Wear and wear again | Dobby camp shirt

One of my favorite things to wear for work or for casual days is a crisp button down (or button-up...they're the same thing, right?). But to be honest with you, they can get boring unless they have some cool detail or texture. And this top has both. Score.

Purchased in 2009 off of Target's clearance rack (I think it was $12 or $13), this black dobby camp shirt is a workhorse in my closet, both at work and at home. The three-quarter length sleeves are perfect for nearly every season, and the dots are just such a fun touch. And as with any other collared shirt, a sweater on top creates the perfect preppy look. I've worn it with everything from trousers and jeans to pencil and A-line skirts.

October 2010

September 2010

December 2010

November 2010

November 2010

January 2011

Looking back through these photos, my tendency to wear the death out of an item for a season and forget about it is extremely apparent. Speaking of which, it's almost November...time to bust out the dobby dots again.

Some fun camp shirts from around the web:

Button Front Tops at Kohl's

What's your favorite variation on the classic button-down/up?

My frumpy valentine

Mossimo waffle-knit cardigan - 2010 - gift (similar) / Target dobby dot shirt - 2009 - $13 (similar) / Ann Taylor denim skirt - 2006 - $6 (similar) / Enzo Angiolini Siobhan pumps via Piperlime - 2010 - $35 (available) / J.Crew outlet belt - 2011 - $5 (similar)

What started out as a really awkward outfit turned out okay (don't you love when photos tell you differently than the mirror?).  I actually started out the day with thick black cable-knit tights, but I took them off once I got to work and realized they were bothering me. I thought that the dobby top and cable-knit tights would play well together, but I was wrong.  This is much better.

Oh, and this is also what I wore on Valentine's Day. What is with all the pink anyway?

What worked
This outfit was so cozy and comfy. I love this sweater, and the nude pumps work really well with bare legs. I just noticed today that the color of these shoes is "pale pink patent."  They don't look pink at all to me (although they did the other day).  How odd.

What didn't 
At times this outfit felt really frumpy.  I much prefer the sweater open, but it doesn't really have much shape to it, and the skirt is a bit large (but one heck of a bargain).  Might want to stick with more tailored bottoms next time I try a shapeless top.

Did you go festive for Valentine's Day? Did anyone in your office?

A little bit country

The Rundown:
4 + 18 + 27
Vintage braided belt - 2010 - $7 (similar)
Simply Vera Wang tights (via Kohl's) - 2009 - Christmas gift (available)
Kmart socks - 2006 - ?? (similar)
Urban Outfitters double-finger ring - 2010 - birthday gift (available)
New Old Jewelry earrings - 2010 - blogger meetup swag bag (similar)

Another cold and rainy day, another verging on casual outfit. I've only worn this skirt once so far in the challenge, but it is a really great skirt. Seeing there are only a few days left, I figured I should give the skirt its due, and tossed it on today. It's a great shape to pair with a button-up, and of course I mixed the brown and black (again).  Still kept my down parka on all day at work though...having a window is great but the draft makes my cubicle noticeably cooler than the rest of the office. Evidence: I was talking to our receptionist, who sits nowhere near a window, and was sweltering in my coat. Made a mental note to doff it once I got back to my desk. As soon as I reach my desk, I feel the chill coming in through my coat, so I kept it on. It's that noticeable.

Lip color experiment is on hold for today, mainly because I left my lipgloss at work on accident. So you won't be missing out on another lipgloss that doesn't add any color to my lips. This color thing is harder than I thought it would be.

How about these earrings? They're from the Sacramento Fashion Blogger Meetup...New Old Jewelry's Steven Millington-Foster sells his goods at the Midtown Bazaar, a weekly indoor event featuring local crafters.  Check it out.

What worked:
Back to my proportions--fitted on top, volume on bottom.  Oh well.  It works.  I was considering pulling a full week of neutrals, but forgot the past two days by putting some red in there. So maybe it's neutrals + red week. How festive of me.

What didn't:
Nothing in particular.  Don't you just love those days?

No question today--open thread! Write whatever you want in the comments (within reason and with respect to one another, of course).

I think you can guess what tomorrow's outfit will be based on today's title...

Two is better than one

The Rundown:
Target top - 2009 - $14? (similar)
Vintage braided belt - 2010 - $7 (similar)
BR Factory pants - 2009 - $20 (similar)
Nine West shoes - 2009 - $25 (similar)
Urban Outfitters double-finger ring - 2010 - birthday gift! (here)
Ball chain necklace (similar)

What worked:
One of my favorite things is mixing black and brown. And I'm becoming more and more fond of belting.  This outfit is so basic, but the details are rather unexpected. Two neutrals (black and brown), two textures (dobby dots and braid), and two fingers (in one ring!).

Can I just pause for a moment to gush about my new double-finger ring? I am so in love. Way more than I thought I'd be. It has become the go-to everyday ring for me, and when paired with regular work clothes, really doesn't look out of place at all.  It still feels a little weird to type, but nothing you can't get used to. And I'll be honest--I love the brass knuckle jokes people make.  Yes, I may punch you in the face. I actually won't, but I'd like you to think I might.

What didn't:
I wish I had remembered to iron my shirt before this morning, but since it's black and textured it doesn't look too bad.  I have a horribly bad habit of waiting until my ironing pile is huge before I touch the thing, rendering my wardrobe rather sparse in the meantime.  Other than that, I seriously love this outfit.

What are your favorite unexpected details to add to outfits?

Dobby dots

The Rundown:
Target shirt - 2009 - $14 (similar)
Ann Taylor Loft skirt - 2009 - $13 (similar)
Blake Scott shoes (from Off Broadway) - 2010 - $40 (similar)
Claire's ring - 2006? - cheap (similar)
Kohl's necklace - 2009 - cheap? less than $10 probably (similar)

What worked:
While I don't normally plan outfits, this one has been in the back of my mind for a while (meaning about three days).  I really love this dobby-dotted camp shirt, but usually only wear it for casual Fridays or weekends. But then I got bored with all my button-up shirts (temporarily...I'm sure I'll get over it soon), and this one just stood out to me from the closet. I love the subtle texture, and you can see there are adorable pockets and fun sleeve details. The perfect interesting shirt to set off a basic skirt. And with black and khaki, red shoes just pop!

What didn't:
I wish I had worn a black cami underneath instead of gray...it looks way too see-through!  Black would have been more demure.

Sometimes the outfits in my head work out, sometimes they don't. Today I really loved my outfit, but K had tennis with the guys (until they got rained on) so I had to resort to flash after I got home from work. I don't know how those gals who go outside everyday for gorgeous shots do it!  A little freaked out for how winter will go...I go to work in the dark and come home in the dark. Maybe it's time to recruit a second shooter at work?  hmmmm...

Do you ever obsess over an outfit in your mind to find that it actually does work? What combo did you discover?