Color is just one way to be more bold, but it’s a great jumping-off point for me to start this challenge. If I think of my closet like a toolbox, it’s probably best to have a few wrenches in the mix. In that vein, I hit the streets (during prime Christmas shopping time, not one of my better ideas) in search of some pieces to pump up my ensembles.
5 Day Fashion Challenge: Be More Bold
Day One
Wardrobe Wrench: Electric yellow Piazza Sempione blazer
Where I Wore: Work, prepping for a shoot in the fashion closet
Why not pair this neon piece with a multi-colored print tee underneath? If you're going to go for the sensory overload, go all the way, me thinks. Clashes even more so with my Rory Becca iPhone case (my new iPhone 4S birthday present, thank you very much Mom and Dad). Paired with skinny Seven jeans, Sam Edelman suede boots, and a Coach crossbody envelope clutch.
Day Two
Wardrobe Wrench: Contrasting animal prints
Where I Wore: Work meetings and post-work birthday cocktails
I still don’t know what possessed me to buy this Ralph Lauren silk jersey dress, being that I’m really not a big fan of leopard prints (go figure). I bought this scarf from a street vendor who assured me it was a black-and-white feather print, only to open it up at home and realize it actually reads zebra. Put the two together and I’ve got a zoo-friendly ensemble that is making me rethink my stance on animal prints. I’m really digging this look. Paired with my grandma’s silver cuff and black suede/leather Dolce Vita boots.
Day Three
Wardrobe Wrench: Navy silk harem pants
Where I Wore: Lunch with a publicist
Because every closet needs a set of dry-clean only, wrinkle-magnet, short MC Hammer pants, right? For $35 on Club Monaco’s sale rack, I say YES! They are amazingly comfortable and surprisingly flattering, as long as the top stays fitted and the accessories are minimal. Paired with a Juicy Couture knit top and Gap wedge mules.
Day Four
Wardrobe Wrench: Cocktail meets casual
Where I Wore: Holiday party
This is my attempt at channeling Jenna Lyons – how do you think I did? This is actually a black sequined dress that’s much too va va voom for my low key soiree, so I brought it down a notch with this Brooklyn Industries sweater from the XS section of the men’s department (my last Challenge taught me there’s nothing wrong with swapping retail sides). Paired with a vintage watch and Calvin Klein heeled booties.
Day Five
Wardrobe Wrench: Midriff baring shirt and chunky tribal necklace
Where I Wore: Concert at Brooklyn Bowl
This printed knit tee was tempting me from the window of a random European boutique in the Village but when I stepped inside to investigate further, my heart sunk when I realized it barely cleared by belly button. When and where would I ever get the chance to wear such a thing? I bought it anyway and busted it out for the first time the other night for a Sister Sparrow concert in Brooklyn. Paired with a sick vintage necklace I bought on the street for $15, skinny jeans, and my all-time favorite Furla high boots.