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Her Waise Choice

A Vancouver Personal Style Blog by Jen Tam

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Updated Prep

May 9, 2011


{Photos by Fotowok}

The moment I saw it in stores, I had my heart set on wearing this bright patterned skirt with a navy and white striped nautical jersey tee. I thought the pattern and colour mixing was too ideal to ignore and that it was the best possible pairing for it. When I reached for it a few days later though, I was forced to improvise because I wasn’t able to find what I wanted among the sea of clothes that were scattered all over my room from moving back from school. The result? I’ve concluded that I actually like this combination more! It isn’t always so (I’ve experienced far too much stress from trying to throw together the “perfect” outfit last minute), but sometimes the styling process just works out so much better when it is done freely and without planning. And in spite of the cheesiness: when that happens, it’s like magic. How do you get dressed? Are you a planner or an improviser?

P.S. Have you checked out my giveaway collaboration with Club Monaco? Enter here!

Wearing: Joe Fresh skirt, Dynamite blouse (got this nearly 10 years ago for band concerts when I played the flute in school… haha), vintage belt and earrings, Zara shoes, sash from a random dress

outfits 64 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sweet Harvest Moon says

    May 9, 2011 at 10:46 am

    Beautiful outfit!

    http://sweetharvestmoon.blogspot.com

    Reply
  2. Rosalinda Tjioe says

    May 9, 2011 at 11:17 am

    Great outfit! Love your skirt! <3 You look stunning as usual (:

    xx
    http://rosalindatj.blogspot.com

    Reply
  3. FashionableAsians says

    May 9, 2011 at 12:09 pm

    Love the print on your skirt! I have a blk bow like that I once wore it to work and I think the pervs started imagining me as a catholic school girl cause the next day they asked me what happened to my schoolgirl outfit @_@ Never wearing this look to work ever again lol

    Reply
  4. Carly says

    May 9, 2011 at 12:20 pm

    Beautiful as always…Love how you tied the sash of another dress…very inspiring my dear. And that skirt is SO fun.

    The light streak through that first photo is UNBELIEVABLE…great shots.
    C

    Reply
  5. A Fine Balance says

    May 9, 2011 at 12:30 pm

    WOW! I love the joe fresh skirt…curious though did you have to get it altered…I find their sizes a bit generous.

    xoxo

    Reply
  6. Ms Bubu says

    May 9, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    Love love love it! I will keep the picture in my “inspiration file! Thank you!

    Reply
  7. Cee says

    May 9, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    I’ve been dying to see how you would wear this skirt ever since that little sneak peak you gave us and this look definitely does not disappoint πŸ™‚ I love the way the orange pops against every background! Your belt and earrings are fabulous, and your purse is beautiful but by far my favourite part is the bow tie- way to take something ordinary and really make it your own.
    xox,
    Cee

    Reply
  8. The Beauty In Me says

    May 9, 2011 at 1:53 pm

    Love the outfit so well put together

    http://www.stayyoungforever.blogspot.com

    Reply
  9. Melissa says

    May 9, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    Love, love, love. So much love for this outfit!!! You look gorgeous!

    I tend to both plan and throw outfits together at the last minute. It depends on my moods. πŸ™‚

    Come take a look inside A Working Mom’s Closet

    Reply
  10. Deinha Rocha says

    May 9, 2011 at 2:22 pm

    I just loveeeeeee your outfit!

    !Xo!
    http://www.sofashionist.blogspot.com

    Reply
  11. Lynzy says

    May 9, 2011 at 2:34 pm

    Look at you! So adorable! Loving this skirt and how you tied the bow to your blouse! πŸ™‚
    xo Lynzy

    Reply
  12. Kristy says

    May 9, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    All these beautiful pictures of you make me shed a tear. You look amazing!!! πŸ˜€ I love the short story behind that blouse. I could never fit into my clothes from 10 years ago (do I even still have them?!?!?!)

    I’m a planner so I like to plan my outfit the night before. I sometimes lose sleep because of it. Hahahaha!!! πŸ˜€

    http://www.monochromachic.com

    Reply
  13. Cicy says

    May 9, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    Super cute!

    Reply
  14. Asher says

    May 9, 2011 at 3:06 pm

    Very pretty! Love the skirt!

