Pairing Stripes - Part One

How can one resist a classic striped tee? I am still searching for an answer (or not). All of us have worn it - when we dress up, when we don't, at school, when we run to the store or even the gym. It is a wardrobe essential. A classic.

 

Pairing stripes is so much fun without having to try too hard (or look like you did!). This will be the first of a three part series where I shall play with stripes. I wore a striped dress with tangerine accents in the past, but, in this series the outfits will use multiple pieces of clothing, so we maximize the potentional of the humble striped tee.

 

Here's the first look. I call it the Color Cave because the bold colors cave in on the striped tee. While the look is centered on the tee, the stripes become a canvas to the red and yellow pieces. I matched the shoes to the blazer which bind the whole outfit together. Try this look with other complimentary colors - how about fuchsia with lime green, or blue with orange?

 

 

Shorts: Forever21 (Similar at J.Crew)

Top: Banana Republic

Linen Blazer: Charlotte Russe (Other pretty options)

Shoes: Naturalizer (Similar option here)

 



Peek-a-boo with animal print

Blouse: Sfera (New arrival at J.Crew)

Linen Blazer: Charlotte Russe

Denim shorts: Old
Belt: NY&Co. (Run to your nearest one, they are on sale for $ 10; other options if you want to indulge right away!)

Ballerinas: Zara

Box sling bag: Zara (Also seen here)

I love shorts. If I could wear them every day I (happily) would. That explains why I dress shorts up so often. I try to make them work in as many situations as possible!

Shorts with a blazer is my go to attire on hot summer days when I don't want to dress up, but, still look well put together. Cotton and linen blazers are summer friendly, and, easy to pull off with denims and most cotton pants. The 3/4th ruched sleeves of this tangerine blazer, which is a blessing in the heat, brings a casual vibe to the outfit.

The animal print accents were an afterthought which added some spunk to the otherwise predictable denim, red and white look. I had to pull this classy gold bag out to match the tone set by the animal print.

Of course there was food! While running errands close to one of our favorite restaurants, we gave in to a pre-lunch dessert (with lunch all set at home, we had to pass their juicy short ribs). Ordered the usual - coconut cake with brown butter ice cream. It is a sinful medley of coconut cake, rich coconut pudding, and, ice cream served on a wodden plank. We stopped just short of licking the plank away...only Beckett's Table can make me relish coconut that way!

Hello Summer!

White has always been my favorite color. I seldom need a reason to wear white, but, I had to kick start summer in this airy white dress. What better than white to beat the heat. Since, it was a graduation brunch (hence, a younger vibe) I wore this to, I choose these shoes to add some spunk to the otherwise feminine ensemble.

Dress: Charlotte Russe (other pretty sundresses here, here, here and here), Shoes: Zara

White comes with trouble and lots of it. It is difficult to maintain, not practical because of its transparecy, makes one look bigger and paler than they are. Right? Wrong.

White, like any other color has to be worn right. Versatility and splendour of a white outfit is hard to beat. Follow this simple guide to not only buy more whites, but also to put your best foot forward in them!

Checklist for white outfits

• Check the transparency of the outfit: Place your hand behind the fabric, wear it and check against light. That's the cardinal rule for buying any white clothing. If it comes with a lining, it is a hassle free pick.
• Buy the right inners: White on white doesn't work. Always go for inners closer to your skin tone. Investing in this and this will suffice for most of your white outfits. Check this out for more options.
• Try white for formal wear: This white blazer beats well-tailored navys and greys. While choosing white for formal wear, stick to a sharp cut and a heavy fabric.
• Choose the right fabric: Natural fabrics like linen and cotton have a better fall (especially in white) than clingy polyester or nylon.
• Choose YOUR white: Bright whites suit olive to dark skin tones, while cream and off-white suits pale skin tones. Try different whites until you figure out which shade suits you best. Pale skin toned women can also carry off white better by choosing outfits that have a different shade along the neckline and sleeves. Checkout this, this and this.
• Accessorize right: While you need to stick to just one or two pieces, pick bold pieces that stand out. An oversized gold watch or golden hoops will add character to the look without dominating the white canvas. For a more muted look choose pearls and pastels.
• Shoes:You will most likely have more than one pair that matches your white dress. Choose your shoes according to the occasion. Go for gold for more formal occasions, browns and earthy shades for a walking filled day, and, brighter colors for a fun evening out.