At first glance you might be thinking, “Um, Debbie, what are you doing dressing all professional-like for work?” Never fear my friends, it’s not as it first appears. I called this outfit “stealth professional” on Instagram the other day because at first glance it appears that way, but upon closer inspection, maybe not. The pencil skirt is faux leather. And the plaid top is a sweatshirt. See, no need to worry. I haven’t been taken over by an alien being who is controlling my mind and forcing me to dress like a grown up with a job. Ain’t no mind control gonna make that happen. I like to have fun with my clothes and that includes my work wear. I never ever dress provocatively or in poor taste for work, but what most people consider professional is just too restrictive for me. Trust me, I can throw together a smokin’ professional look just as well as anyone (Exhibit A), but even then, I have to throw in something to make it unique and maybe a bit rebellious. If I don’t, it’s just not me. And that, in my opinion, is what personal style is all about. It tells the world a little something about who you are without speaking a word.
My lovely friend Alice at Happiness At Midlife posted a link to this outrageously cool faux leather pencil skirt from Ann Taylor on her Facebook page and the rest is history. I scored it for under $35 and I’ve gotta say, it’s pretty great. It looks and feels like the real deal, and it’s so comfortable. The skirt I originally ordered was too large and the return process was super easy and quick. I’m so happy I found it…thanks Alice! I haven’t given the plaid sweatshirt a spin for awhile so I decided it was time. I layered the red chiffon blouse underneath for the visual interest it provided and since I just wasn’t feeling boots that day I went with the black pumps. No, I wasn’t running around in all of this snow and ice in pumps…my trusty Bearpaws were waiting patiently in the car.
Linking up with: Throwback Thursday, What Wives Wear, Spotlight Weekly Link Up, What I Wore To Work, A Labour Of Fashion, Fashion Item Friday, Style Elixir’s Friday Fab Favorites, Welcome To The Weekend Blog Hop, Fashionomics Friday, Favorite Fashion Friday, Fun Fashion Friday, Passion For Fashion Link Up, Fashion Friday.
Skirt: Ann Taylor; Sweatshirt: Forever 21 (Old); Pumps: Kohl’s (Old); Blouse: JCPenney (Old)
What a great score on that skirt! I love how you styled with the plaid sweatshirt and red blouse! A cute, edgy look appropriate for work!
Jill
Doused In Pink
I know, right?! Thanks Jill!
I love the black leather pencil and how you styled it with the double red on top. That plaid sweater is awesome. Great Festive look for this weekend!
Thank you Ada!
I love the combination of black and red together - this looks amazing.
#FashionFriday
Thank you so much!
I love this look on you!!
Aww…thanks Britney!
Hi Debbie,
I just had to comment today. Your blog is one that brings a smile to my face every time I go there. Your sense of
style is definitely your own and it does say a lot about your personality. I just can’t let go and be as free as you are.
But there is a bit of you lurking inside me just waiting to come out one day. Love today’s look. It is definitely one I
would wear. Keep the inspiring posts coming. I also love the fact that you put your glasses on for a picture or two most every post. Nobody much seems to wear glasses if they do fashion posts. Glasses can make a statement, too, and women (or men) who wear glasses can still be fashionable and maybe even sexy!
Have a great day, Camille
Thank you so much for your kind words Camille. I try to inspire others or at least give them something to think about. I’m glad you appreciate the effort. I do have to wear my glasses all of the time now, which I hate…but it is what it is. Sometimes I wear them in all of the shots, sometimes just a few.
Kind of a schoolgirl vibe here.
I can see why you bought that faux black pencil skirt. Very sweet.
bisous
Suzanne
Yes, it was a mighty fine deal. Hope you had a great vacaation!
Hi Debbie, love this leather look, better yet, I love your style. You keep it fresh and fun! Leather has definitely been in heavy rotation for me this winter.
Thank you Delilah! I do try and leather is one of my faves.
You look absolutely stunning! I like you in professional garb, but my heart belongs to the funkster stylista. You go with your plaid self!
“Funkster stylista”…you are the best my friend!!
Love the red, and the plaid is you! You look great Deb, and I noticed alwys surrounded by snow! When will it end where you are, here cold and grey!
from the link up,
please stop by, jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com/
Oh, we are so buried in snow here right now! Just got more yesterday and the temperatures are supposed to be below 0 for the next several days…I am so over this!!
Love the skirt and the sweatshirt! I certainly agree with the average professional look being too restrictive for a fashion fairy and a fashion fun gal! 😉
Thanks so much for linking up with FUN FASHION FRIDAY! Do you have a long weekend or a week off for President’s Day?
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
We did have President’s Day off, but it was a scheduled snow make up day and since we have missed school because of the snow we have to go now…yuck. ):
I love that this look is professional but still full of personality! I’m wearing my leather skirt on the blog today too
#Twinsies
http://www.kaciesklosetblog.com
Yay, twinies! I’ll stop by and check it out.
You look fabulous Debbie! I can’t believe that snow!! We’ve escaped it here again this year! Andrea x
Thanks Andrea! Yes, we are getting hammered with snow lately…eww.
Great necklace and I LOVE THE SKIRT. My gracious! Gradually I’m getting back to sitting with the computer. It has taken a bit more than I remembered to be active in blog-landia again. ♥
Thank you so much Renae! Take your time and feel better, love.
What a lovely skirt Debbie
looks great red and black together…
Thanks for sharing at the weekend blog hop…
I am so glad you totally scored on this faux leather skirt. I was looking for mine the other day and it’s MIA in the mess called a closet. I love this combo here!
Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Way to take a “corporate” look and make it your own, dearest Debbie!! I’ve got a faux-leather pencil skirt in my collection, too - it’s wonderfully versatile, don’t you think? - but that plaid sweatshirt of yours is making me pretty darn envious!! 😉
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.blogspot.com
love everything about this look and so funny I purchased an almost identical skirt at Forever 21. Thank you so much for linking up with me and I hope to see you tomorrow ( sorry for the delay, internet/vacation issues)
I am digging your red hair with the red in your outfit! Looks hot!
xo Mimi @ Curator of Cute