Outfit Of The Day (As Light As A Feather)

Once upon a time a very lovely woman named Coco Chanel said, "Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress."  And it's true--it is easy to run out and buy new things, wear them for a few months, and then send them off to the mysterious Island Of Misfit Joys, never to be thought of again.  But is it really what style is about?

I think that one of the best things about fashion is figuring out new ways to wear old things.  It's a challenge! It exercises the brain!  And while it is not always easy, it is a must to those of us that don't have an endless budget or empty hangers hanging in our closets.

While there are several ways to make something old look fresh, these two are my favorite:

1. Never underestimate the power of accessories.  For instance: feathers, super bright colors, 70's inspired, and boho-chic are all hot at the moment, and stores like Forever 21 + Target always have a great selection of super trendy jewelry and belts for cheap.  A simple necklace or the right belt can make something old look immediately brand new.

2. Shape it into something fresh by belting it, cuffing it, rolling it, twisting it, pinning it, wearing it backwards, wearing it upside down, wearing it with a chihuahua attached to it, and/or if you're brave--take it apart and sew it into something new!

3. (Yeeeeah- I'm not that brave.)

The Nanette Lepore blazer that I am wearing in the pictures below is now nearly 4 years old, and while it was perfectly on-trend when I bought it, it does have a tendency to now look slightly dated.  The past 4 years in the super-exciting-world-of-blazers has taken us on a whirlwind ride of the oversized boyfriends, dramatic shoulders, and open, drapey fronts.

Or in other words: everything this jacket is not.

But I love this blazer and paid a pretty penny for it, so by rolling up the sleeves and popping the collar,it takes the look from slightly sweet and office-y to something a bit edgier and modern.  And most importantly?  It's easy, took almost no effort, and didn't cost a dime.

I wore this last Monday while furniture shopping with Husband + eating at the Cherry Cricket.  And I apologize for the super-duper contrast in these pics--we've taken off our window coverings to paint the trim, and in a few years maybe we'll put them back on! You know, considering how quickly we're getting everything else done:

Blouse: ASOS Ruffle Bow blouse (buy it here) (similar style here) (and here) (and a fun option here, too!)
Jacket: Nanette Lepore Bow Jacket (similar style here) (and here)
Jeans: J Brand Lovestory (similar style here) (and here at Old Navy!)
Necklace: Express (buy it here - spend $75 and take $25 off with code "9014") (similar style here for $18)
Ring: Banana Republic (buy it here, on sale)
Shoes: Valentino Studded Kitten Heels (similar style here) (and here under $100!)
Bag: Valentino Aphrodite Bow Leopard Print Bag (similar style here)(and here for $450) (and here)
Nailpolish: Chanel Le Vernis in Pearl Drop (buy it here w/ free shipping!)