Thrifting Queen

WIW: Go Big or Go Home

December 4, 2014

This outfit is a bit "in your face" with it's bold colour combination and graphic pattern. Definitely not going to fade into the woodwork in this one!

Today's outfit started with my new black and white graphic patterned ponte knit pencil skirt. I've fallen back in love with skirts and dresses this F/W season and have been looking for a winter weight ponte knit skirt that wasn't just black - something with a bit of interest - and I had hoped for some sort of black/white pattern. When this one showed up at Cleo Petite, I snagged it. The weight of this skirt (which is fully lined) is magnificent - nice and substantial. I love the white criss-cross pattern and the true midi length.

To the skirt, I added my white drapey cross-front silk-blend tee to pull out the white in the skirt, and then topped that with my new bold red ponte blazer, also from Cleo Petite. I like that the length will work with both skirts and trousers alike and the blazer can be dressed up or down. And check out the lining in the close up photo - it's black/white houndstooth. How fun is that?

To finish off the outfit, I went with semi-opaque black tights and my trusty/comfortable Clarks black shooties. These aren't the prettiest pair of shoes in my closet but hopefully they don't look dowdy. Happy feet is a major priority these days.

Red specs, swipe of red lipstick and my black leather satchel handbag - and I'm ready to go. 

What do you think? does it all work? were the skirt and blazer wise additions to my closet? As always, all comment/suggestions welcome.

Blazer and skirt: Cleo Petite
Tee: BCGB
Shoes: Clarks
Handbag: Danier Leather

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Posted in the What I Wore category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

29 Comments

  • replied 9 years ago

    I love red, black, and white together so this is a winner by my standards.  

  • darla replied 9 years ago

    I love this color combination ! To me, the shoes look fine and blend with the dark hose. I know what you mean about shoes that are "feet friendly"--I have had to eliminate high heels from my closet and it can be challenging to find the right dressy comfortable shoe. 

  • Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

    Oh, this is fantastic Shannon.  Right up my alley :)  I don't think it's in your face, just bold.  I love the houndstooth lining , and how it provides some subtle pattern mixing for extra interest. 

  • Aubergine replied 9 years ago

    Love the new skirt and blazer! I was expecting something much flashier after reading the post, but this doesn't seem "in your face" at all.

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    Great skirt and the red is a shot of energy!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Shannon, this is so interesting. If I recall correctly, you and I both fell in love with pants last year. And this year we are both enamoured of skirts! I am even finding ways to wear them for my work at home life. In my case the trick is that they have to be stretchy. If not, forget it. 

    This one is super fun and the red looks wonderful on you. 

  • Neelie replied 9 years ago

    Love the skirt and blazer combo.  That shade of red is really good with your skin tone!

  • TraceyLiz65 replied 9 years ago

    Great skirt and fabulous with the red blazer! Shoes are not at all dowdy...

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    Very classic yet bright and fun. YLF :) (as usual ;) )

  • replied 9 years ago

    Great blazer !  That will be a super-useful piece, I'm sure.  Cleo seems to be a good resource for you, and every time you post a piece from that store, I think about checking it out next time I'm in the mall for work pieces.  I'm into red now in a much bigger way than I ever have been - and part of it is due to posters like you in this forum......thanks for the inspiration:)

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    Sterling - I'm glad to hear I'm not alone in loving black, white and red together, It's so "crisp".

    Daria - I completely sympathize with the loss of high heeled shoes. I used to be a heels girl but due to foot and knee issues in the last year, I have had to remove those from my closet. It's like losing a friend...but I'm slowly finding very comfortable footwear that works. It just takes more time. Hang in there :)

    Elizabeth - I think you and I both love wearing black and white equally. I totally adore the pop of houndstooth - it's like a little present under the fabric, you know?

    Suz - I think you're right Suz in that we've both fell in love and out of love with trousers at the same time. For me, much of that has to do with the ease of finding skirts that fit properly versus finding trousers that fit. And because in our cold and snowy winter climate, I find popping on tights and knee high winter boots less messy than worrying about trouser hems dragging through the slush.

    Lisa - I find Cleo hit and miss. They have seasons where everything looks like something my grandmother would wear and then they have seasons where I have trouble NOT buying everything. The one thing that doesn't change for me is that Cleo Petite fits my body perfectly every time.

    Thank you for your lovely comments Aubergine, Shevia, Neelie, Tracey and Jackie :)

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    Fabulous look and killer skirt.

    I LOVE those red specs and your longer fringe. xo

  • viva replied 9 years ago

    Great look, Shannon. The bold top balances the bold pattern. I always love your outfits!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    Thanks Angie :) - I think these red specs are one of my best/favorite purchases over the last couple of years. Makes me wonder why I waited so long...

  • Astrid replied 9 years ago

    I love the skirt! Blazer is nice too. Great look, Shannon.

  • abc replied 9 years ago

    Black, white and red. One of my favorite color combos of all time.  And you incorporated a blazer, another fave of mine.  What's not to love?

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    Great minds think alike! I think red and black is *it* at the moment.

  • Eliza replied 9 years ago

    Wow! Love this graphic pattern amped up with red. You look beautiful, Shannon.

  • Sal replied 9 years ago

    It is a great look, I love the boldness of it, but it is still a classic look.

    I think the shoes work well, they are the right weight visually, not too refined and not too chunky.

  • Beth Ann replied 9 years ago

    That's a fabulous skirt, Shannon!  It's bold, but in a classic shape, and oh so flattering.  Red is a great choice for the holidays, and this jacket is fab, but practical --- having stretch and a pants/skirt silhouette is a double win in my mind!

    No worries about the shoes --- they are modern and sleek enough.  They don't have to be the star of the outfit!

  • Robidi replied 9 years ago

    Great combination!  I love these colors together :)

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    It looks beautiful! So polished and cheerful. I love the black and white lining on the jacket showing with the turned up sleeves--very nice, with the black and white skirt. Part of what makes your outfits so lovely on you is that you get the fit and proportions just right.

  • thimblelina replied 9 years ago

    Those are your power colors!

  • deb replied 9 years ago

    I do not think this is 'in your face'. It is so 'you' and I love it!

  • unfrumped replied 9 years ago

    Super fab skirt, both the fit and the pattern.
    (says to self, I don't need more pencil skirts...)

  • Sveta replied 9 years ago

    I don't think you ever going to blend into a woodwork even if you wear all black!
    This red is spectacular on you and the skirt is super fun. Booties look quite fine here and yay for happy feet!

  • SarahTheWhite replied 9 years ago

    I love this on you SO much! The pattern of the skirt is so gorgeous, and I agree with Elizabeth - the houndstooth pattern of the cuffs is a really interesting pattern play with the skirt. I also agree with others that while bold, it is not over the top. You can pull off the high contrast so beautifully.

  • Karie replied 9 years ago

    I like the subtle pattern mixing, and that is a gorgeous skirt. Red is a perfect color for you!

  • Vicki replied 9 years ago

    Oh, yeah!  Red, white and black, look fab every time.  Add the graphic pattern and it's off the charts.  Love the red lippie, too.

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I started playing dress up when I was 4 years old and haven't stopped since! My income doesn't match my tastes so it's all about figuring out how to thrift my way to a fashionable life while tossing in a few delectable items.