No hair news. I’m still rocking the same Chinese bun from Monday, so looks like I’ll be able to stretch wash day to this weekend. So, dun dun dun!!!! Lucky you, you get another OOTD post ;)! *lol*
Today on, “From Shelli’s Closet,” we’re talking layers! So, I’m a big fan of layering. I think it adds personality and interest to otherwise standard office fare and classic pieces. Yesterday, I started with a floral print, button-top jersey knit dress that I picked up from H&M several years ago.
The dress is fine solo and I could have stopped here. But, I love the look of a short sleeve over a longer sleeve, especially with the contrast of a solid against a print. That was the look I was going for here, so I layered a simple and basic short sleeve, scoop neck black sweater (old from Marshall’s) over the floral print dress, allowing the slightly longer sleeves of the under layer to remain exposed.
The two-strand necklace. which I actually looped to make it appear shorter in the pic without the sweater, …
… is allowed to hang at its full length. I then added a second coordinating beaded-strand and the matching earrings (all of which I purchased from Burlington Coat Factory a little over two years ago) to complete the top half of the look.
I debated about wearing my wide patent leather belt with no necklaces, …
… but decided to use the self-belt from the dress over the sweater this time instead.Finally, I added pink round-toe, ankle strap pumps from Parade (awwww, I miss Parade of Shoes terribly … Payless just isn’t cuting it :(.). The pink in shoes picked up on the pink accents in the dress.
However, to tell you the truth, what I really would have loved for this outfit are a pair of camel-colored, round-toe, platform pumps something like these!!
I need to add this basic to my shoe wardrobe! I have a low loafer, high loafer, two pairs of peep-toes and pointy toes in this nude (for browner folk;), camel color. However, no round-toe or round-toe platform. So, I’ll definitely be trying to make this addition to my closets. In case you are wondering why I would wear this color shoe with an essentially black and white outfit, a shoe that closely matches your complexion makes the legs look longer and leaner as they eye doesn’t “break.” The shoe “reads” as a neutral and creates a long line down your exposed leg to your toes due to the skin-tone matching color. I also think it adds a layer of sophistication as it moves a look away from being “matchy matchy.”
On another note, I snagged my last pair of Hue “Rich Pecan” nude* pantyhose with my necklace as I was bending down to set up the mirror for these photos!! I’m mad that Hue doesn’t seem to make these for “us” anymore and I live in an area where they must not think brown folk live!! I can’t find a pair of coffee, pecan, walnut, cinnamon … and whatever else food they call our skin-tones … pantyhose for anything!!
Any suggestions for where I can buy reasonably priced, won’t-run-on-the-first-wear pantyhose in our colors?!?
*Funny side story: I had to explain to a few Caucasian friends that “nude” hose are only nude for THEM. I advised that,
“Nude is not ‘clear.’ So, until it is, if someone of color wears nude hose, we’ll be looking ashy.” It was funny to see the lightbulbs go on!!
Wardrobe Building Tips:
So, I’ll finish this little post with a few tips that I think might be helpful, if you’re trying to figure out how to expand your wardrobe in a way that allows you to mix and match and also add interest to your outfits.
- Shop when you aren’t looking for anything in particular. I almost NEVER find what I want when I want it on “targeted” shopping expeditions. However, when I’m there, just browsing with no goal in mind, I almost always end up with great finds and a cart full of stuff.
- Look for/buy quality, classic and basic pieces that go with many things (i.e., black trousers, A-line skirt and pencil skirt, neutral blazers, solid tanks, short sleeve and long sleeve sweaters and button down shirts/blouses, black, brown and tan/camel pumps, skinny and wide black belts, etc.).
- Look for unique, stand-out pieces that will add interest to your basic pieces (i.e., patterned shoes, non-traditional vests, patterned blazers, items with prints, embroidery, sequins, etc.).
- Try things on in the store before discounting them! There is something to be said for “hanger appeal,” but you may miss out on some great items if you never try anything on and judge everything by how it looks on the hanger.
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Do you like to layer? What are your favorite layered looks?
hairscapades 
Super cute look
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OK Shells so here’s the deal.When you do these OOTD posts, we are going to NEED you to let us know where you get all these fabulous pieces from LOL. I really love that necklace. I’m a fiend for accessories. I can’t quite where your clothes in a flattering way…..yet but I’m working on it. 8 pounds down to date. I gained 6 ounces last week but it was a bad week.
Todays my son’s birthday and I’m committed to only one cupcake 🙂 I must kick off my weight loss again.
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Girl, you are giving yourself away again! You didn’t read the whole post, did you?? I say that I got the necklaces and earrings from Burlington Coat Factory 2 years ago. LOL!
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No actually I read the Burlington Coat factory but because I was skimming, I thought you meant the outfit! LOL so I only partially didn’t read!
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Very cute. I have never really add layers to dresses but this makes me want to give it a try. hmmm Maybe for Valentine’s Day :).
I found a Guess pair of Mary Jane’s in the color you are looking toward the end of last year at ROSS (DSW, & TJ Maxx Had them as well) so, I would suggests you start you search at any of those stores.
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You know Marshall’s was going to be my first stop;). If I can’t find them there, I may try Aldo, although they tend to be more expensive and almost never seem to have my size on clearance! But they do platform pumps and that camel color a lot. Might hit Baker’s too, but I’m old and and need comfortable shoes now. Baker’s likes sky high shoes and I don’t remember them being too comfy;)!
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Yeah bakers have really changed over the years. They are more trendy these days and all there heels are 6 inches. Steve Madden had a similar shoe as well. When I’m looking for comfort I always look at Nine West. Good Luck on the search.
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You are doing the most!! I love it. I wish I could dress like this. I just don’t feel like I could pull it off. You look great!
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ASHY HEHEHE. I like this look. With the shoes I would have worn a pump or a mary jane like the picture below not a sling.
go to J Everyday fashion.com I love this girl !
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ok maybe I sould have read the post more througly when you said you wish you had the pumps , sorry. Im into this scarf as an accessory thing now. Love the fashion post. Hair, fashion it all comes together.
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LOL! Yes, I def would have preferred a platform pump or MJ:). Thanks Tiff:)!
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Very well put together! I like how you accessorized both styles. enjoy your day. (Werk it Girl!)
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i haven’t been commenting alot but i’ve been reading everyday. you’re otd’s are always awsome. you look fab as usual.
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Thanks everybody! I’m glad you like these! Gives me some content when my hair is the same for days/a week:). I’m digging my outfit today too, so I’ll share it tomorrow:).
p.s. Did I use too many pics in this one? Should I have consolidated a little more? I was thinking it may be a little overkill in this one. Tomorrow will be simpler.
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Every option is so well put together. Great ideas.
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Love it. I usually shy away from layering because of my build (heavier up top), but I’m inspired to experiment.
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I really like those mary jane nude pumps. You know I love a good shoe! Lol. I found a nice pair of suede “nude” steve maddens at a consignment shop. Marshall’s TJ Maxx and Ross are good places to look. Jessica Simpson has some really nice nude shoes at Marshall’s. I also have shopped for shoes on Amazon. I say try there, zappos and the sale page at macy’s too. Good luck!
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I would have never thought to put a sweater over a dress.. cool idea.
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I must say i really like this outfit, and post. You have shown that with one basic ‘base’ item, that fits well, you can wear it in a quite a few wonderful combinations. My favourite is with the wide belt and no necklace – though that necklace is pretty cool too.
I agree with you about that ‘nude’ thing too. i was buying band aids and the sales assistant said, ‘ooh you might like them in skintone too, so they’ll just blend in’. Really!!!!
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