I bought this top a few weeks ago at Ann Taylor during my power shopping at the Carlsbad Outlet’s during the fourth of July weekend (I posted about it on my blog that weekend). When I bought it, I visualized how I could mix & match it – perhaps to add some flare to a suit for work, with a skirt for a reception or summer dinner, and for a casual look with skinny jeans. I was looking for a fun way to wear it – and since we went to the Races at Del Mar today, this was a good occasion to bring it out! I’ll post about our Day at the Races later on, we had fun!

Today, I had to wear something that was appropriate for work, yet could transition into a fun outfit for the Races. We sat at the Turf Club with a group and the attire is dressier in that section due to the dress code. During the day, I wore a cardigan over the blouse and some bright pink heals which are more comfortable. I changed into the blue heals on our way to the Races. These blue heals are comfortable for about four hours, but not to wear all day for work. I wanted to add some color to the outfit, so I went with bright shoes. Initially, I tried on a few colored belts (instead of the colored shoes), but ended up wearing my favorite Ann Taylor black belt. I just love this belt! Since the cardigan has gold tone buttons, I wore gold accessories. I am glad gold tones are in right now! I have lots of silver jewelry, but it is fun to wear gold accessories more often. The black skirt I wore has a satiny feel to it and has some spandex, making it quite comfortable. I also like that it has spandex because my weight seems to fluctuate about three to five pounds every so often and this skirt fits every time I want to wear it. The only thing I didn’t like about wearing the blouse was that I wore a strapless bra and I find bras with straps more comfortable, particularly if I a wearing them all day. Overall, I like the outfit, it was comfortable & I felt good in it!

Do you like how I matched the blouse? Do you have any black & white outfits you like? Do you match bright shoes with black and white outfits? Share your outfit ideas with me!

Hugs,

Paola

Cardigan sweater: Tory Burch;  Blouse: Ann Taylor, Carlsbad Outlet Stores;  Skirt: Xscape by Joanna Chen, Nordstrom;  Shoes: Ann Klein, Macy’s;  Belt: Ann Taylor;  Bracelet: Coach (other bracelet & gold ring were gifts from mom, years ago);  Purse: Louis Vuitton (this is my everyday purse & I don’t change purses daily, so you’ll see me with this purse often)