15 September 2009

September 15th, 2009 § 14 comments

15 September 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:
All remixed except skirt which is old

  • Green Top – BR Outlet
  • Scarf (worn as blouse) – gift from Kimberly
  • Brown Skirt – Gap
  • Woven Brown Belt – Forever 21
  • Wedges – Kenneth Cole Reaction, via DSW
  • Earrings – Banana Republic

Endnotes:

It is still much warmer here than I would like it to be and I am getting sick of my summer wardrobe!  One of the easiest ways to remix clothing is in the layering, but as I have mentioned before, this is more difficult to do in warmer weather.  Interesting color combinations are another great way to change the look of a remixed item.  Yesterday I paired blue-green and red-orange for a casual complimentary color scheme, but in the end it was my layered neckline that I liked best about the outfit.

This got me thinking about ways to creatively layer pieces and to bring more interest to the neckline of some of my go-to knits.  I love the pattern on this scarf, sent to me by the lovely Kimberly of Fab Finds Under $50, and have often thought how great it would be to have a skirt or blouse with this pattern on it.  So, partially inspired by E.’s scarf tacked to cardigan from several months ago, I tucked this long rectangular scarf around the neckline of my shirt and used the belt to hold the ends in place.  As I got dressed this morning, I was worried about the scarf slipping around all day, but so far, so good.

Neckline – Scarf Shirt, originally uploaded by academichic.
I love the ways this rather simple addition has drastically changed the look of this bright green top – the soft blue pattern makes for a more sophisticated palette, the scarf texture dresses the top up, and the new higher neckline adds to the level of professionalism.

Until I can pull out the fall wardrobe I am dying to get back into, it looks like a little creative thinking will be needed to extend the summer wardrobe.  I’ll try out a few more scarfed looks and a few more layering tricks this week.  What are your tricks for keeping your wardrobe fresh as the summer season drags on?

A.

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§ 14 Responses to 15 September 2009"

  1. Lauren says:

    Love it – you look lovely as always! You ladies are so creative with your little tricks – a bobby pin to hold the end of a belt horizontal, wearing a dress backwards with a cardigan to create a higher neckline, and now scarf tucked into shirt. Brilliant!

    I may try that with this dress that I am wearing today, in blue (http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=670469002&tid=onfr1r ). The neckline is a little low for teaching, and last time I wore a cami underneath. However, the hem of the cami kept inching up under the dress. Today I safety-pinned the neckline a little higher (trying to keep the twisted front look in the process), but I’m thinking next time a scarf-as-blouse underneath might be just the solution. Thanks!

  2. Ann says:

    I love the scarf tucked into the shirt! I’ve seen that done before on Project Runway (when in a pinch a designer who didn’t finish a shirt used a piece of fabric instead under a cardigan, I think) but never thought to try it myself. I’m definitely going to give it a go – a cheap, innovative, and adorable way to add interest and pop! :D

  3. lovely color palette. The green and brown pair nicely with your autumn coloring. Do others teach in sleeveless ensembles? I know it gets hot during the summer in some places, but I’m always anxious that my students will be distracted. it doesn’t take much, you know.

  4. Goober says:

    Until I read the description I thought the scarf was a blouse – such a cute way to use a scarf! It is still hot here too and I am sick of my summer clothes. I definitely am going to try this scarf option!

  5. Luinae says:

    I want my fall wardrobe too- totally lusting for tights and sweaters and boots and scarves.

  6. Kimberly says:

    Love what you did with the scarf. I actually did something very similar yesterday – great minds, my lady!

  7. Clare says:

    Love this combo! I’m definitely going to try it!

  8. G&D says:

    Ooh, love the scarf under the green top–very creative! And I hear ya about getting sick of your summer wardrobe. I’m ready for fall!

  9. Anna says:

    I love the scarf idea! When you belt your tops like that, do you ever have a problem with the belt slipping up or down throughout the day?

  10. jentine says:

    Clever use of the scarf. Never seen that before (and that’s a amazing because I spend waaayyy too much time on fashion blogs…).

  11. Krissie says:

    Awesome idea to add some color/pattern with the scarf. I’m definitely going to give that a try!

  12. Sal says:

    That vibrant green is AMAZING on you, beautiful!

  13. Diana says:

    I love this bright green top on you!

    I too am really looking forward to fall layering again.

  14. [...] I am continuing my experimentation with scarves and layered necklines to rejuvenate my summer wardrobe.  I wore this scarf as obi/belt this past [...]

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