March 31st, 2009
So far so good. My inexpensive accessory splurge has made it easy to resist the temptation of purchasing clothing. Instead I have purchased an off-white tote, a yellow spring scarf, a casual necklace, and a turquoise belt with floral detail. Today I am adding a second Spring scarf into the mix.
I get bored of wearing the same types of items in the same ensemble combination day after day. So I switch out the style of my bottoms and tops frequently. For example: in one week I’ll go from wearing jeans and skirts with boots, to sporting frocks and pants with pumps. Mixing it up, plus the addition of a new accessory helps me feel fashionably recharged.
Most tops can accommodate a Spring scarf (if the top has a shirt collar, be sure to wear it inside the collar to avoid looking dowdy). Add to that a variety of scarf shapes, patterns and colours, and the possibilities are endless. A different scarf tied in a different way conveys a totally different mood: from arty and playful, to strict and authoritative. Take your pick.




It’s usually a choice of scarf OR chunky necklace, but I’m wearing both in the bottom two photographs. In these instances the ensemble works because I’m wearing a single layer of clothing and no earrings. If I’d added a necklace to the top two outfits, I’d have lost that clean-cut look. The visual interest of the layering plus the scarf provides ample texture. No necklace required.
The cool, crisp and lightweight integrity of a silk, viscose, rayon or cotton-rich Spring scarf gives it a long lifespan. So don’t restrict this accessory to cold Spring days when it can be comfortably sported over sleeveless tops as temperatures start to rise. Even in hot weather the scarf could be a useful addition in chilly air-conditioned environments.
I bought this scarf from Macy’s and, coincidentally, their online store is running promotions on many of their scarves.
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46 Replies
Posted on Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 at 7:02 am
What a gorgeous scarf! The color is perfect for spring. I also like the yellow clutch in the last picture. I bought a yellow purse recently and it’s been a fun addition to my wardrobe for spring. Thanks again for the great ideas!
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 7:12 am
so…I don’t ever comment, but I had to say something just this once.
I usually love how you put your ensembles together, but the last outfit just does not look right to me. Please don’t take it the wrong way. While I think the yellow clutch, the watch, the scarf, and the necklace are all beautiful pieces, they are distracting in that they are each competing for attention. Thank you.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 7:23 am
The scarf is really beautiful, and all the outfits are gorgeous! Thank you so much for these types of blogs Angie, they are truly inspirational.
What type of material is that pencil skirt in the upper right photo made of? It looks a charcoal tweed but I can not say for sure. I really adore that outfit, and might try to recreate it. Oh, and your LBD is pure perfection.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 7:33 am
Love all the outfits-I would like to “copy” each one. Could one wear a spring scarf with the sleeveless cowl neck top?
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 7:36 am
I love this scarf! You have certainly found some amazing spring accessories.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 7:37 am
Thank you for this post and ideas in the photos. I’m especially studying the sheath dress in the last picture and the ways you have combined scarves and beads. I would also not have considered a spring floral scarf with a black moto jacket, but you make it look fantastic and effortless. Is the pencil skirt with the denim jacket black linen?
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 7:37 am
Gorgeous scarf and bag. You make a denim jacket look so chic! Thanks for sharing these wonderful ideas.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 8:12 am
Angie, you are always so inspirational! I love the turquoise/teal tunic (or dress?) you put over your jeans!
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 8:14 am
Angie, you always look so lovely and well put together. How do you decide what color scarf to get? I have also noticed the patterns you have chosen are simple rather than busy. There are so many options and so few dollars available to spend.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 8:19 am
You are a wonderful inspiration. Thank you for taking the time to show us your beautiful outfits. Pictures do speak louder than words.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 8:23 am
I love the look on you, but I’d always pick the necklace in real life. Scarves are just not my thing unless they’re pashminas..
