Denim Vest: Vintage Levi's Jacket, Cardigan: Rodarte for Target, Dress: ASOS, Shoes: H&M Inclusive
Handbag: Miu Miu, Button on Vest: Chanel, Bracelets: Miu Miu (Pink Leather) & Brooklyn Industries (Gold Studs)
Make-Up: MAC "Summer Rose" Blush, MAC "Process Magenta" Lipliner worn as Lipstick, MAC Wonder Woman Penultimate Eyeliner, MAC "Electrifying" White Eyeliner, Diorshow Mascara, Haircolor: Pravana Vivids via Pimps & Pin-Ups
It was an astounding (and glorious!) 70 degrees yesterday, and after weeks of cold and rain, it was the perfect opportunity to finally go outside with bare (and excessively pasty) legs. If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll notice there's something missing from this outfit: BLACK. I've been trying to train myself to wear colors and neutral tones, and it's actually been pretty challenging. Here's the thing: for an entire lifetime, I've been conditioned to wear black, you know, cause it's "slimming" and "flattering," (though, I think I've proven with my arsenal of characteristically unflattering clothing that this is not necessarily true). Or - it's "classic." Or - it's "so New York." Through a combination of boredom and sheer curiosity (partially triggered by my colorful locks, perhaps), I've been forcing myself to step outside of my comfort zone more and more. It's not the first time I've stepped outside of my boundaries: I only recently decided to start wearing shorts, and there was that time I chopped my hair short after having long, mermaid hair for nearly my entire life, and finally, allowing myself to wear sleeveless clothes, ever, after fearing my arms for years, (noticing a pattern, maybe? things that people with my body type or similar are repeatedly told they cannot wear?). And slowly-but-surely, I'm starting to walk away from my all-black safety net, (and not going to lie: the weather helps).
I'm curious how you all step outside of your sartorial boundaries? Are there things you used to refuse to wear that are now a welcomed addition to your wardrobe?
I'm curious how you all step outside of your sartorial boundaries? Are there things you used to refuse to wear that are now a welcomed addition to your wardrobe?
I love your outfit posts the best.
ReplyDeleteMost inspiring.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I really love that dress - it is gorgeous!
ReplyDeletewhen i saw this my husband went bananas because i started screaming so hard, i am so in love with this looks. the colors look perfect together. the brown and that fragile green look phenomenal. what divine combination. the dress looks adorable with the little bow and the chiffon, it has the perfect length. love the combination with the jacket, so bold and fierce. the shoes are the sweetest i have ever seen. i am so glad you have stepped out of the comfort zone because you rock. definitely an outfit to remember my favorite new york fashion/style icon
ReplyDeleteI love how you put this together. I've been lusting over that asos dress and it looks great on you! I just wish they didn't make all their dresses so SHORT! Agree with you on the black, i often have to make a conscious effort to buy other colors as I've long been trained to wear "slimming" black. Fuck that I say! It's going to be a summer of color :)
ReplyDeleteOMG, I just bought that dress. You look freaking great!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful colours! That dress is so dainty and fancy, I love how you've styled it.
ReplyDeleteYou look absolutely amazing. Getting out of your comfort zone looks good on you ;). And I realize the hair isn't new, but I really have to comment that it is so artfully colored. I love how different locks of colors show in a subtle, but exciting way. Whoever did it is incredibly talented.
ReplyDeleteAs for your question, I used to NEVER wear dresses, or anything that the hem was higher than the middle of my calf. Now I feel good about wearing a shorter dress, and I'm REALLY going to push myself to wear shorts this summer, even though they make me nervous.
LOVE this.
ReplyDeletexo
that lipstick is perfection!!
ReplyDeleteI love the overall outfit but I am not quite sure about shoes (sorry to talk openly)
I think I am the only woman in the world that do not love black colour although I wear it. I am more fond of wearing colours. Have to say these colours are really nice on you. especially that dark red of the dress.
about boundaries, what I keep refuse wearing and would never change is transparent clothes and anything like fishnet style.
ciao bella!
Ylenia
from longuette
this is gorgeous! girly jackets with ripped up denim vests is kind of my deal... i love the collar/neckline/bust detail on the dress.
