casual luxe
Stay tuned…special guest appearance at the end of this post. 😉
If you’ve hesitated to buy a “le smoking” tuxedo-style jacket because you’re concerned that it could only be worn for dressy occasions, maybe this will reassure. This is the same jacket I included in last month’s “holiday cocktail party style” outfit. I think the jacket works and looks great with jeans too; in fact, I like it best as part of a more casual look.
One of my very favorite style finds in 2014 (thanks again to Karen) was French Kande jewelry. I’m crazy about these pieces! They have just the right combination of beautiful materials (necklaces above include beads of black jasper and labradorite), designs with a laid-back insouciance, and of course a Paris connection. You can layer the necklaces and bracelets, or wear singly. But the best part is of this discovery is Kande herself, who lives not too far from us and has become a friend!
And now as promised…a special appearance from that fabulous feline….Lars! (Lars is the neighbor’s cat, but he always has to check out what’s going on on “his” block.)
Do you incorporate “dressier” pieces into casual outfits?
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This is a great jacket. I would wear it all the time…and the booties are so much fun! I am glad to see that i am not the only pet owner who gets photo bombed. Have a great weekend!
Pam, thanks! I find myself wanting to wear this jacket all the time.
The total look is perfection!
Susan, thank you!
Susan, I love your hair! Have you gone gray or did you change the color? If you went gray, awesome move! Like the sharp cut, too. Love your jean statement. And they fit you perfectly! Congrats my friend, and a very healthy, prosperous 2015!
Cecile
Cécile no I haven’t gone grey. My natural color is still very salt-and-pepper, but not in a good way. At some point when the silver is predominant, I’ll let go of the color but am not ready yet. Happy and Prosperous 2015 to you too!!
that outfit looks great! and thanks for turning me on to french kande. i’ve bought one necklace already and am planning to get another and a pair of earrings shortly.
Susan, thanks and so happy to hear it! I really think these pieces are unique and very wearable at the same time.
Wonderful look, Susan, and it’s great to see Lars again! Always showing his um, best side, that one. French Kande has some beautiful pieces that need to come home to me, thanks for the introduction. xo
Patti, thanks! I’m always delighted when Lars decides it’s time for a photobomb.
Love the sharp shoulders in that jacket! and glad to see Lars still in command. Happy new year!
Sisty, thanks! I really love them too. That little bit of shoulder padding creates a nice line.
Fab boots – I’m waiting for the sales! And I really like your hair at the moment, Susan, is it blonder or longer? Oh and Happy New Year!
Thanks, Alyson. I’ve been stalking these for MONTHS and waiting for them to go on sale. But then they started selling out in my size and FOMO kicked in. Hair is the same, think it’s a little lighter maybe and my grey roots are making the color look cooler.
Lars just wants to feature his best accessory. I liked your accessories too!
Thanks Julie! Doesn’t every cat think his butt is the best?
I love everything in this look ! Just beautiful 🙂 Happy New Year 🙂 x
Thank you, Beata, and Happy New Year to you too!
The double necklace adds a wonderful level of sophistication and dressiness. I never would have thought of that and now I want to try it!
It’s a fun way to wear necklaces, and I’ve found a lot of styles lend themselves to layering.
Speaking of tuxedo jackets, what are your thoughts on tuxedo pants? Are they to be relegated to the holiday season only, or can i wear them throughout the winter as I would any other black pant? The jacket seems an easier to piece to “just wear” , but I have a great new pair of tuxedo pants (satin side stripe) that I’m now worried will have to sit until next November/December? Wondering if I can wear them with a cashmere sweater and boots for another month or so….
Lisa, my vote would be absolutely to wear them. Look at how J.Crew has styled some of their tuxedo pants…with cropped sweaters, v-necks, sweatshirts, etc. I think they’d work nicely with a cashmere sweater and boots.
p.s. I absolutely love this French Kanda line and am clicking back to her website right now 🙂
Lisa, you will not be disappointed. 🙂
I love to incorporate dressy pieces with casual ones. I have some long Issey Miyake skirts that I will pair with a very casual cropped sweater and clunky boots. I love the way you styled the jewelry and I am coveting your bag collection.
