One-Dollar Wonders

Contrastamundo

March 16, 2013

I wanted very badly to wear my new Bedstu boots to work, but the first outfit I picked felt very wintery, what with the paisley and olive and black. I changed to this outfit because I always love some graphic b/w in spring. So in the end, there are a few levels of contrast here: dark and light, distressed ans pristine, and masculine and ladylike. I struggled for a bit to try and bookend the RATE boots with another distressed item, but finally decided the linen shell and pseudo-wrought-iron-looking cuff were enough. Happiness factor is sky high! I feel modern, chic, and slinky, yet approachable and capable.

Gibson blazer - Rack
Olivia Moon skirt - Nordies
Linen shell - Madewell
Bedstu boots - Zappos
Cuff - Rack
Chainmail watch - gift from friend
Nine West bag - flea market

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Posted in the What I Wore category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

33 Comments

  • MsMary replied 11 years ago

    LOVE THIS! My admiration for this outfit is sky-high, too! You are really coming into your own style, Rae!!

  • Mochi replied 11 years ago

    rae, not feeling very articulate at the moment but I really like this outfit. The first thing that popped into my head on seeing it was, "Tokyo." Not sure why! But you look great.

  • Caro in Oz replied 11 years ago

    You look modern, chic, and slinky, yet approachable and capable too. I think the texture of the boots contrasts really well with your skin.

  • annagybe replied 11 years ago

    Ooh really nice. Definitely one of your better outfits.

  • replied 11 years ago

    Love the contrast of the polished and RATE.

  • Runcarla replied 11 years ago

    Well done, Rae! Love your style.

  • Debora replied 11 years ago

    You look fantastic, Rae! Are you loving your Gibson jacket? Do you have the one with or without the peplum? I wear mine with everything!

  • Diana replied 11 years ago

    I like this a lot! I like how it's a sort of RATE play on a skirt suit. You wear midis so well.

    Oh, and you reminded me that I have a similar bracelet (currently broken) which I need to fix so I can wear it again!

  • Jaime replied 11 years ago

    Fantastic - you are on a roll!

  • Karie replied 11 years ago

    I LOVE an outfit with contrasts. Well done!

  • rachylou replied 11 years ago

    LOVE!

  • CocoLion replied 11 years ago

    This is a hip take on the black work-wear suit. The boots and lace bracelet add tons of personality. How did the footwear feel for work? How many hours on your feet?

  • Ornella replied 11 years ago

    Standing ovation. You rock.

  • lyn* replied 11 years ago

    YAH! Awesome! :)

    Cool shades B)

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    You look terrific, Rae! Just wonderful. I know it's all about the boots, but that jacket is also going to be a workhorse for you!

    At work, do you store your bag in a locker, or what happens to it?

  • Deborah replied 11 years ago

    I just want to copy this Rae. Is brilliant! Love the proportions, love the relaxed white top and the boots *sigh*

  • annaj replied 11 years ago

    Agreed - it looks great! Love the balance in this outfit!

  • rae replied 11 years ago
    Thank you, all. A little affirmation goes a long way. :) 

    Mochi, you had me at Tokyo!

    Debora, mine does not have a peplum, though I would have liked that one, too. 

    Denise, I thought of your advice to not be afraid of classic b/w at work. :D I ended up on my feet about 9 hours. Was definitely a little sore, but the same is true with my flats. Need to regain that endurance. 

    Suz, the purse has to be kept in a security room. But I still think about it for when I walk in and out, lol. 
  • kellygirl replied 11 years ago
    So chic, Rae. This outfit is perfection. You have the perfect balance of polish with a little bit of edge. I love it!
  • Tanya replied 11 years ago
    I really like what you did here Rae, i think you achieved the perfect balance of polish and RATE.   I am in love with that bag, my wardrobe really needs something like that.
  • Tina.b replied 11 years ago
    Love your take on a classic suit, so modern. I adore that you paired it white a white T for the right contrast look. And the boots are just unexpected enough to make them shine. LOVE this look!
  • harmonica replied 11 years ago
    Love! You're a true inspiration, Rae! :-)
  • siniestra replied 11 years ago
    I love it!!! I think of you as approachable and not intimidating at all !! beatiful outfit! 
  • Raisin replied 11 years ago
    No wonder your happiness level is high, this is perfect!  Chic and stylish!
  • Thistle replied 11 years ago
    You look fab but approachable. Your style does seem to me metamorphosing but in such a great way! 
  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago
    OHMYGOSH!!! I'm in love with this outfit Rae - you look sleek, chic, modern, gorgeous....well, I could go on and on. 
  • Aida replied 11 years ago
    Ooooh I love this! The boots being the only distressed thing works superbly. You are making me wish I'd picked up a similar linen tee I recently came across but passed on due to an icky sleeve shape for me. Would make a perfect layering tee!
  • rae replied 11 years ago
    Aida, I am gaga over this linen line. Got the tank in two colors and a v neck tee in two sizes. Madewell. :-)
  • Aida replied 11 years ago
    I'll have to check those out, thanks! I saw linen tees at LOFT, but they had the miniature cap sleeves which are fine on normal shoulders but look very silly on me. V-neck also sounds more like me!

    EDIT: How is the sizing? Normal or purposefully oversized?
  • rae replied 11 years ago
    Hm the tees at mw also have a slight cap. so maybe you would not like those either. They have regular sizing. You van see the cut and fit of both in my lasr k/r post.
  • Aida replied 11 years ago
    They're hidden :) I think the cap sleeve could be fine if I just wanted to layer, but then in that case I could just get tanks. I badly need looser layering tanks! All I'm finding are dressy shells or super fitted ribbed tanks.
  • rae replied 11 years ago
    Oops! I forgot I hid them... here they are again here. I hear you on the assortment of tanks available. Discussed that with Denise when she was here, too. Either dressy, tight, or super large armholes to display side-boob. :T
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  • Aida replied 11 years ago
    Ooh now those tanks are just what I had in mind! Thanks Rae, I've got them pinned for when funds come available :)

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I'm just your average working stiff who loves nice things and hates to pay for them. This blog outlines my efforts to navigate that treacherous shopping/saving divide through swappin', thriftin', and even a little resellin'. Many of the pieces in my wardrobe cost me just $1! We've heard a lot about people "living above their means" in recent years; I'm championing the concept of living large *below* your means - whatever that means for you. :)