Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Making Peace with January

Back in the good old days when I worked at Gap we referred to the palette of clothing that arrived post-Holiday as Transition.  Oh how I loved and looked forward to Transition.  After listening to the same music on the corporate-mandated tape (yes that's how long ago it was...cassette tapes had it on blast even though cd's were around - just so you know I'm not one foot in the dirt just yet), staring down red, green, plaid and flannel as frenzied customers far and wide debated, deliberated, purchased and returned in less than happy moods, it was time for all of us to move on and leave December behind.  What better way than with khaki, denim, navy and white, grey and accents of silver and gold?  All my favorite basic colors rolled up into arguably some of the best items of the year.

I think they call it Resort now, right?  Whatever the case, I begin to gravitate to these same items every year around the end of December/beginning of January.  You might say Gap brainwashed me; I prefer to think they instilled a great sense of style (before they let a lot of it go to hell in a handbasket, but still I hope for a comeback!!). And can someone please tell me when the Resort part of the deal starts to figure in?  I'm not getting any younger - or warmer for that matter.

{Zara-Military Blazer, J.Crew-Sequin Stripe T, Current/Elliott-Denim, Forever21-Shoes}
Done up for brunch at the local diner aka looking like a spectacle
amongst the locals. 
 Sequins after the holidays might be a sign of clinging to December.
 {PANYC Belt-seen here, Melinda Maria Bangles and Link Oxidized Ring}
Someone pass the hand lotion.  Clearly I'm in need.
Just scream.  Go ahead and let it out.  I did.

I almost called this "Confessions of  a Shoe Snob" because I am basically over the moon for the Forever 21 lace heels in this post and the booties in this one.  For under $40 each you simply cannot go wrong.  They are ridiculously cute, well-constructed for the price, and with a little insole really quite comfortable.  Who would've thought? (certainly not me!)

Thanks so much for your well wishes yesterday.  My throat's still sore, but I think I'll be able to venture out of bed today and get the poor tree taken down today.  I'm having separation anxiety...maybe tomorrow?

84 comments:

Diana Mieczan said...

This is one of my favourite outfits! I love the top with the cute jacket and you cant go wrong with shoes like that!!! You look beautiful, darling

Hugs and kisses

ps: I am hosting a sweet necklace GIVEAWAY, later today :) ... Please, join in!

Collette Osuna said...

You look so haute girl!!! Love the rolled up jeans....and the shoes.....ahhhhh, the shoes!! You rocked this one!!!

Diana Mieczan said...

Ps: so cool that you have those stamps..I need to get them too.Love!

Laura said...

Hope you're feeling better! :) I love the shirt and jacket in you pics... and of course the shoes... I've gotten a couple pairs from Forever 21 before and they have basically either fallen apart within a week or caused me so many blisters that I couldn't walk... I'm so glad to hear that you have found a pair that you can enjoy!!! :) You definitely rocked this look. xoxo

ale said...

I love those shoes

Tanya (a Taste of T) said...

Looks like a great sense of style to me!

Anonymous said...

love this outfit!! especially the shirt and the blazer!

aww, and guess what I ate for lunch today?! Quinoa! You made me find it and cook it! :D I love it btw, so yummy and healthy :)

xx
M.
Join my Giveaway and win Lauren Conrad´s Style Book!

SabinePsynopsis said...

I think you are wearing Transition (which seems a much better word than Resort) wonderfully. Glad to hear you are feeling better. Surving January is no mean feat. xo

agnes said...

super look, et j'adore tes chaussures

Claire Kiefer said...

Love that shirt and sequins are amazing year-round. In the top pic, you almost look like you are standing en pointe!

RosaLovesDC said...

Hope you feel better soon!
But you look fabulous and I think the outfit is super chic!

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

I'm not ready to let go of sequins yet! Love that top.

erica said...

Absolutely gorgeous outfit and loving your jacket. I just want to raid your whole closet and borrow all your clothes. It's absolutely amazing! I love the rolled up jeans look. I wish I was taller so I could make that look work!

xo

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

Love them, knew I would! I remember thinking my life would be perfect if I could work at the GAP in high school. When I got the chance, I chose to work at The Limited! Cracking up about the brainwashed bit. They probably learned a thing or two from YOU ;) Looking great!