ReplyDeletei've been working on colour too -- for a long time i think i stayed so strongly in black/neutrals because my hair was always neon red/orange or had pink highlights or whatever -- i felt that it would clash or something, especially with my yellow/green skin tone. but i'm a brunette now! i still don't feel comfortable in brights -- just doesn't match my personality -- but have been trying reaaallly hard to branch out into neutrals and darker greens, blues, and purples rather than head-to-toe black all the time.
also: didn't wear anything sleeveless/backless/showing my shoulders until about 2 years ago because i have (pretty minor, actually) bacne scars from early teen years and used to be convinced everyone was looking at it all of the time thinking i was disgusting. fuck that, i don't care at all now. i LOATHE the idea that fashion is supposed to be "flattering" or "slimming" or "hide flaws." not about that at all!
*girly dresses, oops
ReplyDeleteThis is perfection.
ReplyDeleteI feel you! Except with the black part it's opposite for me - I can't STAND wearing all black. Though when it comes to formal parties I'm conditioned to wear black because I'm going to see my extended family (which I hate) they always knock me for being fat.
Good on you for stepping out of your boundaries! I've done that too. Lately my safety net has been my bangs... haha. I don't think I can cut that!
bonjourgazel.com
Are the shoes a recent purchase? Is there luck I would find them in an h&m now? They're fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteThis outfit is great! I love all the small details put into it and those shoes make me swoon!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Stiletto
Love it so much. That dress color looks really good on you. I applaud you for stepping outside your clothing comfort bubble! I need to as well... I hate my arms so don't wear anything sleeveless, and I've never owned a maxi skirt/dress because I think I'm too short. Maybe I'll try on something sleveless and maxi soon!
ReplyDeleteI refused to wear jeans for the longest time, to avoid confirmation of my weight gain. I'm just now realizing, who cares if i need to go up a size in pants? As long as the jeans fit!
ReplyDeleteWhy is this so good? You're like thee queen of details! Though black will always be there to fall back on, the color looks amazing on you. :)
Nikki this is such a great look on you! I love the colors together and i think you should wear that dress more often it is SO cute. Looking lovely.
ReplyDeletexo
Margot
as someone who SHUNS the color black in favor of as much pattern and sparkles and rainbow colors as i can get my hands on, i have to say, YOU LOOK FABULOUS!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
That dress is absolutely stunning on you! I also love the lipstick. Hope you get more days in the 70's! :)
ReplyDeleteThe lipstick is stunning!!!
ReplyDeleteThose shoes are BEYOND! I fear I have no sartorial boundaries (I wish I had some) so I'm a bad person to ask.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really gorgeous outfit. I love how you can rock classic and more modern pieces at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI hated dresses/skirts when I was younger but now I wear them 99% of the time!
Can I have you and the clothes? Love the shoes, and it was nice to finally see some nice weather in Bk if only it'll stay this way
ReplyDeleteOooh, I LOVE those shoes (to be honest, never thought I'd say this about H&M!) - are they current?
ReplyDeleteAnd gosh you look cute here. Bravo on the absence of black - I know what a big deal this is (as a fellow black addict myself). I have the same thing you have with your arms, except with my legs (I can't bear to wear them naked, and on the rare occasion I do, they must be tanned). Similarly, my wardrobe is predominantly black & white with a few touches of preppy navy and blush pink. But I'm starting to realise how much of a rut this is, and I'm trying to force myself out of the same comfort zone (today I bought a blush pink blouse AND bright pink pants!). God, the boundaries we women inflict upon ourselves sometimes....!
Briony xx
Absolutely awesome outfit, you look amazing!!! Wow, I'd never have thought of this. LOVE xoxo
ReplyDeletehttp://stickysweetdanish.blogspot.com
It was really worth it to step outside the comfort zone!! I love the colours on you, it looks great!!
ReplyDeleteLove it! I really want that purse.
ReplyDeleteSide not: After FINALLY seeing you in person I've decided that pictures (even very good and adorable ones, like these) don't do you justice. I can't describe it but there's this special something about you that is only properly conveyed face-to-face.
