Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Denim on Denim: The Call of the Peacock

As a self-professed lover of denim it pains me to admit I don't believe I've donned it in combination for at least 5 years.  While some of you are wildly cheering, all I can think of is outfits lost to days gone by.  Somewhere along the way the mere expression began to conjure images of Hee-Haw and cowboys and, well, not much that's attractive.  Epic fail for the denim aficionado.

While out on Saturday I spotted the prettiest chambray, ruffled sleeve blouse ever.  Quite naturally I immediately envisioned the top with my new favorite pintucked wide leg denim (last seen here) - those things have been getting mad play around here lately.  That being said, there was still a moment of hesitation...denim on denim?  Wth am I thinking?  I'll tell you what I'm thinking - brilliance, that's what!  Apparently this pairing is a bird call of sorts as well because when I threw on the outfit for a Sunday drive in a not-yet-explored neighborhood suffice it to say flocks of peacocks came out of nowhere.  And no I am not high!  Examine it for yourselves.

Imagine driving down the street, glancing out the window and randomly seeing
this bird perched on the side of a house?
Me:  What the hell?  Take a look at that thing!  Is that a real peacock??
Chef:  (laughing while looking straight ahead)
Me:  (smack on arm) Brake, BRAKE! 
Chef:  (glancing over) hehehaWHOA!!  It IS!
Look at them - roaming about rooftops.  Unbelievable!
So is my top by the way...
There's no denying denim on denim can be brilliant...
It's all in how you mix the washes and textures.
 The birds agreed...never take your eyes off one or it could
end up in your hair.  Not good.
Outfit details:  Gap - Tie Neck Blouse and Wide Leg Trouser Jeans, Old Stud Handmade - Belt, 
Brooklyn Thread - Trio of Wood Bracelet, Motif 56 - Bracelet, Melinda Maria - Rings, Target - Sunnies, Cynthia Vincent Wedges

Okay so how are you feeling about the denim on denim?  I was thinking this could be an upcoming challenge...what do you think?  As far as the blouse - it was discovered at Gap and correct me if I'm wrong, but they seem to have gotten some of their old mojo back.  I noticed this long sleeve version online and am picking it up to wear with a pair of cream colored wide leg flowy pants, a strappy sandal and an up-do.  Oh spring - are you out there?  

Before I go, can you imagine these peacocks?  It was like a day at the zoo without the boundaries of the zoo walls, and only cool until we went to drive away and there were about 25 of them roosting in one yard.  A little too Alfred Hitchcocky for this girl thank you very much.  All things in moderation.  Speaking of which we did get more pictures, but I'll upload them to facebook later today when I get the page up.  Caving in to yet more social media.

86 comments:

Lilacandgrey said...

yikes! not a fan of peacocks (was attacked at my aunts wedding)! But you look adorbs!!

Vanilla said...

Peacocks are beautiful, but I am a bit scared of them too ha :) Love your jeans :)

Love, Vanilla

Diana Mieczan said...

OMG...that is something..I love how beautiful peacocks are! You look amazing, sweetie. I love the whole outfit and I need a top like this one! Happy day
Muah

Ps: I’m hosting an adorable shoes GIVEAWAY later today! Just in time for spring!

Leah said...

LOVE the double denim! The 30x30 is getting tough. I am struggling to take daily photos and need some inspiration at this point. This actually is inspiring my next outfit!

xo L

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

That bird is insane! So pretty. I think denim on denim is really tricky, but done right it is great. Different colors is important, but like you said...different weights/textures is needed too. Well done lady.

Unknown said...

HEYYYYYYYYY i went SEARCHING at all the Gaps for that shirt! - AND you stole my outfit - i planned on wearing denim on denim tonight !!!!

*kiss kiss*
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~

Radiant Make Up said...

gorgeous images :)
loving this post!! x

Alleen said...

You wear it well. Holy peacock! I am not afraid of them, I don't think but they're always behind a cage, but I think I might run the other way if it was just hanging out in the open. xoxo

JMB said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE your outfit11 And those jeans!! I have a pair that is similar!! You and that peacock = GORG :) That peacock is definitely random!! You won't see that out in KY, we have POSSUMS on houses hahaha. Have a great Wednesday!!!

Collette Osuna said...

Holy cow....I think Id freak if I saw birds like that that close, lol..they are beautiful though:)
I happen to LOVE denim on denim....and you are right in saying its about the washes....definitely keeps the look more interesting:)

You look FAB!! Hope you are feeling much better now:)

Stop by and say Hello:)
Enter my Silver Lining Décor Jewelry Giveaway!!♥

Closet Fashionista said...

I love it! ANd WOAH a peacock!!! hahaha :D
My mom's cousin has 2 peacocks that live at her house so she has vases full of the feathers from when they molt XD
http://www.closet-fashionista.com

Anonymous said...

i actually think this denim on denim is one of the best "denims on denims" ive ever seen. i love the contrast of the colors and textures of the fabrics! Well done!