Secondhand Stella said...

So cute! I love the top and the shoes!!!!!

Lilacandgrey said...

awww the good old days in retail-totally brainwashed me too :)

LifestyleBohemia said...

I love this entire look! The j.crew sequin t-shirt is perfect & I love the stacked bracelets!
xx

BJJ said...

I love this look! I shop at Gap & Ann Taylor Loft and they do a look like this during "transition" time. I adore it. And those heels.. I love they how they glam it up! In my recent post, I talked about how much I dig a good shoe deal - good job! peace and love.

pickingwildflowersblog.blogspot.com

Laura said...

Love the look, the military style jacket and heels works so well! The shoes are stunning!

L x

Alison Kinsey said...

i think i had the same cold! it was so stubborn, it lasted for over a week! :(
by the way i love love your outfit, i can definitely draw inspiration from it. every piece works perfectly here!

Lisa - respect the shoes said...

How do you find the F21 shoes fitting - I am a half size and most of their shoes are whole.

You look fantastic - not over-the-top at all. I think sequins are fun and chic whatever the season, as long as one stays away from an ensemble that in any way resembles a glitter ball. Even for clubbing. I mean it Snooki.

Kristen said...

awesome awesome outfit! hooray for forver 21.

Kristin W said...

I just love this outfit. It seems very casual chic to me. My fav :) I don't know if I could handle those shoes for a long period of time though. Way to rock it!

Closet Fashionista said...

I love the outfit!! And yea...Forever 21 shoes are surprisingly comfy for the price, I Loooove my Miu Miu inspired ones haha
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Love this!!!!!!
You did it well!

Marie a la Mode said...

Cute outfit Carrie! I love the stripes and your shoes are very pretty. I'm glad you've made peace with January because I sure haven't! We have SO MUCH snow and we'll be getting more today. And it's -27 at the moment. I am so jealous you live in California! Send some warmth my way, will you please? Thanks ; )

Taylor said...

I have this shirt, and boyfriend jeans...you can sure bet I am copying this whole look as soon as it is above 25!!!! Girl I am OVER snow boots and heavy scarves...I just wanna show an ankle!

ryan said...

Wow, I never would have considered F21 for footwear, really, especially heels. I am going to have to get over there and try some on because your lace heels are sooooooo cute, especially paired with rolled up jeans xoxo

Anonymous said...

Glad you are feeling better... lots of tea! Love this outfit! That jacket is so cute. The shoes are cute too... do they hurt? I am always afraid inexpensive shoes will kill. You look adorable. xo

Jessica said...

First of all, you look adorable to be feeling so sick so kudos to you my dear! I hope you continue to feel better, though. I love the combination of stripes and denim. You seriously cannot go wrong there. Second, we have been taking the tree down in stages. The other day we took off all of the ornaments, and tonight (maybe.....) we have just got to finish taking the rest of it down. I considered leaving it up and just decorating it by whatever holiday came up. Valentines, St. Patrick's Day, April Fools.. it could work, right? ha

Courtney Erin said...

Glad that you are feeling a little better! And I love the sequin top paired with the camel jacket - it's such a great look. I just got two pairs of F21 shoes and I totally agree with you. I'd be more hesitant about them if I were planning to wear them all the time (I think they might start to fall apart in fairly short order then) but I have a lot of shoes and so they only get worn once a month or so and for that the quality and price are perfect!

xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

Lila said...

I wore sequins last weekend- ha.

It snowed last night and schools are closed so today I will be sporting my favorite pair of flannel pj! yeah I love snow days.

ejb said...

I do love fall/winter clothing the best however whenever the resort piece and looks start to arrive it is sort of a fresh breath of air! We took our tree down on Sunday and I'm having a little separation anxiety as well!

Abby said...

Love those lacey shoes! Glad you are feeling better.

Santina said...

