Okay, as you can tell by now I'm quite bad at thinking up "titles" for these outfit posts. Creative writing (and English in general) was clearly not my college major. What I was trying to convey was, this is my go-to routine outfit whenever I wake up with about 10 minutes to spare before having to hop on the subway. I dot on concealer, then slap on a soft ruffled top with a suiting skirt, and a cardigan. Basic, boring - but it gets the job done.
Top: Ann Taylor Ruffled Shell in "soft pewter," sz XXSP - sold here; must search for additional colors. See the "winter white" version on me here.
Skirt: H&M suiting skirt size 4 (altered waist, sides, and length) - I really like this one.
Cardigan: Banana Republic ruffled cardigan PXXS- sold here
Shoes and Earrings: Banana Republic
As always, don't forget to signup for store mailing lists or check retailmenot for coupon codes! I got my Ann Taylor shell for 30% off but they frequently have 40% off a single full-priced item coupons in store.
Click "Read More" for more pics.
Now before y'all think I'm nuts for buying a cheapy H&M skirt and spending so much to get it tailored, I must explain that this was bought back in the day when they did not make size 2 in suiting. Maybe ... 2007? I found a full H&M suit that fit smaller than anything from BR at the time, and spent more than the cost of the suit itself on alterations. But no regrets, as I am still wearing this skirt over 2 years later : ) Can't say the same for the blazer, though.
This outfit is easily winterized with tights and black pumps.
Looking at these pics I realize that this was a poor choice of cardigan. It's hard to do black on black, because as evident in the pics, blacks rarely match precisely. The boxy cut also conceals the waistline that pencil skirts typically emphasize. Next time I must remember to go for something more colorful and fitted on top.
I've been gushing about this tank so much, I figured I should show it. I've worn it TWICE already this week (gross, but whatever) in this outfit and over pants. There's just the perfect amount of chiffon ruffle to add some interest to an outfit. The material (94% rayon, 6% spandex) is so, so comfy, but as a word of warning I suspect that this material may start pilling after some wear.
I think this in XXS is next on my list for ruffled acquisitions - how sweet is that? It's like a "wearable" version of Rodarte for Target's mesh-y disasters. I saw the remains of that line for the first time in person last weekend and was so appalled - no offense to anyone who dug that collection. Is it just me or are Target's "designer" collaborations getting less and less wearable for the everyday woman?