    Reply
  15. GIRL AND CLOSET says

    May 9, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    oh Jen, you are such a beauty!! And this outfit is fab-u-lous, of course! Loving the pop of pattern, it’s absolutely stunning against the black and white palette -total outfit crush. As for my outfits? I’m a planner, but sometimes that goes out the window. xx veronika

    Reply
  16. Nikki says

    May 9, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    I love this look. you look absolutely stunning! I am kind off an outfit planner. I am a stressy person and need my outfits picked out the day before ^^ x

    Reply
  17. belle says

    May 9, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    Beautiful! you look so pretty and the photos are amazing. loving the skirt as well…

    as for me, I think most of my favorite outfits were improvised. but that doesn’t stop me from planning in my head.

    Reply
  18. FASHION ICE says

    May 9, 2011 at 5:34 pm

    lovely styled look! love love LOVE that bag

    Reply
  19. alison*elle says

    May 9, 2011 at 5:49 pm

    I love how you styled the Joe Fresh skirt – I was considering getting the dress version in stores but wasn’t sure where I’d wear it. That bow-tie looks great with the blouse!

    xo, alison*elle

    Reply
  20. Erika of Style Activist says

    May 9, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    Oh I love this mix up with the feminine skirt and the school girl top. Love how you styled this! You are so pretty πŸ™‚

    Xo,
    Erika

    Reply
  21. kimpesch says

    May 9, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    This pattern and color on your are so fun and fresh! You are so girly and adorable!!!! Love this look πŸ™‚ xo, Kim http://www.eatsleepwear.com

    Reply
  22. lisa says

    May 9, 2011 at 7:22 pm

    Gorgeous outfit! I like how you improvised something completely different from your original vision and it still ended looking great. And using a sash to turn your shirt into a preppy tie-neck blouse–so clever!

    Reply
  23. Style Worthwhile says

    May 9, 2011 at 7:35 pm

    Loove that second last photo. I definitely attempt to plan my outfits as much as possible but I have came up with some of the best outfits just by improvising!

    <3 Jacquelyn
    http://www.styleworthwhile.blogspot.com

    Reply
  24. thereafterish says

    May 9, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    All about the weather. I wish my wardrobe were more versatile so as to allow me to be more of a planner AND improviser…

    But right now my style has changed beyond my closet, and my ability to change my closet to match that new “mental” wardrobe style.

    Le sigh.

    The pussy bow is a gorgeous touch to that great skirt.

    xx{ish.},
    Mae Lu @ thereafterish.!

    Reply
  25. Cara says

    May 9, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    Amazing skirt, what a great find!
    xo Cara
    http://www.afashionloveaffair.com/

    Reply
  26. eloiselabetise says

    May 9, 2011 at 8:16 pm

    Gorgeous outfit! Your shoes and your top are amazing! xxx

    eloisedephotography.blogspot.com

    Reply
  27. Kate says

    May 9, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    I love so many things about this, Jen! First, obviously, is the skirt! SO cute! They only have the dress version in our stores, but the skirt is completely adorable! Also lovelovelove your earrings! So pretty! What I love most, though, is that you’re sporting a ten year old blouse from Dynamite purchased for high school band! Amazing & adorable! And it still looks fantastic on you!! xoxo.

    Reply
  28. yvonne β™₯ says

    May 9, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    I love the orange patterned skirt! I know they opened a Joe Fresh on Granville and I have yet to shop there. Definitely want to make a trip there now. Thanks for the gorgeous pics.

    Yvonne

    Reply
  29. www {dot} danielleceleste {dot} me says

    May 9, 2011 at 10:13 pm

    Great outfit! Love the nude envelope clutch.

    Reply
  30. Melissa says

    May 9, 2011 at 10:41 pm

    Yah, so I officially hate you. How do you look so amazing all the time? can you please post a picture where you are in grubby sweat pants? PLEASE!!!!?? πŸ˜‰

    No I don’t hate you, you’re lovely. So is this outfit. That skirt is gorgeous and I love your shoes. I have also been loving using sash’s as ties lately. So pretty! I plan on trying it myself when i’m not in sweat pants πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  31. Emma at Daily Clothes Fix says

    May 9, 2011 at 10:43 pm

    I love the giant bow and the print of your skirt. And I am definitely a planner.