This look is right up my alley: I love wearing boyish basics with a feminine twist. The cut of that jacket is amazing! I have yet to purchase a pair of shoes from Forever 21, so thanks for sharing. I've always wondered how comfortable they'd be and if they'd hold up to a few more wears than most of the clothes do.

Santina
http://stylebysantina.blogspot.com/

Leia said...

Glad you are feeling a bit better today!

Gap... used to be stylish? I must look this up and see if I can find some pictures of Gap clothing from a few years ago!

Adore this outfit. You rock military like no other. And sequins? Bah, I wear them all year round ;)

And those shoes are to die for!

Leia

FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

So glad you are felling better! And that whole look is FAB-ulous! And, I have to admit I just took my Xmas stuff down and it made me sad! Only 11 1/2 more months to go till next Xmas!

Tiffany Kadani said...

I love this outfit! So super cute! I am glad you are feeling better today.

A Crimson Kiss said...

Resort season used to make me crazy growing up on the East Coast-there was no way in hell I was putting on a pair of white jeans, unless it was to minimize salt stains! But now that I too am a California girl, I completely understand the appeal of getting away from those holiday jewels tones and wearing something a little more understated (even if you throw a few sequins into the mix)!

Nikki said...

I love your look! That striped sequin shirt is amazing!

Valerie said...

I need to get on this Forever 21 shoe bandwagon. I just never even considered trying them because I thought they'd be horribly uncomfortable. But these shoes are so cute, Carrie! I'm all for sequins any time of year.

xo
Valerie

Fé... said...

Geez, seriously, like $40 for those gorgeous pair. Don't we all love Forever 21? A pair of Zara would cost like 3 times of it right...

Ashleigh said...

Died over that J.Crew shirt since I first layed eyes on it. Lucky you! I'm loving everything sequins lately - holidays or not!
P.S. We're calling it 'Pre-Spring' - I liked 'Transition' better ;) Retail can be so funny sometimes!

Moosette said...

Ooh! Too much too take in! Love the the sequin striped top... and dont even get me started on the lace pumps... all of my fav things! Love this look!

kimbirdy said...

oh i love this outfit! so cute but still relaxed for a good brunch. i'm sorry you've been sick though! the mister is pretty sick over at our house and i'm trying desperately to be healthy. it's going around i guess. get well soon!

Bronzed Humanity said...

Great look! Love that top!
xx

LyddieGal said...

youve got the j crew sequined striped tee. oh how i long for that tee. so cute.
and i'd like to start transitioning as well - but its too soon for new england where winter is still in full force.

Chic on the Cheap

*** said...

You look so stylish - love the striped sequin top. I am with you on the F21 shoes - they have so many cool styles and their prices are the best.

hip hip gin gin said...

Sequins after the holidays are clinging to fabulous, and I'm planing on wearing them all year! Yup.
Also those shoes are Forever 21?? There is now a me shaped hole in my wall, need those asap. Would go today but we are a leeeeeetle bit snowed in at the moment.

Anonymous said...

Sequin striped top - I need. Lace F21 shoes - I'm dying! Wow. Who knew?

Anonymous said...

great outfit!! I love stripes and camel ;)

Jamie said...

OMG I almost bought these shoes! Aren't they FANTASTIC??? They were out of my size and I was DEVASTATED!!! And I LOVE LOVE LOVE that striped sequin top!!

http://www.glamlatte.com

Alicia Lund said...

Love this "transition" outfit Carrie - and I had a good laugh in regards to "resort" wear that term always confuses me! PS: Sequins are in this spring so you're not just clinging to the hoidays!

Gorgeous Glam said...

I love F21 shoes! Those lace ones are off the hook! xo

Marcie said...

Love that top, Carrie!! This is such a refreshing look at this transition period. :)

You look awesome in those shoes too.

xo m

PhotoPuddle said...

What a great outfit. Makes me hope spring is on its way.

k said...

I feel like I need that coat!

Caroline said...

I love how you write!!!! And, of course your style! xo

Rachel from Love a la Mode said...

