What could be better than a dress down day at work?…
THE STORY
….Um, two dress down days, of course! And not just as a one shot deal. Nope, every single week. And double bonus points because it’s for a good cause. Our school district is starting a food pantry for the 7th thru 12th graders who don’t have enough food to eat at home. On Fridays they can discreetly choose some items to take home so that they have food to eat over the weekend. It’s going to be located in the nurse’s office so that any student who takes advantage of it won’t be obvious; kids pop in and out of her office all of the time. We already have a program in place for the elementary students and now the older kids will benefit as well. The money that we pay each week for the extra dress down day will be used to keep the food pantry stocked. That’s a win-win in my book.
In any case, two dress down days per week forced me to kick my denim game up a notch. I tend to excessively very often wear boyfriend jeans. The primary reason is because I like looser fitting clothes. They just feel better. Most skinny jeans have enough stretch that they are actually pretty comfortable, but I just get all fidgety when something is right up on me like that. I know, I’ve got issues. I felt that I had to bite the bullet though, so last weekend I dug out every single pair of my skinnies and tried them on. Happy surprise, they all fit. Notice that nowhere did I mention flare jeans. Why? I just don’t like how they look on me. I think they look really good on other people, I’m just not a fan of them when I’m wearing them. Actually I think the last time I wore anything remotely resembling a flare (jeans or pants) was somewhere waayy back in the 90’s. How about you? What style of denim do you mainly rely on?
THE OUTFIT
I told you guys when I bought it that this utility vest was going to become a staple item. It’s already appeared on the blog with…um…boyfriend jeans and a dress and that’s not counting all of the times I’ve worn and not photographed it for the blog. Oh, and guess what? It’s on clearance for 30% off so you might want to grab one while the grabbin’ is good. Seriously, it is just such an easy layer to add to just about anything. The red sheer blouse was fine on it’s own over the floral print top, but the utility vest was the third piece that tied it all together. And I have to say my Vigoss skinny jeans worked so much better than boyfriend jeans would have. I added the leopard sandals to bring a bit of print mix to the party because it’s not really a party until the print mixing starts, right?
THE TIP
If your denim style is in a rut, break out of it. Try different fits, find what is flattering for your shape then mix things up every once in awhile.
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Vest: Target; Jeans: Nordstrom; Red blouse: JCPenney (Similar); Sandals: JustFab (Similar, Similar)
Yay for dress down day! Love the vest and those awesome shoes!
Tara recently posted…Colorblock Tunic & Faux Leather Leggings
Thanks Tara!
What a great idea to help the students! This is the perfect look for dress down day! I love the color combo!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Jill recently posted…September Style Budget
Isn’t it? It’s sad that the world works that way, but it is what it is…
beautiful colors! love your outfit
Irene
http://www.thedailylace.com
IRENE recently posted…September In a Snap
Thank you Irene!
What a brilliant idea - everyone wins. And I like the way they’ve done it too as the kids could feel very embarrassed otherwise.
Love the red shirt against the vest. Such a great colour on you. I’m like you, flares aren’t great on me. I stick with straight or skinny as I know they work!
Petite Silver Vixen recently posted…The Seasonal Skinny Wk 4: Teal & Taupe, Vintage Style
Must be something about flares and us short babes! The not embarrassing them part was the most important piece…otherwise they wouldn’t get the food they need to avoid having the other kids know.
Oh, I love you in skinnies! So svelte and chic! The added details just it makes this outfit all the more special.
Maricel recently posted…OOTD :: of mad layering skillz
You’re such a sweet talker Maricel…thank you!
The vivid Autumn colors in this outfit and the layering is perfect. Gorgeous floral top!
Ada recently posted…Striped Dresses Week: My Favorite Striped Dresses at the stores, Currently.
Love this outfit!!!!
Jaymie
http://www.jaymieashcraft.com
Jaymie Ashcraft recently posted…Happy Thursday!!
That’s a really lovely program that you have at your school although It always makes me crazy that kids don’t have enough to eat. How is that possible in this country?
Anyway, I really like your floral top .. red is a great color for you.
My preference for jeans is boot cut .. helps balance those pear shaped hips 😛
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…September Old Navy Hits and Misses
Enjoy your dress down days, my kids are having one tomorrow and next Friday! Yay! I LOVE though leopard strappy sandals and I so need to get a sleeveless military vest for fall layering!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom recently posted…Thursday Fashion Files Link Up #33: Pink Gingham and Firmoo Glasses
You look dressed down better than some people dressed up. LOL. Thanks for linking up
Nicole Mölders (@HighLatitudeSty) recently posted…Dancing in the rain
awwww, that seriously brought tears to my eyes. How sweet!!!
as far as denim goes, I don’t really have any that i wear ALL the time except for my culotte jeans from Anthro. I’m seriously in love with those things. I also have flares and boyfriend jeans, and skinny jeans and jeans of all colors and i JUST got done ordering some overalls. so, we’ll see ….
You look marvelous as per usual. xoxo
rachael recently posted…fall out of summer-how to make fall outfits out of summer dresses
Love this idea to help out kids that need food at home. I am drooling over those sandals!
Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Happiness at Mid Life recently posted…Throw Back Thursday Fashion Link Up: Black and White Midi