Angie’s “I Gotta Be Me” challenge 2/25

Weather, temperature and work requirements are always considered when planning my outfit. Today was forecast to be mild and in the mid 30s so I didn’t need an extra layer for the classroom. Today’s choice is Black and White with a splash of Red.
This outfit is me because I really like black. I think it looks sophisticated. (I know, I know, with my graying hair, navy is better, but I am still a work in progress as far as that goes).
What makes this outfit so me?
It is a mix of affordable, discount and high end pieces.
Sweater and pants are washable and hang dry. Easy care!
Comfortable, slim legged pants that I can move in.
A soft, easy fitting sweater with a loose turtleneck, long sleeves and a little detail with the tie.
I am a boots gal and these tall black beauties keep my feet happy all day and make me smile with their sleek sass.
I like to pattern mix, so the dark floral bag added interest, a burst of color and I like how it played with the houndstooth check.
All of my jewelry today were Happiness Factors: each piece has a special memory, story or connection to a loved one. Again, I like a mix of high end, custom and affordable costume or craft.
The signatures: stack of bangles and a smile.

Thoughts? Comments? Confusions?

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7 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I love it all! You look fantastic. No apology needed--you like black, and you wear it with style! The pattern mixing and eclectic mix of jewelry add so much to this look, too.

Cee

You look and are lovely, ML

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

KILLER

Sooo YOU, Mainelady. Polished and structured casual classics with lots of playful bling, glam adornment, and fun pattern mix. Rock on.

taylor

You always look so fabulous...
Extra lovely in your “ gotta be me “ style !

JAileen

Fabulous. That’s all.

SarahD8

You do Polished Approachability so well, Mainelady.

Suz

OOooh. I love this on you. The pants are especially fab. (I'm a sucker for houndstooth type patterns). The proportions and the bling feel signature to me. But also, I think the check pattern and your bling help to "soften" the black so that it actually works extremely well on you.

Bonnie

You have a wonderful style!

Anonymous

Approachable Polish. I LOVE this outfit. The pattern mixing and your jewelry make it extra special. I understand the appeal of black as I can get away with wearing it for the first time in my life now since turning grey, so it is like adding a new color, a neutral at that.

KMM

Active Member

Fellow “Maine lady” here... really love your style and the way you put polished outfits together with such ease!

Jaime

This is one of my favorite outfits on you ever! I thought Chanel right away before seeing the close up. Love that you added in the floral bag. Perfect!

Mainelady

Thank you Cee, Taylor, JAileen and SarahD!

Firecracker, with so many patterns and great jewelry options, going electric allows me to enjoy more.

Thank you, Angie and Bonnie!

Suz, I am also a big fan of houndstooth. I never thought of proportion as being part of a signature look, but you are absolutely right!

Joy, I have always worn a lot of black and feel like I need to be careful that it doesn’t come across as too harsh with the new lighter version of me.

Hi KMM! Cheers to another Mainer!

Thank you Shevia. I have always been drawn to iconic Chanel. I’m not sure why. I liked it when I saw it in magazines, long before I understood the name or the difference between luxury and discount labels. I used to pick my grandmother’s little black handbag when we played dress up. I just liked the look and feel of it. As a kid, I had no idea it was Chanel.

karen13

You look wonderful in this. I am slowly learning that the the touches of light make all the difference in turning a basic dark low contrast outfit into something stylish. I really like the way the pants read almost neutral from a distance, but then the smaller pattern provides that touch of lightness. And your signature jewelry elevates all your outfits.

Katerina

WOW, Mainelady! This outfit is sooo gorgeous. It is among my favorites. FWIW, love black on you and this combination with the pants and jewelry is so chic. The patterned bag is perfect here.
I always so enjoy your posts. Your style is wonderful, personal and distinctive. A fabulous signature style. And you have taught me about happiness pieces in outfits - thank you for that and for all the inspiration.

rachylou

This is perfect. So you. You have a way of being casual but not casual. It’s very good.

Cardiff girl

I echo all the comments above.This is very you because it’s casual but polished.You have your style down to a t and look fab.

Karen, thank you. I do wear dark low contrast outfits often, because I begin with a column of color most days. I find the lighter colors and the shine from the jewelry even more important as winter drags on.

Katerina, thank you! It makes me feel good to know that the idea of Happiness Factors is spreading. Being mindful when I choose my HF for the day gives me a chance to reflect upon the people and the memories......a very pleasant morning practice.

Rachylou, Casual but not Casual could be my moniker!

Thank you Cardiff Girl. I am sitting through and making some shifts in my style. I still have things to figure out, but I’m glad I look like I know what I am doing.

kkards

Pattern and color, floral and boots. Love how this works for winter but hints of spring
YLF

Bijou

Black loves you, so no need to swap it for navy. This is soo YOU and in the best possible way! Polished, fun and glamorous. Love your Chanel pearls and great to see you enjoy wearing them.

lyn67

I can never do knee boots with pants (only with tights-as do have wide calves) but this is how I would do it in 2019, if I could!:-) Love gingham bottoms with a black top and your signature fine jewelry stacks!

Helena

Polished and perfect. The happiness shines through, and that's as "you" as it gets!

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