WIW 05.31-06.02 [casual weekend wear]

Following the idea behind my looooong post about extra-casual-bordering-gear clothing, this past weekend was a good test run that span the gamut. Saturday was normal casual weekend wear, Sunday was rompin' ready, and Monday was a slightly dressier casual. Feel free to skip on down to the photos :)

#1/2 -- Saturday hubby and I had breakfast at a favorite nearby coffee shop that has a lovely patio; we were delighted to be able to sit outside in the sun and enjoy a gorgeous view of Puget Sound. After that I went out to run some errands, including a Home Depot stop, then my sis came over and we spent the rest of the day out in the yard. Although I didn't get a photo of the yardwork "outfit", in the interest of keeping it real I'll describe it: loose gray ribbed tank, light blue basketball shorts, and light blue cloth flip-flops (pretty standard summertime just hangin' around the house attire).  

#3-6 -- Sunday, as is typical, we hadn't yet decided what we were doing; it was going to be a hike or a 2-up motorcycle ride or both or neither. So I stuck with my basic plan for sneakers with weather-appropriate bottoms and a lightweight breathable casual top. These chambray Vans had arrived just a couple days prior, and as my only current sneaker option, I worked the outfit around them: long cotton shorts (because it was warm and whatever we ended up doing would be outside) and lightweight cotton/rayon blend boxy striped tee (because the long sleeves could be pushed up or be good sun protection if needed, and the soft knit would work well under riding gear). Plus being in all light clothing makes me happiest. Laced the Vans up the way I used to back in my practicing-punk days ^^

What we ended up doing was taking the bike over to Whidbey Island (just a short ferry ride away), had breakfast at a fave restaurant then walked the little town and took a stroll on the beach, and then we rode across the island to Fort Casey and wandered around the grounds. I am happy to report that the outfit worked perfectly for all of these things! My riding gear fit over the top nicely, the sneakers were good for concrete/sand/grass, and the breathable fabrics kept me both cool and covered from the sun. The one thing I wasn't too thrilled with was what to do with helmet hair; I ended up wearing a plain black headband after taking the photos with the white, but even that felt too sporty. So I think I'm going to pick up a couple more decorative headbands to try with the pony, which is a must after long stints with a helmet on ;)

#7 -- Monday I went through a big pile of online purchases that had been waiting two weeks to be tried and sorted (work has been busy), then it was off to the post office and mall for the returns. I was also able to exchange this linen shirt (in the blush) for the right size and picked up some fun lightweight cotton summer pants I'd been eyeing for a while. These little snakey ankle strap flats were among the online purchases (*waves to Shevia*) and I just couldn't wait to wear them, so I did! Kept the outfit simple (no tucking, no belts) with rolled BF jeans to highlight the shoes. The silk-back sweater also kept the look simpler from the front; I didn't mind if the back had a little extra fun to it ^^

Available items collected below. Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome.

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17 Comments

  • Quietgirl replied 9 years ago

    I really like your black and teal outfit. I think it brings put your lovely complexion. Great Vans. My new ones are basic black (rather boring)

  • kellygirl replied 9 years ago

    Super cute, Aida! Every one of these is sooooo fab! I can't pick a fave but I adore the Vans on you! DDs have been on me to replace my Cons with Vans and this is the first time that I'm inclined to do so. Love them on you. The vs flats with that cute surprise back sweatshirt is so fun too! LOVE them all!

  • Windchime replied 9 years ago

    Gorgeous teal scarf in #1, and what a good idea to bookend it with blue shoes.
    I love the sweater in #7 with the beautiful surprise back, and your new shoes are fab. It sounds like a wonderful weekend, and you looked great for everything!

  • Missey replied 9 years ago

    You look phenomenal in all renditions of casual weekend wear!  You have nothing to worry about!

  • Aubergine replied 9 years ago

    You look great in all of these! I love the scarf and the black/white pattern mix in the first outfit. And I have to say I'm so impressed by the second one. Would not have thought it was chosen as a response to practical constraints. The sneakers are so cute!

  • Nebraskim replied 9 years ago

    Can you post a tutorial on how to lace shoes like that? I vaguely remember doing this during the way-back era, but my brain completely has forgotten how to do that and it's so super fresh looking. Thanks. Your casual looks are fantastic.

