A Bolder Statement

Hi all! Thanks for stopping by, once again.

Much like my last post, this is a fairly basic outfit. But I’m learning that by adding certain details, basic outfits will becomes a bolder statement.

For example. if this outfit had all the same elements but it was the plain gray tee you see below.  The outfit would be…incomplete. (I tried it like this before) Not great.

But then! When I changed the Gray Tee to a Bright Colored Stripe, the outfit instantly had character. It had…a bolder statement.

This kind of change might be a no-brainer for some people, but this was “news to me”!

I could see the difference immediately but I don’t think I would have thought the stripes in the bright color would make so much of a difference.

I think the biggest part of this “bolder statement” for me, is that it looks effortless.  Whenever I am wearing a so-called fashionable outfit, I fear that it, “looks like I am trying too hard”. But this outfit… is CUTE, while still being easy and effortless.

            

And to continue my experiment of things I can add to enhance this the bolder statement while maintaining the effortless look, I experimented with some accessories…

My new Madewell Small Transport Bag has been my go-to since I received it for my birthday. LOVE the color, size, and functionality.

   

Another go-to, are these Goose Organic Sunglasses my husband got me from a local company in the Santa Cruz Area.  Highly recommend!

And finally, I just received this adorable, green Adidas hat in my latest Trunk Club. I hadn’t asked my stylist for a hat. But, she sent it, I loved it, I needed a hat, and there ya go. 🙂  so cute and versatile. What do you guys think?

       

 

Items pictured:

Gray Tee

Madewell City tee in Walcott Stripe: SOLD OUT, similar here and here

Madewell 9″ high-rise skinny jeans in lunar

Converse Chuck Taylor® Low Top Sneaker

Brown Belt – similar

Adidas Originals Relaxed Strap-Back Cap

Madewell – the small transport crossbody

Goose Organic Bamboo Sunglasses

Plain Grey T-Shirt

 

Greetings!

Thanks for stopping by again. Today I was inspired to do an outfit post because of an outfit discussion/disagreement my hubs and I had the other day.

 

Basically…..I just bought this BASIC, grey, crew-neck tee.

 

The first 2 times I planned to wear it, I wore it as you see below….

     

I asked my husband, how do you like it?!?  And he responded that, It’s fine, but its just so plain. If I wasn’t wearing the earrings and belt (that are barely noticeable), it could just be a “doing the laundry” – “cleaning the house” kind of outfit…

He said this “shirt” needs something to wear with it; a jacket, a scarf, a cardigan, or something to make it work. Otherwise, it’s one step up from wearing sweatpants. I was stumped. I was honestly standing & staring in the mirror, thinking this outfit was super cute; plain & simple but CUTE.

BUT HIS WORDS GOT STUCK IN MY HEAD…..

 

So, I took his advice and gave this COMBINATION a try this morning….

    

     

BIG DIFFERENCE!

Still simple. Still utilizing a basic tee for a basic outfit. But the hubs was right… This tee needed something. And I had the opportunity to learn something.

I’ve had this scarf since we were still a dating couple. Picked out by, HIM, of course. I often forget about it because I can’t think of an outfit to pair it with. Now I see, it;’s because I don’t have enough basics in my wardrobe to wear it with.  And when I do wear my few basics, it doesn’t even cross my mind to make them “non-basic” by adding a statement piece. So many lessons from this simple outfit. 🙂

PS: This tee is under $15 at J.Crew and comes in 12 colors!

Then to complete the outfit a little more, I added a couple more basic accessories.

    

Twill Field Jacket

Small Leather Transport Bag

And these amazing (yet blurry) earrings from a matching Necklace and Earring set that I received for my birthday.

… from Guess Who?!?

Thanks for Reading! See below for links to everything I am wearing today.

 

J.Crew Tee, Jeans, Scarf: Old but similar here, here & here, Sneakers, Jacket: also similar here, Leather Transport Bag, Necklace & Earrings: Local/Handmade jewelry found here.

 

 

Fall Haul – Last Day and Wrap-Up!

Well guys, here we are on the last Day of my Fall Haul. Thanks for letting me SPAM your social media this week. I may have learned it was a little overkill, but it was fun too. 🙂

Today for the Wrap-Up I have two final pieces from Madewell. Today, I have styled each piece, a sweater and a turtleneck with the same outfit and accessories. I think I have already decided which top is a KEEPER but I will share each look just the same.

Who knows, maybe both pieces are KEEPERS!

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First Top: Whisper Cotton Turtleneck in Forest Moss

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Second Top: Crossback Sweater in Highland Green

It’s true! I got another Cross-back in another color. This sweater is too perfect!

And that is all she wrote! Everything else I am wearing is linked below.

