Style Shorts No. 1

What does it take to make a casual business outfit special? Just think outside the blazer.

In this first edition of Style Shorts: short style articles (more like casual notes) decoding interesting outfit elements and pairings plus, random style musings. A little like a quick shot of espresso instead of the usual smoother cortado. I will be linking similar if not exact pieces throughout, should anything peak your interest to add to your own closet.

Today, it’s all about how I dressed Mickey up for the office on a Monday. It was a busy start to the week so, I wanted something a little extra. . .

Fun: Hey mickey! Wearing my souvenir from our family trip to Disneyland this past week. This tee called my name as it immediately reminded me of a vintage t-shirt from the 80s/90s from my mom’s closet that was exactly this same vintage washed blue and outline of Mickey (unfortunately, for that classic, I literally wore it down to the very last thread). So, you could imagine my surprise upon seeing this newly issued version (a gleeful shriek almost ensued). Here is the new edition, here is the vintage version.

Business: Cue this vintage Christian Dior men’s blazer that is so perfectly oversized that it somehow makes even the business side seriously playful. Love it’s statement shoulders, long straight line cut and subtle blue tones to liven up the neutral grey. Plus, the lining is just divine (nothing like the suit linings of yore). Found this gem on one of my favorite online vintage shops Backroom Vintage. See *here for a very good vintage Prada men’s blazer in a similar silhouette (*almost kept this one to myself, your welcome!) and here for a red 90s Louis Feraud and an amazing Anna Sui pinstripe option, all exude an effortless cool and that laidback luxury sans a visible logo in sight, making these all the cooler (iykyk kind of thing).

Comfortable: Again, I am a true denim and t-shirt girl through and through! and a good crewneck tee and relaxed jeans will get me through anything. Wearing a favorite pair from Agolde in a chic cream tone, similar styles *here, here and here in variations of cream, ecru and vintage white. *The first being a pair on my wishlist (because on can’t have one too many off-white jeans) as the fit just looks so elegant and timeless.

Elevated: Now that it’s officially Fall and with this new crisp weather, it’s all about cozy but, how do you take your outfit to the next level? Put a blooming brooch on it! As in, as effortless as pinning a literal bloom on your lapel. Here I repurposed a flower brooch from a Magda Butrym one piece swimsuit as a suit brooch (versatility at its finest) to elevate my t-shirt and blazer layering. Equally gorgeous bloom options here, here, here and here. The first two work as brooches and as choker necklaces (for the former, just tie the strap around a safety pin or if your lapel has a button hole then loop it through) - again, versatility always at the top.

Functional yet fashion: Both are key but the first is a must, imo. Running around for me means literally running around from work emails to home errands to writing this lovely style short! to power lunch to school pick up to after school activities sooooo, sneakers are it! that’s all (note a Miranda Priestly-esque tone). Love how the bright smurf blue (or make that cerulean, perhaps) suede of these Adidas Samba bring out the blue lines of the blazer, further amping up the playful notes of a very casual business (but, seriously, don’t call it boring) Monday suit. Here is the exact shoe available at two of my favorite online stores: Farfetch and Luisaviaroma. If you visit the city of Firenze, visiting the LVR store is a must for any fashion lover or design aficionado, alike. Also, the cafe hidden away on their rooftop is like a little oasis serving equally lush espresso and breakfast.

Versatility: And speaking again of versatility, its clearly a outfit element for me. I need outfits that take me from one thing to the next at the switch of a jacket with a sweater, possibly a shoe as well and still look coherent and cool. We run by last minute plans over here (as I’m sure many of us do) so, what I do definitely plan for is for my outfit to be a my source of calm, creativity, wearability, a confidence boost. One that will seamlessly transition from office to anything, ie: on the last minute menu last evening, make it pasta night at home! So, quick switch of the blazer to a cozy oversized cardigan and on we run to the Trader Joe’s, post-after school class, to pick up the evening’s pasta essentials, outfit (and me!) always at the ready.

Now, time for that energy boost via a little Tuesday morning cortado, ciao!

-Jazmín

PS:

[On that note, I would like to take a moment to point out that:

•I link to brands that I am excited to share with you, brands that I have sourced amazing pieces from to build my wardrobe.

•I link to exact or similar style pieces via LiketoKnow.it and may earn commissions from linked products I share.]