Am going to link to this on my blog
Fabulously Broke in the City
“Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver.“
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 8:30 am
Angie, thanks for the rule-of-thumb to wear a scarf inside a shirt collar (if it has a collar) to avoid looking dowdy. This is just the kind of tip that I will file away in my brain. Also, I love, love, love how you are “breaking the rules” by layering a necklace with a scarf. Your panache encourages me to try new looks.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 8:31 am
This has given me some scarf/necklace layering inspiration. Woo hoo!
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 8:47 am
Beautiful outfits again. I love the scarf, its color is really pretty. I also love the necklace-scarf combo, I would have never though of wearing them together. One question, on photo 2, it appears you are wearing jean jacket and jean skirt. I thought for some reason one would not wear both pieces in jean fabric, but I like the look on your photo. What are your thoughts?
Looking at your recent photos and reading your posts has started to make an effect on how I put my outfits together. I am really happy with the way I dressed myself today. I’ll post a photo later on the forum.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 8:51 am
Danja-I have to agree on the denim with denim. It looks good here in a photo but could mislead someone that is lacking style confidence into thinking it is okay to pair denims. I do not personally care for pairing denims and would sub the leather jacket but I guess if your denims are almost identical in color, it is okay. I just like to mix it up for a little more interest an contrast;)
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 9:16 am
I have to keep focused on getting my basics- but what I want to do is run out and buy a bunch of scarves! Lovely, Angie! It has always been so hard for me to figure out accessories, and with your help I’m starting to get excited about the possibilities. Thanks for more pix of your outfits!
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 9:22 am
Thanks for speaking up Sunny, and I appreciate your opinion. I totally agree that the outfit with the dress is the least clean-cut of the four. It’s my little experiment!
Tanya (thanks for the compliment), and the grey pencil skirt is made of a stretch, cotton-rayon blend. It has the slightest bit of sheen. The integrity of the fabric is crisp and not woolly. It’s not denim either Danja and MSL, which is why it works with a denim jacket. (I’ll look forward to seeing your outfit on the forum later).
Jennel, I wear a smaller Spring scarf with a cowl neck. But I tuck away the ends so that the effect is neat and clean. Otherwise the scarf competes with the top. I hope that makes sense.
Joy, the scarf is not actually floral – it’s polka dot. I do not prefer floral prints unless they are very abstract. I guess at a quick glance this pattern could look like an abstract floral! So to answer your question Eva, even though there is a HUGE selection of scarves out there, I find it easy to pick out the ones that I love. I gravitate towards strong, modern, geometric prints that make a simple yet bold statement. I bypass patterns that are muted, wishy-washy or romantic. But these are completely PERSONAL print choices. Your pattern preferences might be different to mine and that’s great! Variety is the spice of life.
Anyone spot Jasmine?
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 9:23 am
Sinead, an inexpensive Spring scarf might lift your spirits. You certainly have my green light to purchase a scarf before a basic
It’s music to my ears that you’re embracing accessories.
Tanya, the scarf is tied in the “Angie-knot” I was talking about.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 9:26 am
Angie – I love all the looks! I have tried several of these outfits (jackets and scarf) and they look great when all worn together. However, when indoors and if too warm, I have to take the jacket and scarf off. Any suggestions on how to keep the look polished when the major pieces are taken away?
Thanks.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 9:30 am
Thanks for the info Angie! I have a grey pinstripe pencil skirt that might fit the bill for a similar outfit. But the outfit will have to wait for some nicer weather.
Yep, I spotted Rosie, she is adorable as usual. Is she wearing a red puppy-sweater ( the background is blurred)? She is too cute!
I figured that this must be the famous Angie-knot since I didn’t recognize the way the scarf is tied. Can’t wait for the tutorial on how to do it!
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 9:42 am
A previous YLF post on Turquoise accessories inspired me to buy a scarf but I like the one you are sporting. I love the subtle print (from someone who avoids prints – that is one of my resolutions – buy prints!).
The yellow/turq combo is fun. Could see it with red too maybe?
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 10:00 am
Love it! What I think is particularly cool about this is that you could throw all of this into a suitcase and there you go… you’d have a perfectly coordinated wardrobe for a 4-day trip! I can imagine other possible combos with these same pieces too…. lots of mixing/matching options.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 10:09 am
Jasmine was well hidden today. I love it when she struts her stuff.
