When it comes to inspiration, I’ve always admired the lovely ladies behind In Pursuit of Pretty Things and Tara of Little Girl Big Closet. Not only are they witty, intelligent women, but they dress so well in fancy Anthropologie frocks.
This spring, I’m pushing myself to embrace my feminine side and be bolder about my sartorial choices.
I’ve been slow in adopting a more feminine look because I feel so comfortable in pants. Having attended a private Catholic high school, it does not help in endearing you to skirts, especially pleated ones. Combined with ugly white crew socks and black chunky loafers…there was no way that I could love such an ensemble.
But since I’m coming to terms with my body and dressing more like a woman and less like a girl, I figured I should buckle down and re-assess my misgivings about “traditional” feminine dressing.
For the longest time, I conditioned myself into “tomboy mode” which made it quite difficult to be comfortable wearing skirts and dresses. I’m better about it now, but even so, I don’t always reach for those items when I’m in a rush. Lately, I’m tired of my typical look and I want to inject some new life into my current wardrobe.
Instead of purchasing a whole new set of clothes, I’m more mindful of what I buy to fill the holes in my closet. I’m definitely looking for a lot of colorful items and graphic prints. If I’m uncomfortable wearing a certain color, I’ll pick up colorful accessories instead.
Outfit Details: Nordstrom draped cardigan – XS, Alice + Olivia tank – XS, Anthropologie skirt – XS, Forever 21 handbag, Charles David wedges
Alice + Olivia tank?
You may be wondering why I have such an expensive but plain item. It’s a sympathy, guilt-trip buy, but I have no intention of returning it. When I was in Los Angeles, I walked into the Alice + Olivia boutique on Robertson to browse but I ended up trying on almost all the new dress arrivals in the store.
With 3 SAs attending to me, (it was a slow day) I had a mini runway show for them. It was such a letdown that all the dresses in XS and size 0 were too big and loose. I felt pretty bad that they spent over an hour fussing over me so I figured I had to buy something. This tank was the only thing that looked decent on me. Sure, it’s very simple, but it’s a good basic that goes with everything. My wallet is hurting and to balance this hefty purchase, I won’t be shopping for the rest of the month.
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Jess, what a beautiful necklace and I adore those CD wedges on you!!
Funny you mentioned the “expensive but plain item” — I’ve always wanted a plain Alexander Wang or Elizabeth and James tee but the price deters me. I’m sure you’ll get a lot of use out of that A+O top – the neckline is so flattering and falls at a nice level. Great buy
I’m going to LA next weekend! I’ve never gone to Robertson Blvd and I can’t wait!!!
I spy Charles David wedges! I have the same but it is beige suede. So cute!
I used to be guilted into things, especially when the SA is always by your side. But nowadays, I am much more focused on classic pieces with good fabrics and quality manufacturing. Sooo many of my H&M and F21 basics have fallen apart, so I totally understand your Alice + Olivia purchase! I really like Enza Costa for basics – obviously a higher price point than H&M, but somewhat less than Alexander Wang!
yes, i forgot, where did you get this necklace?
I got the necklace from Martin + Osa, it’s no longer available, so I didn’t want to false advertise about it. LOL. =)
Hi Jess,
Great pics (as always!)
Love the entire outfit – especially the necklace. Kudos to you for branching out and getting in touch with your feminine side! If there were an item to drop a wad of cash on, it should be a white shirt – think of how many times you’ll use it! And, yes, I get guilted into buying things all the time – which is why I like online shopping
I love this outfit. It is very, very feminine. And I think your goal was achieved.
The thing about your query, is that there is no specific definition of “traditional Feminine” in my book. Every woman can wear her womanhood and declare it in her fashion in a different and unique way. Culture, heritage, and personal tastes all factor into it. If we define Traditional Femininity in terms of style in the way that white 50′s American woman idealized it, that is to say, the way MEN envisioned it for women back then, then we are pigeon holing ourselves into an unrealistic, misogynist concept of what women should be. Which is bull.
So bravo, you look amazing.
Xx{ish.},
Mae Lu @ thereafterish.
Hi Jess,
You look so cute!!! I’m definitely the feminine type, I own so many dresses but jeans are usually my go-to choice too when I’m in a rush.
oh about the guilt thing…sometimes i walk into a store…make my rounds and sneak out when the SAs aren’t looking haha. shame!
