Back to basics six outfit ideas

It’s a for sure, for certain thing that I need to figure out a different way to pose. Maybe something a little more energetic than placing a hand on my hip and snapping a picture.

Maybe I should just lay the outfit on the floor or something. Hmm. I’m thinking.

Until I have a speck of creativity about it, this will do.

There are enough of you requesting specific outfit ideas that I’ve decided to try and post as often as I can .

I detail the items in the outfit and then show you a picture.

So–Jamie and Brenda–here you go.

Jamie wanted to know about pencil skirt outfits specifically–of which there are two in this set. Pencil skirts are treasures. Or can be. If you don’t like what you look like in a pencil skirt try wearing it higher up with a belt, or lower around your hips. Wear a shorter or longer cardigan with it. Accessories can certainly make a big difference as well. After all of that, if you still don’t like what you look like in a pencil skirt, ask someone if they have an idea about how to wear it to suit your figure–and if you still don’t like what you look like in a pencil skirt, don’t wear it. Seriously. Don’t wear things if you don’t like what you look like in them. Amen.

This dress was the subject of my very first post.

I found this fabulous dress on Pinterest.

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The lace, the combination of texture, the WhAm-BaM of black and white/cream–it’s fabulous–except with a little more sleeve and a whole lot more length. Here’s what I came up with.

#1–lace Downeast dress [purchased for $10]–knit shrug/bolero–extension slip [I use it under a variety of skirts/dresses for an extra bit of swishy or length]–elastic belt–simple black heels–a handful of fun accessories

This jacket looks great with a skirt (pencil, a-line, tailored, full, etc) as well.

#2–fabulous mint green jacket from ADORNit–basic lace tee–Downeast jeans–houndstooth flats–black with white polka dots clip-on flower

I initially thought that two ruffles below the hemline would be enough for this outfit.

[It occurs to me that I should have taken a pic of all three options–1 ruffle, 2 and 3 ruffles. Hmm. There’s an idea for another post.]

Three ruffles below the hemline was the winner.

#3–Old Navy jumper–teal extender slip (tutorial here)–gray ruffle cardigan (from Old Navy or Target)–Downeast tee (for a higher neckline which is more flattering on me)–thin, black belt–teal bow flats

The next two outfits are especially for Jamie. ~smile~ Hopefully they give her a couple of ideas. Well–hopefully they give any of you a couple of ideas.

Because the skirt is fitted, I enthusiastically pair it with something on top that’s not as fitted.

[This top goes great with jeans as well. Or a slim-fit maxi.]

#4–Houndstooth knit pencil skirt–high collar, ruffle-front, sleeveless top [being the photographer that I am, it’s tough to see the details]–Vera Wang plum cardigan–black sequined bow flats–black with white polka dot clip-on flower

I generally wear a skirt on my hips because it helps create the illusion of a small waist.

[Everyone wears camouflage, right? ~smile~]

#5–lined navy skirt from ADORNit–black and white polka dot top that has a bow on the bodice (eBay)–green ruffle front cardi–black t-strap heels that have flowers on the toe–black large bead necklace worn high–black large bead bracelet

It’s back to casual with the last outfit. Super comfortable casual. Super cute comfortable casual. ~grin~ I love mixing patterns and textures which horrifies some of you, I know. I’m still going to wear it.

#6–Old Navy jeans–double-patterned ADORNit knit top–ADORNit green fringed scarf [very lightweight-I wear them more for ‘decoration’ than for warmth]–coral with white polka dot Vans

And there you have it.

Can you believe there are only 16 sleeps until Christmas?

10 COMMENTS

Elder Chandler Poulsen
10 years ago

Super cute, I tell ya, super cute!

Teresa Jones
10 years ago

~grin~ Thank you for your enthusiastic support. I’m hoping to get the hairstyle post put together this week. I’ve tried a couple of hairstyles here in Beijing and love how quick they are. Oh, and cute.

Elder Chandler Poulsen
10 years ago

Oooo….can’t wait! 🙂

Teresa Jones
10 years ago

By the way–how long is your hair?

Jamie Younker
10 years ago

Thank you for addressing my question about pencil skirts!! I love both of the outfits you came up with using one! I finally got one for my birthday, a grey stretchy knit number from downeast. I love it but always feel confused about how to wear it. Thanks for the tips! You always look so beautiful and put together! I look forward to seeing more posts like this! 🙂

Teresa Jones
10 years ago

Ooooh grey is a great color to work with. And thank you for the idea–and the compliment. ~smile~

Mary W.
10 years ago

I know this is a crazy question, but are you selling the Downeast lace dress? I’m looking for that exact dress in a size S or M, in good condition. I’d be willing to pay you more than you paid for it, even.

- Teresa @ Sweet Creek Moon
  10 years ago AUTHOR
  
  ~sheesh~ I didn’t receive notification that someone had left a comment. Please excuse the tardy response. I would be happy to sell you the dress–but–it definitely won’t fit a small. It’s a large that I’ve modified to fit a M. The elastic waist makes it easier to camofluage “too big.” Send me an email if you still have an interest. Thanks for visiting Sweet Creek Moon!
  
Mary W.
10 years ago

Hi! I can’t find an email address for you, so I tried commenting on your fb site. I don’t want to put my email in this comment (I instantly got spam-botted after I did that in the past). Looking forward to a contact method so we can talk. Thanks!!

Mary W.
10 years ago

By spam-bots, I mean from outside sources. No blogger has ever abused me like that.

Back to basics six outfit ideas

10 COMMENTS

Mary W.

Teresa @ Sweet Creek Moon

Mary W.

Mary W.

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