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Monday, April 7, 2014

Manic Monday: Remixed to the max








Sunnies: Vince Camuto | Earrings: Express | Necklace: Stella and Dot (worn without pendant) | Top: LOFT (option, option) | Vest: JCrew Factory | Bracelet: Express (option) | Clutch: Ralph Lauren (option) | Skirt: Express | Heels: Valentino (budget option)

Happy Monday! Hope it isn't too manic for you, and if it is, I hope that you are able to relax and enjoy everyone's company with this linkup - hosted by yours truly and the fabulous Gina over at On the Daily Express. Today I'm showing you this outfit I wore over the weekend, which may be one of my all time favorite outfits to date. I love that the stripes on stripes read as a dress vs two pieces. I've always wanted to do this, but never had the right pieces to make it work.

Another thing I love about this outfit is that it's remixed to the max. One of the things I enjoy the most about blogging is the fact that I do have photos of everything I wear, and I can see how I style the same pieces in different ways. It inspires me, and I hope it inspires you, too!

THE UTILITY VEST:

THE STRIPED TOP:

THE STRIPED SKIRT:

The striped top is the basic of basics for me. I could not live without a basic striped top like this, and I wish the LOFT still had it because it's the perfect weight to wear year round. I also have it in navy and white - wish I bought every color it came in! The utility vest is out of my comfort zone to be honest, however, I can't get enough of it! I love that this one has the draw strings that cinch the waist for a more flattering fit. I also found it's great for traveling because it instantly gives me a ton of pockets for when I'm running around the airport. And finally - I am just in LOVE with this striped skirt. I have been fighting the midi skirt trend for awhile now, and while I'm not ready to dive deep into the fuller A-line/ball midi skirts, I will wear this midi pencil skirt until it wastes away to nothing! Seriously, you need it.

I hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane! Even if you don't take pictures for a blog or Instagram or whatever - I highly suggest photo documenting what you wear. I think you will be surprised at how much it a) pushes you to dress "better" but also b) encourages you to be more creative in mixing and matching your pieces. There are so many options in your closet waiting to be discovered!


SHOP THE LOOK:
Linking up for Sunday StyleMonday Must HavesMix it Monday, Personal Style Monday, and Erin and Laura for Trend Spin Linkup.

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80 comments :

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you! This is definitely one of my absolute favorites!

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  2. I just love that dress and how you styled it with the utility vest and leopard clutch! Great look!

    EatPrayWearLove

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, lady! It's funny because I pulled this together in about 2 minutes with very little thought. Those kind of "it just came to me" outfits are the best!!

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  3. Waiiiiit a minute. I can't believe that's a top & skirt and not a DRESS. That is crazy town how well it matches up. Super cool outfit and the vest really pulls it together nicely! And yes, taking pictures is quite a helpful tool in dressing for many reasons!
    Gina
    On the Daily Express

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    Replies
    1. Haha yay for me being a fashion ninja! I've seen people do this before and I've always wanted to do it! Seriously so happy with how it came out. I think this skirt comes in a second color and I think I need it.

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  4. O.M.G!!! I LOVE everything about this outfit!! It's my favorite to date of yours too!!! Perfection!! Seriously, I really love it...ok, I'm getting creepy now...haha!!
    Kellie @ www.ie-style.com

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    Replies
    1. Hahahaha!!! Not creepy- very flattered and it also validates my feelings because it am just in love with it. I want to wear it everyday!! Thank you so much!

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  5. Wow I thought that striped number is a dress!!!! I've also tried all those looks with my military inspired vest.....& like you it's a comfort zone to me like no other!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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    Replies
    1. My style is all over the place, but I would never have thought I'd love a utility vest this much! I bought it in lieu of a green anorak jacket I'd been eyeing. So happy I've gotten so much use out of this already! Never say never, I guess!

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  6. This is perfection, Carylee. No other words needed.

