Picture Perfect Challenge: Nature Week in Review

Since I didn't post these in my blog before, here's my review of this week's YLF Nature Challenge - lots of soft, tonal, and pastel colors pushed my style boundaries but yielded some fun results (if I do say so myself)!

1: Worn to work and to chiropractor appointment. The bag saved the day, since pink and purple are very scarce in my wardrobe - I have plans to dye this baby, but have not gotten around to it yet.
- Purple suede Kenneth Cole hobo - $3 via swap meet
- Gray cascade cardi - $12 via Target
- Hinge draped cowl top - $1 via swap meet
- brown leather belt - $3 via swap meet
- BR Sloan pants - Christmas gift card
- 80%20 Rina fawn boots - Christmas gift card

2: Another day and work and the chiropractor's office. Wore my new dress after prompting from Natalie - one of my new favorite outfits!
- Michael Michael Kors agate print dress - $85 via 6pm.com
- Cristina Valentina handbag - years old gift from Mom
- AS leather jacket - via Ebay
- Boutique 9 booties - ?? Still don't know... appeared in my trunk!
- Sheer black tights - $1 via dollar store

3: Not worn at all! I arrived at this outfit only after making a return and finding this blouse waiting for me. After feeling off in my skirt all day and thinking about tossing it, the blouse made everything right.
- Nexx silk blouse - $88 via Nordstrom
- J Crew ombre skirt - $1 via swap meet
- Report Marks booties - $30 via Amazon ($15 after CC rewards points!)

4: Worn to work. I was worried what I'd wear for this picture, since there are no bright, vivid colors to wear near my face, but white is just as bright.
- Brooks Brothers no-iron shirt - $25 via Ebay
- paisley green skirt - $1 via swap meet
- BR gold button cardi - CC rewards
- Squirrel necklace - 2 Euro via flea market in Rome
- repeat of mystery Boutique 9 booties
- B. Makowsky python embossed bag - vie Ebay

5: Worn for Casual Friday at work - a very busy day full of month-end and quarter-end shenanigans. Possibly the last soft color in my closet, and it happened to fit with the photo - what luck!
- AT blouse - $20? via AT extra 50% off sale
- Hudson signature jeans - $40 via Ebay
- AllSaints Mini Mac - $40 via Ebay
- Fergie Major boots - Birthday Gift Card via Nordies
- Same B. Makowsky bag as day 4

All in all, I was surprised how easy it was to stay true to my own style while dressing for this challenge. Despite the soft colors, the moody and dramatic qualities really spoke to me. The best part of the challenge, though, was how all the YLF forum members stayed true to THEIR styles as well - we all dressed to the same images, yet came up with totally different outfits. A great example of how "it is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors."

Good old Oscar Wilde... he liked his outfits, too.

This post has 5 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

12 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

How clever of you to post the outfit and picture side by side! I missed some of these days, I need to go back and look at everyone's pictures for days 3 and 4. You have done a splendid job of capturing the feel of these images in your day-to-day, work appropriate attire. I love #3 the most, it's bold and minimal!

goldenpig

I love your series! So Rae! You are right about moody and dramatic! My favorite is #2, hands down (and not just because it was my suggestion!) Love the dress with the leather jacket and yellow bag. It so typifies your style and is lovely, feminine, and edgy all at the same time. I WANT THAT DRESS! OMG I just checked and it's still available at 6pm for $71! No size S, but do you think a M would fit me? Should I try it out?

That orange blouse and white/yellow skirt combo is divine. I love your unique accessories too like that squirrel pendant. And you have such fun slouchy handbags like the yellow and the rose and the green ones. Love the lemon yellow blouse with grey jacket too. What a great week you had!

Kiwichik

I agree with Cocolion - great week & #3 is my fav

Deborah

These are great Rae! Your interpretations are all very beautiful, gentle and flow so naturally from the original pictures.

rae

Natalie, I'm thinking a M might be too big in your hips (my hips are about 36 inches right now). Zappos has the dress in petites if you can go 2 inches shorter, although it is also twice the price.
http://www.zappos.com/product/7946775/color/194456

Rae, I agree the M might be a bit bigger than I'd like (I usually wear size 6 dresses) but my hips are 37 inches (I'm 35-31-37) so I think I'm a bit bigger than you (I don't remember your size)? I'm afraid of going shorter (I'm more used to midi length) so I think I'll try the M, and if it's way too big then I might try the PS.

You usually wear a size 6? For some reason I thought we were the same size - I'm usually a 2-4 depending on the shape of the dress... the M might work out just fine for you!

Meredith1953

Wow! Such fabulous outfits. I love all the shape and color combinations. You rocked the challeng and still look very much "Rae"!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Another masterful execution! Love the Oscar Wilde Quote. I have another:

"“It is only shallow people who do not judge by appearances. The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible”.

You look smashing every day, Rae. But #1, #2 and #3 are my faves! It's amazing how much better the chestnut boots in #3 look as soon as you added the orange blouse. LOVE!

Angie, I know that quote - like mine, it is from "The Picture of Dorian Gray," a book that really changed my life!

Then I must read that book!

It's kind of a dark book but, in a roundabout way, it got me to loosen up, not be so serious, and have fun with dressing as well as conversation. Just a really interesting look at the relationship between interior and exterior.

Lisa

Great job on this challenge. I noticed right away how well your fab handbag collection complimented your outfits and tied in the looks with the inspiration photos. Super job!

Category