THE CITIZEN INDEX

Monday, September 24, 2012

Outfit Post: Visible in Black + White



FACT: Stripes go with everything. 4 out of 5 Zebras agree. So when I felt a bit like dolling up, but still needed to be hoofing it, I chose comfortable shoes, a classic A-line skirt in an abstract print and paired them with the ever desirable black and white striped shirt.
Just 5 easy pieces to make an impact.



Another FACT: this outfit is 99% thrifted. The garments and accessories are "pre-loved," but in excellent condition, and that saved me money, which puts a smile on my face. But said smile from all that savings, you don't see here in these photos, do you? I must have been channeling some sort of model off-duty persona (oh Bella, why so serious?) as I pranced about the back yard (avoiding doggy poop, no less) pretending I was being snapped by the paparazzi. The starlet sunglasses, while they resemble this fancy Chanel version, are just a pair of under $15 cheapos, picked up a year or so ago, from a Target.

In real life, I ran some errands, walking and taking public transit, so glad to be wearing these cute, practical and very walkable thrifted Naturalizer brand mary janes, which I adore, and scored for $4 bucks. And for the record, when I was out and about, no one attempted to take my picture. Zebras off duty are a dime a dozen in these parts, I presume.

Now Wearing: 
  • Sunglasses with bows, Target (a year ago)
  • Striped 3/4 sleeve jersey knit top, Buffalo Exchange
  • Acetate lined abstract print skirt, Goodwill
  • Vintage Coach shoulder bag, Goodwill
  • Naturalizer shoes, R-Thrift Shoppe
http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/
Linking to Patti's Visible Monday

46 comments:

Susan B said...

You've achieved a clashing harmony here, if that makes sense. It's perfect! Stripes do *indeed* go with everything.

Jennifer said...

I'm a big fan of stripes. You look great!!

Gabriala Brown said...

I CANNOT BELIEVE NO ONE TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO SNAP YOUR PHOTO! Seriously, you look quite stylish Bella Q. And who doesn't love a pair of Mary Janes. Crack up about the zebras agreeing on the stripes. :-)

Patti said...

Mingling with the zebras of Seattle, Bella, and looking fabulous! You are an artist and a star.

Anonymous said...

Perfect mix of patterns! LOVE it!
And, your Mary Janes are a perfect finishing touch!

Tamera Beardsley said...

My dear i love your bold and graphic color mix ...and the addition of.... a dash of real life function.... to your chic and stylish look...fashion perfection achieved!

Beryl said...

I love how you've put that outfit together.

Lisa said...

This is an adorable outfit on you. You looks so cute. Love the black and white.

Amber of Butane Anvil said...

Your skirt and shoes are really awesome and go beautifully with the stripes, of course. Your shades pump up the glamour, errands and dog poop regardless!

CatieBeatty said...

Stripes are always chic and always my favorite. I love the drop shoulders on your top especially. All in all, the outfit is effortless!

Melanie said...

Ultra chic! I love this statement outfit, which is also curiously understated. How can it possibly be both? You are truly model perfect, and while you didn't see the paparazzi I'm sure there was one behind every street light snapping wildly away - afraid of your agents and managers and publicists. Gorgeous, Bella, and that hairstyle is perfect.

Sara Kristiina said...

You are gorgeous! I like your skirt very much! :)

Sheila said...

Fab shoes, and I love the mix of black and white patterns. What? People don't rush out and take your picture when you walk down the street? Crazy! I would!

Vix said...

There must have been something in the air yesterday, I wore black and white, too!
You look fabulous, can't believe you didn't get papped 'cos you look like a rock star! x

Miss Simmonds Says said...

I love the pattern clash, it looks so chic! xxx

Anonymous said...

I love stripes and the black and white patterns clash is great!!
That skirt is amazing and it has a perfect length, your legs are killer!
xxxx

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

Bella, I love this look and it completely works! You can do so many other things with these pieces as well...the skirt is great!

Unknown said...

I really like the clash here! It works so well because both are black and white, but it's such a statement! Fab.

Curtise said...

Gorgeous monochrome and pattern mix, Bella! xxx

pao said...

