Happy Friday everyone!
I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. This post highlights the 3rd instalment in my Holiday Look Book.
During the holiday season we often have a variety of different events to attend, some that could be very dressy, some that are casual and some that fall in the middle. I always like to have some good separates in my closet that are holiday appropriate that I can either dress up or down depending on the event.
A black pencil skirt is a great option for any occasion. This one is from Torrid and I chose it because of the hem line – a black mesh polka dot flounce with a wide fabric trim. It is definitely a statement piece and an elevated version of a classic wardrobe staple.
It is made out of a great stretch ponte fabric and let me tell you, it has a tonne of stretch! This piece also has that retro vibe that I love. I am wearing the 5x and I feel it is true to size for a form fitting skirt on this pear shaped gal. So unfortunately this skirt has sold out (people did some serious damage on Black Friday lol) but I have provided some great alternatives that all feature unique hemlines.
When I was trying to decide what I would shoot for my holiday look book I was pretty sure I wanted to feature this skirt. I mean, it screams special occasion and is definitely not something I would wear to the office. But I wasn’t sure what I wanted to wear with it.
I have to say that often inspiration strikes me at the oddest moments. My morning shower is where some great ideas have been born and this time it was the realization that I had just picked up my City Chic order and in it was this fabulous pink blouse with black trim.
City Chic is hit or miss for me since their sizing only goes up to a 24. However, I can generally tell from the style and fabric if I think the piece will fit me. But this shirt was a bit of a risk given there was no stretch to it.
Once this bright idea had come to mind, I immediately had to try it on and was very pleased that it fit. This shirt is absolutely gorgeous. It is a beautiful shade of pink in a peplum style accented by a black waist band, with gorgeous covered buttons leading up to a beaded halter neckline.
It has a low back for some added sex appeal and is lined. I have to say that this is not the type of shirt I would normally gravitate towards because of the halter neckline which means special bra requirements. I did wear a clear strap with my strapless bra as a halter. Sometimes you have to be practical about these things and the girls needed the support!
So here I had two pieces that I absolutely loved on their own but the real magic happened when I put them together. It was like they were meant to be. The button accents in the shirt play off the polka dots in the skirt hem and the black waist band and halter tie directly to the skirt.
And I love the volume that the peplum created to balance out the fitted skirt. The open back with the halter definitely made me feel sexy along with the peekaboo effect of the buttons. I wore my hair up to showcase the halter and back.
To complete this look I added an on trend pair of earrings that are bows in the front with a pearl pack and pearl bracelet from Lane Bryant. I stuck with my go to peep toes and added this sparkly bow oversized clutch from Torrid.
This look is classic, sexy and sophisticated all in one. It can be worn for a variety of events and will definitely get you noticed. You may be wondering why I called this post “Ode to Barbie”. When I showed my fellow blogger boo and good friend Thera the pictures of this look, she immediately exclaimed “OMG, you like a Barbie!!!”. So there you have it. I like to think that Barbie would be proud to wear this look.
As always I have nothing but love for Stef, aka SassyPlus for her skill behind the lens. She makes me shine every time.
Skirt by TORRID (alternative 1) | Skirt by TORRID (alternative 2) | Skirt by TORRID (alternative 3) | Blouse by CITY CHIC | Earrings by LANE BRYANT | Bracelet by LANE BRYANT (alternative) | Clutch by TORRID |
