Ooh La La

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Bonjour.  It seems stripes and scarves are both very French, at least according to all the guides on the web.  So I feel like I should be carrying a baguette in these photos, or sipping wine at the least. Nope, it's the usual, rushing out the door on my way to work.

    I am a bit of a Francophile; I started learning French in elementary school and continued throughout high school.  In college I spent three months in Strasbourg, and I went back another summer later on.  For those who may not be familiar, Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany, and has belonged to both countries, but is currently French.

    There's actually a book, Lessons from Madame Chic: 20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living in Paris , written by an American exchange student in Paris.  I unfortunately did not have such a style education, if so I probably would not need this blog!  (Note: I have not read this book and get no commission for the link, it's just something I came across while on the web).

    I really wish I had paid more attention to street style there, but that was before I began people watching ( and to think, it wouldn't have been rude to stare there )!  To be honest, I just remember everyone wearing black all the time, but my first stint there was during the winter so that's not surprising. 
    Anyway, I did not set out trying to look French (whatever that includes) or any other nationality, but when I look at these photos that's what came to mind.  If any French women want to school me, I look forward to the information until I can get my hands on that book.  A bientot

Linking with Visible Monday

Turtleneck: Walmart
Dress: Kohls
Scarf: India, gift
Boots: Etienne Aigner Celina

Architectural

So I wore this last Friday, when it was seventy five degrees outside, and not today, when it's in the thirties and raining.  Just to clarify for anyone who lives in the area and is wondering why there is sun on our driveway (of course, we always have the sun shining down on us and birds singing in the background ;) )

The architectural lines on this blouse drew me to it; it's unlike anything else I wear.  The skirt I chose because the diagonal stripes seemed interesting and more flattering than straight horizontal stripes on my lower half.  Both are Target purchases but not purchased together.  Fortuitous since they are the only navy items I own.  The real challenge will be styling them with other items and especially with black, which predominates my closet.  Stay tuned!

With a blazer over it for work

Linking with Pleated Poppy and Style Elixir


Blazer: Banana Republic Outlet
Blouse: Target
Skirt: Target
Boots: Naturalizer Juletta
Watch: Tourneau

Flawed and Fabulous

I'm not sure how familiar you are with Dove chocolates.  The wrapper has sayings on the inside, like a fortune cookie's tastier cousin.  I had to share one from today:

Words to live by.

Anyway, today's outfit was super comfortable.

I had always worn my boots with tights or trouser socks, so I decided to look online and see what else is out there.  It turns out there is a whole new world of boots and socks that I knew nothing about- check out this slide show.  It defnitely got my mind turning as to the possibilities.  For now I played it safe(r) and kept the pattern hidden.


 

Dress: Kohls
Cardigan: Anne Klein via Marshalls/ TJ Maxx
Boots: Naturalizer Juletta Gray via Macys
Socks: Target
Watch:  Tourneau, Husband

Matchy Matchy

Isn't this a great blazer?  When I bought it my dear friend Supriti suggested I remove the sequins.  And I remember thinking, why would I do that?  I do like the sequins, but even though they are much sparer than on my other blouse (here) these feel much more obvious.  I hesitated to wear it to work, but I figured I could take off the blazer when I got there.  Then a couple of coworkers complimented it, so it stayed on.
The necklace comes with a matching bracelet.  I bought the set for my mom, knowing full well she wouldn't like it and I would get to keep it!  Devious, I know.  But it is the only time I have pulled that trick.
Now we come to the shoes.  My recent closet cleanout also involved going through my shoes (even though they are in a different closet; talk about dedication!).  I've had these for a long time, ten years or so, and as you can see they are in great shape.  Mainly because I have barely worn them.  For some reason I feel the need to match part of my outfit to these shoes, and I draw a complete blank coming up with other possibilities.  Any suggestions?

Delicate

I actually bought this dress after seeing it on Audrey from Putting Me Together.  I had been wanting to try stripes (can you believe I did not own a single striped item of clothing?), and this dress just caught my eye.  On my first wear today a woman in the elevator complimented it.  As I told her, it's SO COMFORTABLE.  I just might wear it everyday.  My blog is done!  Just kidding, of course.
For the inaugural wear I paired it with this beautiful delicate necklace I bought years ago when I was in Oaxaca, Mexico.  I saw it in the store and loved it, but since I do not really wear green I didn't buy it.  I tried to be responsible by not purchasing something that would not match anything in my closet.  Then the next day I went back and bought it anyway.  And I have no regrets.

Still trying to figure out photos

Dress: Kohls
Cardigan: Target
Necklace: Mexico
Watch: Mom
Black Pumps: No idea, so old, but aren't they cute?