What I Wore: Shirt (Popbasic; https://popbasic.com/products/white-polka-dot-blouse/https://popbasic.com/i/cZIp Similar Here), Jeans (Gap), Shoes (Old Navy), Sweater (Similar Here), Necklace (Similar Here)
A few months ago, I'd noticed a certain word had creeped into my blog comments too other stylish ladies- effortless. That look seems so effortless. Effortless and chic. You pull that off so effortlessly. But, someone pointed out- what's wrong with effort? What's wrong with looking like you put time and thought into your clothing, especially, since I and the bloggers I was commenting to obviously had blogs, it was obvious we cared about what we were wearing and thought it of at least some importance. Well, it got me thinking for sure, and striking the word from my vocabulary.
The thing of it is- I still am so drawn to that sort of look. The "these things may have not seemed to go together, but actually really work well" sort of look. The laid-back, fancy-yet-casual look. The bohemian yet bourgeois look.
And you might be wondering why I'm mentioning this at all because this outfit? Is not really any of those things. It is polished, and if it is a touch tomboy, it definitely a lot more on the preppy side. And that'd be my point exactly. Just as much as I'm still drawn to the effortless seeming looks, I love these that you can tell have thought behind them, that look pulled together but still easy to live in. In fact, I've worn iterations of this outfit several times both at work and at home since finally getting a white polka dot shirt!
The shirt is one of several items I've recently bought off of my List of items I've bee looking for (P.S. here is my List updated for fall/winter). It is funny because I used get choice paralysis when shopping quite a bit and dither about a purchase until the item was out of stock- and then occasionally do an impulse purchase I'd regret. But (ironically) my getting dressed lately has been more effortless because I've been knowing what clothes I want in my closet, and everything in the closet goes with one another. That is the sort of effortless I can get behind!
This was an interesting read. I agree that so many of those women, (the French especially) come across as "effortlessly chic" when in fact, as you suggested, they have taken great care in selecting their ensemble.
Reply DeleteI always used to think I wanted to look like I'd made an effort. I didn't want to look effortless. Now, the more I age, the more I'm opening up to the idea of effortless chic.
I would add that your outfits are also very timelessly classic.
bisous
Suzanne
I think, for me, the effortless seems like you can live in the outfit easier, especially on days you are really busy or the night before you ate a lot of pizza :)
DeleteAhhh, *wonders how much that polka dot shirt cost* hehe. I've been looking for a top in that print foreeeeever. It's about time I stopped wearing my polka dot dress like a shirt. Haha. You layered it well here, by the way!
Reply Delete- Anna
www.melodicthriftychic.com
Wonder no more! It is fifty-five, but if you use the link on my page you get $15 off ;)
DeleteI'm not sure if it is currently for sale or not. Popbasic tends to do pre-orders periodically.
Thank you, btw!
Hmmm... I never thought of it that way. I'll make sure to keep that in mind ;) I must agree though, your outfits are timelessly classic. I'm all about outfits that are easy to move it and look good, which can be hard. You always nail that. I love this fun polka dot blouse and am wishing I owned one just like it! The flats with the skinny jeans definitely add a little French feel to it all.
Reply DeleteI'm not sure if you saw it or not, but Rebecca of The Clothes Horse wrote something similar to this about the word "effortless" a little while ago that's a great read. I'll see if I can find it for you and send you the post if you haven't seen it. I absolutely agree that there's nothing wrong with putting effort into outfits, and I don't understand why it's the "cool" thing to do to act like we don't. I LOVE that you always look put-together, and this outfit is no exception. I love everything about it!
Reply Deletewww.room-334.blogspot.com
Black and white is always so classy, and I love the way the polka dots add a bit of fun :)
Reply DeleteThat's a really interesting point that you bring up! Personally, when I use that word, I mostly mean that that type of style or look fits the blogger *so* well that it looks effortless. As if that was such an easy choice to bring that pairing together, whereas I would have probably had to ponder about it. I think I'm mostly complimenting them on having their own style down so well. And that's exactly what I'd say to you with this look! I LOVE the way the polka dots peek out from underneath that sweater- the collar on that blouse is amazing. And I like that you used a lighter wash in jeans with this outfit- that casual and fancy mix really comes out with that!
Reply Deletexo marlen
Messages on a Napkin
I too love how the olka dots peek out from under your sweater and I also love your chunky necklace! It just adds a little extra element to your outfit. I need to start adding layers to my outfits like this too. Have fun in Baltimore!!!
Reply Deletexoxo
Taylor
Love the kicking photo! :D
Reply DeleteI enjoy the effor you put into fashion!