WIW 03.02-06

Work outfits for the week! Sorry I can't write as much as I usually would, but this has been (and will continue into the weekend) an insanely busy work week. Detail photos all together at the end; did gunmetal nails for the week. Cliff notes for each outfit:

#2 - Monday. Haven't worn this little knit blazer in a couple years, but it keeps surviving the Purge because its sunny shade of orange is one of my faves. Tried to offset the less current shrunken fit by wearing my slim white BFs up higher (making them look like relaxed straights) so the proportions are more similar to high-waisted pants. Gold accessories and bright candy pink lipstick because, you know, it wasn't bright enough already.

#3 - Tuesday: This started as an attempt at Angie's recent Lemon, Light Blue, and Cognac ensemble but I didn't like how earthy the cognac felt with the already rustic gingham and distressed light denim; swapped it for white, my favorite for this color pairing. Silver accessories and soft pink lippe for extra contrast against the bright golden yellow.

#4 - Wednesday. Was in the mood for something cuddly for a very long work day -- cashmere sweater, wooly shorts, sweater tights, faux-shearling lined boots, BIG furry scarf, soft knit hat... Yep that should do the trick ;) Coral lip gloss with parted-and-lifted hair to help counter all the charcoal.

#5 - Thursday. Angie had commented about seeing gals in HK wearing cropped pants over leggings, and this pairing has been stuck in my head since. Today was finally the right weather to try it, totally love the effect although I know this won't be everyone's cuppa. Worn with my longest sweater for a long torso look, but offset to more normal looking proportions by the tall pumps; chose this boiled wool pair for the extra color and literal texture, as my black patent pumps felt too similar to the crops. I equally enjoyed the legging+crop pairing with a shorter top and pointy flats, which I'll wear in the near future. Finished with red lipstick for a little shot of color.

#6 - Friday. Also haven't worn these ultra baggy flares in a couple years; last time around they got 4" heels, so they're super long. For today, they're held up higher with a zebra belt (bonus: peeks out whenever I move) and paired with taller heels (2.75"). I'm mulling over hemming them for 2" heels to wear as a BF-alternative this summer, not sure; they're verrryyy baggy. Decided to play up the volume and pair with a voluminous top. Black accents for contrast, and soft pink lipstick to keep my hair as the primary dark contrasting element.

OK, well, I guess it still ended up long! Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome ^^

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39 Comments

  • carter replied 9 years ago

    It's always so hard to pick a favorite! Think I'm going with #1 this time. I'm a sucker for orange, especially with a column of white. Another beautiful week, Aida!

  • Carole replied 9 years ago

    Looking good Aida...I can see why you hang onto that jacket....love orange and its a great color for you. That's probavly my favorite outfit od the bunch but I'm really loving 5, too! So food to see amazing Aida's style today:)

  • kellygirl replied 9 years ago

    Ooh, so awesome, Aida! You make dressing look FUN! Love all of these. I would copy every single one if I could--but probably couldn't pull them off with such panache! You are a visual treat, girl!

  • lyn67 replied 9 years ago

    Wow, as usual all beautifull! Thanx for posting nr 5. I just couldn't envision the Hong Kong styled croped pants over leggings look, but it IS totally cute!:-)

  • Diana replied 9 years ago

    I agree with Kelly - these outfits are all so much fun. :). Your bright colors really make me smile.

    I had envisioned the crops over leggings as more like culottes, but your interpretation is really cool! It's like a modern version of the Elizabethan men's breeches over tights. Maybe I'll try this with my slouchy crops!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    The variety! Amazing! I absolutely love #1. Somehow the blazer looks fresh to me! Isn't that funny, the way that can work. I do think in this case I am somewhat influenced by the white and the bright -- SO longing for a bit of spring in these parts. You wear it with panache. 

    I always adore that gingham shirt and am delighted to see it come out to play again. It has been a true workhorse for you. 

    I could not figure out #4 until I read the explanation -- that is awesome! Wow! Did it feel comfortable, too? 

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Thank you ladies! :D

    Diana, ooh I like the sound of something like culottes as well. I'll give mine a try next week sometime.

    Suz, you have my warmest (and springiest) wishes! It is very rare for us to have actual nice spring weather in March; normally it is pouring buckets. I felt the same about the blazer too actually, but didn't trust the feeling because I'm too swayed by the yummy color. I did hold on to two other shrunken blazers, will have to pull those out and see if they feel the same. The crops+leggings was really comfortable, and also very warm which was a pleasant surprise.

  • Tania replied 9 years ago

    Great outfits!  You always look like you are having fun. 