I have to say yes your legs are pale at the moment but you have a great pair of legs!!! I find very difficult to let my legs bare... not everyone is blessed with a great pair of legs!
ReplyDeleteLooove those shoes!! I am trying to wear heels now and I can't! cant walk on those!
i think i found my graduation dress! i fell in love with this dress, but i was unsure about buying it ("will it make me look fat [haha, funny to think things like that, when i'm fat in everything, but hey that's okay!] is it too short, it's sleeveless, my arms are huge....") but you look fab, and you're fierce. i think that it's time for me to step out of my cover my arms and legs and everything else -comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteand i have to ask, do you have any good hair tips, cause yours looks so good and healthy!
Nicolette gimmie that dressss and those shoes!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the look, great job on styling that denim jacket in there! Loves <3
oh man.. i've been thinking about getting that dress. looks great on you. i need it.
ReplyDeletealso.. lipstick A++ i've been wearing fuchsia lipstick a lot.
i've been blogging a little bit about the same kind of topic lately, and i think it's really important to try things, and allow ourselves the freedom to experiment with ourselves. i think women are quick to write things off as "not my style, not my thing," but how often do we take the risk in trying it out first? i'm planning on giving shorts another try this year, after refusing to do so for so long. pale legs be dammed.
ReplyDeleteand also, beautiful shoes.
I love this! The girly dress with the denim vest! And those shoes! So, so good. You are amazing.
ReplyDeleteI am in absolute love with your shoes and your bursts of color! This outfit is a++
ReplyDeletewhy cant I find awesome things like your shoes when I visit H&M?!
you look SO GORGEOUS HERE, NO WORDS, YUM, A++++
ReplyDeletethose shoes are something i'd never ever expect from H&M. and also i'm loving the way the pink lipstick works with the peter pan collar. collars 4ever.
as far as stepping outside of my comfort zone of black...? lately, i've been more interested in prints. i'm trying to slowly work my way into adding a bit of whimsy into my wardrobe.
ahh OMG LOVE THOSE SHOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! To die!! <3
ReplyDeletewww.toomanysequins.blotspot.com
Oh my!!! Those shoes are insane!!! Love them!!!
ReplyDeletewww.stylebyred.blogspot.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThese shoes are TKO's and so are you. I love this outfit and as much as I love black, color can really perk you up, so go girl.
ReplyDeleteBesos,
Denise
sacramento: thank you so much!!
ReplyDeleterachel: thank you! i'm glad i went with this color!
absolutely mrs. k: you know i adore you!! i really cherish this comment so much. it's funny how this bag has developed its own patina over time. it's actually an icy blue color, or at least it was, and in parts it looks like a taupe and others green and others blue. i love the way leather wears over time!
ariana: thank you so much!! yes, their dresses are super short. since this one has a tie waist i sized up to compensate for the length, knowing that i could tighten it easily at the waist. wish they'd at least add a little fabric to the inside of the hems so i could lengthen them myself!!
alissa: yay! i'm excited you got the same! thanks so much!
natalie: i feel like it's actually pretty casual, no?! thank you!
rebecca: thank you so much!! the colorist did a really amazing job :) i live in dresses so i can't imagine a life without them!
gabi: i LOVE you!
ylenia: thank you!! i appreciate the honesty. i know the shoes are a lot of look, but that's what appeals to me about them.
meg: i <3 you!! thank you!!! i feel like i could talk to you about this topic for hours -- about how women (and men, to an extent) are conditioned to wear clothes that "flatter" their shapes, and when you think about it deeply, it's a pretty oppressive culture.
gazel: thank you darling!! it's funny but i do hear a lot of people say they hate wearing all black - maybe that's a rejection of the culture that tells us to wear all black?? i like your bangs! don't cut them!
