The Grey Cotton Canvas

by Jen on Thursday, August 12, 2010

Being extremely inspired by the lovely Nicole's creativity and practicality in her "One Blouse, Six Looks" post, I decided to begin a series in which I will use one inexpensive cotton/spandex pencil skirt, from Aritzia's in house brand Wilfred, and attempt to create outfits for a variety of life's occasions.

So for the next handful of posts, I will be featuring ensembles for different events using the same piece. I already have a few occasions in mind, but am willing and eager to hear your suggestions! So please do provide ideas!

Without further ado, here are the first two looks: the first being one that I would wear on a date with my boyfriend, and the second being a get up that would be suitable for an office.

Date Night



For this look I had two things in mind: flirtiness and girliness. What girl doesn't want to feel pretty on a date with her boyfriend? For me, that includes dainty details like silks and bows, and a big statement ring featuring one of the most feminine of subjects of all: a flower. I felt like the messy chignon kept it from being too serious.







--------------------------

9 to 5



Since I am working in the office for the summer, I've had to put more thought into what I wear on a day to day basis. Though my style is pretty conservative to begin with, I wanted to work on looking more professional regularly without sacrificing style. Of course I wouldn't call this interview appropriate, but I feel that a pair of large earrings, ruffle front top and bright yellow heels add enough spunk to the outfit while still allowing people to take you seriously. And I threw in a blazer for those chilly, air-conditioned offices.







What is a piece that you could and would wear with anything in your closet?

Date Night with the Boyfriend ensemble: Wilfred skirt, Jacob red silk blouse, Calvin Klein pumps, Etsy earrings, BCBGMAXAZRIA ring, black belt from another skirt in wardrobe

Office-Appropriate ensemble: Wilfred skirt, Forever 21 ruffle top and earrings, Zara blazer, Stuart Weitzman pumps

20 comments

Jacob? Ahhh - you're Canadian too yay! I'm a huge fan of those yellow shoes, I need to add more colour to my wardrobe.

I think a blazer can be very versatile. You can dress is down with a pair of jeans - throw it on top of a dress and roll up the sleeves or wear it to the office like you did.

by curls-and-pearls on August 13, 2010 at 6:37 AM. #

Love both of those outfits!! So pretty :D
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

by Closet Fashionista on August 13, 2010 at 6:52 AM. #

It is amazing that the skirt and ruffle details were in both of the outfits yet, such a huge transformation of a difference!

I have some ideas! What about an outfit for a class/club meeting? Or something casual like going out to run on errands?

My favorite piece that I always wear are tank tops. I can never get enough of them lol.

by Hanna on August 13, 2010 at 7:16 AM. #

wow...you look stunning :)

by Not a Paper Cup on August 13, 2010 at 9:58 AM. #

Love your outfits, especially the ruffled red top! It looks great for a date!

For me, jeans go with everything. =)

by stylepint on August 13, 2010 at 11:49 AM. #

I love your red silk blouse....very pretty! I think I wear my black tight knit legging pants with everything and everywhere!

by Ping on August 13, 2010 at 1:26 PM. #

lady, you look so classy in both outfits. I especially love the red & grey combo ;) Hope you're having a great summer love.

xo,
Carolina
Closet Full of Nothing

by Closet Full of Nothing on August 13, 2010 at 2:06 PM. #

i love both of these looks.. and would definitely wear both as well! haha i love versatile pieces like that skirt.
i think my friend has the longer version of the wilfred skirt, and she's worn it like a dress as well! super versatile piece :)

by projectvee on August 13, 2010 at 2:45 PM. #

(nope they weren't Jeffrey Campbell...I was thinking they might have been Madden Girl or R2 but I couldn't find it under those names either :/ )

by Closet Fashionista on August 13, 2010 at 4:26 PM. #

what a great post - shows that a simple piece is definitely a wardrobe must. i LOVE the way you're so creative with coming up with the combos!!

<33 [v] hobovogue

by v [ hobovogue ] on August 13, 2010 at 7:28 PM. #

Lovely outfits:)

http://minnja.blogspot.com/

by minnja on August 13, 2010 at 9:44 PM. #

Can't wait to see the other ensembles! The date night outfit is perfection, and I think the 2nd one would actually be really great for an interview if the company is more creative, and hip.

by MizzJ on August 14, 2010 at 12:00 AM. #

Both looks are fab, but I'm in love with the red ruffled top!! It couldn't be any more perfect!

by themaddychronicles.com on August 14, 2010 at 11:31 AM. #

You look gorgeous!
A Victoria Beckham style for day & night!!
Posh, very poshh!

ME,

ps: hope to see u in my blog!

by Maria Evans on August 14, 2010 at 2:17 PM. #

This is such a cute outfit! I love it. Love the ruffles in both outfits!

Abby

by lovedfromthestart on August 14, 2010 at 8:23 PM. #

what a great idea, jen! i love both looks. that's a hot date night look, btw!:)

TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com

by The Owl's Closet on August 15, 2010 at 1:13 AM. #

i love this idea! look forward to more :)

by Krystal on August 15, 2010 at 3:14 AM. #

Hey its my first time in your blog and I have to say your are really pretty! I love the feminine style you have on, too many bloggers are missing that so it is refreshing! And the first outfit is my fave!!! So sophisticate yet perfect on you!
Catita
http://catindreamland.blogspot.com/

by Catita on August 15, 2010 at 2:01 PM. #

You look amazing in these outfits! Love the feminine look!!!

by Really Petite on August 15, 2010 at 3:20 PM. #

Hey Jen! Aww thanks again for your comment! I think you are so gorgeous! honestly! every post you look amazing and your outfits are so inspiring. these two are no exception! the red top is beautiful and that shade really compliments you! you have amazing pieces to work with!! :)

xo

by Kara on August 15, 2010 at 5:09 PM. #

Leave your comment

Please say hello! No annoying word verification required. I try my best to reply to all comments, but if you would like a guaranteed response please e-mail me at: [email protected]