That necklace looks so amazing against a simple, white tank as a backdrop. You look great, Jess, feminine but I can still see “you” in this look.
I’m the most easily guilted person alive, so I’m lucky that I haven’t been put in that situation. I suppose I like (and don’t mind) shopping on weekends when there’s full crowds. Even though the A+O top is more expensive than what you normally buy, I can see you getting lots of wears out of it
I am loving the necklace! The entire outfit is put together. I need to do more with filling the holes in my wardrobe vs just buying new stuff! Thanks for the help with that thought process. I am in the SF Bay Area and am thinking of doing a bloggy link-up event. Interested? Cheers!
@Sophia: I’m sure you’ll have a blast in LA, Robertson is so fun with cool little boutiques and cafes that make it less touristy than Rodeo or Sunset. =)
@B: The CD wedges are so comfy, I wear them all the time when the weather gets warm. I’ve gotten pretty sick of super cheap basics because they don’t last very long and I feel like I’m spending more time replacing them that wearing them. I guess I gotta check out Enzo Costa. Thanks for the tip!
@Recovering Shopaholic: Quality basics really does make a difference and the even the way it hangs on the body is a dramatic change. I never really knew that before, but it’s a life-changer. =P
@Mae Lu: You are absolutely right. There is no tangible way to define “femininity” but I think when most people think of a “traditional” womanly look, it’s usually coupled with dresses and skirts.
@Sunshine: I try to do that too, sneak out, but I feel even guiltier when I get caught. It’s almost like I’m doing the “dine and dash” but with shopping!
@Cee: I agree, though the top is expensive, I know it will become a workhorse staple for many an outfit, so it’s money well-spent. But I have to be stronger to not get suckered into more purchases.
@Sherry: Thanks! I get pulled towards all the pretty new things but realistically, when will I ever wear it? I think that putting a more functional mindset towards closet building makes it more versatile since you’ll wear everything.
very pretty! i especially love the wedges
Aww! I feel bad that you were guilted into the shirt!! However…before I read about your Alice & Olivia experience, I was admiring the top…even with all the great pieces, I thought the top was great!
You look gorgeous…absolutely gorgeous! I am still in awe! You did a wonderful job putting this together! Where is your necklace from? Is it still available?
@Leena: Thanks!
@Michelle: I’ve accepted that I’m a sucker when SAs are super attentive. LOL. But I do love the shirt and it’s a great basic. The necklace is from Martin + Osa and it’s no longer available.
Hah I went to a private Catholic school for 11 years. As a result of wearing a uniform for almost every day of my life, I had no sense of style. I did not really start noticing what I wore until college!
I think this outfit is so great for spring/summer days when you want a breezy skirt to twirl around in or something along those lines. I use to wear only jeans but now if I could, I would wear a dress everyday…And the necklace goes so well with everything else you’re wearing. I don’t want to feel guilty so I do not go in small shops/boutiques. Plus their return policy is usually not lenient as big name stores.
i love the pleated skirt and it’s perfect for the warmer weather! and i had no idea you went to a private Catholic school! i definitely have great feminine style!
cute & little
Can I just say I am LOVING this FEMININE and girly side of you? YAY!!! I want more please!!! LOL
I am a girly girly and love seeing outfits like this on you:D
@Cara Mia: I’m the same way, I didn’t care about what I wore until mid-way through college. LOL.
@Jarucha: Small boutiques do have a tougher return policy but it makes me more aware of my purchases so I don’t buy things unnecessarily (too much) and expect to return them on a whim.
@Kileen: I love your feminine style and I think reading all these blogs has really helped me to cultivate a girlier look. =)
@Really Petite: LOL. I’m doing my best to bring out the girly side…just hope my future outfits will be such a hit! =)
I love this post because I’ve been going through the same thing! I went to a Catholic grade school — after 8 years of plaid skirt and polo, I wanted nothing to do with skirts. I spent most of high school in jeans and T’s! Senior year, though, I started buying dresses, and now I’m hooked on dresses and skirts. I hate it when people assume that I’m “dressing up” when I wear them. What’s wrong with wanting to wear something a little flouncy for no reason at all once in a while?
Also, that skirt is completely gorgeous. I love the length and the colors!
ahhh I hate being guilted into buying stuff, but if I really like the salespeople and the item, then I don’t feel as bad.
Anyway, you look amazing, and I’m so jealous of your photography skillz.
the skirt is seriously awesome, and i kind of want to steal it from you.
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