Part deux…
No reinventing the wheel here…
On Tuesday, I showed this sweater with a red leopard cardigan and black tights. You can read about it here. Go ahead; I’ll wait! I really liked the way that came together. I was so surprised when the reds matched almost perfectly! Today, I’m going with the easy choice…a single column of color under the buffalo plaid. Some days, you just want to wear an easy, one and done look. Some days, you just want to throw on a little black dress…AKA LBD! This is a look for one of those days!
An oldie, but a goodie…
While I often love to push the envelope and find a fun way to wear my clothes, I opted for going with a black dress. This is an old dress from Old Navy. For some goofy reason, they decided to not carry these dresses the last several seasons. I swear by these jersey swing dresses. I have them in sleeveless and long sleeved versions. They are easy wear, easy wash, and easy on the wallet! I suppose that’s why Old Navy discontinued them. If you have one black one, you don’t need another!
Columns…
Surprisingly, I didn’t find much on dressing with columns of color. Maybe I just didn’t type in the right search term! Anyway, here’s my definition of dressing with columns of color. You pull together a top and a bottom of the same color. Then, you have fun with whatever you put over that column! OK, I changed my search term because I just couldn’t leave it alone! Apparently, “column dressing” is dressing in one color from “shoulder to hemline” (source). I’ll be honest…I just skimmed this blog post because I wasn’t after looking “taller and thinner!” But, I digress! When I put on the cardigan, my dress hung below the cardigan. Now, I’m not opposed to that look at all. But, there was just a bit of dress hanging down, and the proportion was just off. So, I popped my “phat” belt over the dress and bloused it up until it was the same length as the cardigan. And, that, my friends, is that!
The Lewk!
I love these boots! They have to be one of my favorites. For those of you who want a pair of L’Artiste boots of your own, right now (and I don’t know for how much longer) they are on sale for 20% off! I think I might just splurge and get the teal ones! I used to love gold jewelry and used to buy only that. Several years ago, I decided sterling silver was more my jam! I think either gold or silver goes well with black, but I think the silver is much better with this look! This Kendra Scott necklace was a Christmas gift from my daughter and her family a few years ago (similar). The earrings are new. Last week, they had a buy more, save more sale! So, I did!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
Well, this was a rather short post. I think it’s because I’m just not in love with this look. It works, but it really lacks pizzazz. I think a longer black dress that hung several inches below the cardigan would be better. Hmmm…I don’t have one of those! So, can we talk? How do you feel about column dressing? Do you ever find the perfect something, and then the retailer discontinues it? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk! I promise to respond as soon as possible. A special thank you to Jodie for letting me know she isn’t receiving notifications of my responses. I’m working on that, but let’s pray I don’t break my blog! I promise I do respond!
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I love column dressing but I don’t do it too often. I do it a lot with my kimonos and typically in black or white. While your Tuesday look has more interest, I really like this one too. The dress is fun especially with the addition of that belt.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I usually use those two colors, too and use the kimonos or long sweaters! Great minds, right?
Two things shock me – Old Navy discontinuing the jersey swing dress and column dressing not being easily searched! Wow! Those dresses were a staple at ON or so I thought. Hmmmmm… And column dressing? I figured there’d be tons of articles since it is so popular.
In any case, you look great Marsha in your buffalo plaid!
xo,
Kellyann
I know…I would pick up a couple every season. And, then, bam! They were gone. They had something similar but not near as good. I do wish I’d thought to get an extra black one because they are so versatile! And, yeah, I was shocked I didn’t find much either on column dressing. I think I just used the wrong search terms.
Thanks, Kellyann, for coming by!
Lesley tends to use the column of color a lot, and I always think it can look so good. Great idea with the belt and I knew exactly what the email title meant. If you’ve been knitting long enough, you make mistakes, haha.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Hahaha!!! I knew, as soon as I typed it, you would know exactly what I meant! I only wish I hadn’t done a wet blocking because the yarn seems to have lost some of its bounce. I’m hoping it will rebound!
I seem to wear column dressing when I want a more dressy look!
Thanks, Jodie, for coming by!
I also like column dressing – the inner column of color and the outer column of color – but I don’t do it as often as I could. I like this look a lot and think that the simplicity of it really lets the fantastic boots shine. But I am often looking for something extra, some pizzazz, in my outfits too, so I can relate to your reaction. I would have ended up with a print scarf for print mixing if it were me (even though extra really isn’t always better, it’s somehow easier and more comfortable for me!).
Oh, I hadn’t thought about a scarf! That would have made up for the pizzazz lacking! I wonder if I have anything…chances are, I do!
Thanks for the idea, Sally!
It looks great both ways! I love how those boots add some edge!
Thanks, Laura! I really do love these boots! They are just not what one would expect from an old granny, right?
I think there’s enough pizzazz! I love column dressing. Nice red plaid! Thanks for linking my friend
Thanks so much, Gail! Column dressing makes life so much easier, right?
This is a beautiful outfit, Marsha – even if you are t pushing the envelope with it. Some days a classic look is just the thing. Love those boots! I have the teal boots. They are marvelous!
Michelle
https://funkyfashionstyle.com/flash-back-to-the-70s-in-retro-pink-orange/
Thanks, Michelle! I just wasn’t feeling it with this dress. I think I’ll look through my closet for other black dresses because I think the idea is a good one! And, I am so close to getting those boots in teal!!!
First things first, I love those boots! Fabulous! You look great in buffalo plaid. Love your sense of style.
Oh boy, I hate when you find a piece of clothing that gets discontinued! Happens to me all the time. If I love something I buy a couple in different colors too, and hope they last forever.
I do more column dressing now than ever. I think it is just easy for my lifestyle right now. I often wear black leggings and will pair it with a black T-shirt and longer sweater of jean shirt.
Happy New Year too!
Thanks, Meagan! I love these boots, too (I’m thinking about getting them in teal while they’re on sale)!
I know…I think I’m often the kiss of death for something…clothing, tv shows, shoes…you name it. If I like it, chances are it will be discontinued or cancelled!
Oh, I would have been wearing the black leggings with a long tee shirt when I had little people to chase round, too!!
Those boots are awesome, Marsha, just love them. And I think the plaid gives you lots of pizazz! Love the colour of this as well – red suits you so well.
Thanks so much, Penny! I know red is a good color for me, but, for some reason, I just rarely buy it!