As a lover of bright colours I don’t often wear neutrals; I find they can make me look washed out. In general I feel much more comfortable in red, blue or green than beige, tan and cream. I often recall Sue Kreitzman’s warning: “Don’t wear beige, it might kill you”. So it was with a little trepidation that I put this outfit together.
I bought the shirt from Zara on my last trip to Paris along with the hat I wore in this post. The print appealed to me instantly so I bought it without even trying it on. Out of my colourful comfort zone though, I struggled to find a way to wear it that didn’t look bland. Only one thing to do – add colour with accessories. My Jennifer Hamley Model KT bag in salamander lifts the neutrals with a pop of orange. I’ve featured the aubergine and teal versions of this amazing laptop bag on the blog before. I don’t often buy something in three colours, so that says a lot about how much I love this design.
While the shirt waited nine months to make its debut, the leather jacket had to wait a lot longer…six years in fact! I don’t know why, just one of those times when if you don’t find a way of incorporating a piece of clothing into your wardrobe straight away it ends up languishing on the hanger. Such a shame considering how soft and buttery it is…and that Belstaff jackets are very expensive. I wasn’t actually planning on wearing the jacket with this outfit until the last minute, but it’s been waiting long enough for an outing. I wasn’t sure if it’d work but I figured if it didn’t I just wouldn’t use those photos.
I bought the jacket when my daughter was a baby – I’d popped in to TKMaxx for some baby clothes and my attention wandered. Not being able to resist a browse I spotted the jacket on the clearance rail and had to have it. Even heavily reduced it was still expensive. I remember calling my husband from the shop to ask if it was OK to buy it, even though it was being funded by my savings! In my mind it was a treat to myself for going through a very stressful time.
When I bought these trousers from Asos I also ordered the matching jacket, but it was too baggy and a bit too matchy matchy for my liking. It looked great on the model styled casually with Stan Smiths, but it didn’t work for me. The white piping gives the trousers a casual feel so they pair well with tennis shoes or brogues. If I had a mid length camel coat I would wear that with the trousers for a slouchy look. That’s another thing on my “to buy” list, which seems to be never-ending. For now my motto is “keep calm and shop your closet”!
Jacket: Belstaff | shirt: Zara | trousers: Asos | shoes: TKMaxx (old) | bag: Jennifer Hamley | sunglasses: Roberto Cavalli
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Linking up with: #iwillwearwhatilike, The Saturday Share, Brilliant Blog Posts, Fab Favorites, Let It Shine, Linkup With Lisa, Thursday Moda, Mix It Mondays, Passion4Fashion, Flashback Fashion Fridays, Fashion Friday, Confident Twosday, Visible Monday, Shoe and Tell, Style Swap Tuesdays, Turning Heads Tuesday, On Trend Tuesdays, Good Hues-Day, Trend Spin, Midweek Inspirations, The Pleated Poppy, Style Me Wednesday, Start the Week Stylish, Jersey Girl, Texan Heart, Classy Monday, Oh, Hey Girl!, Fashion Frenzy, Trendy Wednesday, New Year Styled, Top of the World Style, On the Edge of the Week, Fine-Whatever, WIWT, Layers and Lipstick, Spotlight Weekly, Thursday Fashion Files, Tuesday Talk, Style Sessions, Fun Fashion Friday, Fancy Friday, Friday Faves, Weekend Wear, Foxy’s Domestic Side, Fabulous Friday, #spreadthekindness, Get Your Pretty On
I’ll join you in a splash of color!
Love that shirt! You know I’m such a big fan of neutrals. Have a great week x
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
Emma, I love this all neutral look! Those trousers are fabulous with that white piping down the side. And the print on your blouse is perfect. Add that amazing jacket and bag and you really nailed this look for a super sophisticated and chic outfit. Well done, my friend!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Great jacket!!
Jaymie
First—I’m in shock that you didn’t wear that jacket for 6 years!! It’s super cool, and it’ll go with everything!!
This is my favorite way to wear neutrals since I love color so much!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I know, I feel like I should sit on the naughty step for not wearing it for so long!
Oh, your orange bag is a great way to add some color to your neutrals! The piping on your pants is a unique and fun detail. I really like the new jacket, too! Also, I gave your new link-up a shout out last Friday. 🙂
Thank you Jennie, that’s much appreciated! xxx
I love your jacket! Such a cute pop of color with your bag too 🙂
stop by and chat with me xx http://storybookapothecary.com
Love the print of the shirt and the bag lends a big pop of orange!
Gail
http://www.isthismutton.com
Love your bag!!!
– http://www.inmyjoi.blogspot.com
Emma, I adore your jacket! It fits you amazingly and adds structure to the look, love it! I also love the pop of orange with your bag. You have a purple one from this company , right? I like the print too, fun and whimsical! I have a thing for jackets so my eyes went there first.
See you at THT
Have a great week!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks Jess! Yes I have the bag in aubergine and teal as well 🙂
Fabulous look – love that moto jacket! Thanks for linking up with Vis Monday, xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thanks Patti 🙂
LOVE that jacket…fabulous neutrals on a fabulous babe!!
Thank you Andrea xxx
Like you, I feel much better in brights. I have to say, these neutrals look great on you though. They’re very elegant and cool. Somehow I notice your hair more when you’re in lighter colours. Beautiful as always (and good lord, how amazing is your skin?). xx
Thank you Lisa! I’d been for a run before the photos which always makes my skin look fresher. If only I was disciplined enough to do it every day!
Love these pretty neutrals. That is such a great bag with a pop of color!
My dear Emma, so much has changed in your blog, your hair, wowwwwwwwwwwwww
I love it all to bits.
I didn´t know you had a link up.
I will make a note not to miss it.
Much love, my sweet
Thank you so much for your kind words Sacramento! So happy for you to link up here xxx
I happily wear neutrals lots of the time, but I love the pop of colour in your outfit. Nice to link up with you. Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
That jacket is so cute and I love that it is blush!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style.
This Belstaff leather jacket is just more than amazing, I have also bought a similar sort of jacket in black color a few days ago. Really feel love to have it!