The Boot, the Flats, and the Cuddly…

I just adore a styling challenge.  It’s not often I get to feel or act like an expert in an area I’m interested in, so when someone asks me to put together a few looks with their items… well, I get to live a dream for a few hours.  Or a few days, actually!

So here are three looks that I put together, and honestly… it’s taken much discipline and effort on my part, trying to keep myself from adding everything to the basket and hitting the checkout button!
♡ Edgy Glam…

For my first look, I wanted to see if I could make an edgy ensemble look more feminine while keeping a bit of its innate cheeky attitude.  I was inspired by the outfit Crown Princess Mary wore this past March when she and Camilla (the Duchess of Cornwall) visited the set of the Danish TV show ‘The Killing’.
I think the combination of an A-line skirt coupled with a very fitted, elegant pair of boots does wonders for lengthening and flattering one’s legs.  Instead of a tweed jacket and woolen skirt, I opted for a leather jacket with an interesting collar detail, as well as a pleated leather skirt.  I think it looks absolutely fabulous!

Leather jacket:  Wyatt | Skirt: Alice + Olivia | Boots: ‘Louvre’ by DUO

♡ Classic Lady…

I swear I’m not trying to make this all about royalty, but this second look, where I was trying to channel Audrey Hepburn (she loved her simple lines) with a bit of modern sensibility, seemed very familiar.  I finally remembered that Kate (Duchess of Cambridge) wore a similar ensemble, albeit along more casual lines, during a shopping trip last year.

The outfit I’ve put together is of course, a bit more dressed up than Kate’s since it’s for all those bright, merry parties and evening functions I might be lucky enough to attend… I’ve added a clean yet bold chain necklace to add interest and a bit of sparkle to the throat and neckline area, as well as a soft ice pink and green quartz cuff bracelet for wrist candy.  Pink and black is such an irresistibly girly pairing!

Necklace and bracelet cuff: Ice | Dress: Kate Spade | Court pumps: ‘Audrey’ by DUO

♡ Short ‘n Sweet…

For my last look, perfect for impromptu brunches, casual dates, or running errands in, is this simple, cute outfit.  I’m really crazy about a-line skirts this season… they’re just all-around flattering and feminine.  Here, I’ve paired a cashmere cardigan with a tweed skirt, both in cream tones to let the shoes and the scarf catch the eye.  The crimson red scarf and leopard print ballet flats are the two ‘attention seekers’ in this outfit, and the monochrome palette of the cardigan and skirt are the perfect complementary, soft background/canvas that really lets the accessories stand out.  Lastly, I thought a pair of tights with an interesting bow detail running up the back were the perfect way to add an extra finishing touch, as well as keep one’s legs a bit warmer.

No royal figures were, er, used in the making of this ensemble.

P.S. If you want to glam things up a bit, try using the cardigan as a wrap sweater, with a sparkly brooch acting as a pin.  Check out Olivia Palermo’s blog post here for this amazing tip!!

Cardigan: Qi | Skirt: Topshop | Scarf: Amicale | Tights: Pretty Polly | Ballet flats: ‘Tierney’ by DUO
If you’re in the UK, you have a chance to (properly) enter this contest until midnight, October 22, 2012!  If you aren’t in the UK, I hope you at least enjoyed the looks I put together.  ♥

xoxo,

— Miss Cathie

Credits:  With special thanks to Search Laboratory for the contest information!