ReplyDeleteanonymous: they're available on the h&m website but are exclusive to europe.
stiletto siren: thank you so much!
eliz: <3 thank youuu. maxi + anything is quite a feat, but definitely go sleeveless! do it! wave your arms! fuck the establishment!
franceta: i agree. the number shouldn't matter. most companies use vanity sizing anyways, so why do we hold size numbers so close to the heart?? it matters more that clothing "fits"!
margot: Thank you so much!! i'm working on it, i promise. xo
jordan: oh don't get me wrong. i LOVE sparkles and shimmer and embellishment, i just favor it in darker tones! i'm branching out. after all, it's spring? (the weather says otherwise....)
bonsticka: thank you so much!! i hope so, too. it's been cold and raining the last 2 days :(
the buxom and the beautiful: thanks! "process magenta" lip liner! do it!
bloomie: i knowwwwww. i'm proud of you. no boundaries is the way to go.
blog to be alive: thank you so much!! i'm all about classic/modern contrast, always. and high/low, and classy/trashy. i like creating harmony with opposites!
chavy: i wish i could invite all my friends over to share! really.
ReplyDeletea girl a style: trust me, cheap shoes are one of my personal pet peeves, but i fell in love with these shoes instantly when i saw them. sometimes i really like piling on a million statements into one piece! they're pretty much entirely canvas, but i'm impressed with the quality. my sartorial cues are very much the same as yours (except i pretty much never wear pants), and understand how hard it is to break from that! i LOVE your new buys, though!!! so good.
rikke: thank you!!
christina: thank you do much! i appreciate it :)
ashleelisbeth: ashlee! you have no idea how much i appreciate this comment. i personally think i'm really unphotogenic but then other people (damn them) disagree with me. so this is VERY validating!! hahaha. <3 you.
raquel: thank you very much!! i'm fond of them, too. i love heels. platforms and chunky heels are an essential part of my life.
stu: yayy!! congratulations on my graduation! if you really find that you're self conscious about your arms, there's no harm in throwing on a cardigan or a shrug or a cute blazer (after the cap and gown come off)! i don't really have any hair tips. i use a thermal protector whenever i style with heat products and wash and condition my hair regularly. i just lucked out with healthy, strong hair.
amanda: thank you so much! this denim jacket-cum-vest has become pretty handy!
motionandheart: skelton, YOU DO NEED THIS DRESS. you really do. it's perfect for you.
mitten paws: i need to catch up on your blog! rock out with your shorts, for sure! challenging yourself is a good thing, even if it's with something as silly as clothing.
fat aus: <3 <3 you are amazing.
eli: thank you!!! the shoes were part of the "inclusive" collection, which, ironically, was exclusive to europe. i had my friend lauren (pocketrocketfashion.com) ship them to me! if you have a friend in the UK, i suggest having them try to order them online for you! xo
meagan: i'm blushingggg. <3 you. i <3 collars. i <3 nauseatingly bright pink lipstick. prints are exciting!! that's territory i haven't really broached (except for leopard, but that's the new neutral, right?).
ReplyDeletetoomanysequins: don't die! PS, there's no such thing as "too many" sequins.
maria: insane in a good way, right??
LOCA: agreed!! thank you.
Those shoes, your dress and that purse are absolutely amazing. Such an inspiring blogger, you are.
ReplyDeleteMounds of Joy
I thought about getting those shoes, but choose the Cardigan instead, which I love love love. I also got the dotty underwear from that H&M collection. So pretty!
ReplyDeleteI'm very jealous of your MIU MIU handbag collection. Now that they have an online store I should better save up those euros to finally get the bow bag in light pink! ;-)
Love you outfit & your hair as usual!
:-*
S*
Haha, those shoes are so cute and so quirky looking! Love it.
ReplyDeleteThose shoes are adorable, and the whole outfit great!
ReplyDeleteIt's exactly what I'm trying these days, wear more color! You cannot believe the compliments I get ;-)'That is giving me the confidence to continue this wardrobe change of mine. I'm fedd up with black!! (Well...at the moment at least).
ReplyDeleteWhat helps me is to organize my closet in one part color and one part black. So every day when I open the doors I get a reminder how many black I have and I certainly need no more of that!
omg this sheer is gorgeous! and im dying for your shoes! love everything about this! and your friend sent an email? tell him/her theyre amazing for doing that! i love when people like my blog enough to do that!
