Suited Up

I don't mind 'suiting up' for the office.  My work place is very much 'anything goes' but when it comes to presentations and speaking engagements a suit can be a smart and simple option.

Not that this is actually a suit.  I prefer to create a suit look from separates.  The browns here are not a perfect match and the pants have a very subtle pin stripe while the jacket is a solid.  I think this photo maybe a tad over exposed but in real life the browns work quite nicely together.

Blazer - MNG
Blouse - Cotton On
Pants - Jacqui E
Yellow Loafers - 1970;s Vintage

Brown is not a colour I wear often.  In fact, these three items are the only brown garments I own, and I am not planning on purchasing anymore.  It's not a favourite colour, but every now and again, I don't mind the darker chocolate tones, particularly when they work so well with the yellow loafers.

xxx Deborah

Layers

For the record, I do wear colours other than black...but not today!   Maybe my next post:). 

This outfit combines three things I love and feel very comfortable in.  Black, layers and wearing my dresses over pants.  

Cascading Jacket - Local Boutique
Dress - Jeans West
Jeans - Kmart
Shooties - Rivers

I like my clothes to be able to work for most situations, and this outfit goes to work, church, and any number of other 'occasions'.  My work however, sometimes calls for more corporate attire, which I will share next post.

xxx Deborah

The Long Hot Summer

As we continue with yet another week of 30+ degree days, I find myself feeling somewhat fashion fatigued.  It's challenging work to look stylish in the heat.  This dress which I usually wear over skinny jeans has proven to be a comfortable and cool option for our hot days.

I'm a woman of few words today.. it just toooooo hot.

xxx Deborah

Dress - Target
Footwear - Rivers
Necklace - Handmade, gift from my sister

.For a touch of colour, I added my red clutch, wooden rings and favourite necklace.

Clutch - Portmans
Wooden Rings - Elk
Necklace - Handmade, gift from my sister

I must apologise for the quality of my photos...I'm working on it :)

The Great Purge

I have been doing a lot of closet reviewing in recent times, and the last two clean outs have been brutal!  Yesterday I felt compelled to take a good hard look at my dresses and once that was done I went through everything else...again.

I only want things I love in my closet.  And the contents of my closet are becoming less and less.  It's a little scary but liberating at the same time.

I discarded about 6 dresses yesterday. A couple fit into the category of  "it will do for...." and another two that I have had for years, are pretty classic, still in perfect condition, but not my preferred silhouette, and I haven't worn them for at least 2 years - I still don't really know why I have been hanging on to them.   And there are still more hanging in my closet that are on "probation".

Empty clothes hangers after 'the purge'

I have come to that place of wanting that beautifully curated, medium (wont' say small because I do need variety) sized wardrobe of items that I love and wear often.  I no longer need quite as much variety and want to know clearly what works with what and be able to walk into my closet and just reach for something without too much thought in the mornings.  I'm getting there but I'm not as close as I thought.  

I expect my purchases this year to become even more intentional and I expect there to be less of them.  I am slowly moving more towards quality and moving further away from the need for immediate gratification. Waiting for the perfect piece is more than worth the wait.

With respect to my my shrinking wardrobe, as I reached for a pair a pants to wear today, I realised I now only have two pairs of summer pants for the office... I had a moment of panic and then actually felt quite good about it.  It certainly made the choosing quick and easy lol

Does this resonate with anyone?  Am I going to regret The Great Purge of 2013 :)

xxx Deborah

Contrasts

These photos were a result of messing around with Instagram.  I like the end result because the colour and tones  (though the tones are much warmer on the screen of my phone) make the second photo look like it could have been taken in the 70's.  The contrast between that vibe and the modern outfit made for what I think is an interesting, or least fun, picture.  

Tunic - Local Boutique (recent)
Skinny Jeans - Katies
Shooties - Rivers (Old)

xxx Deborah

Almost Black

Labeling individual style is a popular pastime and something I am not particularly good at, but it is fun to throw ideas out there.  So while I am not sure what you call this, I am sure that I like it.  A slim bottom, whether it be pants, or a skirt, worn with an oversized, drapey topper is a favourite look of mine.  One of my style icons suggested Elegant Eclectic as a suitable style descriptor for me, what do you think?  

Open Toe Booties - Rubi Shoes (this season)
Skirt - Jacqui E (old)
Open Weave Sweater - Target (this season)

How would you describe your own style? 

xxx Deborah

Welcome

Welcome!  

Stylish Murmurs is my new style blog! “  Working with what we have, both body wise and budget wise, can be challenging for many women.  Blogging and photographing my own outfits has helped me to accept both my body and my budget and develop my personal style.  I hope to be able to share some of the things I have learned, introduce you to some of my style mentors and exchange thoughts and ideas with you.  

'Til next time,

xxxDeborah