Absolutely Fabulous! Amazing how such simple pieces when put together can be so smashing. You look too good for errand running on public trans. But why not wake up the regular folks a bit?!

JTWisdom said...

Yes stripes can go with other patterns. I totally agree. Cool look.

Anonymous said...

Love the outfit!!! i've been drawn to black and white printed items lately--still on the hunt for the perfect pair of black pinstripe trousers and a black & white polka dot top!
It's always classic and fresh!

Lindsey A. Turner said...

I love that almost everything is thrifted and I love the pattern mixing!

Lindsey
http://thriftandshout.blogspot.com

OksanaB said...

Lovely outfit!

Heather Fonseca said...

Love your combo of stripe and black and white print! It's true, stripes go with everything.

Kim, USA said...

The kind of pattern that everybody could wear. Thanks for the visit.


Kim,USA

ZalinaW said...

Love the look. I have such a weakness for stripes. Nowadays, I pair stripes with almost everything other than a solid colors. It creates such an impact.

Krista said...

I love stripes because they always remind me of Beetlejuice! I always view them and polka dots as a neutral, I'm getting so much better at pattern mixing ;p
xxoo
Krista

Lakota [Faith Hope and Charity Shopping] said...

I love it - you are one foxy zebra. Hmm, that sounds like some kind of new mutant gene splice. You know what I mean!
x

Kitty said...

Awesome outfit Bella! BTW yr info on print clashing went down a storm at the workshop, thanks again for that, will be blogging the event soon.xx.

Unknown said...

Agreed. I have been wearing stripes almost daily (I confess) with everything from florals to leopard. And I am loving your combo, Bella! And the cut of the skirt is so flattering on you. Don't you love a great thrift? Happy Monday! ~Sarah of Sarah Hulbert Style

Carelia said...

Bella you are looking fabulous!!! I love this outfit. Stripes done right my dear. :-)
Mysmallwardrobe.com

WendyB said...

But what does the fifth zebra say?!?!

Annie Lollapalooza said...

i love striped tops!!
you look great Bella ♥

sylvia @ 40PlusStyle said...

You can never go wrong with black and white! Is that a clutch you are holding in your hand? Proves my point that having a clutch in your hand looks a whole lot more elegant while posing than bare hands!

mispapelicos said...

You have a way with words, my wonderful Bella. If you don´t mind I will keep the "pre-loved" term for clothes.
You look stunning in colour, and wonderful clashing black and white.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jill said...

I love this outfit, you are a mix master honey. How are you? I have been swamped with kid stuff. I now have to get my son in middle school and in true NYC form, you must apply for schools, and yes I am talking about public school! Lovely. If you have time, Adrienne and I are doing another 'How I Wear My' post, this one on the colors burgundy and bordeaux, so if you have a picture of yourself in one of those, you can send it to me by Oct. 1. I hope all is well with you. XO, Jill

Kara Endres said...

What a fun look (and great finds!). You're always the best at mixing prints, and this is no exception. xx

Kaffesoester said...

I must remember this post - stripes are the most versatile pattern of them all! The skirt is gorgeous, and the mary janes are very cute. I can almost feel how comfortable is was to wear!

Stone Cottage Adventures said...

I love the pattern differences with classic colors! Very nice! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

Unknown said...

YAY! It must be black and white week! You look fab and free in this lovely breezy outfit Bella! Sarah xxx

Lynn Hasty said...

Love it! Very polished, but so fun and carefree. Sassy, in fact. I love the shoes! Naturalizer makes some comfy ones, no doubt!!

xoxo
Lynn

Style Agent 909 said...

You're hilarious! Black and white is always right. I especially like it with mixed patterns. I'm wearing some sensible (kind of) black flats for Visible Monday too.

Unknown said...

I had a black & white week myself and Im loving it !! and yes... stripes goes perfect with everything :)

Debbi@SheAccessorizesWell said...

I like that you were dodging dog poop and taking pictures. That takes talent!
This is a wonderful outfit and even better that it was so affordable.

Unknown said...

What a great look! It's all black & white but still fresh. Love that skirt! hehe you're a channeling some superstar (that you are) being hounded by paparazzi ;)