Surprise Closet Staple {Kat Dy of Kat Dy Finds)

Hey AML readers! I'm Kat from the blog Kat Dy Finds, and I'm very honored to be guest blogging here. Mikka asked me a long time ago (last year pa to be exact!) to blog about my surprise closet staple and I'm quite ashamed to admit that it's taken me this long to do it! But, here it is finally. I hope you enjoy reading it, as much as I've enjoyed mulling over it. 

So, my surprise closet staple is (drumroll please)….

This swingy red-orange miniskirt from Forever 21. It's an impulse buy I snapped up on my last full day of living in NYC. I was running around like a headless chicken that day, frantically buying pasalubongs for my family back home, but I couldn't resist the lure of the Forever 21 store on Herald Square. So in I went and there were racks of these skirts in different colors (there might have been royal blue, yellow and pink as well) selling for a promo price of $10. Well for that price, it was a no-brainer, so I grabbed it without even thinking much about what I'd pair it with.

It turned out to be quite the commodity in my closet. I've taken it with me on three international trips, worn it in cool and warm climes, and even though it's a piece from last year, I can imagine I'll be wearing it for years to come. It's lightweight, wrinkle-free, and breezy, yet lends itself to easy layering. And the vivid blood-orange hue is usually the clincher that makes an outfit worn with it really stand out.

Here's where (and how) I've worn it so far:

Here I am channeling my inner flight attendant, wearing a button-down shirt, leopart-print scarf, and booties. I remember walking around Montreal that day, and felt quite peppy in my outfit. So preppy in fact, that I even managed to jump right into a huge basin of $1 clothing at a second-hand store!

When friends of ours had a wedding in Bari, Italy (hometown of Anna Dello Russo, no less!), the skirt also traveled with me. I paired the skirt with a striped tank, leather sandals and a hammered gold collar hoping to evoke the kind of seaside chic that would do justice to the beautiful Mediterranean seascape surrounding us. The leopard print scarf also made an appearance, this time tied around my black leather satchel.

I wore this a few times when we spent holidays and the new year in Australia. In Sydney, I basically wore the same striped tank and leather bag I matched the skirt with in Italy, but added a cropped, sailor-inspired navy bolero into the mix, and accessorized with a vintage art-deco gold circles necklace, gold belt and my worn-everywhere nude sandals from Renegade Folk. 

On a road trip to Melbourne, I paired it with a basic beige tank from Zara (can you believe it's a 10 year old piece?), a tan belt, and the RF sandals. The scarf again makes an appearance, this time around my neck. Hmm, this scarf is becoming quite the surprise staple too! 

Just recently, I wore the skirt to a dinner. Wore it with a Primark aquarium print top, same tan belt I wore in Australia, and my brand new navy leather satchel from Cuzo. The look is decidedly a bit more glam with the addition of the Zara color block heels, but I love the fantastic combo of navy, blue and orange. Accessorized with tribal-inspired accoutrements on each arm. 

I also wore it once ala schoolgirl with a navy sweater, socks and brown penny loafers, but failed to get a proper photo of my outfit. 

Can you tell I love this skirt? I still have a few outfits up my sleeve, but I think I need to give my skirt a rest for now. But do check out my blog, and it might make a surprise appearance again! If you have a fantastic reco on how else I can wear this skirt, give me a holler over at Kat Dy Finds.

Have a great weekend ahead!

Surprise Closet Staple Series {Lana of Hautepot}

Hello Mischmash readers! I am Lana of Hautepot and I’m thrilled to share with you my surprise closet staple, these polka dot Palazzo/Pajama pants from Koi Swimwear. I got these pants a few months back since I wanted to try this new trend in pajama dressing. These pants were the most affordable ones I could find and had the most flattering fit. I even decided to get one with a print. 

I almost went home with buyers' remorse thinking, Oh God, why didn’t I make a safe, solid color choice…oh well, at least it’s affordable. If I don’t get to wear it so much, it’s cool. Well, these pants proved me wrong and I have already found numerous ways to wear it. 

