Daily Dose: Kimonos

I don't know about you guys, but I tend to fluctuate in my use of accessories.  Lately, I've been crazy for necklaces and nothing else!  My belts and bracelets and scarves are languishing in their drawers, crying out, 'wear me, wear me!'  I pulled out a belt for the first time in a long while, and it reminded me of my belt phase.   I have resolved to try to not get stuck in accessory phases (we'll see how long that lasts).

This is an outfit from the aforementioned belt phase.  It really reminds me of a kimono because of the flowy jacket-thing and the obi belt, although I am aware it is nothing like a kimono if I'm honest with myself.

The jacket-thing (I still don't really know what it is) was a cheap buy because I was intrigued.  I have become very fond of my jacket-thing, because it's super comfortable and I love the way it drapes.  It has a pattern but it's very subtle, so it's not too hard to pair with other things.  And of course, I'm wearing my much-beloved liquid leggings.  Have I told you how much I love my liquid leggings?  I thought not.  Finally, the outfit's finished off with a pair of nude pumps.  I do really like nude pumps for their versatility and leg-lengthening effects, but I've found it's quite difficult to find the right nude for you.  Nude doesn't mean a sort -of beige coloured shoe, but rather one that matches your skin tone.  Being browner than much of Canada, I went on quite the hunt for these, but I think they're exactly the right shade for me!  If you want to invest in a pair of nude shoes, please take the time and effort to find something as close to your skin tone as possible!  It looks super chic when you find the right ones!

I added up the total cost of this outfit for interest, and thought it might be cool to post the total costs of my outfits from now on, since I post the prices of the items anyways.  Is this of interest to anyone?

Grey lace-paneled tank - Smart Set - size S - $4.99

Floral kimono jacket - Smart Set - size XS - 4.99

Cognac obi belt - Aldo - size S - $5.99

Copper bracelets - from India

Liquid leggings - Suzy Shier - size S - $7

Nude pumps - Aldo - size 7 - ~$40

TOTAL COST OF OUTFIT = $62.97

Retail Therapy: Of batwings and kimonos

I've been a bit behind with posting my shopping goodies-- these ones are from December of last year!  I'm currently away on an elective, and having tons of fun in the sun, and I'll post about it soon!  Hopefully I'll be better with taking some outfit photos too. (:  On a related note, since I'm away from home so often lately, the next post will be a special guest post!  If any readers would like to write a guest post, I could definitely use another one too!

This top looked really weird on the hanger, as I find most drapey tops do.  It really requires one to use their imagination or a fitting room.  I like the open shoulders and back of this top, and thought it would be a fun addition to my wardrobe, seeing as I don't have anything like this, and tucked into a skirt or some pants with a cardigan or blazer, this blouse could absolutely be work-appropriate.  I like how the print wraps around the top of the blouse too-- it's a cool design choice.

I was so intrigued by this weird swingy piece of cloth when I saw it on the hanger.  It was on super sale, and I could see why-- there's such a potential for old lady bathrobe territory with this thing.  I really liked the print and the kimono jacket silhouette when I tried it on though, especially with a belt.  I will say that it does tend towards a short bathrobe, as in the below pictures, but I promise that with proper styling a piece with this kind of structure can actually look quite edgy and fun.

I've already worn this lace batwing sleeve top about four or five times since I got it.  I like how effortless it is-- it's a super easy piece to wear, but it looks like I put thought into my outfit as opposed to just grabbing for things on the floor in the dark (it happens more often than I like).  It works well tucked or untucked, which is really nice-- I think its the sort-of hybrid silhouette-- skimming the curves but with volume due to the sleeves.  The pale rose/blush colour is very versatile and I would definitely call it a neutral, especially for spring.