<3 megan
http://www.suitcaseandstilettos.com

The Bohemienne said...

Those jeans are brilliant!

http://thebohemienne.wordpress.com/

Anonymous said...

Hi thanks for the comment & stopping by my blog!

P.s. I LUV your outfit in these photos, so cute!
XO

ChinkyGirLMeL said...

I am loving peacocks but as a headband or peacock feather earrings. But peacocks peacocks, kinda scare me if they are super close to me. Oh love the outfit as always!

Courtney Erin said...

I think this is a great double denim look - definitely not a Canadian tuxedo at all. I really really love the shirt.

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

erica said...

wow that's pretty crazy but kind of cool. When I was little people in my neighborhood illegally had peacocks and they would randomly be sitting on our front porch sometimes. Love the outfit!

xo

Unknown said...

i love that you're paying homage to the canadian tuxedo. i myself, love a chambray shirt with dark, skinny jeans and wore it a few times this fall. it's always in style!

Lila said...

Found some adorable wide legged jeans you would look perfect in. come by and take a peek, they are the Emerson made pair.

Hope you had a fantastic Valentines and glad your feeling better.

Taylor said...

Girl you look good rocking the denim on denim! I agree hard look, but Ive done it before as well - and liked it! It is all about the colors of the denim and the styles and fits!

PS - The pic of Chef from yesterday...break me off a pie...oh wait I'm married! ;) Girl a man that cooks, and throws you a V-day like that - KEEPER with all caps!

Valerie said...

You definitely know how to do denim on denim, Carrie! I agree that I haven't ventured into that territory since the 90s, but you make me want to try it! Gap has totally stepped it up lately. The peacock is unreal! I've never seen one just out on the street before. You attract the birds, Carrie. Consider it a gift. ;)

xo
Val

jeanette from everton terrace said...

What?! Why were all those peacocks there? I'm completely obsessed all of a sudden. I think they are so beautifully regal, those plumes, the colors - wow gorgeous (just like your outfit btw).

Hannah said...

At first I was completely hesitant, but your version of denim on denim completely changed my mind! I especially love your top :) and can't forget about the peacock! Too funny :)

Love your blog!
xx your newest follower Hannah

the chirpy bird said...

Okay calm down with the birds... do they think that they're living in some suburban version of the Playboy Mansion complete with exotics birds? Secondly, loving demin on demin.. especially if it's a chambray shirt with a nice denim pant. Uber skinny with some boots or a fab bell bottom love love love
xo tash

Annie said...

OMG how cool!!! You really must have been in such shock. You really know how to attract the animals.. lol and how to wear denim on denim - love it! xo

Jamie said...

Palos Verdes has peacocks and I'll never forget the first time I saw them!! I was like 'Uh, I think some birds may have escaped from the zoo!' LOL As far as the denim on denim...I haven't quite figured it out, but clearly YOU DID! That top is AMAZE!!! (and uh, yeah Gap is bringing sexy back...FINALLY!)

http://www.glamlatte.com

PS Your hair looks great!!

Unknown said...

oh....LOVE those jeans...
did you get them recently...
As you can tell from my last post...I am currently obsessed with wide legs..decided they make me look thin, which is a major accomplishment for a pant...lol.
Dish the details on the jeans.
And YES I love denim on denim

Tiffany Kadani said...

Incredible! I can't believe it was just chillin like no big deal out there. And you look gorgeous. I am convinced you can pull off anything.

LifestyleBohemia said...

Carrie, the bracelets go so great with your whole look. So glad you like them!
Hope you're having a lovely week!
xx
Joanna

Lisa - respect the shoes said...

I think you've done D-on-D well, especially because the tones are different. I think when the double D effect doesn't work is when both denims are too matchy-matchy. Denim suits DON'T work!

Young at Heart said...

wow..........and double denim? As long as you wear it with conviction and preferably in diferent shades....love the denim top!!

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

You totally rock the D-on-D perfectly! Such a tricky look to pull off but of course you've mastered it :) xoxo

Josie said...

I LOVE that tie-neck one that you linked. Like, seriously love. And I think you look super cute! I've been playing around with this a little bit lately and I don't know if I'm totally sold, but I usually try mixing the lightest and darkest shades and the roughest and softest of textures for a little extra contrast.
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Julie and Lauren said...

Wow- what an awesome sight. I love your wide legs! Looking for a pair.

http://bornandbread.blogspot.com

FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

You worked the denim on denim girl! Loving the ruffle detail on the top too. And umm...peacocks? WTF?! I would have made the hubs put the brakes on too...xo

Unknown said...