  • AM replied 9 years ago

    Image number #2 (orange) and #5 (blue) are my fav's. And probably #5 wins over #2. Great silhouettes. Looks like I am favoring a certain sleekness...

    Your color is so refreshing. The winter really started to get to me today. Thank goodness we are at the very tail end of winter in my region. 

  • Mona replied 9 years ago

    What a great week you have had! I actually really like the copped pants over leggings idea and the yellow gingham shirt is totally fab on you. Like Suz, I am wishing for a little bit of spring so I can pull out my spring clothes.

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 9 years ago

    I like the crops/leggings look a lot. Good proportions.

  • replied 9 years ago

    I am actually really liking 3 and 4 a lot. You like you'd be great fun to shop with! Those clutches are rad.   

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Thanks for the lovely comments! Fun to hear some love for the cropped pants over leggings. After Diana's comment about thinking of wider legs, I'm definitely curious what types of cropped pants Angie was seeing over leggings in HK.

    Jen, thank you ^^ I am a 100% convert over to clutches. Well maybe more like 95%, some days I do need a larger bag (but they're not usually much larger ;) ). The more casual daytime clutch styles can be tough to find but they have been slowly picking up steam. I get most of mine online though.

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    Your execution is so good!

  • Summer replied 9 years ago

    Lovely outfits, Aida.  I always enjoy your outfit posts as you seem to be an intuitive dresser.  I can't put my finger on why I like the way things are put together;  I just know that it works.

  • doubleh replied 9 years ago

    You never disappoint!  All these are so great!  I usually look at pics first and then read explanations...I loved #5 and was going to ask about the pants.  At first look they read as slouchy jodhpurs.  I missed the whole crop over legging topic, but I totally dig it.  If I had the pieces, I would attempt too.  

  • Rubygirl replied 9 years ago

    Your styling is well played. I am with everyone else here in that the Orange Blazer is a winner! 

  • kkards replied 9 years ago

    what a great week…..love the tangerine and white, and yellow and blue. and how nice to see outside photos with no snow in the background. 

  • chouette22 replied 9 years ago

    You are one FAB lady! Love, love, love all of your outfits!

  • krishnidoux replied 9 years ago

    Thank you for illustrating the relaxed legs with such gusto. My favorite is 5!

  • Adelfa replied 9 years ago

    Great looks! I love 4 and 5 because right now I'm so into grayed-out monochrome looks. I especially love 4 because I would never wear it but it's so wonderful on you. Also love how you specify your lippie!

  • Mellllls replied 9 years ago

    you look great!  my favorite is #3

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    I officially can't stand how SUPER CUTE you are. I have to eat to up.

    *chomp, chomp, chomp*

  • Sara L. replied 9 years ago

    Another great selection of outfits.  I've also been itching to try out some leggings outfits after reading Angie's post.  I don't have culottes or cropped pants, but I'm hoping I can find something interesting in my closet to pair them with.

  • Rubygirl replied 9 years ago

    I had to come back for a visit. I did not realize that the top was ombre.Maybe it is the lighting but that is how it looks on my mac's screen. 

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Wow ladies thank you all for the wonderful comments!

    Summer, I appreciate the comment on intuitiveness. I have the feeling that most people think of me as a fully cerebral dresser, but I'm really not; I usually do most of the cerebral part after getting dressed when trying to describe what I was going for. (Though of course all the stuff I learn is added to the intuition, I just don't think of those things explicitly most of the time.)

    Angie, hah! Thanks ^^ That's especially lovely to hear since I've been feeling extra frazzled all week <3 PS: could you describe the types of cropped pants over leggings looks you were seeing in Hong Kong? I am curious if my attempt above (#5) was what you were seeing or if it was something else.

    Rubygirl, did you mean the blush sweater in #6? If so you're right, it is actualyl ombre :)

  • rabbit replied 9 years ago

    Great outfits and I really love pics #2 and #5.

    The orange jacket is delicious with white and leopard. I'd probably have gone for a short sleeve underlayer and pushed up the jacket sleeves, but I've been doing the same thing, long sleeve under 3/4 sleeve too when it's cold and I need sleeves that function :)

    In #5 the texture/pattern of your hair, the sweater, bag, and slightly sheeny knicker-bockers all work so well together, and I think the leggings look great as an underlayer -- the whole look pulls together so well and you look so chic.

    With the furry scarf is it long enough to wrap around your shoulders and then again around your neck so it kind of functions like a wrap or stole with some outfits? What a fun piece.

