Thursday, September 16, 2010

Softened Military Chic

The other day when I was getting trampled at Target (gee this seems to be the theme of the blog this week.  sorry about that!) the cutest dress called out to me pleading for a try-on.  When I went into the fitting room I never imagined coming out with the dress, but once it was on all I could imagine was wearing it with this amazing military blazer that followed me home from Zara last year *read:  I called 700 Zara locations to track it down after I saw Olivia Palermo wearing it - guilty admission and new excuse:  Olivia Palermo made me do it*.   I've opened the closet so many times recently and pictured outfit upon outfit with the blazer, but then something happens and it doesn't get worn.  Cut to this past weekend when it was picture perfect fall weather - warm enough for a dress, but not without a light jacket - and here we are!  Fall is great for many reasons, but one of my favorites is that the season allows for late summer attire with a hint of cool weather to come.  It provides moments when we can stand still and enjoy the moment, but also glance back and remember all the fun we had - while still looking forward to great things headed our way (aka pumpkin pie, apple turnovers, and turkey with stuffing...yep I'm hungry).

When I think of the current military trend my mind immediately goes to olive tones.  But recently I've begun to reshape my thinking and remind myself of the military-esque pieces I already own that come in varying shades of black, grey and khaki - as well different styles.  I'm doing my best to shop my closet, so look for these to appear in upcoming posts.  In the meantime here we go with Olivia's my blazer and new little Target find.  Who knew??

The gold buttons and white piping add perfect attention to detail. 
Note to self:  lint roll the blazer before taking pictures in order to get better closeups.
The high collar on the jacket compliments the neck while the ruffles
and color of the dress soften the overall look.  Kismet!
The military detailing continues on the shoulders and back of the jacket.
 While the sheer skirt part of the dress keeps the outfit flowy and feminine.
It literally blew softly in the breeze that evening.  Swoon!
I wore my ruffled Steve Madden's because I liked the compliment of the wooden heel, 
but I might try it with these zip booties the Chef got me for Valentine's Day a couple years ago.
Ballerina girl...oh Lionel Richie!  Why didn't I say hello to you that time in Theory? 

I grew up at Gap, then graduated to Nordstrom and occasionally took a class or two at Barneys and Saks.  A couple of years ago I went through a boutique phase where I didn't really shop in malls or at traditional retailers (except Martin+Osa RIP I'll never recover) - but within the past year or so it's been hard not to notice the great things that Target is doing with women's apparel.  To me, true style means finding things you love everywhere - flea markets, swap meets, big box retailers, the bf's closet, and all the fancy places as well.  How about you?

Outfit details:  Zara - Blazer, Target - Dress, Steve Madden - Shoes, J.Crew - Ring

85 comments:

Claire Kiefer said...

Okay so I'm TOTALLY WITH YOU on this one. When I saw "softened military chic" I wasn't sure how I was gonna feel about it, but I LOVE IT--the jacket, the dress, the combo. I'm trying to open up a little bit--I am SO girly and love satin and sequins and lace and flowy and all that, and it's hard for me to go for contrast, cause that often means wearing pants or military or something out of my comfort zone. But you're a damn fine inspiration, cause this outfit is perfect!!!

Chloë, Wardrobe Quarry said...

I like that the very structured military jacket is toned down by the pretty pink and made girly.

Anonymous said...

Love them both and love them together. Target is upping their game lately. Accessories have mostly been catching my eye, but the clothes are looking a lot better too.

Bren said...

Omg, Carrie!!! That dress is from TARGET?! It's so pretty! I'm going to need to make a Target run, aren't I?

I totally agree about mixing high and low end pieces. All head to toe anything is boring to me anyway. I've been really impressed with some of the Target and H & M collaborations, and am really looking forward to Lanvin for H & M!

xoxo,
Bren @ Chasing Beauty

Collette Osuna said...

You look gorgeous in the jacket.....LOVE it with the feminine dress...I agree, there are really great things in stores right now!!

Have a fabulous day!
Statements in Fashion Blog

Sophie said...

Amazingg outfit! cannot believe that dress is from target! beautiful!

I just stumbled across your blog and love it - im a new follower :)

xx

rofflear.blogspot.com

Joyti said...

Target always sucks me in...I hate going 'cause I spend waaaay too much time there, when I meant to do was pick up some toothpaste. And I just ran out of floss :(
But the dress is super-duper adorable :)

FarmGirl said...

Love the dress!
xxx

Diana Mieczan said...