Hello,

First of all, thank you for visiting my blog. I love yours, so I'm your follower now.
I love tea and I rescue cats too. I love them!

Those jeans are great!

Marie a la Mode said...

A friggin' peacock?? Only in California, right?! ha ha. Love the d on d outfit. If you had a challenge I'd totally take part in it. After all it IS a CANADIAN TUXEDO and since I'm Canadian, well..you know! Oh, and you need to sign up on Twitter!!! Cave in some more!

Rachel from Love a la Mode said...

Haha this brought back memories of the hippie lovechild pre-school my parents sent me to where pet peacocks and bunnies roamed the playground and we rode horses every day after lunch. (no joke, welcome to Austin.) They're beautiful but be glad they don't live next door to you- peacocks are awful screamers. Literally.
Bisous,
Rachel
http://lovealamode.wordpress.com

Fashion Cappuccino said...

Wow, peacocks!! That is so cool! I'm so glad that they're free to roam around like that! What a sight! I love your denim on denim look and you're such a great writer too! xoxoxoxoo

Ashleigh said...

I would flip out to see a peacock in person! They're the most beautiful creatures but yeah, 25 at one time - a little creepy!
D on D challenge, bring.it. Although I sort of did it with white I'm sure I could wrangle something else together :)

BenchesnChandeliers said...

loving the wide legged pants!

www.benchesandchandeliers.com

Anonymous said...

There were peacocks! I've been waiting for this. Denim on denim is hard for a lot of people to pull off, but you do it brilliantly. It CAN be done and done well, point proven here.

Summer Athena said...

peacocks! sign of strength! love it.

A Crimson Kiss said...

That peacock is amazing-I would have been completely floored!

As for denim on denim, you pulled it off with aplomb! You're right, it's all about keeping the washes and textures different!

Glad to see you're out and about!

xo, Lena

Alicia Lund said...

Love the wide leg jeans denim on denim action Carrie!

PursuitOfLLT said...

I love peacocks!! How random though! As for me, I can't say I've done denim on denim recently. You make it look good, though!

And YES, GAP is finally back. Thank you!

Isabel said...

love this outfit! my grandparents have some peacocks on their property but ive never seen a peacock running wild before!

Val said...

I'm a double denim lover and how cool is that seeing a peacock just chillen??????

My Heart Blogged said...

I am loving chambray shirts with wide leg jeans. I think it's going to be huge this season. I can't imagine seeing all those peacocks, that is so cool.
My Heart Blogged

TheChambrayCountess said...

That is so cool!! The peacock and the outfit, too ;) My great-aunt had peacocks that roamed her farm and I agree that while an individual sighting is awesome, a whole flock is a little overwhelming!
I think the key to denim on denim is to balance a structured piece with a lighter piece, which you have done perfectly. Love it!

Amber said...

a random peacock sighting, thats weird and awesome. I have never donned all demin but my father in law does pretty much everyday..he calls it his Canadian tuxedo :)

this free bird said...

How is it that I'm Canadian and have never heard the expression 'Canadian Tuxedo'?? I grew up on a farm for Pete's sake!

PhotoPuddle said...

Wow, how cool seeing a random peacock like that!
And denim on denim can look sometimes look so wrong but you seriously rock it!! Great outfit!

ryan said...

First, I love peacocks. Second, I am not a huge fan of the denim on denim, however, seeing how lovely it looks on you, and seeing it recently done by JCrew, I am warming up to it! Ps - I love your jeans (the pants)

Maria said...

THANK YOU for those jeans, I've been wanting a perfect pair of wide legged ones and those are amazing. Such a great look :)

xoxo Maria

She Wore It Well said...

The peacock! WOW! Are you serious. It's freakin' amazing!!

I couldn't do denim on denim, but that top I could definitely do.

Read in Vogue about the new team at the Gap. Clearly doing good things. Other than chinos and tees.

XO

Veronika Novotny said...

Oh my goodness! I can't believe that the peacock was just sitting there, amazing. And I agree that denim on denim, can definitely work, you have styled it beautifully. Great outfit! xx veronika

Daniela said...

wow! Such a pretty peacock (and top!!). What a different a coast makes, huh?

Simply Bubblelicious said...

That peacock is just amazing. The denim on denim is really working for you.

Lisa said...

omg 1. that is the most gorgeous peacock ever.. but 2. that is freaking strange haha
and 3. i think that fact that you can pull off denim and denim is AMAZING.. and not only can you pull it off.. it LOOKS amazing on you!!!

Laura J said...

LOVE your wide leg trousers- perfect color, flare and length
I am so in love with peacocks myself- they are just so beautiful (even though they have obnoxiously shrill). I even have several peacock print shirts that I would never get rid of:)
Great pics - sometimes peacocks are difficult to get up close!
xo
LJ
http://jonesyloves.blogspot.com/

J. said...

Oh Jay Leno and his denim shirts got nothing on you!