    Reply
  32. Jenmarie says

    May 9, 2011 at 11:16 pm

    You have one of the most beautiful faces and an angelic presence about you! I love what you did with this outfit!

    http://www.stylethroughhereyes.com

    Reply
  33. Liana says

    May 10, 2011 at 12:39 am

    i love how this turned out, the skirt and giant bow are awesome! for me it depends, sometimes i plan an outfit but most of the time i base it off my mood and how im feeling, or what my plans are for the day πŸ™‚

    Fashion Bag 411

    Reply
  34. Jess β™‘ says

    May 10, 2011 at 1:05 am

    I SAW THAT SKIRT. The size 2 didn’t fit me though.. and the size 0 wasn’t in stock πŸ™ Heartbreaking. I absolutely adore how you style everything, I NEED TO LEARN YOUR WAYS. Ex-flutists, UNITE? I think so. πŸ™‚

    P.S.- I’m checking out the flats as we speak. Yay for tiny feet!

    Reply
  35. Casee Marie says

    May 10, 2011 at 1:17 am

    I love those shoes! And the skirt looks adorable paired this way. I don’t do much planning in my day-to-day outfits. Although I recently styles outfits on some of my decorative mannequins for a blog project and I actually came up with some new ideas through it. I might have to use them again in the future!

    Reply
  36. Aney says

    May 10, 2011 at 1:44 am

    This look gorgeous and definitely a great combo Jen! I’m glad you chose this over mixing prints. This looks like the perfect school/work outfit with a twist of playfulness!

    I should probably sneak into my nearby SuperStore to take a look at the Joe Fresh collection! They seem to have spectacular pieces.

    Reply
  37. Elaine A (TOBeautyReviews) says

    May 10, 2011 at 1:45 am

    Jen you look fantastic! But….did you alter that skirt?? I tried it on and it was HUGE and I know you’re smaller than me!!!

    Reply
  38. offbyheartstyle says

    May 10, 2011 at 2:00 am

    Wow..I had to step out of lurking to say you look fantastic! You always do but this outfit stunning. The skirt and sash are my favourite parts…I adore the use of the sash as a tie.

    Reply
  39. Angie says

    May 10, 2011 at 2:24 am

    you look so cute and happy! i like the schoolgirl prep refined version you have going on πŸ™‚ the walking photo is my fave!

    pandaphilia

    Reply
  40. Lisa-Bisa says

    May 10, 2011 at 2:38 am

    very cute luv it!

    http://www.physicacanvas.com

    Reply
  41. Stylepint says

    May 10, 2011 at 4:51 am

    This is a wonderful outfit! It’s a great mix of tailored elements and feminine touches! =)

    Reply
  42. Alexandra says

    May 10, 2011 at 7:09 am

    So weird, I was just in Joe Fresh on Saturday and saw this skirt there and fell in love with it! I love how you styled it here, it suits you so beautifully and I’m glad you kept everything else simple around it. These pics are stunning as usual.

    Alexandra xo

    http://tovogueorbust.com/

    Reply
  43. Carolyn says

    May 10, 2011 at 9:56 am

    your smile is so cute! love the bright skirt matched with simple basics. and i’m a total improviser when it comes to dressing.. which is probably why i’m always running late in the mornings eeeeks!

    Reply
  44. AMINTA says

    May 10, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    So preppy & girly!! πŸ˜€ Love your skirt dear….

    Im following
    http://www.amintasfashion.blogspot.com

    Reply
  45. Shelby says

    May 10, 2011 at 11:57 pm

    the pattern on that skirt is incredibly beautiful, and i really love how you styled it here! love the updated chic preppy look. your clutch is amazing <3shelby

    http://www.makemesparkly.blogspot.com

    Reply
  46. Jessica says

    May 11, 2011 at 3:01 am

    You always look so great! I can’t stop admiring your classic, yet fresh style!

    Reply
  47. C. says

    May 11, 2011 at 7:24 am

    Love what you did with the Joe Fresh skirt. Looks amazing with a clean white blouse and some simple accessories. Great look on you!

    Reply
  48. MizzJ says

    May 11, 2011 at 7:30 am

    Wow you amaze me with your styling abilities!! You look stunning here! I cannot believe that skirt is Joe Fresh. Whenever I go there, everything looks so frumpy.

