The only reason I subscribe to fashion mags is also the main reason why I love catalogues: inspiration. I have been known to fall in love with a particular item or color based upon professionals’ style guidance. Though the shot above is from a J.Crew catalogue from last year (October 2009 I believe) I’m still drawing inspiration from it today. I know many feel that their models are over-layered. But when you work in an office that vacillates between 70 degrees and 60 degrees you learn to wear layers.
From this shot I liked a few elements: the sleeves of the shirt rolled over the cardigan; the crossbody bag in a complementary color and the multiple necklaces that lay so well.
I didn’t want to copy the look exactly of course, so I subbed in my own personal variations. What I was trying to copy was the layered effect and the proportions. I don’t own any light-colored button downs right now so I replaced that with a black J.Crew blouse from last year. It worked out well — the top I used has flecks of pink in it, tying in the skirt in and other flecks of grey which worked well with my shoes.
I don’t wear light-colored tights much. Still, I couldn’t resist picking up the Dotty Clusters Tights ($16) in purple a few weeks back. The color is sold out online but I’ve seen it in stores. Now a cool grey is available which I plan to pick up as well. After throwing on three long necklaces and my Conch Shell Pencil Skirt I was ready to go. Not a direct copy of the look but a close approximation. If you see a look you like in a magazine or catalogue, don’t focus on recreating the entire look. Look for items you already own that have similar shapes in their own color story. You’ll find you own many more outfits than you thought.
In this outfit:
Sweater: J.Crew Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan ($168) in yellow
Shirt: J.Crew Floral Fan Placket button-down (similar here and here)
Skirt: Leifsdottir Conch Shell Pencil Skirt (Jacquard options here, here and here)
Tights: Dotty Clusters Tights ($16)
Shoes: Madden Girl Raazle (similar here, here and here)
Necklaces: LOFT Long Gold Chain with Pink Teardrop Beads Necklace (now $35), LOFT Topaz Bead Gold Illusion Necklace ($40) and Biloba Necklace (now $30)
Bag: Secret Keeper Mini Bag ($133 — non Anthro link!!)
