One Jean Jacket, Three Ways

So I've been really crushing on denim jackets lately and had been casually trying them on whenever I saw them in a store. For whatever the reason - too light, too boxy, not comfortable - I wasn't able to find one I liked, until this one. I think denim jackets are the perfect summer accessory, because they can casual up a dressier look and even dress up a casual one. Here are three ways I styled my new denim jacket! The first is what I dubbed "tried and true", meaning that it's the most traditional way of styling of the three ways. I decided to go over top of a black dress, which is cotton jersey so not super fancy, and my peep-toe booties. It's easy, fancy enough to go out in but still laid back just the right amount.

jean jacket {Old Navy} - dress {Old Navy} - shoes {ASOS} - earrings {old, etsy I think} - necklace {gift}

So, obviously I had to wear my jacket as part of the infamous Canadian tuxedo, which literally translates to "wear as much denim as possible". The only thing missing from this outfit is a denim vest...and maybe a denim belt for good measure. In truth though, I could've pushed farther and paired it with blue jeans but I think this is a bit more realistic in terms of how I will actually wear this look. I really love the look of a denim or chambray shirt worn underneath a jean jacket. I also think this would look cute with denim cut-offs or just a pair of great shorts!

jean jacket {Old Navy} - chambray shirt {sample sale} - jeans {Old Navy} - boots {Steven by Steve Madden via Century 21}

The last look I styled with my dark denim jacket was my surprise standout of the three. I really loved the way it looked buttoned up and worn almost as a shirt. The only thing was that the sleeve cuffs were straight up cutting the circulation from my arms. We all know the little saying "fashion is pain" - or something like that - but when the only arm movements I could make successfully made me resemble a zombie at best and a t-rex at worst, I knew this outfit needed a slight adjustment. I will have to try out different ways of rolling the sleeves up that high, because I think being able to bend my elbow is going to win over fashion's sake. But I still loved the way it looked enough to declare it standout of the three different looks!

jean jacket {Old Navy} - skirt {Joe Fresh} - sandals {Steve Madden via Century 21} - scarf {I really can't remember, is that bad?}

I can't wait to keep styling my new denim jacket in different ways. Isn't fashion fun? No, just me? OK.

j.

How to Mix Prints Like a Crazy Person

I love a good horizontal stripe. I am drawn to them like moths to a flame. I am willing to put up with the supposed ten extra pounds that horizontal stripes add, that's how much I love my stripes. This being said, I thought I'd do another "1 item, X ways" post, like I did here, here and here. I'm also no stranger to mixing prints and firmly believe the more prints in one outfit, the better. So, here we go!

blazer & wedges {Target} - blouse {sample sale} - skirt {Old Navy}

Perhaps the busiest of the three outfits, I think the key to these pieces working together was the consistent size and color of the patterns. The polka-dot shirt and the skirt are about the same size of print, if that makes sense. I'd call them medium prints. It's not a micro dot shirt paired with a jumbo striped skirt. The blazer is a larger print, but since the other two are similar, it works. All three pieces are in the same color family, which helps keep things cohesive. And who doesn't love a good color blocked wedge? I'd wear this outfit to the office, provided it was a somewhat creative atmosphere and I had a job (details..).

 

tank {Target} - skirt {Old Navy} - sandals {Aldo}

This outfit ended up being my favorite, I think because I was the most comfortable in it. I occasionally stray from stripes and find myself lusting after prints with a distinct ikat or tribal motif. So I figured it was time to introduce the two of them and let me tell you, they got along swimmingly. I would wear this outfit to have drinks with friends, provided I had friends (kidding...kind of).

blouse {sample sale} - skirt {Old Navy} - shoes {thrifted}

This outfit was the surprise stand out of the day. I mean, mixing stripes with polka-dots and even florals is no brain surgery, but these three prints came together surprisingly well, if I do say so myself. Again, I think the consistent color palette between the blouse and the shoes helped keep things from being "your great Aunt crazy". Also, if you think about it (and I do..) the heart print blouse is really just a slight variation of a polka-dot. Which brings me to the shoes, I wish ALL my shoes had polka-dots on them, I really do. I would wear this outfit to a family dinner, because they HAVE to love me.

Have you guys ever mixed patterns together for an unexpected success? Let me know, I'd love to try more!

j.

One Poncho, Three Ways

I've secretly wanted a poncho for a long time and recently one just happened to find it's way to me. Turns out ponchos are quite the versatile piece of clothing. Not only do they double as a blanket on a long flight but I played around with it and you can wear it different ways for completely different looks.

You can belt it and bunch it to wear it almost as a sweater. Pair this version with jeans and ankle booties for a casual look.

Of course, there is the traditional poncho, worn loose with the longer sides in center front and back. This was how I wore it on the plane. Pair with leggings and warm boots for the comfiest outfit that is not pajamas.

poncho {sample sale} - dark denim skinnies {Flying Monkey via Century 21} - black booties {Topshop} - brown belt {Jacob} - 

black leggings {Aritzia} - knitted boots {Winners} - black dress {Jacob} - nude pumps {Madden Girl via DSW}

Lastly, I wanted to dress it up a bit so I wore it over a black dress with nude pumps. I turned the poncho so the longest points were at my sides and used a skinny belt to add a bit of waist definition.

Did anyone else notice the background transition in these three photos? The first one was taken yesterday when Calgary had basically no snow and green grass. Overnight turned the city into a Winter wonderland, as seen in photo number two. And with the snow not letting up all day (and still no sign of that happening), I chickened out and took the third photo inside.

j.