Aaron and I have been taking care of grown up business this week (Forms + documents! Legal jargon! Charts + graphs!) so I’ve been trying to look all kinds of polished + put together.
Fastest way to look polished?
Put a blazer on it!
I especially love this blazer because it’s unstructured. It took me a while to understand how night-and-day-different a structured blazer is from an unstructured blazer. They’re made for two different lifestyles. This relaxed blazer fits my more casual lifestyle perfectly.
I’ve never had good history with blazers, but now in this my 28th year on planet earth, I’m finally feelin’ it. I love that about style. The things you thought you’d never wear end up surprising you.
I swore I’d never wear skinny jeans in 2005. But then in 2006, I magically changed my mind and have been wearing them ever since.
Curious what’ll surprise me next.
Top: Topshop
Skirt: Aritzia
Blazer: Aritzia
Bag: Nordstrom
Bracelets: Moulton
Rings: Moulton
Shoes: Madewell — in a different, but awesome color!
I love your shoes! Where are they from?
There’s a link to the shoes in her summer capsule. Check it out on the right hand side links :)
Hi Erika!
I must have forgotten to link to the shoes! Oops! :) I’ve updated the post now with a link to the shoes.
xo
Caroline
I totally feel you with the skinny jeans and blazer sentiment. I was afraid of skinny jeans for YEARS. Question for you– are you ever planning on reversing the tote to be black? I’m interested to see how it compares! xoR
Hi Rona!
At some point I’m sure I will, but for now I’m SO loving the cognac color — I’m stuck on it! :)
xo
Caroline
Love this outfit so much. Especially with the brown purse. :)
I love this look, perfectly put together and casual at the same time. Well done!
http://www.lonestarlauren.wordpress.com
Good point on the structured vs. unstructured. I have a blazer from Zara that’s almost as soft as a sweatshirt, you’ve inspired me to try to pull it out and wear it more often!
It’s funny that you say that about skinny jeans cause I felt the same way! I was convinced they were a passing trend and I would never get into them. Guess what? I live in skinny jeans now! Funny how things work out.
– Kelsey
http://kelseydefined.wordpress.com/
I have been on a quest to find a good blazer. It is a challenge because I am only 5’2″ and I have breasts (which just make blazers awkward). I don’t know your height, so I am wondering if this blazer would work on a shorter person. If not, any suggestions from anyone are welcome! I would like to be able to wear it with jeans. Thanks!
Hi Lynn! I am 5’4″ and I have above average sized breasts. I have been wearing Aritzia blazers for years because they are the only ones that fit! The Kent fits me well even though it is long because it is unstructured, and their “schoolboy” style blazer (not sure of the name) also fits me well, but be sure to find the shorter version :)
Ohhhh, interesting. I also have a weird relationship with blazers. I was given (hand me down) a beautiful James Perse blazer but it’s so structured that it feels like it doesn’t fit with my lifestyle at all (sahm to two girls). I included an old cotton blazer in my capsule – it’s just cheapo from Target – but I’ve had it for a few years and never worn it. I’m going to give it a try this season. I thought the cotton/sweatshirt material would make it feel more casual but now I’m tempted to agree that it has more to do with the shape than the material. And I’ve also never been a skirt girl but am LOVING that skirt on you. So basically, what I’m saying, is your blog is making me want to SHOP! ;)
Other tip for quick polishing: tuck your shirt in. Works like a charm.
You’re looking gorgeous with this cool outfit :) BTW, I bought a blazer in red from here http://www.trend-labs.com/i/B00MNGOB7W few days ago. My intention was to gift it to my sister on her birthday but I fall in love with this Womens Metal Zip Skinny Jackets long Sleeve Blazer Suit Coat and kept it for myself ;)
I love your skirt! x
Sophia // sophiebysophia.blogspot.com
Blazers are the best. They take me from “I’m wearing a t-shirt work” to “I’m wearing a f’in blazer!” I played that game this morning.
A black unstructured blazer has been on my wish list for a while. Does it fit TTS? I am 5’4 110 pounds and debating between the 0 and the 2.
Your blog has been such a source of inspiration for me. I think I am almost ready to take the capsule wardrobe plunge! Thanks you!
I just found your blog today via The Small Things Blog – I am just loving everything on here. It’s really inspiring. My biggest challenge with my wardrobe is my teeny tiny budget, and I end up doing a lot of thrifting. Which is great on one level, but on the other hand it means I often end up with a bunch of random “in the moment” purchases rather than classic, well-tailored basics. And then of course I feel like I never have anything to wear because nothing is cohesive! Bah. Anyways, I’m going to try building my own capsule and see how it goes!
My blazer is too structured. Every time I put it on, I feel TOO polished. And that’s probably why!
– Christina http://www.cityloveee.blogspot.com
Unsolicited advice: be really careful cleaning that blazer! I have the same one, and I tried to do it at home (carefully, I swear!). It completely lost its shape! Lesson learned… They really mean dry clean only :(
I have the opposite thing going on. Tried an unstructured blazer as well as one of those in sweatshirt fabric, but I hate them on me. A structured & lined blazer in a woven cotton fabric for me strikes the perfect balance between casual and chic. To dress it down further you can roll up the sleeves and pair it with jeans, a tee-shirt or light sweater and sneakers! And accessorize with a scarf instead of a necklace.
Absolutely love the outfit! And it’s a 100% true that a blazer can make any outfit look a bit business like. I love just putting on a pair of good jeans, a nice top and a blazer and I’m ready to go for a day of having to dress nicely.
Love,
Svenja
I found my unicorn blazer (on sale) last month and they had only size large left (yay!), and then it arrived and the large was just too small across the shoulders. It’s ridiculous, but I almost cried. It was. so. perfect. Except for the shoulders. Can I just say how HARD it is to find a great blazer when you’re short-waisted and big-busted? Sigh. It took all my willpower not to just keep the thing, but I knew I would never be comfortable in it–hello, I have to haul around a toddler and an infant. My arms need to be able to move.
Maybe next year. Maybe winter. I don’t know….the search continues.
love the idea of a capsule wardrobe. I could definitely use some minimalism in that closet of mine. thanks so much for sharing!
love, arielle
a simple elegance
I love that skirt and the hem line!
Do you have any recommendations on where to find a similar one?
Thanks!
Every time I wear a blazer to work, my boss says “So where’s your job interview today?”. Haha! It really does instantly upgrade a look!
This is what every college student (like me) needs! :P -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
I wore a blazer today to get a manicure. I swear the lady was nicer to me b/c she thought I was rich.
Hi! I love so much you sharing your minimalist approach! This is a really cute outfit and I love that you smiled looking right at the camera! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Caroline, I’m a super fan of you and your blog, here, so I offer this comment with grace and truth. But I think your skirt is way too short. At first glance I thought you were wearing shorts. So I can’t reconcile how so much leg and so little skirt looks polished or business-like or grown up. I’m trying to accept it but I can’t, LOL. I’m sure the fact that you have such gorgeous legs is a temptation to show them off :)