ReplyDeleteWOW the colors are BEAUTIFUL and look so good on you!! And I absolutely loooove the shoes.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Germany! ;)
http://juneavenue.blogspot.com/
Love the way you put this together! I know that I am totally late! But I have the same shoes and I've been deciding what to wear them with! I am trying to not be too matchy matchy and to spruce up my work look!
ReplyDeleteHI Nicolette,
ReplyDeleteI JUST discovered your blog and I LOVE it! I'm plus-sized (oh, excuse me, CURVY!!!!) and also have a passion for fashion! Whenever I can discover the latest trendy clothes that are flattering for women like us I get SO JAZZED!!
I don't keep my big, bat-winged arms hidden from the sunlight, but I have, lately, feared exposing my knees. I LOVE the outfit you feature here and appreciate your listing your sources.
I want you to know that I consider your blog a MUST resource for curvy fashionistas, not only for where to shop but for interesting reading and exposure to new music, travel, where to eat....etc. I'll be checking back often and commenting from time to time, when I'm not INSANELY busy with school (I'm studying Product Development at FIDM)
Happy Days....
Love your shoes
ReplyDeleteLove your shoes
ReplyDeletechavy: i wish i could invite all my friends over to share! really.
ReplyDeletea girl a style: trust me, cheap shoes are one of my personal pet peeves, but i fell in love with these shoes instantly when i saw them. sometimes i really like piling on a million statements into one piece! they're pretty much entirely canvas, but i'm impressed with the quality. my sartorial cues are very much the same as yours (except i pretty much never wear pants), and understand how hard it is to break from that! i LOVE your new buys, though!!! so good.
rikke: thank you!!
christina: thank you do much! i appreciate it :)
ashleelisbeth: ashlee! you have no idea how much i appreciate this comment. i personally think i'm really unphotogenic but then other people (damn them) disagree with me. so this is VERY validating!! hahaha. <3 you.
raquel: thank you very much!! i'm fond of them, too. i love heels. platforms and chunky heels are an essential part of my life.
stu: yayy!! congratulations on my graduation! if you really find that you're self conscious about your arms, there's no harm in throwing on a cardigan or a shrug or a cute blazer (after the cap and gown come off)! i don't really have any hair tips. i use a thermal protector whenever i style with heat products and wash and condition my hair regularly. i just lucked out with healthy, strong hair.
amanda: thank you so much! this denim jacket-cum-vest has become pretty handy!
motionandheart: skelton, YOU DO NEED THIS DRESS. you really do. it's perfect for you.
mitten paws: i need to catch up on your blog! rock out with your shorts, for sure! challenging yourself is a good thing, even if it's with something as silly as clothing.
fat aus: <3 <3 you are amazing.
eli: thank you!!! the shoes were part of the "inclusive" collection, which, ironically, was exclusive to europe. i had my friend lauren (pocketrocketfashion.com) ship them to me! if you have a friend in the UK, i suggest having them try to order them online for you! xo
gazel: thank you darling!! it's funny but i do hear a lot of people say they hate wearing all black - maybe that's a rejection of the culture that tells us to wear all black?? i like your bangs! don't cut them!
ReplyDeleteanonymous: they're available on the h&m website but are exclusive to europe.
stiletto siren: thank you so much!
eliz: <3 thank youuu. maxi + anything is quite a feat, but definitely go sleeveless! do it! wave your arms! fuck the establishment!
franceta: i agree. the number shouldn't matter. most companies use vanity sizing anyways, so why do we hold size numbers so close to the heart?? it matters more that clothing "fits"!
margot: Thank you so much!! i'm working on it, i promise. xo
jordan: oh don't get me wrong. i LOVE sparkles and shimmer and embellishment, i just favor it in darker tones! i'm branching out. after all, it's spring? (the weather says otherwise....)
bonsticka: thank you so much!! i hope so, too. it's been cold and raining the last 2 days :(
the buxom and the beautiful: thanks! "process magenta" lip liner! do it!
bloomie: i knowwwwww. i'm proud of you. no boundaries is the way to go.
blog to be alive: thank you so much!! i'm all about classic/modern contrast, always. and high/low, and classy/trashy. i like creating harmony with opposites!