Honestly, I realized most of these items from the Haul are KEEPERS give or take a few. So instead of doing a wrap-up of each item again, just stay tuned on the blog for more outfits and styling of these pieces mixed with the rest of my wardrobe.

province cross-back pullover sweater

Whisper cotton turtleneck

Topshop Moto Leigh Ripped Skinny Jeans

Steve Madden Troopa Lace-up Boot

Lunette Geometric Necklace

Lipstick:

Nyx Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick

Color: Cherry Skies

Thanks again for following this series! Stay tuned for more.

Fall Haul – Day 6 “Accessorize”

Hi all, It’s Day 6. Only 2 posts left and I still need help deciding on which pieces in this Haul are the Keepers. Leave me a comment here or on social media with your votes.

Please click here to read the introduction to this series.

For Friday the key piece is this , “oh-so-soft” denim shirt. You guys, this shirt is sooo soft!

The fun for today, is in the accessories.  I have two looks to show you that are exactly the same EXCEPT for, the necklace and the earrings. And I would love to hear from you all, which look you prefer!? I think you’ll agree, that the two small changes of jewelry makes a big difference in the statement of each look.

 

FIRST LOOK:

Worn with: adjustable golden necklace and handmade gold hoop earrings

This shirt, I am nearly POSITIVE that it is a keeper. The necklace is the same adjustable one that I wore on Day 1. It was adjusted to a longer length to wear with the crossback sweater. Here the necklace is nearly at it’s shortest. The jeans are the same 9″ high-rise from Madewell.  The Dorsay Pumps were another fabulous gift from my husband.

And the earrings are the matching set my husband bought me that go with the Necklace pictured on Day 5, worn with the bodysuit.

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SECOND LOOK:

Worn with: Black suede wrap choker & black triangle studs

I love how simple these jewelry pieces make it to change the look of a simple outfit.  The choker was another gift from my husband. And the stud earrings are from Stella & Dot.  (sorry they are hard to see!)

My wonderful Erika is a rep for their jewelry and it is incredible and versatile.  Her page you can shop at, is linked below.

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So, seriously…

WHICH LOOK DID YOU LIKE BETTER?

Leave me a comment and check back tomorrow for the final pieces from my Fall Haul.

central shirt in bright indigo

9″ high-rise skinny jeans in lunar

Dolce Vita Odetta D’Orsay Pump–

holding pattern necklace

Stella and Dot Studs

Black Suede Wrap Choker

Fall Haul – Day 5 “The Body Suit”

Welcome to Day 5 of the Fall Haul.  I am sticking with it, one post per day! It’s true I may be spamming all of Instagram and Facebook with posts this week, but I am having a fabulous time. I hope you guys are enjoying this week with me too.

Please click here to read the introduction to this series.

Today’s piece from Madewell, is a Bodysuit! GASP! Honestly, I have tried Bodysuits in the past and pretty much felt terrible and immediately took them off while in the dressing room. I realize now, that I should have tried on body suits with high-rise jeans instead of the low rise (big mistake). Pretty sure that was the problem, because…

…NOW, shown here with these 9″ high-waist jeans, from Madewell,  I am finally feeling confident.  Plus, it is a super soft and flowy material that is not too clingy. Wrap details are also always recommended to highlight the smallest part of your waist. Of course, I still see things in these photos that are not perfect, but who cares! I can focus on the positive and, for the most part, this look is really nice on me. 🙂

 

In these next photos you guys can see that I had the yule log on TV, since Thanksgiving is over, it is officially acceptable to celebrate Christmas Time!

My necklace was a gift from my husband. Whom I give credit to for most of the jewelry and shoes that I own. He has great style and blesses me way too much.

He found this necklace with some matching earrings (not shown here) at a local Nursery Boutique, called Dig Gardens in Santa Cruz. Many local jewelry makers have their jewelry displayed there. I will link the shop below.

The earrings are from the same Etsy shop I referred to on Day 4 of the Fall Haul. These earrings are actually still available from that shop and come in 2 colors.

My shoes are also from Day 2 on the Fall Haul. Great pair of Dr. Scholls Chelsea boots.

And the Satchel bag was a gift found at Forever 21.

wrap-front bodysuit

9″ high-rise skinny jeans in lunar

Dr. Scholls Bootie – Older style but I found a hot option here

Forever 21 Satchel – Old but similar here and here

Dig Gardens

Slender Triangle Earrings

Thanks for reading!

And please keep commenting which of these pieces should be keepers.

On Day 8, I will have a wrap up by showing which items I decided to keep from the Haul.

Fall Haul – Day 4: Ex-Boyfriends

Hello my friends. Welcome to Day 4 of the Fall Haul – Ex-Boyfriend Shirts!

