Ann Taylor]
Boot cut dark wash jeans [Gap]
Pandora necklace [gift from Ryan & Rebecca]
Another variation on creating a fitted look out of
a loose top: vest it up! 

White Bermuda shorts [Ann Taylor]
Turquoise, gold, & wooden bangles [H&M]
This is a great spring/summer look--it's light, bright, and
clean cut.

Embellished toffee cardigan [Old Navy]
Gold tone straight skirt [Target]
Irregular pearl necklace [American Eagle]
Tucking the top in streamlines the
silhouette.  

Khaki shorts [Gap]
Champagne & grey pearls [gift from Ross]
I wore this outfit with the blue wedge
sandals pictured below to meet
 friends for lunch in the summer. 

Sky blue cardigan [New York & Co]
Tweed & gold shimmer trumpet skirt [Nine West]
Purple flat opalescent pearls [gift from Mom]
The top is tucked in & slightly bloused here--if it
were un-tucked, the band at the bottom would really
distract from the shape of the skirt.
Here each piece can both speak for itself
 & complement the others.

White & tan striped trousers [Ann Taylor]
Mauve pearl baubles bracelet [Ann Taylor]
Why do these two patterns mix? Because
one is subtle [striped pants], one is bold [floral],
and they share color tones [white, tan].
A big bracelet is a wonderful fun statement piece.