Seeing clothes in a new way (specifically the ones hanging in our own closets) is not easy, if you ask me. I’ve been styling my shirt dresses in a fairly consistent way, until a posting on gap.com rocked my world.
Exhibit A:
What? A button down over a button down? …world rocked. Maybe this is a fairly obvious styling to others, but it wasn’t to me! While I was pondering seeing things in new ways, I started to wonder how much I might be missing in other areas. So, I started by challenging myself to look around me more, and look at things in a new way. I thought, “it’s the same old walk home, same old commute…or is it?”
Exhibit B:
Exhibit C:
Fashion again becomes a metaphor for life. My notes to self: look around you! See something you’ve “seen” but haven’t really seen. Style something in a new way. Okay, I’ll stop my gabbing now. Here’s my take on the Gap look, it’s the unseen styling gone seen…(though btw, sorry the dress is a little wrinkled. Probs should have ironed that this morning, but I really couldn’t be bothered).
Dress: Gap ($10 marked down from $60)
Button down: Gap ($7 marked down from $50)
Sandals: Chinese Laundry via Nordstrom Rack (hmm..years ago, maybe $20)
Belt: Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker ($9) (I know, I know, I’ve said it before, but I miss that collection!)
Bag: Kate Spade (gift)
Fashion Huntress tips:
1) Oh snap. Gap’s sale is 40% off their sale items (in-stores), so now is the time to grab a shirt dress, if you are interested! Additionally, they are stocking a lot of shorts, summer scarves and flats on sale right now. Most items were <$20 in the store. There were also a ton of jean jackets on sale for around $20, which is a great price for a jacket that you will wear forever because let’s face it, I don’t think jean jackets ever go out of style. As you know, I don’t do a ton of online shopping, but the online sale was also quite good.
2) I’ve found that online shops, catalogs, and other fashion blogs (of course!) have a lot of great inspiration to help think of clothes in new ways. I can often re-create looks from what I have already in my closet (ie the look today!). Additionally, even if you find something in the store, you can look online at how the retailer styled the idea. I often get great inspiration that way. And, of course, my deep love …Pinterest. Pinterest is a gold mine of styling images, and tons of bloggers share their outfits on Pinterest, so you can follow them to get automatic updates.
Anyone else finding some great summer sales lately? Hard to believe that summer clothes are already on sale, right? Thanks so much for stopping by; I appreciate it so much!
the fashion huntress 
Those Shoes!!!
Those shoes!!! Amazeballs. I love how bright they are!
Great outfit! You always have the cutest accessories 🙂
Gasp! Button down over a button down? I totally agree. I’m still only just getting my head around wearing skirts over dresses. Let’s just take things one step at a time, eh? LOL. I DO have plans to sew myself a shirtdress later this year! Just in time for summer down here. 😀
Love the bright shoes as well, btw! And IS that hogwarts?! LOL.
-Rebecca
Idealism never goes out of fashion
http://mn2nz.wordpress.com
Hahaha!! That’s exactly what I thought- “is this getting out of hand?!” LOL I can’t wait to see your post when you make your shirtdress. Hopefully it’s not too hard for my basic skills and I can try one too! And lol, I wish it were Hogwarts because then it would mean I was actually there and could meet Dumbledore and ride a broomstick. Alas, no such luck.
On Wed, Jul 9, 2014 at 5:20 PM, The Fashion Huntress wrote:
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Lovely!!!
LOVE the sandals! Fab colors!
xo, Kenya
I love layering button-downs! Yaaaaay, new convert! 😀 Love this outfit, all those shades of blue coming together, and the SHOES! Fantastic.
http://secondhandhoneymoon.net
That look ah I know I’m going to rush home to try it! Those pictures are beautiful, it’s always important to remember to take time and smell the roses erm or lilacs. 🙂 Obsessed with HP so the fact that you made a Harry Potter reference has me smiling from ear to ear. That purse is totes adorbs by the way! Also how to you store your shoes, I must know because you have so many and I love them all.
Style Snapshot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXGxO-NB4Zg&list=UUZdwj788PWGNgrxbHzCmuQA&index=2
LOL LOL I LOVE Harry Potter beyond normal, I think 🙂 another reason why you and I are amazing blog friends!!
oh and the shoes…ugh it’s not a good organizational system right now. I had plastic bins for each pair, but that got out of control fast because I ran out of room. I’ll report back when I have a system that actually works!
WOW you sure know how to mix your colors! Love!
-Alex of http://snippetswithalex.com
This entire post literally brought the biggest smile to my face! You look so cute and I love the idea of taking a second look around you!
xx Cara
Hi!
Im pretty sure you would have gotten a lot of these before. But this is my small way of saying you are awesome (and that I stalk you a lot and that I think you are awesome. Oh did I say that already 😛 ) I’ve nominated you for the inspiring blogger award. Do check out my post!
http://frillthrills.wordpress.com/2014/07/10/one-month-one-award-d/
Thank you so much!! I appreciate it so much and I LOVE your blog 🙂 xoxoxo!!
That compliment coming from u, feels like an accomplishment ❤ ❤
I loved your heels and the bag is just too too awesome!!
x
I’ve never thought about using the button down over the dress the way you did, but I absolutely love it! And those shoes…..adore!
I love these colors and that dress ! The shoes are amazing!
i don’t think i would have thought to do a button down over a button down, but it looks great- and a fun way to add some layers! love that pretty picture of chicago 🙂
Sooooooooooo cute!!!!
Hahaha! That was me and tuxedo pants – I saw them wore in a totally casual way on another blog and I was like ‘whatttt!! Wait, I could rock it like that too! Lol!
Love the button down over a button down! Great look and I will admit never thought to do that either!
xo, Jackie
Yep, me neither! I never thought about that. Love your version of this style. Great write up and inspiration about challenging ourselves to look around us for styling and life in general. In a world that is fast past it is often hard to take the time to pay attention and think outside the norm. Keep up the great post!
Those sandals are amazing! I love those!
You look super in this outfit!! Great colors! xx
in love with your shoes, looks perfect with that dress. xx
http://www.littleprettymess.com
Instagram @littleprettymess
https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/7279767
You might as well model for Gap!! Love this combo..and those wedges are TDF!! 🙂 Have a great weekend lady..
xx
I think we all were surprised by Gap’s styling!! I take no credit- they really nailed it with that look! And it’s so easy to replicate :)! xo
Love the idea of a button down with a button down. Will give it a go surely 🙂 thanks for sharing this