Accidental Icon
http://www.accidentalicon.com
And I’m coveting your Issey Miyake pieces! 😀
Wow, I really love the jewelry. I just spent 20 minutes looking her site over!! I want it all. This is a great look on you. I love to mix high-low style. It keeps me from feeling “stuffy”! As always, love the hair.
Thanks, Jennifer!
great outfit; especially the leopard ankle boots only I’d advise against the roll-up; I think it better not to distract from those fab boots with another eye-catcher so close; I think Lars likes that feline touch
GSL, point taken. Yes, Lars seems to have a bit of “wild cat” cellular memory going on. 🙂
I was going to say the same thing about the roll up – I love it, but not so much with those gorgeous boots.
My husband bought me a French Kande necklace and bracelet for Christmas! I love them and heard of the brand from you. Thanks for the great tips & finds!
Oh, I’m so glad! Hope you love the necklace and bracelet.
Love this look! Dressed up a bit, dressed down a bit… This outfit can go so many places! …And looks great on you. Love your photo bomber. That’s hilarious!!
Helen, thanks! That Lars, he is quite the character.
Love the kitty photobomb! And the blazer is so perfect for dressing up or down, it’s perfect.
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com
Debbie, thanks so much!
You look absolutely great. Fantastic outfit, and have been sort of stalking the boots as well. I think they’ll be good for many future seasons too. Your hair is looking great, and I love it with the slightly “cooler” blonde color.
KPL, thank you. I think I will get plenty of wear from these boots; they’re also very comfortable! The color, I think is more a result of fading and my greyish roots growing in. But I like it better too and am going to ask my colorist to adjust the base color just a little bit cooler.
You look fabulous! I followed a link yesterday that @ImogenLamport tweeted to an older post featuring you — such a distance from your look then to what you’ve arrived at in 2014 — your posts last year were so consistent, so you, elegant with edge. Very well done!
Frances, thanks very much! When I look back, “what a long, strange trip it’s been…” 😀
Fabulous look! And Lars may need his own blog one of these days.
Thanks jojo! I’m sure Lars would have a large blog following…he’s just so handsome and has charisma.
I always love it when your pooches or the neighbour’s kitty get into the picture 🙂 Happy & Healthy New Year to you and your family.
Hi Scarlett, Happy & Healthy New Year to you and your family too!
Oh I love seeing Lars, though you are great too! I do love a kitty who acts as mayor of his street! Happy 2015 to you and your family.
Happy New Year, Jill!
Merci for your wonderful suggestions and inspirational photos. I am a newcomer and loved languishing on the tips. comments and images on your site. I once heard a famous stylist (maybe Betty Halbriech in NYC, not sure) say, “The older you get, the softer your body becomes. compensate, wear more structured clothes as you get older.” What are your thoughts? Many of your outfits, especially the Eileen Fisher clothes, are soft silhouettes, not meant to hide the bumps etc., many of us develop as we age.
Thanks and keep on inspiring us!
Hi Mary, thank you and welcome! When it comes to structure, I favor clothing that I’ve come to think of as “softly structured.” Pieces like jackets in fabrics that drape are my sartorial “happy place” right now. For me, a bit of softness and movement in my clothing complements my softer body more than an entire outfit in crisp, structured fabrics. But I also don’t think an entirely “soft” outfit works either, which is why I like to add in jackets or a pair of more tailored or slim pants. I think a very crisp overall look is fabulous on some women; I’m just not one of them.
Agree! Love your combinations of structured and soft. You look sensational!!
Happy New Year Pseu!
Hi CG, Happy New Year to you too!
The jewellery and your lovely booties are brilliant with your basic (but classy) look and add a very special touch. Love both!
Happy New Year from Germany!
Annette | Lady of Style
Thank you, Annette and Happy New Year to you too!
What a perfect look. You look amazing!
Greetings from Prague!
Martina, thank you so much!
Unique!!!
Happy new Year, my friend
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