Anonymous said...

I love your outfit. i think denim on denim can look really good, especially with the 70's style jeans.

Kara said...

I LOVE peacocks! But what the world was one doing hanging out in a neighborhood?! That shit is weird!

Fabulous fabulous fabulous outfit. I'm so into this hippie thing you've got going on lately. It suits you.

OnTheRacks said...

Love the denim on denim look! And the blouse. And peacocks, for that matter! :) I even have a tattoo of a peacock feather.

You look absolutely adorable! Super cute look. <3

xx Laura

Angelica Ng said...

Wow, that peacock! Such a beautiful kind of bird. And the denim on denim is nice! You're right, it's about the right mix of sand textures. You've done a great job here!

http://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/

LyddieGal said...

I can't get over those peacocks! they are so gorgeous!! The most exciting bird to ever show up in my back yard is probably a cardinal.

And i must say I am loving the new top and the denim pairing -- I say bring on the challenge!

Chic on the Cheap

Anna Walker said...

The peacocks are gorgeous!
Did you ever find out where they came from or who they belonged to? That must have been a nice and gorgeous surprise! Oh and I also love the ruffle sleeves on your top! So cute!

http://annawalker1992.blogspot.com/

Sarah said...

Yup, yup. Up on the roofs, that's how they do. They would roam my old neighborhood in flocks, hang out on doorsteps like someone owed them money, but mostly they'd all gather on the rooftops. The first time I saw them I thought I was hallucinating, it's strange seeing them out in the real world. Love the top!

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

I think you have found your flock! Maybe that found you :) Either way, your frock is looking fab and I seriously can't believe how great you look in every photo. I bob and weave, dodge and practically throw myself in front of a bus to get out of the way of the lens!! I have peacock feather greeting the masses in my foyer as a matter of fact :) XO

Nadine2point0 said...

Great blog - following now :) Love the denim blouse.

Ashley/ MILK TEETHS said...

A Canadian tuxedo has never looked better ;) I actually wore denim on denim the other day...I felt very rugged.

xx
MILK TEETHS

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Wait - where the hell were you in LA where there are peacocks?! So beautiful! So crazy, about two hours ago I was experimenting with a new blog header, designed with peacock feathers!

You look way cute, as per usual.

P.S. I'm hosting a giveaway, be sure to check it out :)

Anonymous said...

I just worn something similar last night. I think when you make the cut between denim and denim using the leather belt: it looks lovely. I´m totally into the combination of denim and brown leather btw. Love that shirt!

xx
M.

k said...

I like the jean on jean look! it reminds me of charlie's angels for some reason. and only you would see a peacock!

Kristin W said...

How cute do you look?! This shirt is lovely. And your hair and the jeans! I don't think I'd ever be brave enough to rock the jeans on jeans look (maybe the South is not ready to accept that?), but dang girl...this looks GOOD!

Anonymous said...

still into those jeans big time.

FYI I freaked out when I saw your little FP pouch and got myself an absurd greenish one that's about to get posted and shouted out to you about.

p.s. I'm drinking wine at lunch. on a workday. I can say that here b/c my boss doesn't read your blog. to my knowledge... ah! do weird old men read fashion blogs?

Kristen said...

you are looking gorg! you do the jean on jean look well and that shirt is from gap?! awesome.

meanwhile, I'n cracking up "no I am not high" hahaha. peacocks a plenty. so fun.

Heather said...

Wow!! That is awesome!!

Alyssa said...

i love your take of denim on denim! i agree, play with the colors and textures. also, my childhood friend grew up in a peacock-infested neighborhood. albeit amusing to passerbyers, it wasn't to the locals. the bird emit this horrifying caw/screech. if only their voices were as beautiful as their outfits!

Mara said...

the peacock is stunning. you got a really good shot of it. i remember feeling the same way when I was in Orlando on vacay and there was 2 that roamed freely by my condo.

Kara Endres said...

Hmm.. a denim on denim challenge, could be a good one. How gorgeous is that bird?! I see them roaming around in the 'country' by my dad's friend's house sometimes. So random.. Oh, and I love that pink tree too!
xx Sprinkles in Springs

Chas said...

Wow, I can't believe that peacock, that's amazing! I love your blouse - it looks amazing with the wide-leg trousers!

christina said...

Oh my goodness! They're just sitting there?! That's incredible. They are such pretty birds. You're right, must be something in the air.

And, I love the denim on denim-- great outfit!

Kelly said...

Ah, denim-on-denim is always tricky. You pulled it off so well! No Canadian Tuxedo look, kudos!

Anonymous said...

Now i am so glad I noticed this particular blogging site! You're simply precise!!
I wish other ones would feel the same as you and me! Carry on the great content I'm viewing you now lol

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