Spring in the Autumn

I cannot believe that Goodwill had this J.Crew skirt - I'm in love! I thought I'd be pairing it with burgundy tights, boots, sweaters and scarves to make it work for the fall, but the day I wore this, it was 80 degrees out. So yeah, I look like Spring in the Fall!

I spent an entire evening a few nights ago pouring over a search on Pinterest for "Converse Sneakers." I have been wanting a pair for a while now that my Crewcut sneakers are starting to bite the dust. I was so inspired by the outfits on Pinterest styled around the iconic shoe, which is how I came up with this outfit. 

 Loving my pale pink jewelry, too!

 And don't judge me too harshly for looking like Spring. Blush is a Pantone color for Fall this year!

(Image from Pantone.com).

Jersey t-shirt - Banana Republic - thrifted for $1

Skirt - J.Crew - thrifted for $5

Sneakers - J.Crew Crewcuts (I can fit into childrens' shoes just fine) - $19

Belt - J.Crew - hand-me-down

Jacket - gifted

Jewelry - gifted

A red lip with black and white

 

Jacket - F21 - gifted

Blouse - Diane von Furstenberg (Goodwill) - $3

Jeans - Levi (Goodwill) - $5

Leopard wedges - Michael Antonio - $9

Leather double strap belt - Banana Republic - $3

Cross body leather bag - Goodwill - $3

Choker necklace - thrifted (yard sale) - $2

Sleeves and Collars

The office dress code requires sleeves and collars. Women can wear a collarless shirt or dress so long as a collared jacket is worn over it. This stone blazer was the perfect solution for adding collars and sleeves--lightweight and perfect for summer's A/C.

Dress - Banana Republic - thrifted $5

Belt - Ann Taylor - $3.88

Pumps - Vince Camuto - gifted

Jacket - Ann Taylor - $29

Necklace - gifted 

Answer to a reader question...

Lovely summer combo! I'm having issues with belts. I've tried the open cardigan over a dress or top and belting it and adding a belt to tops like you have done with this one, but when I do it, my hips look a mile wide. I'm wondering if it's the positioning of the belt and if I should wear it a bit higher. What's your advice? I really like how belts can dress up an outfit or pull it together, but it makes my hips look so wide. Also how do you keep a belt from moving all around if you add one to a top or dress that doesn't have belt loops? Thanks!

Thank you for your kind comment!

Belts will accentuate your hips, but in so doing your waist will look itty bitty--that's a pretty good trade off in my opinion! However, if you're shy about showing off your hips, I would only belt a dress or skirt that is gathered and avoid belting cardigans over the tops.  Or, you could try belting a voluminous top that creates a peplum shape when belted. The peplum shape can sometimes camouflage the hips depending on your exact body shape. Also, if the cardigan or top hits higher on your hip, instead of the hem ending right at the largest part of your hips, you might see some improvement.  

image via stylelist.com - dress is Dolce & Gabana - $995 at Nordstrom

If you want to experiment more with belting tops, cardigans or jackets, try different size belts. Depending on the length of your torso, you may need to opt only for a skinny belt or a wide belt (nothing in between). Longer torsos can handle the wider belts and shorter look best with the skinny. 

 image via thebaglady.tv

image via http://cutaqcutediamond.wordpress.com/2010/07/26/build-your-accessoriess-wardrobe/

To keep the belt in place you will have to wear the belt snug to your body. And then, lastly, yes, you need to wear your belt high. It should be at the smallest part of your waist, which on many women is two inches or more above the belly button. 

Good luck! And thanks for reading!