    Cynthia
    http://myrosecoloredshades.com

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  7. This is a seriously fantastic mix of pieces! I love the leopard accents and gold heel. You're making me think about how to better style my own striped skirt and utility vest! Thanks for hosting. Newest follower.

    xx, Amy Ann
    The Real Arnolds

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    Replies
    1. So happy you found us over here! Thank you so much for the note! Excited to get to know you!

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  8. I love this outfit so much the print mixing is perfect.

    xo
    PinkSole

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Rachelle! I really felt good in this! Leopard naturally goes with stripes for me!

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  9. Simply GORGEOUS!
    xo,
    Monica
    glamvolution.blogspot.com

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  10. LOVE love love the way you paired these pieces! the top and skirt look like a chic dress. You look great!!
    ~Ellen
    www.everydayfancy.com

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  11. the outfit is very chic! always love reading remix posts!

    Serena
    http://sfashion903.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too! Remix posts are my favorite to read and write about!

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  12. I love this utility vest! And it looks so great with this striped dress!!

    XO,
    Lexi

    The-StreetsofGold.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Lexi! I was so happy this paired so well together!

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  13. I've got to get a utility vest! I really like all three ways you styled it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you need one! Amazing how versatile it is!!
      Hope you find one you love! Would love to see you style it!

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  14. That vest is so flattering and I love how you have worn all the pieces different ways. You are the mixmaster!

    http://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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    Replies
    1. I love that title! Thank you so much for that!!

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  15. Good on you for wearing something out of your comfort zone - it looks great. And I do love a stripey skirt!! Thanks so much for hosting!!

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  16. Absolutely loving this outfit. You put together one of my fav combos together!~ Stripes, leopard and Valentinos!! Thanks for the link up...

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    Replies
    1. :) Glad you enjoyed this! Thanks for your participation!!!

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  17. This all works so well together. I love this skirt on you. Do they have it in other colors??? If they do, you need to get it. I may need to get one.... And having pictures of outfits has helped me tremendously to learn what does and doesn't work on my body. I have definitely been a smarter shopper since starting the blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, so I just ordered the second color! :) I had $45 in awards, so for next to nothing, might as well, right? I think it will be perfect for spring/summer. It's really great - you should get one so I can pull inspiration from you!

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  18. I can definitely see why this is one of your favorite blog outfits! I am so in love with it - especially because your skirt and shirt look like a dress. Genius. You look gorgeous!

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    Replies
    1. I really think I need the other color in this skirt now! (And find a matching shirt..) hehe

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  19. I would never have guessed that it was top and skirt! They match so well I assumed it was a dress! Plus, I love the stripes with the vest!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for validating my love for this outfit!! Appreciate your support!

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  20. i thought this was one dress! when i saw your post on instagram today, i couldn't wait to get to your blog to see where you purchased it so i can order because i've been looking for a dress like this! great styling! :)


    Rhea, Et Cetera - spring in the office

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    Replies
    1. Sorry to fool you! But at least you know there are options if you can't find the perfect dress version!
      Thank you so much!

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  21. You fooled me with the striped skirt & top looking like a dress. I forever love B+W Stripes. I have a B+W Striped Dress Outfit coming to the blog in a couple of days. I want to copy your look with my Midi B+W Striped Dress. =)

    Gorgeous Girl (as usual).

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    Replies
    1. Very nice, Ada - thank you for this comment. Would love to see your recreation in a similar look!

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  22. Wow beautiful look on you. Love the way you styled your look.

    Sofia

    stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com

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  23. I thought this was a dress not two pieces! Cute look and love the shoes. :-)

    Mo

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! The profile of these shoes makes them special!

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  24. Stunning! This is one of your bests definitely!

    Mrs Jack Of All Trades
    www.mjoat.com

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    Replies
    1. Glad you agree with me! I seriously would wear this every day!

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  25. It's great idea to matching striped tee/ blouse with striped skirt! And I adore your clutch bag, it's amazing :)

    Have an amazing Monday!
    http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. I had so much trouble finding the perfect leopard clutch! This met all my criteria - I just love it!

