OOTD: Numero Uno!

This is my first Outfit of the Day (OOTD for any of you newbies to the fashion blogging phenomena, like me up until a few weeks ago) post and I feel like a kid in a candy store!  Rather, a grown woman in a fabulous clothing store littered with big red “Sale” signs.  I am as giddy as can be!  Although I started this blog a little while ago, I’ve been biding my time scouring my fellow fashion bloggers’ sites on proper documentation of said outfits.  (Not exactly sure if it’s proper etiquette to call those fashion bloggers I follow religiously ‘fellow bloggers’ as they’re fashion gods and I am a lowly fashion slave).  Some beauties will do weekly posts to recap their outfits for each day of the week; others will post whenever they can; and some really dedicated lovelies will post daily with detailed information of the 5 W’s.  But all of them give great information about their outfits, why they like it, where they bought different pieces and the like.  While I am not exactly sure how the Sassy Bangs Blog will turn out, I’m just going to dive right in and hope for the best!

As you will start to see in time, I live for love and seriously cannot do without being one of those women who matches.  Yes, I, Jennifer, am a Miss Matchity Match Matchy Pants and I cannot help it.  I think those who can throw caution to the wind and pair jade heels with a solid orange blouse (with no pieces to compliment the colors) are bold, daring and absolutely incredible.  However, I am not so bold and daring and would only use that combination if I had a stellar patterned skirt to pick up those near-clashing colors, or a great statement necklace or wide belt that would marry the two colors together - in which case, shut it down! Love it!  But I just can’t bring myself to wear an outfit of two very distinct pieces without some sort of combining factor.  Just.  Cannot.  Do.  It.

So my OOTD (and most of the subsequent OOTDs) is an example of my take on how to marry very different, bold colors, patterns and textures together in a union that is rock solid head-to-toe.

Warning: as a young newlywed (2 years!), collegiate, full-time working, new house owning, Chicagoan most of my pieces are not brand new, in fact, the vast majority of my wardrobe is comprised of pieces I’ve had for years and that I’ve been collecting since I was quite young.  As a matter of a fact, I am still wearing things that I purchased when I was even as young as 12 and some younger (almost embarrassing to admit...).  So maybe this blog will also help you understand how to pick pieces with staying power. I am also a very thrifty person and even if I can afford something at its full price, if I don’t want to pay that dollar amount for it, I’m not going to.  I’m a patient shopper who knows what she likes who is also a tight butt.

Now! Onto the outfit! (You’ll also learn I’m a novelist... aka, you have to read to get to the good stuff).

9.7.2011

Chocolate Sweater: H&M (circa winter 2007)

Salmon Tank: F21 (summer 2003ish?)

Tan Dress Pants: ?? Good question

Dark Brown Patent Leather Shoes: Charlotte Russe (2006)

Salmon/Pink/Clear Beaded Gold Necklace: Charming Charlie (2011 - YES! It’s new!!!!)

Chocolate Croc Leather Purse: NY & Co (2008)

Now that you’ve had a good look at my Miss Matchity Match Pantsness, I hope you have a better idea of what I’m talking about.  Yes, this isn’t the most innovative outfit, but it’s a beautiful way to 1) showcase a new necklace; 2) be office appropriate; 3) stay warm in this newly freezing weather (hello! It’s only September 7th and already it’s 55 out!?!?) and finally 4) marry blocks of color together.

Originally, I put on a long, gold Tank under the brown sweater (which quite honestly is fine on its own) but it just didn’t look right.  The small hint of salmon ties the necklace into the outfit and to me, makes it complete.  The hints of gold in the necklace are married with the matching tones on the faux croc leather purse, which is tied to the snake skin animal print watch that picks up the second pink color in the necklace.  The dark heels help ground the light bottom half of the outfit by bringing out the dark top.

I realize chocolates, tans and variations of pinks aren’t necessarily the most innovative of color combinations, but the entire outfit is thoughtful and an appropriate nod to the impending changing of the seasons.

Thanks for reading, dolls!

xoxo