I have a follow up question. How do you pick the color that works best for you? Your yellow and turquoise work so well for you. Do you look at your wardrobe and figure out the best color then shop for it, or does the scarf catch you eye in the store an happen to match what you have? I am trying to figure out what color would work best for me.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 10:22 am
Angie,
I love these ensembles that you’ve put together…thank you for sharing!
Questions for you:
1. What types/brands of tops are you wearing under the jackets in the top 2 photos?
2. Where did you get that perfect sheath dress in the bottom right photo?
I agree with Shiny, you have the ingredients for a capsule wardrobe of sorts, right in these 4 photos…even more of an encouragement that “less can be more.”
Thanks again for the wonderful and practical ideas and inspiration!
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 10:25 am
You already know I don’t need any convincing when it comes to scarves Angie, and now you’re showing us a green one, swoon;-)
I love it paired with the long necklace and your sheath dress and I can’t stop looking at the green tunic dress in picture 3. It looks like it has a beautiful A-line shape, with a bit of a 60’s vibe. I llllike it.
Love the green scarf paired with the yellow top as well.
Is little Jasmine wearing a red coat?-)
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Gorgeous! I saw this scarf in person but it looks even nicer on you as part of these fabulous outfits. The LBD with the necklace, scarf and purse is DIVINE in my book. Have you actually worn this outfit yet, or is this an experiment at home? Soooo pretty.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Your dogs (Yorkies?) are precious!
Angie, I love all the bright colors you’ve been featuring with your spring accessories. You look smashing in turqouise and emerald green. Thank you for showing this pale girl that you don’t need a tan to rock bright colors.
One aspect of this post that surprised me was that both the knot and ends of the scarf are lower than I’m used to wearing mine. When I knot my scarves I usually cinch them relatively close to my neck so they don’t slip, and I wrap it around my neck until the ends are above hip length. I’ve been concerned that many of my newer hand-me-down scarves are too long to translate into spring wear. However, the longer way you’re wearing your scarf looks beautiful, so I’m going to play around with keeping my scarves longer and see what works. Your demo pictures are so helpful and inspiring!
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Angie, thank you for sharing your outfits with us. I know it takes a lot of time to prepare these posts, we really appreciate it. Your cheerful and crisp outfits bring a huge smile to my face.
The scarf is gorgeous. It looks especially lovely with white and/or yellow. And I adore the green dress in no.3. Is it a knit or a woven?
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Encore, a Spring scarf is supposed to stay on indoors. Perhaps your scarves aren’t lightweight enough. Silk scarves are very lightweight and actually keep you cool. That might be your answer along with tying them more loosely around your neck. It’s fine to take your jacket off indoors even if you’re wearing an “indoor jacket”. You’ll achieve extra polish if you wear the right top with the look. Both bottom pictures are sans jackets but still put together. I hope that helps.
Tanya, your pinstripe grey skirt will make a great substitute. (And you spotted Jasmine in her red jumper).
Spot on, Chris! I have worn this scarf with my red bag too. I love turquoise and red together.
Eva, I tend to go with the latter – a scarf catches my eye and I think about how I can wear it after I’ve purchased it. When you have an assortment of solid tops as I do, it’s always easy to make a printed scarf work in your wardrobe.
Thank you lovely Lena, Inge and Antje. That is indeed a 60’s dress that I wear as a tunic and it’s made of a silk-viscose stretch knit. I have not worn the LBD with this particular scarf yet because it’s new, but I have worn the combination before (added little black flats and a denim jacket).
Quite right Kari, Jasmine and Rosie are Yorkies. And when you’re always pale like I am, you have to make colours work! The slipping scarf knot is a nuisance, but this particular knot does not slip. Also, I tie my scarves as you’re describing when it’s colder because you need to feel insulated in Winter. This is more of a warm weather way of tying a scarf, using two types of scarf shapes. I’m thrilled to have inspired you to try new scarf tying techniques.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Scarves are no longer for winter…with a lightweight sheer scarf and a white tee shirt you can go into summer….I love the look !
