What I Wore: Simple Isn’t Easy
Shirt: c/o InStyle Essentials | Jeans: NYDJ ‘Hayden' | Shoes: Vince Camuto ‘Effel' | Necklace: Tasha | Watch: Citizen | Bangle: Rebecca Minkoff | Stretch Bracelet: Nordstrom | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Bag: ‘Molly‘ c/o Handbag Heaven
Isn't every woman supposed to have that crisp white shirt and dark pair of jeans in her wardrobe? Aren't they supposed to be simple, versatile pieces you can throw on in a pinch? Yeah right, how many of us have actually found those things to fit and flatter not only our body but our lifestyles? Yet in the past year I have found both, and it's pretty darn exciting. InStyle Essentials sent me one of their shirts last year and while it fit… it justfit. I learned that if you're not just busty but soft and curvy, it's good to go up a size to make it truly work. This year they sent me another one in the size up and I have been wearing the heck out of it. And as for the jeans, I adore the Hayden style from NYDJ. The petite is too short, the regular too long, so when I saw the Resin color on clearance and Neiman Marcus for $40 each (see don't judge a department store by its reputation, deals can be found everywhere!), I bought two pairs of regulars and took them to the tailor to be shortened. Having these “simple” wardrobe pieces hasn't been simple, but very much worth it!
As an aside, this necklace is more awesome than it looks. You may recall I mentioned it was a good buy at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and how I wanted to buy it but was “good” and saved my money. Well a reader I have been emailing with for a while contacted me asking my opinion on some pieces she was considering for the sale including this necklace and she went and bought it for me as a thank you/get well soon gift! Not only is the necklace such an incredibly sweet gesture, but her card with it brought me to tears.
I wrote you a number of years ago because you revolutionized getting dressed for me. You made it expressive and showed me that a curvy woman could be fashionable and classy. I love getting it together to go out, no matter what size I am. Especially having lived in Europe for 9 years, everyone is always dressed up upon stepping out the door. Thanks for helping me give up the sweats and inspiring me on the daily.
Well S, thank YOU for inspiring me to keep blogging and loving it! This necklace, and your whole letter will be items I will treasure. I feel blessed to have connected with you, and with all of you who read Wardrobe Oxygen on a regular basis. THANK YOU!
P.S. I almost called this post I'm My Sister's Sister because I couldn't believe I had a picture with one eyebrow up. I didn't think I could do it, but I did and I look JUST like my sister in that photo!
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You look great – crisp and fresh but with a few interesting details (like that lovely coloured bag). Details (like the right hem length) make all the difference, don’t they?
My all time favorite outfit… a crisp white shirt with jeans! Love the way it showcases a great purse or scarf or jewelry!
That necklace is phenom. I always think the jeans/white blouse outfit is a bit ho hum, but this necklace makes it a LOOK. Love! You look fantastic.
I love that look, but my crisp white shirts are looking more like, well, limp dirty white…so I don’t wear it much right now. I checked out the InStyle Essentials and from the looks of it only go up to 40 in band size and I’m a 40DD. Do you think going up in cup size will be enough to accommodate my plump middle? (it doesn’t stick out my than my boobs tho, ha!)
I went up in cup not band so it should work!
I would love to know where you got the purse from…
Thank you in advance
The bag is from handbagheaven.com the style is called Molly
You look fabulous! The simplicity of the pieces are perfect with your accessories. Pulling my wardrobe together so I can look and feel confident will be worth all the effort of climbing out of my comfortable rut. I am going to print your last photo and post it for inspiration: both for the outfit and the attitude. Thanks for inspiring me Allie!
and your necklace is almost identical to my Mr. T necklace 🙂
How crazy that the only comment that got moderated as spam today is the one from my SISTER! And yes, I did notice the resemblence 🙂
Good look! This is a totally acceptable casual-day look that would still pass professional muster in my office,although I’d still need a sweater because the A/C is full-blast.
You’re fortunate that you’re evenly proportioned. If I go up a size to fit in the hips then the bust is way too big.
Great post! This is how I try to dress all the time as I am a bit curvy, quite short, and I think my boobs are trying to take over my body! However, I think you have got it just right, as you know the simpler the outfit, the harder it is to hide! Well done.
Oh Allie.
I have been reading you for years- (since the Dilly days!) and as a fellow curvy girl, you have so inspired me.
Your the blog I turn to when I’m feeling down. Your candor and honesty about all is so amazing. YOUR REAL! YOUR RAW! and you are fabulous.
Knowing that 2014 so far has not exactly been your year- (nor has it mine), here is to making it one we look back on and say..OH HELL YEAH!
Love and stars
Lisa
OH HELLLLLLLZZZZZ YEAHHHH Lisa! We will OWN 2014 and turn it around and make it OURS! <3
You look amazing! That’s the look I often strive to achieve and you are right that it’s not so simple. I think I have the jeans (bought some at Talbot on clearance a few days ago so good deals can be found) and now I just need a crisp white shirt. That is the hard part for me. I always end up with one I have to tug on or it gets all wrinkly and I look disheveled. I will check out the link for that shirt. Thanks!