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  26. Ok, you had me fooled - I totally thought that was a dress!! I'm just in awe of how flawlessly those two pieces match together. And the fact that you added that amazing vest to camoflauge the whole thing?! Genius. Not only do I adore your stripey dress outfit, but the other remixes are inspiring the heck out of me as well (especially the ones with the vest). This post is so perfect!
    Happy Monday ^_^
    xo
    Kym
    bitty.and.bunny

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww - this means so much - thank you very much! It makes me so happy to hear! I cannot get enough of this vest! I'm actually really surprised how much I love it!

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  27. Three of my favorites! I'm a huge, huge, HUGE fan of stripes mixed with leopard and this dress is perfect! Love how you paired it with an army vest! A girl after my own style! Cute as always, Carylee

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    Replies
    1. This makes me smile - thank you!!! And yes, so many of my favorite things tied into one look!

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  28. I adore your clutch :D

    WWW.PUTRIVALENTINALIM.BLOGSPOT.COM

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    Replies
    1. It really is great! It also has a small strap so you can wear on your shoulder, too! It's so versatile!

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  29. this outfit is EVERYTHING!! such a great way to put all those pieces together!! i like seriouslyyyyy love it!! Happy monday girl!

    xo's

    -teeney

    www.christeeney.com

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  30. I love this outfit, especially those shoes and that bracelet!! I hope your week is off to a great start!

    Nicole
    www.nicoletothenines.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Nicole! So far so good! Hope yours is great also!

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  31. I'm obsessed with the stripes and that vest on you! Great picks for the print mixing especially the striped skirt and striped top combo!

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  32. I really like that vest!!! Love the whole outfit, and you look beautiful as always!

    http://www.kreyolasjourneys.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You need one if you don't have one already! :)
      And thank you so much!!

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  33. I love the vest paired with a striped dress! It looks great together! The leopard clutch is a fun addition too :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I read that as fun "addiction" which is also applicable! :)
      Thank you!

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  34. Carylee, I am going to have to mug you - I love every single piece you're wearing! I've just linked up something that took me out of my comfort zone too, it's good to go there sometimes, right? Thanks so much for hosting, #AllAboutYou live tomorrow, hope to see you there again! xxx Mama-andmore.com

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    1. Hahaha! Tell you what, you can have dibs in my will on all these pieces!

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  35. I was just about to say "such a cute dress!," but then you fooled me! Super cute! I'm wearing a maxi skirt for the first time tomorrow-wish me luck! :)

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    Replies
    1. Oh, I will have to check it out!! I'm sure you will rock it!

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  36. I love this outfit!! I just got a utility vest last week and have been having a lot of fun styling it. I'll be sharing a post in about a week where I paired mine with stripes as well. It's such a versatile and fun addition to the ol' wardrobe!

    xo Jackie
    Something About That

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    Replies
    1. Awesome - I can't wait to see it! Love seeing how other people style similar pieces!

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  37. Gahh you look so fantastic! I really love how you remixed all of those patterns, textures, shapes, etc. Also, I really like the photos showing the old ways how you wore each piece--that is really neat! Lovely post! xx

    <(`) Hoda || JooJoo Azad ~ Free Bird

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so so much for this sweet note! I had so much fun with this outfit, I'm really glad you enjoyed it and the remix photos!

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  38. You are making me brave about trying out a midi skirt since you're a shortie like me. Love the looks!

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    Replies
    1. DO IT! I really just can't find my perfect A-line midi that works on me, but this pencil is fab and I know you could rock this easily! Also- I fold this one over at the waist a couple times to help with the length.

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  39. You SLAYED this. Work it, babe! Love the stripes + utility jacket.

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

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  40. It's an amazing mix of separates! I would not have imagined pairing a stripes top with a stripes skirt!
    Thanks for such a great inspiration!

    Cheers,
    Everest
    www.everestsays.com

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    Replies
    1. Yay - glad you found this helpful! Thank you so much!!

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