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Hi Angie..
I am new to your blog..found you from budgetbabe.com.. i love your blog too..
very edgy styles i must see..
i fell in love with scarves this winter..they were just right to brighten up my dull winter outfits. im so glad that im goin to be able to continue the trend thru spring n summer..
i have some warm pashminas for cold weather..n i picked up a light spring scarf from F21.. they are everywhere..i found some strikingly nices ones at aldo acessories shop too
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Another lovely scarf, Angie. Your outfits are inspiring, and your dogs are adorable. Thank you for posting the link to Macy’s sale. I have my eye on this one: http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=31479
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Angie, I love the looks – the pics are ESPECIALLY helpful. I would have never thought to do the simple necklace with the scarf – I will have to try that I LOVE it!
Something about the picture on the bottom right though…maybe it’s my eye & that I’m not up on the scarves yet…I will have to keep thinking about it. I love the turquoise color as well!
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Angie, I love your blog and this is pretty much my first comment
I love your spring accessories especially the yellow scarf and off white tote! i recently bought an off white leather tote but any dark denim i wear it just rubs off the ink on my beautiful tote and it irritates me. Any solution for this? My denims are not cheap either the ones that I wore with the tote are J brand and hudson so i dont understand why that is and cant figure out the solution. any suggestions?? i will appreciate it thanksss.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Priya, thanks for chiming in for the first time. Blue dye that rubs off is an absolute nuisance. Soaking denim in vinegar helps but not always. So I’ve resorted to wearing lighter denim washes with my cream handbag.
lwc, the black top is from Zara and the yellow top is from a shop in London (both several seasons old). I bought the black sheath in Hong Kong four years ago and it’s still going strong. If you’re after this type of look, try Club Monaco and Banana Republic. They have similar products in at the moment.
Posted on March 31st, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Scarves are such a versatile accessory, plus they last forever. I got out and wore a scarf that had belonged to my great aunt yesterday. The scarf is a lovely long silk rectangle with a graphic pattern and has to be at least 60 years old.
Posted on April 1st, 2009 at 1:44 am
I’ve unfortunately been so busy that I have not had a chance to say how incredibly wonderful these last couple weeks have been. Angie, your posts are always educational and inspiring, but seeing you in your combinations brings visuals that help to recreate or take our own twist on fab outfits. Thank you!
Posted on April 1st, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Angie, I love your big white bag. May I please know where you got it? May I also know brand it is, in the off chance that it is available in my part of the globe? Thanks.
Posted on April 2nd, 2009 at 12:22 am
Angie I love seeing the different ways you put outfits together. What I am really swooning over is your green tunic top/dress. It’s amazing!!!!
Posted on April 2nd, 2009 at 2:48 am
Thanks, Tam. I can see you in the same emerald green tunic!
Raine, I bought the new white handbag in NYC at Macys (the largest store in the world!) It’s a Donna Karan. They had them in smaller sizes as well.
Posted on April 2nd, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Love the pics Angie- you look FAB!!!
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 at 10:31 am
You look great – thanks for the scarf/necklace advice
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 at 2:18 pm
[...] than the other side. You can also skew the scarf so that the hems are uneven. This will give you this waterfall effect. Fold right over left and pull that same right end back under the end that’s hanging in front of [...]
Posted on April 7th, 2009 at 6:58 am
[...] seems a little more dull than usual: There’s nothing really new and exciting. Aside from accessories and footwear, I haven’t felt compelled to purchase anything (I don’t know whether that’s [...]
Posted on April 8th, 2009 at 6:31 am
[...] Accessories are the fasted and cheapest way to inject a bit of new into an existing wardrobe. Scarves, bracelets, belts, handbags, hose, headbands, watches, wallets, hats, pins, necklaces and earrings [...]
Posted on August 20th, 2009 at 6:28 am
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