Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Leisure Suit

Shirt: Old Navy, $8 // Pants: Old Navy, $9 // Blazer: Lux, $16 // Necklace: Vintage, birthday gift // Shoes: F21, birthday gift

Obviously, I'm not a suit person. I don't have to wear one for work, and a jacket and pants in the same color? Boring! Despite my lack of enthusiasm for standard business garb, I adore the laid-back suit look for spring. You know I'm a strict devotee to high-waist trousers, but I found myself magnetically drawn to this low-rise pair. In combination with a ruffly button-up, fitted blazer and simple accessories, they feel so effortlessly pulled together. Both the button-up and the trousers were found during a recent perusal of the Old Navy sale rack. It's terrible, every time I do my recycling, it turns into an impromptu shopping trip because our recycling center is next to all the big box stores. It seems kind of counter-productive considering the whole point is to reduce consumption. Ah well, I promise to get lots of use out of the items I picked up and continue to thrift as much as possible. In addition to my "recycling loot," I'm also sporting a couple of birthday gifts: a pretty silver heart necklace and a pair of nude pumps I requested. I don't know how this staple was missing from my closet, but I think they've already revolutionized my wardrobe.

41 comments:

Madeline Veenstra said...

I love that jacket it's so pretty. Also I've added your lovely blog to my blogroll :)

Charmalade said...

The power suits should be left in the 80s where they belong. I love the powdery blue with the black+white; simple = better!

http://charmalade.blogspot.com/

Tabitha said...

I every once in a blue moon have to wear a suit and yes it can get very stuffy. However, I like suit looks when it's not business related. I just saw an ad with a two piece suit with shorts, which I LOVED, but could never wear to work.

C said...

Oh my goodness, I ADORE this. I'm SO checking out Old Navy for those pants!

Polina said...

you look so cute!! love the outfit
not sure if it was intentional, but your shoes match your hair! naw!

Megan said...

adorable outfit, i love the jacket!
http://thedollhouse0101.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

now, thats my version of "Business Casual" without looking stuffy. Nice job!

Fabulocity in Amish Country said...

I am in love with this look! :) The casual suit is definitely workin' for you!

E said...

That blazer - the color, the lapel, the length - embodies perfection.

megannielsen said...

I really love the blazer, it's a really great colour on you. Plus as someone who worked in an office for a looong time... matching pants and jackets are for sure, super duper boring, I'm all for your alternative!

juliamarisa said...

the color scheme of your outfit is basically what i want for my life. reminds me of peter rabbit a little. your blazer is not so far off from his blue velvet jacket with brass buttons!

myedit said...

Thank goodness you recycle. Um, those pants are Old Navy? They look rather perfect... do they have them in the Old Navy spectrum of colour?

Gizelle Faye | Vanilla Ice Cream said...

i love the pants!
it's perfect...
the pleating..
the fit...
:D

gizellefaye.blogspot.com

M. said...

love those pants, I can't believe you found them in the sale rack! lucky!

lovelove, M.
http://marissaexplains.blogspot.com

Madeleine said...

i love your outfit. your haircut looks great.

soooali said...

The pants are perfect, wow.

http://www.soooali.com

Linda said...

I love this look! Kind of suit like but not really. Leisure suit reminds me of an episode of Fresh Prince of Belair where they fast forward a few years and Will and his mom are old and she keeps telling him "put on that LEEEisure suit I layed out for you"...

I laughed...probably the only one who did.

Christina said...

This is such a creative wear to work outfit. I always need new ideas for that. Those pants look great on you!

Rae said...

Really cute outfit! I love it!

Jolie said...

I absolutely agree, everyone needs a pair of nude pumps! Love your play on the suit! xoxo Jolie

Anonymous said...

those pants have a GREAT cut to them. Rock it out!

xo, Kim www.crowded-closet.com

Fashionisaparty.com (Suz) said...

cute blazer!

Megan Renck said...

I've been reading your blog for a while now and I think that this is one of my favorite outfits that you've worn. You look lovely.

Lexie said...

wow! those pants are incredible!

Jen Hsieh said...

i love this outfit, especially the pairing of the light blue jacket and the ruffle shirt. it's such a sweet look :)

rachel red lips said...

please tell me how to choose high waisted trousers at a thrift store! i get so overwhelmed and each time i hold a pair up to me they look huge!

Unknown said...

I love how this is a little monotone, in the same color family-ish. It does look very professional and chic. I also like that it still looks pretty young and carefree at the same time.

What an amazing steal on those pants!

April said...

you look sweet, i love those pants.

Anonymous said...

Cute cute! LOVE the pants!

Kyla said...

Ooooh, this looks amazing! I love the shades of blue. And your hair looks so good on you. Do you still like it?

Sarah K. said...

those pants look awesome on you!

Anonymous said...

very fun blazer! i like the way the collar is.

caroline duke said...

you wear those pants so much better than i do. so much so that i think i should stop wearing mine. you put me to shame!

Stjarna said...

First time on your blog..you've lovely style!! like your combination of low waist pants and nude pumps..although i'm an high waist addicted! ;)

Corie said...

so adorable!

Laura said...

I love your look it's so soft and feminine.And wonderfully springy!!!


www.artfullyartista.blogspot.com

Academichic said...

This is a great outfit - really well executed! S

Anonymous said...

i really really love the shade of the shoes
gorgeous
i love this..super chic
thanks for sharing as always
i really love your blog, keep it up!

-cma
COSMICaroline.blogspot.com

Otis said...

Yeah! Those are cool pants. and the heart necklace is perty.

Kansas Couture said...

myedit - There weren't very many pairs left on the sale rack. I only saw pairs in dark grey (which I have on) and black.

Linda - I love Fresh Prince, and can sing the entire opening rap on demand. I know a lot of people can, but still...

Rachel - The thrift store where I do most of my shopping has pants organized by waist size, which narrows down the options a lot. If your thrift store doesn't, just try pairs on until you find a good fit. If you find a pair you adore that is a bit too big, you can always get them tailored! At thrift store prices, you can take risks. I've also found that what look like ugly mom pants on the rack can actually be quite chic when styled in a modern way.

Kyla - I do still like my haircut! Though I already feel like it's time for another cut, which is weird. I'm used to going months between haircuts.

caroline duke - Nonsense! If you have these pants, you must rock them! I'm sure you look fab.

Brandee said...

OOOOH I love this. The outfit got better as I scrolled down. Lovely.
-Brandee
http://www.andfancyfree.com