Twenty-something Marianela lives on Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, and documents her outfits on her blog Marilyn’s Closet. Her style is very casually polished and super chic. She also loves the drama of a fun faux fur coat, adores hats and likes to sport Modern Classic pieces like crisp white button-downs. But it’s her practical casual footwear that immediately stood out to me. Our blogger is a big fan of comfortable shoes and has a knack for making more rugged-looking peds work for her inherently polished style. Such a breath of fresh air.
Our blogger has a soft spot for faux fur coats, and has several in her collection. I especially like the effect of this peach-coloured number. It adds dramatic flair to this Modern Classic outfit. Marianela has tucked a crisp white button-down into a simple pair of blue skinny jeans. A timeless combination that gets its panache from the fluffy coat with three-quarter length sleeves. I also like how the collarless neckline and blingy rhinestone necklace accentuate the strict collar of the shirt. The necklace is cool-toned but works well with the warm-toned, on trend pastel peach and gold watch. Our blogger has a good eye for colour indeed: the nude pumps and beige satchel are not an exact match for the coat, but go well together. The bright pink lippie is an unexpected and fun touch.
This casual Euro chic look with Panama Jack ankle boots has stolen my heart. Marianela, who’s a big believer in practical, comfortable footwear, is a master at making more rugged-looking shoes work for her inherently polished style. The Winter whiteout creams paired with cognac, ochre and rust give this outfit an elegant and ’70s touch. The hip-length chunky knit sweater and single-breasted wool coat keep our blogger warm during the mild Tenerife Winter. The skinny pants have a floral jacquard pattern that adds subtle textural interest, and contrasts cleverly with the super smooth leather of the oversized crossbody bag. Our blogger’s bare ankles create structure, and draw extra attention to those statement ankle boots. Note how the light rubber soles echo the creams in the rest of the outfit. A nonchalantly draped scarf, floppy hat and big sunnies add playful flair.
Marianela has polished sneaker style down pat. The zippered skinnies, denim-on-denim and iconic white Converse represent our blogger’s tomboy side. Here she combines them with a sassy sweatshirt with feminine floral print in beautiful colours. The purples are especially lovely with the light blue denim and whites. The untucked denim shirt peeking out from under the sweatshirt creates a proportionally well-balanced silhouette with the skinny jeans. The double zippers on the handbag echo the zips on the jeans. This metal detailing adds a touch of toughness that is counterbalanced by the white colour of the bag. Together with the white background of the sweatshirt, Marianela’s white watch, her berry pink lipstick and long straight locks, the overall effect is one I like to call pretty tomboy.
There’s something very British countryside about this look that I find irresistible. That’s why I’m picking this as a second favourite. Skinnies tucked into knee-high boots may not be super on trend right now, but they are always in style, and I adore Marianela’s interpretation. It’s the combination of the just-rugged-enough boots with the polished plaid coat. Our blogger is a huge fan of Panama Jack footwear that is made in Spain. The cognac mixed-media boots are wonderful with the light blue destroyed denim, and also bring out the beautiful colours in the coat. The hip-length, belted style is spunky and traditional at the same time. Marianela is wearing a chunky knit white sweater underneath, with part of the sleeves showing from under the cropped length coat sleeves. A simple scarf and floppy hat add to the Ralph Lauren-esque vibe of this look. Our blogger’s long hair is definitely an essential accessory: just look at the way she repeats the colours of her hair in her outfits. Fab!
The hot pink paired with sunny orange immediately sold this outfit to me. Proof once again that well-chosen accessories pack a powerful punch. Here they transform a simple skinny jeans outfit into a stylish Summer statement. Marianela is also sporting an interesting oversized white blouse. The billowy fit — the blouse ties in the back to rein in some of the extra volume — lace-esque bib and pompom trims give this look a romantic girly vibe. The wide batwing sleeves are super breezy on hot days. The croc pattern on the happy-coloured handbag adds textural interest. The embellished pink flats remind me of yummy sweets and make me smile. Diamanté studs and a very fun zebra scarf finish off the look.
Wouldn’t this be perfect for a day of sightseeing in cooler temps? I adore Prussian blue. It’s a seasonless colour that works equally well in Summer and Winter. The ton-sur-ton colour palette really appeals to me. It has a soothing effect and gives the individual pieces a chance to shine. Marianela is a skinny jeans gal at heart. Here she’s paired them with a tunic sweater that hits her at a flattering length. The subtle marled effect and small studs on the shoulder add visual interest. The white blouse underneath adds a crispness that helps make the blues pop. The column of colour creates a long, lean line, that’s further emphasized by tucking the skinnies into blue booties. They’re the tougher element in this polished urban casual outfit creating a fun and very on trend juxtaposition. A blue animal print scarf brings some pattern into the mix. Her beige go-to Modern Classic trench can be thrown on whenever required, and her fab cognac bag makes another appearance.
Have a peek at Marianela’s outfit archives over on her blog, or check out her pins on Pinterest, but first let us know what you think of our blogger’s casual chic style.