  • MsLuna replied 9 years ago

    Your outfits are so summery and fresh! Love them!

    Outfit 1: the pants are great and the pop of colour (scarf) really draws attention to your pretty face. You look lovely with colours close to your face as you have a beautiful complexion!

    Outfit 2: relaxed and summery. Perfect for running around that field!

    Outfit 3: I really like the element of surprise here - the print fabric at the back of the sweater!

  • Karie replied 9 years ago

    The outfit in #1 looks fantastic - I love the pop of color the scarf brings in, and the shoes are just plain fun! #3 is perfect for casual, fun activities, and those Vans make the outfit shine. In #7 I just love the back of your top, and the ankle strap shoes look great with the rolled up cuff on your jeans. It looks and sounds like you had a fantastic weekend!

  • Gracie replied 9 years ago

    All these colors are so flattering on you - you've mastered them. My fave is the light one, it looks so fresh. I' was checking the Vans and saw the galaxy printed ones... I'll order then if they come back in stock in my size. Your ankle strap flats are beautiful too.

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Thanks for the lovely comments ladies! Glad to hear these still look fab enough across the various casual categories for which they were needed. Surprised to hear all the turquoise scarf love, I haven't worn both the color nor my scarves in a while. Suppose I should ;)

    Kelly, I was always a Vans gal probably due to the big skate punk influence in my teens. The classic b/w checked pair was a Must Have back then, but I never did get a pair (I wore a patent black pair with neon lime laces ^^).

    Nebraskim, this graphic has some great illustrations of lacing techniques. I used the method that's second from the bottom, and once laced I tied the laces in a knot underneath so they'd stay put, then tucked the laces inside. Though I think I'm going to snip them off, they're very long!

    Gracie, I saw the galaxy pairs too they're so fun! You can also check Vans' website. This chambray pair was sold out on Zappos, but I was able to order through Vans.

  • Desmo April replied 9 years ago

    Your helmet hair looks pretty good.

    Helmet hair is the bane of my weekend existence. I keep my hair in a low pony when the helmet is on but pull it down and mess it up when I take my helmet off. The more often I take the helmet off on trip, the worse it is.

  • gardenchick replied 9 years ago

    Lovely!
    Very much like 1 & 3 especially..like your green scarf and the preppy look of #3.
    I like those sneakers too.

  • rae replied 9 years ago

    Eep, checkered shoes! I would never have thought you had issues with casual dressing. Big success. I really love you in those Vans, too. 

  • texstyle replied 9 years ago

    What a fun post to view and read - your outfits are great aida, love each one of them and your attention to the details that make them special (may have to copy those vans). And I remember Whidbey Island so fondly - we wanted to buy property there we liked it so much. Back then you could still buy a nice view lot at a bargain. Your post was like sharing a tiny bit of that trip with you.

  • Lisa replied 9 years ago

    Fun blue vans, so far your casual wear capsule is looking good.

  • dashielle (Ann) replied 9 years ago

    We took our bikes over to Kitsap Sunday, and I can assure you, you look 100x better than I did. Even with jacket off, no cute top will make armored pants and boots cute, so I throw on a ballcap to hide the hair! But you know, we "dress for the slide, not the ride" cuz bruises, scrapes etc. aren't very cute either ;-)

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Thank you for all the comments and feedback ladies! :D

    Desmo, hah I do the opposite of you -- hair down in the helmet, then hair up once I take it off. When I had long hair I used to braid it and tuck it into the back of my jacket, but with the shorter 'do I can just pop the helmet over the top. I do use a wide stretchy headband to keep the hair out of the mask, though.

    Rae, you know, casual outfits like #1 and #3 are totally fine; I sorted out the #1 level of casual last year, and the #3 is just a further casualization of my normal (i.e. work) style. It's #2 that's causing me issues. I mean, I could string something together but not on the drop of a dime like I need to.

    Dash, I hear you and don't worry, I had full riding gear over the top of all that :) Whenever we stopped off, I'd pop off the riding pants (my shorts were underneath) then swap the boots for the sneakers and put my hair up. If we're spending the day more on the ride I've got a pair of Kevlar lined jeans that I'll wear and just keep the boots on, but riding boots are sooooo heavy and warm to walk around in in the summer. I'd rather just do a quick change, as long as my husband doesn't mind the extra few minutes it takes me!

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