Happy Monday, all! And if you're into it, Happy Valentine's Day. It's a fun holiday for kids, and before Fella and I started dating, my parents used to send me flowers (they stopped doing that since I'm allergic, but my mom sent candy for us and little heart-shaped dog biscuits for Jude). Fella and I don't really celebrate it as a big, romantic holiday because it's gotten so commercialized. So many expectations for guys to live up to. Like, does Fella love me any less because he's not buying me diamonds, chocolate and/or flowers on a designated day of the year? Yeah, I didn't think so. In the past, we've typically just cooked up steaks for dinner and called it a night. This past weekend, we bought each other cheesy gifts from CVS, spending no more than $5, and that's the extent of it.
So as you can see, I had two variations on this outfit in mind. I think the second one definitely looks more polished (and very similar to Rad's first day outfit), but I'm more than likely going with the shirt un-tucked and belted, purely for comfort reasons. I wouldn't normally wear a button-down shirt not tucked in with a pencil skirt, but I think the belt adding a waist makes it work. I think the first ensemble looks fine.. until you see the second. What do you think?
Cardigan, belt & tights: Target
Blouse & Skirt: The Limited
Shoes: Naturalizer via PiperLime
Earrings: Macy's (circa 2005)
I agree that the second one is more polished. I love a black, red, and white outfit and this one is really striking!
ReplyDeleteHmmm. I might actually like the proportions of the first outfit on you better. Both of them look good though.
ReplyDeleteI actually like the first outfit a little better. I mean, the second outfit is great and looks very classic, but it was the first outfit that made me say aloud to the computer, "Oh, she looks GREAT." I think the top outfit is more unexpected and fun.
ReplyDeleteI think I prefer the 2nd outfit, but they're both very flattering.
ReplyDeletehhhm, I'm gonna go against the flow and say I prefer variation 1! They're both great though.
ReplyDeleteTucked or untucked (my slight preference), this is one of my favorite outfits of yours yet, my dear!
ReplyDeleteM. and I usually get each other something smallish on V-Day - like a dvd or cologne/perfume.
The color combination is perfect for the V-Day.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to go out on a limb here, Anne, and say that I think the blouse is wrong for the outfit. The black skirt shows through the tail of the shirt in the first one, and in both, the collar area looks a bit bunchy. Rather than a button-up, maybe a scoop-neck, lightweight sweater that hits at the high hip? You could still wear the belt, but the effect would be more polished AND I'd wager more comfortable as well.
Dr. Da: Thank you! I'm a fan of the black, white and red combination myself.
ReplyDeleteCynthia: I agree about the proportions of the first outfit being a little better. And I feel like the second one looks just a tiny bit stuffy.
C&B: Wow, thank you!
Rebecca: Thanks!
Franca: Actually, most seem to like #1 too! I think it might be my favorite too...
LHdM: Thank you! I hope you and M. have a nice day :) I bought Fella some chocolates, and he got me a little stuffed dog that looks like Jude, so we like small gifts too.
Charlotte: Thanks for the feedback! I layered a cami underneath the blouse because I noticed the black of the skirt peeking out too. I love the blouse because of the ruffled collar, but pairing it with a crewneck cardigan does look slightly off - but I couldn't wait for warmer weather to wear it by itself! Maybe it'd be better with a v-neck cardigan over it? Hmmm.
I'm pretty sure this is one of my all time favorites on you. I love both ways, but I think I like it untucked better. The pop of red is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI love the shirt untucked with the belt. Very chic, and of course a lovely colour combo for valentine's day. Hubs and I went out for dinner with 3 other couples last and this morning decided that we'd like nothing better than to celebrate with left over chili and lounging on the couch!
ReplyDeleteI love the shirt tucked in! And I love the shirt!
ReplyDeletewww.clothedmuch.com
They both look great, and the first one has a special something. The way the cardigan plays off the collar is great here.
ReplyDeleteHappy Vday to you and Fella!
I think both outfits look good, but agree that the second is a little more polished. I'm all about comfort though, so am completely on board with the untucked shirt. I love the red belt with this - it's just perfect.
ReplyDeleteyup! the second one is more polished. and i really love that cardi! it's gorgeous :)
ReplyDeleteThese are both great on you! The second one is a bit more polished. That said, I almost never vote against comfort, and I actually quite like how the blouse length and cardigan length mesh in the first outfit.
ReplyDeleteI like the first combo, it totally works and i like that it makes a break from the norm.
ReplyDeleteChic on the Cheap
Both looks are really sharp. I like the crispness of the shirt and the ruffles on it too.
ReplyDeleteJulia: Thanks! Untucked seems to be the favorite.
ReplyDeleteAllison: Your day sounds wonderful!
Elaine: Thanks, I'm a fan of the shirt too :)
Rad: Thanks! Something about the collars of the cardigan and blouse still bugs me a little, but if you say so :)
Gracey: Woo, comfort! Sometimes that's just more important.
Laura: Thanks! The cardigan doesn't get nearly enough wear, which I should fix.
K. Bean: Yay, another vote for comfort!
Lyddie: I'll agree, going untucked is not the norm - but it felt good!
Terri: Thanks, I had to get the shirt because of the ruffles.
I agree that both look great, but the first is really striking. It's not the "polished" look necessarily as your silhouette. Your curves are lovely!
ReplyDeleteOoooooo, this is one of my favorite combos! Loveth the animal print!!!
ReplyDeleteJulia: Thanks! Untucked seems to be the favorite.
ReplyDeleteAllison: Your day sounds wonderful!
Elaine: Thanks, I'm a fan of the shirt too :)
Rad: Thanks! Something about the collars of the cardigan and blouse still bugs me a little, but if you say so :)
Gracey: Woo, comfort! Sometimes that's just more important.
Laura: Thanks! The cardigan doesn't get nearly enough wear, which I should fix.
K. Bean: Yay, another vote for comfort!
Lyddie: I'll agree, going untucked is not the norm - but it felt good!
Terri: Thanks, I had to get the shirt because of the ruffles.