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    I can't get over these outfits. Wow. That leggings under crops look is my absolute favourite. I can't get over it!!! The look reminds me of these pants both my sister and I had in the early 80s. They were fine cordoruy at the top, fit loosely like your crops, and then from the knee down they were stretchy knit fabric. So they had the same sort of pantaloon vibe that I'm getting here. Mine were burgundy and my sister's were blue. Gah what great memories. I might have to if I can try this. I just love it on you. And of course I love the orange blazer, you knew I would! Your cozy cashmere outfit is fun with the fur. And your baggy wide legs are cool. Love it all down to the tiniest details. Coming back to study......

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    Ah, Aida. Quickly before I go - YES. The look that you have in #5 is spot on - and very HK. Saw black leggings under black culottes and shorts too. And of course - under all sorts of short flippy skirts and dresses. The HK women wear the look sooooooo well because black looks great with their complexion. Great bookending with black hair (or partially black hair). You are in the same boat. 

    Take a look at this pin:

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/18577417189457405/">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/18577417189457405/

    Lots and lots of women wearing very pretty and feminine flats in HK. You would approve - and I caught the bug, which is why I bought those flats from BR last week. 

  • JuliannWhick replied 9 years ago

    Love your style! Your leopard boots are TDF. Subtle but perfectly kicky. 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    A super set of outfits! I zeroed right in on the leggings and cropped pants look. Fantastic! You are so creative. I also think the first outfit looks perfectly current and love the fresh colors. I don't know how I would handle the baggy flares. They are cute on you with this oversized top. But I do kind of want to see them a little shorter. It's so hard to get the length just right with flares; I don't like being limited to one shoe or at least one heel height.

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    In short: Yippee.
    #1 Love the column of light under the orange.
    #2 Great top and you are wearing our shoes!
    #3 So glam - I secretly love (faux) fur but never wear it.
    #4 Love this. I want to see it under culottes too please.
    #5 I kind of love the bagginess of the flares but don't know how they will play shorter. 
    Fantastic outfits, the brevity of my comments is a reflection of my sleepiness and not their worthiness :-)!

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Thanks ladies!

    Rabbit, yes the scarf is long enough to wrap that way, though I haven't tried it around the shoulders yet. I seem to like it best left long, but it's extra cozy doubled up like a big fluffy shoulder warmer. It's Dramatic with a capital D for sure. If we'd had any snow this year I was planning on using it under and over my winter coats... but, well, you know how that turned out ;)

    Jackie, those pants sound super fun! I've always been a fan of the pantaloon vibe, and this layering should help extend the seasonality of a few of my long shorts that normally only get worn in summer. I bet it would look awesome with your puffy shorts!

    Angie, thanks for chiming back in on the layered looks. I ADORE that outfit you've pinned, soooo cute! I've actually been toying with the idea of more leggings all season, and the idea of pairing under pants, shorts and skirts sounds so much more appealing to me than with the more standard tunics/dresses; I also particularly like that you can tell they're leggings and not tights. That exposed foot skin makes all the difference for me. Will definitely explore this while we've got the weather for it! Also, I totally bit on the adorable shoes since they're running a 40% off thing. I'm all for a wardrobe of pretty and refined shoes ^^

    Sharan and Jaime, I would hem the flares in a way that would leave them to drape similarly to how they look here; I just don't want to have to belt them up as high as I had to here. I've a hunch they'll end up looking a bit more straight, though. I doubt I'll ever wear them with 4" heels again so I think it's worth a try especially since the bulk of my heels are right around 2" these days. (And thanks for the brief but detailed feedback, Jaime!)

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    High five, me too, Aida. Pretty shoes for the win. And I'm excited to see your leggings renditions. I've been playing around with my old cropped leggings - popping them under my denim dress and Flag dress - and loving it with the new BR flats. If this gorgeous weather continues - I'll be wearing the combinations soon. 

    (The '80s gal in me had to hang on to my ancient leggings). 

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    I kept my favorite pairs too! I never did find a good really cropped pair, but I'd still love to get a below-the-knee pair with zippers. In black I've got two full length pairs and a mid-calf cropped pair to play around with, plus a light gray full length pair that might be fun with my gray knickerbocker shorts. Can't wait to try some other leggings outfits, I've got all sorts of ideas. I'll have to wait until the 17th when we get back from Spring Training to try the cute shoes though, would've been nice to take them!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    The cropped pants over the leggings is positively brilliant Aida! I'm so in love with this look I can hardly stand it!

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    I can't pick a favorite. There is so much inspiration and great ideas to study here. Thank you so much for posting these fab outfits.

  • rae replied 9 years ago

    Holy cats, I love what you did with the pants in 5!!!

  • trekkiegirl replied 9 years ago

    Really like #2 & #4
    Fun style you have!!!

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