Amy Ann Arnold (29) documents her outfits over at Straight A Style. She lives in Tulsa, and works as an Admissions and Enrollment Coordinator for a university. She is a true dress gal with an amazing frock collection. Amy Ann’s style is on trend with boho, romantic and edgy influences. She likes neutral colours, versatile pieces that she can mix and match, and uses footwear to add extra sass.

“I always find defining my style difficult. What I love most about fashion is the ability to express yourself differently on any given day. Sometimes I am more polished and professional. Other days I feel more bohemian or edgy. In general, I stick to neutral colors, simple silhouettes, and small details or twists on classic pieces. I love adding fun shoes or a bag to an outfit, but my primary wardrobe is built to be versatile. My style has evolved over the years much in part to my blog. Actually seeing myself in my clothes has helped me determine the pieces that work and do not work. I’ve relaxed into who I am as a person, and I think my style reflects that.”

A girly white on white outfit that is crisp yet soft. The mesh insert pleated swing skirt provides great structure. A clever juxtaposition against the soft fabric of the blouse with its subtle puff sleeves and round collar. The self-colour stripes in the skirt and vertical detailing on the front of the top create tonal textural interest. The interchangeable black bow adds flirty dandy flair. Amy Ann’s black patent sandals add further graphic contrast. The thin ankle straps, together with the shorter skirt length and tucked top, create a long leg line. Big round sunnies and a simple gold bracelet finish off the look.

Amy Ann has an amazing frock collection. Here she’s sporting a fitted black and white knit knee-length dress. The graphic black and white stripe is fun in its own right, but adding a gilet creates even more outfit interest. The lightweight material allows her to layer without adding bulk, while the burgundy works well with the black and white. Belting the gilet accentuates our blogger’s waist. The oversized collar and asymmetrical hem create curves. The fringed clutch is a fun nod to ‘70s boho style. The high-heeled pointy toe booties provide modern sleekness.

Looking chic doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Amy Ann wore this $20 Forever 21 jumpsuit to a black tie event! Not too oversized, and not too tight: it has the perfect amount of slouch, while the sleeveless V-neck style adds subtle allure. Pairing the cropped jumpsuit with black ankle strap sandals creates a long lean line. A few well-chosen accessories — a tiny gold clutch, an intricate cuff, and eye-catching ear cuff — add maximum festive impact. Bold fuchsia lipstick brings out Amy Ann’s beautiful green eyes.

Combining different shades of red makes for a flattering and fresh-looking colour palette. The maroon faux leather pleated midi skirt is a dramatic piece that works well on our 5’10” blogger. Tucking the romantic leaves print blouse lengthens the leg line, and emphasizes Amy Ann’s small waist. Opting for low-contrast footwear like these tan suede peep-toe booties also creates vertical integrity. Big tortoise-rimmed sunnies, a classic red leather tote, and matching lippie are the finishing touches.

Casual Boho Nonchalance. Amy Ann’s black V-neck dress with beautiful white embroidery has a breezy kaftan vibe that is perfect for warm weather. Earthy brown accessories and our blogger’s relaxed beachy waves add to the Boho feel. But she’s also added in some details that juxtapose cleverly with that ’70s vibe. The strict, square lines of her crossbody bag, for example. Or the polished shiny gold heel on the gladiator sandals that echoes the chain on the bag. Black nail polish, the black strap on her men’s watch and black with gold rim sunnies tie everything together.

Amy Ann often favours neutral colours and has a knack for creating visually interesting outfits with them. Here she’s turned a long gilet into a fashion forward look by wearing it as a dress. Simply layer it over a blouse, button up (and add a pin on the inside so it doesn’t fall open) et voilà. The heavy drape of the wool gilet and sleek leather pointy toe booties add a severity that contrasts nicely with the soft material of the feminine ivory pussy bow blouse (Amy Ann added the bow herself). The fringe clutch also makes a second appearance, and gives the look a playful touch. Our blogger’s soft blonde ‘do and bright lipstick finish off the look perfectly.

What do you think of Amy Ann’s on trend style? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out the rest of her outfits over at Straight A Style. Or browse her pinboards to find out what inspires her.

Steampunk fashion is a very distinctive style where Victoriana meets Science Fiction Warrior Princess. Bustles, ruffles, frills, corsets, waistcoats, brocade, petticoats, flares, flounces, shiny buttons, poufy sleeves, lace, velvet, spat boots, tailcoats, top hats and ornate jewellery pieces are combined with a big dose of military hard edge. A strong element of fantasy is expressed through accessories like ray guns, driving goggles and timepieces that are often included in outfits. There’s also a post apocalyptic sensibility when gas masks and ragged clothing are thrown into the mix.

Here are some examples that capture it well.

• Fantasy Explorer Chic
• Steampunk Robin Hood
• Dandy Warriors
• Wild West Burlesque

A few of our forum members suggested a steampunk ensemble for Halloween and I have happily obliged. Although few will be able to pull together the look from their wardrobes alone, it’s fun to break down the components. 

The components: 

Victorian Blouse: You need a solid dandy and romantic frilly, flouncy and poufy blouse in a soft fabric or lace. If you don’t have one of those a peasant blouse will do. 

Corset: You can buy fairly affordable steampunk corsets on Amazon if you’re after an authentic look. But just about any corset will work, as will a fitted waistcoat if a corset is not in reach. Layer it over the blouse for a burlesque bombshell effect. 

