WIW 1/11: Semi-casual Friday, fighting for my look

Do you ever have those days when you have to fight every inch of the way to get a decent look? I had planned to declare my own personal casual Friday today, then the sweater I had planned turned out to be too casual so I changed it out, then there was a shoe issue and a bag issue and a scarf issue, and I ended up getting out of the house 10 minutes late!

Gray microcheck pants: Express
Striped sweater: J Crew
Blue oxford shirt: Target boys' dept
Black ponte knit moto: Tahari
Gray belt: Target
Black pumps: Madden Girl*
Colorblock tote: Vince Camuto
Burberry-ish silk scarf: consignment

*I was particularly unhappy with the shoes, so after I took the photos I changed out the shiny patent pumps for yesterday's non-patent leather platform loafers, which I think work quite a bit better with the black socks!

Thanks for looking! Do you think it was worth the angst?

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13 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

The loafers would really make #2 sing. While you had to fight for it all the way, the fight was worth it. You look fab in #2.

Sometimes it is nice for those of us beginnign our journey that even those of you who have really perfected your style occassionaly struggle to look fab.

And loving your handbag!

Anonymous

Yes, totally worth it. I am agreeing with the shoe change. I love how the trousers fit, so flattering.

Asingh

(website)

Great pattern-mixing, Mary K!

christieanne

Well it works in the end! Some days you start with one outfit in mind, and then end up walking out the door in something totally opposite. Glad to know I am not the only one!

pil

Well worth the angst - way to show your closet who is the boss : )
Those pants are terrific on you.

kellygirl

Way to boss those clothes around, MaryK! You for the win!

texstyle

10 mins. SO worth the while - love this!

Sara L.

Great outfit! You look effortless - one would never guess the angst that went into your outfit.

Mochi

#2 is so dashing! MaryK for the win! Though I did chuckle, thinking that Angie's blog post of today may pertain at times like this--nothing wrong with repeating a known quantity in a pinch. A workday outfit is not worth stressing over!

MsMary

LOL, I didn't say I was stressed over it! Yes, I made myself late, but it was more "playing in my closet" than "stressing out over what to wear!"

Transcona Shannon

Your playing around resulted in a fab outfit. I really like the pairing of these trousers with this sweater - it's so "quietly stylish" if that makes any sense. Such a lovely soft colour palette too. I've mentioned it before but I'll mention it again - it amazes me how equally well you can wear bright colours and neutrals.

Gotcha. I equated "fighting" with "stress." LOL.

Vildy

This looks so good to me that I have to sit on my wallet to keep from wanting to run out and find that sweater and that bag. This is my idea of an OUTFIT.

kimlee

MaryK, I would say those were 10 minutes well spent. Love it!

Amy

You look great--and I bet the other shoes would make this outfit even more zingy.

And yes, I have those days too!

Lyn D.

A great finale- and the black jacket and bag finished it off beautifully !

Karie

I have those days quite often, but in your case, it was well worth the extra 10 minutes!

Suz

Totally worth it!! You look sensational in my books!

I have those days all the time. Had one today, in fact. And didn't end up looking as good as you.

I WANTED to wear my houndstooth jacket (inspired by you). But the weather was too warm for it and then my bra was looking bumpy in the next outfit I tried and then I had to find something fast. Oy.

ManidipaM

Resounding success!

DEFINITELY worth it.

Agreeing with Vildy!

This took me back to Angie's thread on 'chic', where I was actually talking about elements wrestled into submission and then worn together with ease and aplomb.

You look SO perfectly put together, and you make it *look* effortless, obvious, 'naturally grown'. Loving the coordination of bag to scarf to sweater. What an eye, what a wardrobe!

Days I struggle don't end up like this, I can tell you. If you ever want a change of occupation, you can come teach these skillz to people like me. We won't even mind if you arrive a few minutes late.

catgirl

I feel like I struggle this way every day, with not nearly such a great result. You are winning the fight, woman!

annagybe

I like this!

carolbee

Well worth it, you look great. From this and various other posts I can see I am going to have to hunt down a black ponte jacket for this (Aussie) winter.

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