Playing Dress Up (Even When You Don’t Want To)

This was tough week for me on my RutBusting exercise. That closet full of brown, copper and beige doesn’t excite me now that I  have silver hair. I am forcing myself to dress in something other than yoga pants and t-shirts but relying primarily on pieces I already own, because I’m on the total starving artist budget right now. Staying fashion forward with minimal shopping. I’m “shopping my own closet” and trying out new trends using what I already own and here’s what I learned this week:

April 11, 2016

4:11:16dress4:11:16shoes4:11:16

Mixing prints is hard. Dresses are easy. This is a vintage piece from the early 1960’s and I am easing my way into the mixed print trend by pairing with striped shoes. (I lasted about half the day in the heels then defaulted to my camouflage pants and bright sneakers.) Finished with a deep green statement necklace and mismatched earrings – CZ and Hummingbird again. I have had a small tear in my right ear since I was ten and can only wear the tiniest, lightweight earrings. The mismatched trend is really fun for me because I can be a bit more expressive with my earring in my good ear while sticking with a simple diamond (or CZ). I definitely want to start hitting thrift stores and estate sales for interesting singles at bargain prices!

April 12, 20164:12:16

I had a meeting with an agent down in Venice and it can often be a bit cool at the beach so I went with a cozy, pale blue cashmere t-shirt that is slightly cropped and wide leg black pants, a silver chain belt for some glitz and coral sneakers. The pants are super long and cover my shoes (I wore them again on Thursday so scroll down and check out the video for a better view) and while that may be hip, I found myself tripping on them a bit. I’ll break out the sewing machine and give them a hem, because I think they’ll be getting a lot of use in the next few months! Small mismatched earrings and a faux vintage bracelet gave the outfit some fun character. Try to wear a color that is close to your eye color for first impressions, it makes you appear very relaxed and at home since it’s so closely related to your native coloring. Details on the jacket I added (since I neglected to get pix) down below in the video.


April 13, 20164:13:16

Again , I played with mixing prints and also with embellished and embroidered which are very popular right now. My A-line skirt gives a nod to the 70’s without being too spot on with it. A cobalt blue t-shirt clashed nicely with the yellow and green in the skirt, and as I reached for my sneakers (again) I made myself try loafers instead. Every bit as comfortable and it’s sure going to be nice to have as a dressier alternative. The embroidered sweater is Lucky Brand and I’ve had it for about 7 years. Simple black onyx and silver earrings and an orange purse.

April 14, 20164-14-16back

The wide leg pants ride low on my hips which may not be the trend right now, but since this week I am happy with my midsection, I am totally going with it. Same silver chain belt that I wore on Tuesday with a plain, gray 3/4 sleeve T-shirt.More pix in the video.  The star of the show is the vintage velvet vest with red silk lining and embroidered flowers on the back. Makes me wish I  had my mother’s embroidery skills! Classic aviators and sneakers you can’t see because I need to pull out the sewing machine and hem the pants a bit before I wear them again (Who wants to place bets on that actually happening or if I just bust out some Hollywood tape?)

April 15, 20164:15:16bw

I spent Friday shooting and editing a new hair tutorial, then ran out the door on a date completely forgetting to document my look. My bad. I grabbed this photo from the outtakes. A dark gray heathered tank with my camo pants and sneakers (again!) It’s my new rut apparently. Black leather cuff since this video was about creating an edgier look. I threw on the embroidered cardigan from Wednesday and it worked great!

April 16, 20164:16:16above

Apparently, I like white jeans. I must. I have two identical white, bootcut 7 for all Mankind jeans. Bright orange t-shirt, embroidered wedge sandals, and an arm full of silver and orange bangles. Statement necklace in icy shades of mint green and matching sunglasses. And then I got totally random and added the vintage jacket that matches Monday’s dress – which I just loved. There is a really cute trend for silk bomber jackets that makes me wish I had one, and this piece is going to be my personal variation of that this spring. (I threw it on over my blue cashmere T and pearls on Tuesday and fell in love on the spot.)

April 17, 20164-17-16back

I love the backward, tied-at-the-waist cashmere cardigan. An open back always feels sexy (and for those who need a bra, just leave unbuttoned to the bra line or wear a bright colored bra and show it off). The pants used to be harem pants but I removed the ribbon tie at the ankle and like them a lot more this way. These are very similar in style to my camo pants but the fabric is a little bit lighter weight. They show off the caboose a bit more than I really like so next time I wan to try them with a longer top. Love my chunky turquoise necklace. (Shown in the video.)

I am an Amazon Affiliate and if you choose to purchase anything from these links I provide (highlighted blue) I will earn a small commission. I tried to give you links to the actual items whenever possible, but since many of the pieces in my closet have been there for decades, many are suggestions to get the look with what is available now. Thanks!!!!moniquesig