Bottoms: Combat pants and bustled skirts are popular steampunk bottoms. Add a frilly petticoat to the bustled skirt if that tickles your fancy. Leather/pleather or pinstripe leggings layered under very short suede A-line or wrap skirts are also good. Bell bottoms in stretchy fabric are another way to go, as are leather short shorts. 

Topper: A topper is not essential, but think tailcoats and 19th century military jackets to top off your outfit. Must be fitted. 

Footwear: Steampunk footwear generally goes two ways: combat boots or Victorian boots. So think all sorts of moto boots, lace-up boots, riding boots or boots with spats across all sorts of shaft and heel heights. Some steampunk boots have ornate detailing on them, which is the cherry on top. 

Accessories: The finishing touches of the outfit are what make it particularly steampunk. 

• Hosiery: Think striped hose, lace hose, or hose with lace detailing on the side seams. 
• Belts: Think grommet belts, and belts with pouches and straps.
• Harnesses: A harness can be worn over a blouse instead of a corset.
• Headgear: Top hats both regular size and miniature are most popular. Decorate them with feathers and flowers. 
• Eyewear: Flying goggles or small round sunnies are best. 
• Gloves: Think fingerless leather gloves.
• Watches: Think vintage timepieces like pocket watches.
• Jewellery: Victorian jewellery is key. 

Don’t be afraid to pack on the accessories for a very maximal look. Create a tonal effect by layering the same colour over and over again. Or create a high contrast effect with light and dark neutrals. 

Steampunk fashionistas create extremely intricate outfits that are very dramatic and theatrical. The elements of the outfits are often bought from steampunk retailers, or they sew and make the items themselves. 

Very intricate steampunk outfits are a little impractical to wear each day, but steampunk-lite is quite manageable. Just substitute some of the pieces with denim and leave off the theatrical accessories. You could switch out the bottoms for jeans, or wear the skirt with a denim jacket instead of a corset. Or simply rock steampunk footwear any way at all.

Every so often the Loft comes up with winning blouse silhouettes for my clients, and that’s exactly what happened last week. Great patterns and silhouettes in interesting colour combinations. They might run a size big.

• Loft Fanfare Utility Blouse: An unusual colour palette of navy, burgundy and blush. The pattern is as amazing as the pocket placement on the chest, which is subtle and works on a larger bust. Fab with burgundy bottoms.
• Loft Autumn Plaid Blouse: A plaid blouse that's great for apple shapes and inverted triangles. Read the rave reviews.
• Loft Boho Bloom Top: This blouse is very billowy so consider yourself warned. Not as streamlined as in the photo, but the shorter length gives it structure. Best on those who can fill out the top. Flirty Boho Fabness.
• Loft Medallion Blouse: I like this blouse best because mustard and navy are a winning combination, and the shoulder insets in contrasting pattern are unique. The blouse looks as great untucked. Fab with navy bottoms and animal print footwear. '70s Pyjama Fabness.
• Loft Collarless Utility Blouse: An unusual colour combination in a feathered pattern. Best worn semi or fully tucked. Fab on an apple or inverted triangle. Good on an hourglass with a large bust.

Loft

Fanfare Utility Blouse

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12

Loft

Autumn Plaid Blouse

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9

Loft

Boho Bloom Top

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4

Loft

Medallion Blouse

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6

Loft

Collarless Utility Blouse

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10

I recently declared my cobalt blouse a seldom worn item. In fact, it had gone unworn for well over a year because I went off cobalt and preferred stiff shirts over soft blouses. But I never stopped liking the blouse, so I kept it. The fabric is luxurious and I adore the fit. I assumed I’d wear it again when the mood struck me.

Custom Find

by Angie

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No sooner had I declared the piece “seldom worn” than it came back into frequent rotation. Suddenly I found myself missing the blouse whenever it was at the cleaners. That’s how frequently I’ve been wearing it over the last few months. 

It’s interesting how your feelings about a certain item in your wardrobe can change over time. In this case, our unseasonably mild weather has been particularly blouse-friendly. My increased need to incorporate soft and pretty pieces into my outfits has shifted me away from my masculine shirts and towards my blouses. Wearing the blouse with a refreshed jeans capsule has made it feel new. And I have fallen back in love with cobalt blue. 

Here are two combinations (with the exact pieces from my wardrobe) that I was wearing most frequently with the blouse before the weather turned cold. I particularly liked the cobalt paired with sour greens and warm cognac: 

Combination 1

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by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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by Angie

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Nordstrom

Current/Elliott 'The Cropped Straight' Ankle Jeans

$198.00 $79.20

Sale

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41

Custom Find

by Angie

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Nordstrom

Michael by Michael Kors Michael Kors 'Bradshaw' Chronograph Bracelet Watch

$275.00 $164.90

Sale

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19

Clarks

Chinaberry Ice

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28

Combination 2

Custom Find

by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Nordstrom

Citizens of Humanity 'Rocket' High Rise Crop Jeans

$188.00

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26

Gap

Clean leather belt

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25

Nordstrom

Alexander Wang 'Dumbo' Leather Clutch

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11

Nordstrom

Prada Chelsea Boot (Women)

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22

I think the point here is that if you love an item, you should hesitate to pass it on if it falls out of rotation. There is quite a high likelihood that items will come back into favour when there are changes in the internal and external factors that impact your style. 

That’s exactly what happened here. I’m glad that I held on to the item. If I passed it on using the “purge what you haven’t worn in the last year” guideline, I wouldn’t have a favourite blouse!