Not sure if this answers your question but, I know that Resort falls between Winter and Spring because in haute couture it's the collection for when people vacation to places like the bahamas and St.Tropez and such before going back to work after the holidays.
Bisous,
Rachel
lovealamode.wordpress.com

Mimi said...

i have a shirt that looks a lot like yours. and i looove your shoes! :D

<3, Mimi
http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

Chas said...

I love everything about this outfit! Your jacket is amazing and the sequin shirt rules! Glad you are feeling a bit better!

Josie said...

Carrie. You are a rockstar, honestly. I love your ideas about the transitional season and this outfit is so fabulous. The mix of the sequined tee and that blazer (oh, that blazer -- I DIE) with the rolled jeans and heels is fanTAStic. I love!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Grace (The Stripe) said...

i love your striped tee - adorable! fab outfit. (following you!)

Lori said...

This is one of my favorite outfits Carrie ~ I love the simplicity of it and those shoes are to die for!! Of course I am frumpy me sitting on my couch in sweats while hubby watches Ice Road Truckers ~ please don't be jealous! Happy Wednesday! xo

TheChambrayCountess said...

I love the combination of sequins, military, denim and mary-janes. A perfect "transition" outfit if I ever saw one ;)

Anonymous said...

I love your outfit. I think that is one of the best most classic combos to wear, it always looks good! I can't believe those shoes are from Forever 21, what a great find.

Carissa @ the Fabulous Design File said...

I'm loving stripy sequined shirts! So fun. Thanks for visiting my blog!

My Heart Blogged said...

I love the sequined shirt, it's a little less casual. I feel like Forever 21 is getting better, and better each year.
My Heart Blogged

Isabel said...

i love everything u are wearing here. and it is definitely a great "transition" look.

Jessica said...

I'm a former Gap gal too! Transition was my favorite time of the year - hints of spring on the horizon! I still think Gap, Inc. does transition well (although better at BR now) than some other stores. (::cough:: J.Crew ::cough::)

Yep, "transition" is my favorite season.

And I think January sequins are just prepping 11 months in advance for the next holiday season.

Jessica said...

Also, did you work there during the reign of "Ice Skating Girl" on EVERY SINGLE HOLIDAY SOUNDTRACK?! Horrible song. Catchy though.

jemina said...

Darling, I LOVE your sequin stripe tee, and as always you look AMAZING from head to toe!!!

Kisses
Jemina
xoxo

Cool Gal said...

Those shoes are fabulous! :)

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

Love it, sweetie! You look fabulous. Gap taught you or brainwashed u well :)

Hope your new year is off to a great start. Sorry to hear you werent' feeling well but I hope you're all better by now. And thanks so much for all of the support over the past few weeks. It really means a lot xoxo

little luxury list said...

Forever 21?! Savvy and styling! Ooh and I was obsessed with that J. Crew top for a while. must continue stalking...

Bailey@ peppermintbliss said...

Damn Gina, you can really put together an ensemb.

valncami said...

LOVE your shoes!!

hope to hear from you soon! <3
xo, camilla & valerie
abutterflybyday.blogspot.com

Lisa said...

thanks so much for checking out my blog!!!

OMGGGGGGGG i cannot believe where you got those black lace shoes.. they are DIVINE!!!! and i love your sequined tee paired with the khaki colored jacket. so cute!

www.lisalovescoco.blogspot.com

this free bird said...

I know Lisa can you imagine??? I almost peed my pants when I put them on and they were soooo good!!

Zoë said...

Those are Forever 21 shoes???? Holy hotness!
You remind me of my sister, Karrie (with a K). Your styles are so similar. :)

Freelance Shop-A-Holic said...

Ohhh I snagged that top a while back for a steal! I forgot I bought it. I'm going to get it out and wear it. It's so cute! So glad you did this post...

She Wore It Well said...

love. the. shoes.

i just screamed! xo

Daniela said...

love this! love the gray, ivory and sparkle with the nude blazer. perfect!

grave said...

Nice jacket and shoes in your picture. You look beautiful in your outfit..

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