Nicolette gimmie that dressss and those shoes!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the look, great job on styling that denim jacket in there! Loves <3
Love it! I really want that purse.
ReplyDeleteSide not: After FINALLY seeing you in person I've decided that pictures (even very good and adorable ones, like these) don't do you justice. I can't describe it but there's this special something about you that is only properly conveyed face-to-face.
Can I have you and the clothes? Love the shoes, and it was nice to finally see some nice weather in Bk if only it'll stay this way
ReplyDeleteThat dress is absolutely stunning on you! I also love the lipstick. Hope you get more days in the 70's! :)
ReplyDeleteYou look absolutely amazing. Getting out of your comfort zone looks good on you ;). And I realize the hair isn't new, but I really have to comment that it is so artfully colored. I love how different locks of colors show in a subtle, but exciting way. Whoever did it is incredibly talented.
ReplyDeleteAs for your question, I used to NEVER wear dresses, or anything that the hem was higher than the middle of my calf. Now I feel good about wearing a shorter dress, and I'm REALLY going to push myself to wear shorts this summer, even though they make me nervous.
thank you so much!
ReplyDeletethank you! i'm glad i went with this color!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a pretty outfit on you - very soft yet not overboard because you incorporated the denim. Go girl!! I have to say I'm rather in love with your shoes too...I never find shoes in H&M. Wah factor of about 700 right now because those babies are adorable!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the love of black, but trying to incorporate more color. I've moved on to white and cream...and some Tucker prints here and there to really take it to the limit. Flinging myself off the ledge into color! haha!
My dear Nicolette, such an honour to have your comment. i adore you and your blog so much.
ReplyDeleteXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I am adding you to my blogroll and following in google - Twitter and facebook. yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
ReplyDeletethank you darling!!
ReplyDeletethank you!! i really appreciate that.
ReplyDeletefinding shoes at h&m is definitely a feat... I have been impressed with their swedish hasbeens line, though! not bad for 50 + 60 dollars a pair.
thank you!!
ReplyDeletethank you so much, DeAnn! I really appreciate the comment.
ReplyDeleteThe fact of the matter is, everyone has something they're insecure about. Everyone. It's just a question of whether or not you allow those insecurities to limit your options-- and this obviously doesn't go for fashion or style, alone.
Thank ya, darling :)
ReplyDeleteI feel like I either don't match at all or i'm super matchy-matchy... it's tricky!
thank you Nadia!! I shared my friend with you (Julia Chesky) and I hope you had a chance to check out her blog!
ReplyDeletei love your hair, it's gorgeous, it reminds me of a crow's feathers, like it's iridescent. i wish i could do a blonde version for myself but the cost and the upkeep would be too much, i think xD
ReplyDeletethank you!!
ReplyDeletethe upkeep on this has surprised me, actually. i think i'm going to start doing touch-ups myself!
Seeing that ASOS dress makes me feel like I always miss the best ones!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the peek-a-boo cutout neckline of that dress. Lovely color too! Very inspirational ensemble. :)
ReplyDeletethats an amazign outfit i love how everything flows lovely together
ReplyDeleteI am in absolute lust with these shoes! Wild and pretty together in one glorious sandal. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI love your hair! I was reading through some fashion blogs and stumbled upon your page. I'm pretty sure we have met though! Last summer at Wireless fest in London I believe? I was Beth Ditto's tour manager and brought you back for an interview correct?
ReplyDeleteNicolette,
ReplyDeleteSo delighted to find your blog. I too have shied away from black, though I still wear darker colors like dark blue, charcoal gray. If you saw the colors in my closet, you'd see the sky: bright blue with cottony clouds thru stormy, tornado gray. I'm working on adding more green. Maybe that could be the new neutral?
Hey Nicolette! I'm curvy too and I get tired of wearing black all the time and I've fears of exposing my arms and legs cos I was always insecure about them. I love your blog and your confidence! You and Gabifresh have given me inspiration to venture out and discover fashion! Thanks and I love those shoes!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure it's still available!!
ReplyDelete