Here are some ways ranging from the basic: wearing it with a plain white t-shirt, then a button-down blouse with a striped piping at the neckline, then wearing it with color, print and pattern. 

Since I’ve been stuck in the city almost the whole year, I haven’t found time to wear this to the beach but I can totally see these pants as a great beach cover-up as well. Hooray to unexpected, yet hardworking closet staples! Hope you liked my guest contribution today. 

Thanks again to Mikka for letting me reach out to her readers. If you have other suggestions on how to wear these pants or would like to be a doll and just check out my blog, I’m over at Hautepot.

Surprise Closet Staple Series {Natasha of Schue Love}

Hi There!  I'm Natasha from Schue Love and I am thrilled that Mikka asked me to be with all of you today...talking about one of my surprise staples in my wardrobe.    

The item that may come as a surprise is my DAY Birger et Mikkelsen skirt.  It was given to me by a good friend and no matter what time of year I wear it, I always seem to get compliments on it.  The colors are a big reason why it is so versatile.

Fuschia, neon yellow, grey, turquoise...it all makes this skirt unique and fun to wear year-round.

Fall

For a fall look, I paired the skirt with a turquoise sweater {Target}, grey suede boot {Banana Republic}, and grey handbag {Marc by Marc Jacobs}.  It's a great skirt to wear with boots because of the length!

Winter

For winter, I paired the skirt with a grey top {Stem}, zebra scarf {World Market}, black trench coat {H&M} and black patent leather heels, {Nine West} and grey & gold headband {J. Crew}.  Pretty traditional but the skirt adds a nice pop!

Spring

For the spring look, I wanted to change it up with the mixed patterns.  I love this navy striped top {J. Crew}, paired with a chunky belt {Urban Outfitters}, and chunky platform {Target}.  The necklace is made by the same friend who gave me the skirt and you all know this gold watch {Michael Kors}.

Summer

My last look is one of my favorites.  This neon yellow tank {Target} pulls out the yellow in the skirt.  Paired with this neutral wedges {Steve Madden} and summer hat {Target}...I can easily enjoy summer with this skirt. 

I love being able to wear one item all year long...it can be unexpected depending on the time of year, but always fun!

Thanks again to Mikka for having me today!

xo natasha

Surprise Closet Staple Series

I find closets one of the, if not the most intriguing part of any abode. Curiosity has taken the best of me hence my hosting of another fun guest blogger series. 

A good fitting pair of denims, some white tank tops, a crisp white button down, the little black dress, a chambray shirt, a structured leather tote, a signature scent.. we know the classics all too well. 

But what about a red coat, a pair of leopard flats, leather leggings, bright anoraks, or a sequined skirt? Those are what I call surprise(!) closet staples. Pieces that are nowhere near the classics list but are actually finding its way to your everyday ensembles, sometimes even without you noticing it.

So without further ado, I have one question for you. What's your surprise closet staple?

Mine are fancy skirts. I find myself reaching out for them in my most uninspired mornings. I like mixing them up with the usual suspects aka white button downs, chambray and striped tees. Spice it up a little with some baubles while topping it off with statement footwear and-- voila! That, my friends- as I'd like to think- is my signature look. 

 Now meet the strong contenders of my, now revealed, surprise closet staple.

Faith Hope Love Tulip Skirt. Perhaps my most fave of them all. I have taken a great amount of style mileage off this one. 

Salsatrends Printed Metallic Box Pleat Skirt. Worn just a couple of times but I sorta have a special connection to it.

The Ramp Jersey Uneven Hem Skirt. I found this on a sale bin. Didn't even bother trying it. Paid for it in a heartbeat.

RAF Plains & Prints Knot Skirt. Looks complicated but wear it with a sweater shirt and its a match made in heaven.

Vintage. Pleated. Stripes. Navy and white. Need I say more?

United Pop Beaded Band Jersey Skirt. Hails from circa 2005 and this piece still commands real estate in my teeny weeny closet. 

There you have it. Hopefully my SCS was surprising enough for you. I've also come to realize that all of these are local finds! Just goes to show how much I actually love local design.

 Watch out for our guest blogger letting us in on her surprise closet staple, this Thursday!