    Reply
  49. k come karolina says

    May 11, 2011 at 11:11 am

    omg!!! you look trully stunning!

    xoxo from rome
    K.
    http://kcomekarolina.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  50. Kara says

    May 11, 2011 at 9:16 pm

    You look gorgeous as always, Jen!! Love the Joe skirt!! πŸ™‚

    xo

    Reply
  51. Lexy @ Quirky Explosion says

    May 12, 2011 at 2:28 am

    Just stumbled on your blog! Um AH IT’S GORGEOUS. I love it. It’s so fresh and open and INSTANT HAPPINESS.

    And gahhhh. I’m suuuuuch a sucker for PRINTS. So YES, of course I love yours! It’s a beauty.

    QUIRKYEXPLOSION.blogspot.com

    Reply
  52. Shelby says

    May 12, 2011 at 2:54 am

    hi jen! i’m so glad you found my blog… i love yours (and kate’s!) very much. can’t wait to see your next look <3shelby

    http://www.makemesparkly.blogspot.com

    Reply
  53. Lisa says

    May 12, 2011 at 8:23 am

    Jen I adore these photos of you!! You look very Tory burch meets the Hamptons chic..hehe.. In love these photos they’ve got a very soft romantic feel about them.

    Reply
  54. the nyanzi report says

    May 12, 2011 at 3:43 pm

    absolutely beautiful and gorgeous!

    Reply
  55. Sick by Trend says

    May 12, 2011 at 6:05 pm

    what a beautiful skirt! lovely color and cool belt! I’m following!

    Look my blog and if you like it, follow me!

    http://www.sickbytrend.com

    xx

    sBt

    Reply
  56. Ana says

    May 12, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    This outfit is lovely! I really like the brightly-patterned skirt, and I love how you tied the sash around your neck – it’s a great idea to spice up my button-downs and I’m definitely going to try it out soon.
    As for putting together outfits, I don’t really like to plan because most of the time what I had in mind doesn’t work out – either because of weather that I wasn’t expecting or simply because the pieces don’t work together – and I find that I get much more frustrated in that situation than if I just go with whatever I feel like wearing on the spot.

    Reply
  57. brokenproject says

    May 14, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    I can’t believe this is a Joe Fresh skirt! Is beautiful, I’ll would never guess!

    Reply
  58. The Fashion Writress says

    May 14, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    Your skirt is amazing! <3 love it and the combination is awesome!

    Cute blog, I follow!
    xx

    Reply
  59. Robyn says

    May 14, 2011 at 9:59 pm

    I am a poor planner, so I usually end up improvising. Love the skirt, and the fact that you too have a sea of clothes strewn about your room.

    Reply
  60. Lynn {hearted girl} says

    May 14, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    this improvised look is a winner Jen! good for you on going with your intuition and creating a fierce look, although not what you’d originally intended i can see why you felt great with this (waise) choice. it’s wonderful and seeing you strolling along makes me smile. holy moly, you keep your clothing in fab condition, 10 years old you say?! and for band class non-the-less. i am impressed, the added bits of gold really stand out.

    i’m a devout planner and have tried the improvised tip but it always ends with tears of frustration. since this has happened more times than i care to count i developed a go-to “little black book” filled with outfits i’ve previously worn and always felt swell in. that way, when i’m in a pms mood or full of the blues i can go to that and rely on it to help me in a pinch. the boyf thinks i’m totally ocd for having this but it seriously helps! happy weekend to you. β™₯

    Reply
  61. katou says

    May 15, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    I love the prints on that skirt and you styled it to perfection really love the overall look πŸ˜‰
    http://insidekatouscloset.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  62. Becky says

    May 16, 2011 at 12:20 am

    I really love the skirt! I didn’t know Joe Fresh carried such cute things. I will have to go check it out!

    Reply
  63. Rebecca Jane says

    May 18, 2011 at 3:20 pm

    I love that skirt! I have been wanting to get it in blue.

    Reply
  64. Chris (tinytines.com) says

    May 20, 2011 at 12:47 am

    OHHH SNAAPPPP!!! The bow is MAD HOT. The black and white are so sophisticated.

    Reply

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My name is Jen, and I'm a Vancouver-based life and style content creator. This is simple space for documenting my making the most of my closet and I hope it may inspire you to do the same.

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