Tags
anatomy of clothes, black, bright, contrast sleeve, diy, dress, fuschia, gray, hot pink, how-to, lace-up boots, layering, leather, magenta, monochromatic, moto jacket, neutral, olive, rolled pant cuff, royal blue, secret agent, sleeveless trench coat, spring, thrift, winter
This photo above and the one of my DIY Trench Coat are sneak peaks at a little hobby, side project that I’ve been working on for a few months. If you follow me on pinterest, you may have seen some of this. I’m a huge fan of fashion, editorial photography and also have interest in partnering up with Clients in the fashion + beauty industry for my design business. As practice, I’ve been archiving my closet. I think having awareness of what I own will lead to better shopping and dressing decisions. Basically, I’m creating my own personal Polyvore items! I’ll be integrating this project into my blog
and use it as another tool to illustrate how I layer and get dressed. Sound interesting?
L A Y E R S
Sleeveless Trench over Leather Jacket. Ever since I saw this jacket from Simone (pinned here) and then this Zara one (here); I’ve wanted to recreate the look on budget. This is one idea. I love the contrasting sleeves and textures. I last wore the leather moto jacket, here. It’s taken on a new life when layered underneath a vest.
Sleeveless Dress over Button Front Shirt. Layering Pinks! I know Valentine’s is over and in my pre-blog life, I would never have dreamed up this outfit, let alone wear pink. I’ve been obsessed with this idea of winterizing spring & summer dresses. I’ve worn them as skirts under sweaters and with tights, knotted or belted shirts over them, but never worn a sleeveless dress over a long sleeved shirt. I was inspired by Chesley at Smile for Style here. But instead of big contrast in color, I played with very similar tones. At first glance, it looks like one dress.
Details. Shirt collar buttoned all the way // Double knotted skinny belt in an unexpected color to break up the pinks // Chevron tights (last seen here), layered over opaque black for warmth and a subtler pattern. Lace-up ankle boots for running errands with a little munchkin today // Black tights with black shoes lengthens the legs // Two vintage cluster rings, stacked // Deep Berry Red Lip Color.
All in all, I loved the bold colors and how they pop underneath a neutral coat–a glimpse of Spring! The only trouble was that by the time I took photos, the dress was wrinkly as all get out from a full day’s wear, which reminded me why I’ve only worn this dress a couple times. Next time, I will try layering with a heavier weight dress. Will this look be one that you’ll try?
Dress – F21
Shirt – Ralph Lauren, Thrifted
DIY Sleeveless Trench – F21, Thrifted (Seen Here)
Leather Moto Jacket – Flying Tomato (Seen Here)
Snakeskin Belt – Target
Boots – Thrifted, New w. Tags (Seen Here)
Chevron Tights – Target (Seen Here)
Jewelry – Vintage, Thrifted
These ruby tones look so great one you! Love the way you’ve layered and styled this.
xoxo
N
Van you look gorgeous!! I love the contrast of black boots with the pretty dress (which, by the way, is the most beautiful colour!)
Catherine x
notdressedaslamb.com
Van….Love it all, as always! Thanks for making me think outside of my closet! I definitely need the inspiration as of late!
Ashley:)
That closet archiving project sounds wonderful! I’ve thought of doing that myself MANY times, but it just seems like SO much work. Good for you, putting in all of that effort! Also, this dress is LOVELY
ooooo yes! i am excited to follow along, as i need help with layering and wearing colors. i tend to stick with neutrals and simple pieces. so…i like this!
Yay for bold colors! Love how you added the bits of teal…seems to calm down the red and pink so it’s not too much! And I’m also loving the use you are getting out of that trench…looks fab over that moto jacket!!
First of all – LOVE the sleeveless trench with the leather jacket – looks SO good! And second – I love the pink on pink with the pop of blue – so refreshing & fun! You are rockin’ the monochromatic look
Annie
The Other Side of Gray
I was actually a little skeptical when I just saw the photos at the top of the things you were going to combine. But I actually really love the combo. The pinks complement each other really well.
Of course I will try something like this, esp layering the vest on a leather jacket. Like the way how you’ve tie the belt too!
always enjoy your layering remix, your eye for detail and your immaculate dressing style. Thank you for putting up such a well organized and well thought through post. Very nice outfit, the colors choices are fantastic, and all applied at the right places and the contrast is great. And best part is your outfit is mostly thrifted. Well done Van!
mongs
mythriftycloset.blogspot.com
Your pinterest closet idea is just BRILLIANT! I know it might be time consuming now, but I can just envision all the wonderful ways you’ll be able to put it to use. You are a genius, pretty lady. …. btw, your outfit is cute too! The colors look so great with your complexion, You need to wear more berry, although I love you in all jewel tones – the blues & greens, oh shucks I loved you in coral too. Guess you can wear just about anything and get a big thumbs up from me.
Big hugs
Creative layering and I think the closet archive idea is a wonderful one! I’d like to try the long-sleeved shirt under the dress before it gets too warm here …
Love the dress, and really love this idea – I’ve been wanting to similarly archive my closet for a while as a way to up my remixing potential… but I’m not as talented at all this computers and graphics stuff!
p.s. how was I not following you on Pinterest yet? Going to fix that and entertain myself for a while looking through your boards!
i love red and pink combos. i’ve never really layered shirts and dresses, mainly because it’s too hot here, but it’s something i’d love to try. love the idea of a sleeveless trench!
[oomph.]
What a cute outfit! Love that dress, the colors, that ring, and the way you knotted your belt
Gorgeous…Love the punchy pink and olive combo! And thanks so much for linking up to Monday Mingle last week. I hope you’ll join us again!
VAN! You are amazing.
Your blog was beautiful before you started doing this series, but I feel it has such a purpose and memorability to it at the moment–plus, I am just so happy you came up with the idea to start the anatomy of clothes. I am always so surprised and awed by your choices. Also, I wish I could recreate this look… I wonder is there anywhere I can buy a sleeveless trench like this? Or a full one and do what you did with yours? Where did you buy yours?
I’m LOVING the layered dress/shirt. Pretty much everything about this. I would LOVE to try layering a trench vest over my leather jacket. Warm and stylish. You are one of the very few bloggers I follow who takes HUGE risks and ends up making it look seamless, well blended and effortless. I also love how you display your color palate. It makes so much more sense to me when you do that.
I just love you. Sigh!
Van~ Just wanted to let you know that I love the blog. You’re amazing my friend! I just was looking through your entries and got very inspired to go thrift shopping! Miss you! xoxo.
Aw, thanks Sarah! So happy to see a real life friend check out my blog. Let’s go thrift together. I’m itching to go!
Woohoo..i like this layering idea. You are a master of layering. Red on red is a fabulous idea too. The effect is totally stunning. I like the contrast of red and black…very adorable
mongs
mythriftycloset.blogspot.com
Van you are the woman! I was just talking to my husband about the thought of photographing and itemizing my closet as well. It would be a huge undertaking, but you’re doing it beautifully. Would you be willing to share how you get the lighting so nice in your photos? Light box?
Sarah
Cable Car Couture