Please click here to read the introduction to this series.

Today I am sharing two different outfits. These are two flannel type button-ups from Madewell, and I am really hoping for some feedback on these pieces to help me decide if they are KEEPERS.  The ex-boyfriend style shirts are my favorite fit shirt. I already own a buffalo check in the same style and it’s my go-to!

 

 So far, I like both of these shirts when they are tucked in…but when they are untucked, I am not feeling as fabulous.  First I’ll share the details while displaying each outfit tucked in. At the end, I’ll give you guys a peak at the untucked looks.

Give me some shout outs to help me decide! 🙂

This shirt is a great stripe-mix Navy. I’m glad the color showed up so well with my camera.  For this look, I rolled up the sleeves on purpose so you all could see the mixed-stripe in the sleeves also.

        I used the same Jeans in both these outfits and they are definitely a keeper pair.           They are a 9″ high-rise Madewell Jean, faded black in color. And I am in love.  The fit and rise are perfect, making them a future basic for me.

The shoes were a Christmas gift from last year. Cole Haan – chelsea booties.

They are by far, my all-time favorite boots. Classic, black, ankle,…sigh…. ❤

 

The bag came with a larger black tote I received in my first Trunk Club.

(Truck Club posts coming soon)

Now that I am typing up this post and have been looking at these pictures for a while, I am liking this shirt more and MORE!

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NEXT UP…

This shirt is an army/olive green ‘flannel’ popover. Really warm and cozy, as a Flannel should be! There is also a pleat down the center front to give a seamless look.

It has this super cute button-back detail.  Each of these shirts have little details about them making it not so basic, but still “Basic/Essential” enough to fit into my wardrobe and make it VERSATILE!

My sunglasses are some basic tortoise color shades from J.Crew Factory. Adorable and Functional. My earrings are from an Etsy shop ccalled Isobell. I highly recommend you guys check them out, they have great & unique pieces. Like these, even though they are “dangly”, they are also lighter than a feather. . I will link the shop below.

 

Below are the same looks untucked…

Overall not bad…

I want to LOVE this green shirt though, but this popover doesn’t seem to be “falling” right on me; do you know what I mean? Like, visually making me wider than I am.

classic ex-boyfriend shirt in stripe mix

flannel classic ex-boyfriend button-back shirt

9″ high-rise skinny jeans in lunar

Isobell Etsy Shop

Cole Haan Weatherproof Chelsea Boot -Found Similar

Tortoise Sunglasses – Unisex

Black Tote w/ Clutch – Found similar here.

Well guys, thanks again for reading! And …

Please leave me a comment and help me out with your opinions of these two shirts!

 

 

HAVE A GREAT WEDNESDAY!

Fall Haul – Day 3

Greetings! It’s Day 3 of my Fall Haul Series. Please click here to read the introduction to this series.

Athleisure is the theme on this lovely Tuesday. And yes, this outfit is strictly for comfort purposes. I love these pieces too much to actually work-out in them!

Although, the first time I wore this outfit, someone asked me,

“Oh, do you work-out near here?”

I bought both the sweater and leggings from Nordstrom.

The leggings are by Reebok and the Textured Sweatshirt is by Zella.

 

I have really been wanting leggings with the mesh cut outs and these are perfect.  High-waisted, very comfortable. The sweatshirt also has the thumbs holes for extra coziness, but can be worn regular and scrunched up as well…

 

My shoes are basic black Vans slip-ons.

 

It’s basic, warm, and its cuteness speaks for itself.  Everything will be linked below if you are interested in any of the pieces. Thanks for reading all!

Zella Sweat Style Pullover –

Reebok Lux Mesh High Waist Tights –

Vans ‘Classic’ Sneaker –

And please leave a comment if you think these pieces are keepers!

Fall Haul – Day 2

Welcome friends to Day 2! Please click here to read the introduction to this series.

This Whisper Cotton color block tee is on display for Monday.  I do love the whisper cotton line from Madewell, but this shirt may become my new favorite. It’s a basic tee but the color block gives it that detail that has made me fall in love a bit…not gonna lie.

Theses jeans are the same Topshop Leigh Skinny from Day 1. They are not jeggings but they are fairly stretchy and really comfortable. They have a 9″ front rise and 27″ inseam, so they are high-waist & ankle length for me. Topshop jeans are one of my current favorites because they are affordable and great basics.

My saddlebag is by Big Buddha, found at a local boutique in Watsonville, CA.

Queen’s Shoes & More

The shoes are an older Chelsea style bootie by Dr. Scholls, also found at Queens Shoes. Very comfortable, black leather with a brown heel, so they go with most outfits I style them with.