This blazer is perfect! Really!!...I love the buttons and the back side.:)...I love that dress too...Nude colours are so in right now:)
I have a few of my favourite high street shops that I always like to go to and I know I will find something I am looking for...but said that I also love flea markets for their amazing vinatge pieces:)

Kisses,sweetie
Happy Thusrday,sweet ballerina:)

Lilacandgrey said...

you look like a ballerina, and the jacket is perfect!

Anonymous said...

This might be my favorite look to date! I can't believe you found that dress at Target, it looks so expensive and I would never think to pair it with that blazer... I love your blog because it makes me think outside the box when it comes to style!! xo

Lisa - respect the shoes said...

That's a Target dress?! How awesome, it looks gorgeous and the color is really flattering. It's perfection with the jacket.

STYLE'N said...

LOVE THIS CARRIE!!! I think softened military is definitely the way to go. Love the shoes and seriously target for the dress? I swear people find the cutest clothes there....I need to give it a try!

ChinkyGirLMeL said...

I love love love that dress, it's so romantic. I love how you made it fun by adding on that jacket. You look great as always. I love vintage inspired looks and every now and then I love going to the thrift shops to see what little treasure I might find. =)

MerciBlahBlah said...

NAAAAILED IT. Mixing completely opposite styles like this is my favorite way to dress. I love pairing unexpected pieces that somehow just WORK. Your outfit WORKS.

Confession: I have days when I look down and realize every single thing I have on is from Target. It's not my favorite way to dress (wearing every piece from one place) but it happens because I shop WAY too much there - it's too tempting!

Merci,
Shan

Unknown said...

i'll do the same thing - i will HUNT somwething down - i don't care how many phone calls or stores or thrift shops or Ebay listings i gotta go through - LOVES IT!!!

PS .. TAG your IT! .. come on by and check it out :o)

*kiss kiss*
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

Perfection! And target has been doing great things lately. And I'm back into Gap lately after being off then for many years.

Closet Fashionista said...

LOVEEE this outfit!!! And yes I know what you mean about where people shop. I shop all over the place like Kohl's, Target, (online... XD) and sometimes mall stores like Forever 21, American Eagle, etc :D
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with your comment about style. There is no limit to where style can be found. Very cute outfit!

Taylor said...

KISMET really?! I LOVE YOU!!!! (No one ever knows what that means when I say that!!!)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this look, I love girly dresses with a more masculine jacket - perfection! I haven't seen that dress at mine, now need to go search - though with the 3 Tucker dresses I bought I should probably wait a bit!

Annie said...

I totally agree - love a good mix of all different sources!! Carrie, you look so pretty! Great combo :) xo

Nikki said...

I am in love this your dress!!! Looks amazing on you and looks perfect with that structured jacket!!!


xx
Nikki

Kate said...

Everything about this is GORGEOUS!

Jessica said...

Carrie you look ahhhh-mazing! Softened military chic describes this outfit to a T! I am with you, I usually lean towards army green when I'm considering a military look, but any color goes. I love this jacket. Your story about Olivia is cracking me up!

Unknown said...

great post - olivia palmero steered you right, Carrie! i started out like you at gap/express as a jr higher, then nordstrom in high school and college, (with a touch of F21), then tested out barneys et al after college (my own income, finally). however, i've regressed a bit and am now shopping at H&M/j crew/zara more than ever, but i still head back to the nice dept stores for classic pieces. i can't help it--i love a deal. i love flea markets/vintage too, but never find the time to go--must make time!

xx anna jane

Tanya Dempsey said...

That is adorable!! I love the jacket with the Target dress. You definitely have an eye. Sometimes Target surprises me with all the fab options.

xx

http://novembergrey.blogspot.com/

Kristina Clemens said...

Thanks so much for putting me onto this dress from Target...GASP*...so lovely, and perfect with the military jacket...you look great!
www.kristinaclemens.blogspot.com

Mandy said...

perfect !

Colleen said...

Soooo cute!! I laughed when you mentioned going through a boutique phase a couple years ago. I have actually just recently exited the boutique phase, only after seeing items identical to my expensive purchases for 1/3 of the price...kinda makes me sick to my stomach when that happens. I'm all about supporting new designers, and I will always have a special place in my heart for some particular designers, but until my paycheck can support the cost, I will be sticking to the fabulous finds at Target as well. =) Love your blog! You are such a pretty, fabulous woman! =)

Valerie said...

I'm with you on your definition of having style and finding things everywhere. I was thinking the exact same thing about Target when I went yesterday. They have come a long way and have so many fabulous items at amazing prices! I really still can't get over all the Tucker pieces they have and how great they are. I love your softened military look and I can see why you hunted down that jacket! All around amazing look, Carrie.

xo
Valerie

PursuitOfLLT said...

