Black and Blue and a Lynne Pin

Some time back, awesome, fabulous, gorgeous blogger friend Lynne sent me an awesome, fabulous, gorgeous vintage pin:

I wore it with black and blue: 

In what was, apparently, the most confusing outfit I’ve ever worn.  As I was leaving the house, my sister said “That’s a cute… thing.”  I asked her what thing she was talking about and she said my outfit.  She said she didn’t know what it was, but she liked it.  And, later in the day, I was trying to talk to my manager and he just kept staring at me until I asked him what the problem was.  He said he just didn’t understand what he was looking at.  I explained that it was three different pieces all layered together.

Specifically, I layered a turtleneck (Gap) under a cap-sleeve bow blouse (via Vintage by the Pound) and topped them both with a sleeveless wool dress (vintage Liberty House via Goodwill):

I also added leggings (Macys), a studded belt (JC Penney) and cuffed boots (Gap).  Oh, and neon pink stud earrings (Kate Spade New York via Nordstrom): 

image via Nordstrom.com

Confusing or not, this was one of my all-time favorite outfits.  I’ll be the first to admit that my attempts at layering don’t always work, but I think I frickin’ nailed this one. 

Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Speaking of Black and Brown

As many of you pointed out in the comments yesterday, one of the easiest ways to wear black and brown together is to wear leopard print.  I’m a huge fan of leopard print, believing it to be a neutral that pairs well with a variety of other neutrals as well as with color.  Like blue:

I have to admit, I am super-excited about this skirt.  I’ve been looking to thrift a leopard print skirt for ages, but they’re usually mini-skirts or pencil skirts and I needed something knee-length and full.  And then, about a month ago, I found this skirt and it’s perfect.

It has a high-waist, which I love, and, of course, the full skirt that I need to ride my bike.  It’s also a nice, lightweight cotton so I can wear it all year long.  Today I paired the skirt (Jones New York, thrifted) with a blue blouse (Old Navy (also, yes, I have this blouse in three different colors)), a studded, corset belt (v. old, JC Penney) and black, platform sandals (BP Shoes via Nordstrom Rack).   But, I can’t wait to start pairing it with tights and sweaters like my girl Ana did with her leopard print skirt yesterday.  I plan on pairing it with more black, charcoal gray and maybe some burgundy (or oxblood, if you must).  

Do you wear leopard?  If so, what is your favorite pairing?

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

Gracey