 

And these Sunglasses! They are from a local Santa Cruz brand called Goose Organic. Made of bamboo, they weigh nearly nothing and they block out the sun perfectly. I highly recommend this brand for their sunglasses, apparel, etc.

 

And my earrings are a handmade gift by my sister. :^)

 

Once again, thanks for reading / looking. Check out the links below and…

whisper cotton long-sleeve crewneck tee in colorblock – Color: heather smoke

Leigh Skinny Jeans

Dr. Scholls Bootie – Older style but I found a hot option here

THE INDIGOS – Sunglasses

Saddle Bag Crossbody  – Similar here and ON SALE!

…Please leave a comment if you think this Whisper Cotton Tee is a keeper!

Fall Haul Series – Day 1

Hey Friends, I am finally back to share some more of my latest style inspiration. I think most of you know I do not want to become a true “style blogger”.

I just want to get inspired, try new things, and push myself to use my clothing to produce outfits that I am stoked to wear and POST!

This series is my Fall Haul. I went shopping recently at Nordstrom, but mostly Madewell during their Black Friday Sale(still happening)! I may not keep all items displayed during this series, but I wanted to push myself to style them more creatively than I do day to day. So I could see what a little effort and time looks like. 🙂 I’m also hoping this will help me decide which items are the KEEPERS.

So, please comment below about which items you think I should keep from the series.

 

This sweater…I just bought this from Madewell during their Black Friday Sale, as mentioned above. The color, the cross-back, the cut; I LOVE EVERYTHING about this sweater.  Don’t you?!? Popular right now is the over-sized sweater look, but it does NOT flatter me.  Having tops hit in the right place is very important to me. And this one does. 🙂

Normally, I would wear an undershirt with this sweater, but I like that the cross-back is low enough that I could feel comfortable wearing it alone, as pictured here.

This necklace…. I have had for a while, its also from Madewell. And its AMAZING! This necklace can be adjusted to full length or just below the neck, very easily.

A revolutionary piece for my wardrobe. I wear it shorter in another outfit for this series.

These handmade earrings were a gift from family in Oregon.

And my classic boots are and older Steve Madden pair, faux suede toes & a faux leather ankle with a gold zipper detail. They used to have a tassel on the zipper, but I removed it.

Thanks for reading! Check back tomorrow for the next outfit in the series.  As you can see I am pretty stoked about it!

 

province cross-back pullover sweater – Only a few left!

Leigh Skinny Jeans

Steve Madden Women’s Jannyce Boot – (on Amazon) Or similar here & here

holding pattern necklace

Raw Stone & Gold Earrings – I found similar here & here

 

Please leave a comment which items in the series YOU think I should keep!

Inspired…

This look was inspired by a favorite blogger of mine. Alyson Haley and her blog, Sequins and Things. The original outfit post can be found here.

The simplicity of this outfit was one of the first that really inspired me to say, “I can do that.” Really, THAT is what my blog “Becoming Boldly Suited” is all about!  I have loved fashion for years, but never felt capable of duplicating that natural sense of style that I see in others. So this blog is all about practice, trial and error, and having a fun outlet to give this personal sense of fashionable style, a try.

This blog pushes me to think of outfits that I could post.  Therefore, those posts become outfits that I wear regularly and feel confident about.

  

First of all this outfit is so, Athleisure! New hot & comfy trend. Of course, it’s not a new trend, but the name is new. Kind of a silly name, but kind of awesome too.

Either way, I’m working it in this outfit.

I like that the jeans dress it up a bit, so it’s not ULTRA comfy looking.  When I first saw these Nike shoes on Alyson’s post, I HAD to have them. And let me tell you they are so comfortable I want to get them in every color. I will probably have to buy another pair at least, because I wear them so much! The wear and tear on them is also why I do not have a close-up of the shoes. Getting dirrrrty.

But here’s a little close-up of one of my favorite necklaces, of course, picked out my my hubs. This necklace is so easy and classic you will see it often here on the blog.

I often drift towards the simple pieces like this because I still haven’t quite mastered the jewelry thing yet. My husband picks out and buys me AMAZING little pieces of jewelry, that I WANT to wear. But, I’ve never been a big jewelry girl, so I always forget. That’s exactly what it is. I FORGET! Or, when I do remember to put on some lovely & dangly earrings, I feel crazy dressed up/over dressed.  I’ll get there! I have hope!

Here are just a few examples of the jewelry hubs has gotten me.

The Etsy shop  all these are from is linked below.

I feel a renewed excitement about this blog, so thanks for stopping by…

MUCH MORE TO COME!

Details below. THANKS FOR READING!

Tank (I got it in all three colors) it’s on crazy SALE!, Jeans (Jcrew Factory), Shoes-Nike/Nordstrom(exact style is sold out), Necklace-Etsy Shop Isobell.