I agree about finding great pieces at any location. People who are strictly Barneys or Saks shoppers have no imagination. People who stay only at Gap never test their boundaries.

You just gotta take a little bit of this...a little bit of that and wah-lah. fabulous outfit!

Mandy said...

okay, there is no way that is from TARGET!

I am going to get it. Right. Now.

Kristen said...

I completely agree about fashion and where to find it! I wish there was a target I could easily get too. I am in looove with this outfit. Lately I've been into local boutiques (there are a ton in my neighborhood!) but they are not easy on the wallet. Time to head back to H&M and TJX

Jamie said...

W-O-W! That. dress. is. amazing!!!! Target...I mean seriously gotta love them!!

http://www.glamlatte.com

PS. we'll keep you posted about drinks. We are scheduled for 10/2 at either 4 or 5pm we are going to the place next to Ugo's in Culver city (Nutella Martini's!) I will touch base with you and you can let us know if it's doable for you. If not, no worries we'll organize another blogger date! :)

Leia said...

That jacket and that blazer are PERFECT together! Oh and I totally agree about finding great pieces everywhere - flea markets, high street, expensive stores, etc!

Leia

Martha said...

Looking as lovely as always.

<3

Laura said...

Oh man your blazer is gorgeous! I love how you pair it with such a feminine dress!

L x

Caroline said...

I love the blazer and paired with that dress ... PERFECTION!

Alicia Lund said...

Oh I love the flirty feminine dress! And I totally went through a boutique only phase...i still prefer and like to support cute shops rather than huge retailers.

Nell said...

Oh man, I love that dress. And the jacket looks awesome with it - I love the softness of the chiffon with the structure of the military jacket - inspired!xx

Gorgeous Glam said...

Great job with this outfit dear! A true stylish woman mixes all pieces and wears them in confidence. And you look so glam! xoxo

Couture Carrie said...

This look is stunning, darling!
I love the contrast of the sweet tulle with the tough jacket!

xoxox,
CC

P.S. Don't cry in the corner, ok? There is still time to enter my Orient watch giveaway :)

Marie a la Mode said...

That dress is gorgeous! Why oh why don't we have a Target in Canada? Also, you wear that jacket much better than Olivia. True dat!

Poppies and Sunshine said...

I agree with you about what true style means. That blazer is fabulous and I love your dress! Put them together and you have a great outfit!!

Ashley Lind said...

This makes me want to take a trip to target. STAT. :)

yourstrulydear said...

you look fab, doll! i must admit i love target. every once in a while i will go in there to look at clothes and i always find the cutest pieces! you definitely rock this :]

Stylelover said...

You look amazing! This is my first time around here but I am coming back for sure... Great style babe!
xoxo
Vicky

Kristin W said...

This jacket is perfect. I especially love it with the dress. Wonder how long the military style will stay...there's so many cute military items out there, but on a budget I'm scared to invest!

LOVE the outfit :)

Annemarie said...

Such a gorgeous look! Love the military jacket!

Thanks for your sweet comment :) Love your beautiful blog! Following now xoxo

Marcie said...

Target pulls through always!! I am in LOVE with this, Carrie! I just bought a pair of skinny green cargos are Target and wear them every weekend. I also love how you "graduated" to Nordstrom, etc. I agree that true style can be found anywhere.

xo M

Catita said...

this is such a great look! I love the contrast of romantic with military and nice pony tail!!
;)
CAtita

The October Issue said...

Love the dress.

YOURI said...

i like the jacket, great blog!

Nikki said...

That dress is from Target?! Darling! Love the jacket too. I guess when I think of military I think olive green too. That is more of a civil war look right? Above or below the mason dixon line? ;)

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful dress and jacket! You can really find some nice things at target ... I agree. It's always about mixing high and low .... you look fabulous, my dear! so Pretty!

xo

Liz said...

Oh I love Target (or as I like to say Tar-jay)! I actually like their athletic apparel. I have found the most comfortable and very reasonably priced yoga pants there. Of course I have a soft spot for Target since they're based in Minneapolis. I can never leave that store with only one item.

I love your outfit combination!

Josie said...

Gorgeous as always, love! I love this floaty dress and how you've paired it with a military-style blazer -- you are so chic, my dear. I try to make my style a good mix of high and low-end, but I'm in college, so high-end for me means clearance rack at Bloomie's. Represent.
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

BenchesnChandeliers said...

the fem blush color mixed with the rougher military jacket is such a sweet look!

http://www.benchesandchandeliers.com

kelli g. { bug miscellany } said...

i LOVE this look!!

ps - i *somehow* ended up at Target perusing the (small) Tucker display, whereupon i ended up purchasing a little floral dress number. so now I can say "carrie made me do it!!" :P

Brianna said...

I loved that dress. I tried it on in my normal Medium and had to go up to an extra large to fit my boobs...at which point it was huge everywhere else. :(

Nadia said...

Agreed!

I love the jacket, but I'm stuck on that dress! So pretty. We need a Target here!

xo, Nadia

Nadia said...

Ps. Thank you for the well wishes yesterday. Hope you are feeling better as well :)

xo

Unknown said...

I love this, totally agree, the soft and ruffly complements the military jacket so well! I love that jacket! Now I'm jealous! XX!

Lila said...

I agree completely. I can find things everywhere and make them my own. Whether I spend $$$$ or just $ it doesn't matter to me as long as I am comfortable in my skin. I must say I tend to buy my classic pieces at higher end retailers for quality and trendy items everywhere but lately I'm finding quality all over the place. The dress is adorable and I'm calling my local target tomorrow.

OneCraftyFox said...

Damn you Canada, why can you not have Target?!!! lol

Luv, luv, luv the ensemble. You look gorgeous as usual :)

I'm having a Blog Slumber Party, please come join!!

J. said...

omg can we talk about martin and osa?!?! TRAGIC!

Right now I'm in my nordstrom stage with some major boutique love, but I don't think I've ever gone into Target without walking through the clothes. I could walk out of that place with a dump truck of stuff.

Kara Endres said...

So pretty! These go great together... now I need to make a trip to target, thanks a lot! j/k

Sorry to hear about your birthday experience, but at least it was fun! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
xoxo Kara
http://sprinklesinsprings.blogspot.com/

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

I love it! Goes perfectly together. The structure and darkness of the jacket mixed with the flowey soft dress. I totally search for pieces wherever I shop and mix high and low end all of the time. Big fan of Target, Topshop, Zara & H&M. And I totally remember Olivia wearing that jacket. I've tracked things down for the same exact reason. She's my style icon :)

xoxo

Lovely B. said...

I adore anything ballet-inspired, especially paired with something more structured. This outfit is perfection... and I love Olivia Palermo as well. She's always looks impeccably put together.

Have a great evening Carrie.

xo,
LB

Natalie said...

you have me obsessing over that amazing dress

Lisa Lisa Lisa said...

I love this outfit! It is like a Southern Bell had a role in the hay with a Yankee!!!

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

You and your wardrobe always inspires me! xo, Kelly

LyddieGal said...

I LOVE this look! The dress is so delicate and feminine and the contrast of the blazer is so chic!

Chic on the Cheap

Monique said...

Yes, I live an hour away from Prague. In Pardubice Czech Republic for the hockey season! Cute outfit!!!

PearlsAndGreenTea said...

I loove this outfit. Totally makes me think of Burberry Prorsum's fall 2010 collection with the masculine coats/jackets over lacy, frilly dresses. Love the interplay of masculinity and femininity!

http://pearlsandgreentea.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

What a lovely dress! Great combination.

alli/hooray said...

LOVE it. The perfect pairing.

justagirlLaura said...

I love this outfit! What a perfect pairing and I can't believe you got that dress at Target!!

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Marissa at Style Cusp said...

I am in luuuuuurve with your last paragraph about what style is to you. That is the exact thing I love to hear from fellow blogistas! The dress is absolutely adorable, too. Target has totally evolved their women's fashion department. Aaaamazing.

XXXO.

tastesandstyle.blogspot.com

Erin said...

I love your take on fashion. This outfit is the perfect mix of girly and edgy. So beautiful!

Anonymous said...

oh i so agree that true style is finding what you love anywhere...regardless of where! last week during NYFW i wore my louboutins with a beautiful sequin belt i scored at a blogger conference...and it was from stylesip-a new line by kmart! who would have guessed? talk about a mix of high/low! :) thanks for the comment-love your adorable blog!

kiley

http://asequindressatbreakfast.wordpress.com

Jess said...

WOW - this ensemble is amazing!! I would have never paired that jacket with that dress, but I L-O-V-E it!

xo
jess

p.s. I'm looking forward to your upcoming Tucker post!! Woohoo

Louise (Fifth Sparrow) said...

LOVE this outfit Carrie! You look so gorgeous, and that dress! Jeeze... it's just so perfect! xxx

Ashleigh said...

A perfect pairing!
Being open to finding things everywhere is the only way to be!
*A little sniff sniff for M+O :(

k said...

I LOVE this...I want this exact outfit!
xoxo,
your clothes stalker

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