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Outfit of the Day, Vol. 5: Basics with a Twist for a Casual Date

by 47 Comments

Last week for date night El Hub and I went to the market! — the farmers’ market, in the nearby town of San Rafael.

Now, style icons like Carrie Bradshaw can probably strut down pot-holed streets and weave between vegetable stands in five-inch Manolos and marabou feather coats without skipping a beat, but I opted for more casual comfort in a tank top and jeans.

And basics, of course, don’t have to be sloppy or boring, not with the help of a few easy accessories.

Spruce Up Jeans and a Tank Top with…

  1. A tote bag in a fun print — This spacious blue and white one from Kate Spade is perfect for sightseeing because of how much it holds — everything from my wallet, to my camera, my makeup and all the late-summer produce I love (peaches, pluots and plums, yes please!). Plus, the colors match my jeans and top.
  2. A pair of colorful shoes — Don’t these dark purple Seychelles sandals pop beneath the outfit’s blue and white? Their comfy, low heel makes them perfect for standing in long lines at the kettle corn booth. 🙂
  3. A large textured scarf in neutral colors — Temps are falling around here after dusk, but it’s not cold enough yet for a jacket. This wide, striped scarf doesn’t just add texture to the outfit; it also doubles as a light wrap when there’s a chill in the air.



When looking for basics like a white tank top, I try to keep my eyes peeled for pieces with a little character, like the rope detailing of this top’s front and back.

A breakdown of the outfit…

  • Jeans — J. Brand 811 Mid-Rise Skinny Leg (available now online)
  • Shirt — Marshall’s (I don’t think it’s still available)
  • Shoes — Seychelles (I haven’t seen these for a while)
  • Scarf — H&M (they carry quite a few)
  • Gold cuff — H&M (no longer available)
  • Earrings — Wings Hawaii (check stores for availability)
  • Bag — Kate Spade (this was from spring 2011, but check Kate Spade stores for availability)

What are some of your favorite casual outfits and accessories? I loves me some jeans (with a little stretch), cute hoodies and, of course, tank tops.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. I hope Monday’s treating you well. What did we have for lunch? I had a yummy spinach salad (but I’m still starved!).

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. So cute! I’m all about really cute tanks with short sleeved cardigans over them, it can take me from casual to more dressy depending on the pants I pair them with. I usually find what I love at Ann Taylor Loft or Banana Republic.

    Reply

    • Thanks, Jiyoonie!

      Just popped on over to your site… what kind of law do you practice? A lifetime ago, I used to work in the legal field as an assistant.

      Reply

      • hey there 🙂 i used to practice corporate law at a big firm and now work at Fox as an entertainment attorney. just started a blog as sort of a release from work but also just gave notice… yikes! been a long time follower of your blog btw. 🙂 legal assistants are life savers!

        Reply

        • Yeah they are! 🙂 It was a good gig and I learned a lot. Eventually I had to move on, though, because I wanted to do something more creative.

          Anywho, what do you have lined up next? Are you getting a new gig or transitioning out of law?

          Reply

          • I’m actually transitioning out of law and hopefully exploring some interests, while also taking some time to watch my new baby boy and girl grow… 🙂 don’t want to think about it too much since i’m totally type A and am freaking out a little about venturing into the unknown…

  4. Love the outfit! I had a salad of romaine w/ grape tomatoes, blueberries and some raspberry vinaigrette. It was yummy 🙂

    Reply

    • Thanks, girlie!

      So what was for dinner tonight? I just had a tomato and spinach omelet w/sliced watermelon for dessert. NOM!

      I hope work wasn’t too crazy today, btw.

      Reply

      • it was kinda crazy but not that bad. my co worker took her granddaughter to the office for a bit and that was fun!

        we had baked salmon and rice. i had mango for dessert (those pre cut ones at costco are nomnomlicious!) ….

        Reply

    • Thanks, Babybubblz. 🙂 I get a lot of my stuff from trendy places like H&M, because I tend to lose jewelry so easily! If I don’t spend a lot of money on it I don’t feel so bad when it goes MIA.

      What about you? Where do you like to get your accessories?

      Reply

  13. Hello ladies, I am a huge Seychelles fan! They have an adorable style, and they are usually comfy. I just found these sandals at amazon.com for $23.00! Woo hoo!

    Reply

  16. 1. Mood: Tired all day! I stayed up too late last night and paid for it today. Even my two Mocho Coconut Frappuccinos didn’t do much…

    2. One thing displayed/posted on the front of your fridge? My fridge is covered in stuff, you can’t even tell what color it is! Pictures of friends and family, my daughters’ school menu, cute magnets, business cards. I love it!!!

    3. Your favorite pair of earrings? A pair of vintage pave diamond and pearl earrings my Grandma gave me. Classy and they go with everything!

    4. What are some of the projects you’re working on now (professional or otherwise)? Getting my house cleared out, starting the South Beach diet, and starting the holiday knitting!

    5. One of your most memorable moments of 2011 so far? The kids going back to school, I have a 4th grader and a Kindergartener! And I’m free in the daytime, for the first time in 9 years!

    6. Vegas, baby! — yea or nay? The husband went just last week! I haven’t been in 20 years, and I was only 16 then, so it wasn’t much of a trip. I like calm, Vegas is a little too busy for me!

    7. When was the last time you watched an outdoor fireworks display? On July 2nd! My city had an amazing fireworks display this year, after not having one last year! It was a really fantastic night!

    8. Your favorite weeknight quickie meal? I like a salad and a baked potato. My kids like cheese tortellini with homemade pasta sauce. My husband likes food! LOL!

    9. Eyes/Lips/Cheeks: Nothing all day. My skin is acting up right now because of the change in schedule and I’m letting it breathe and heal before I start wearing makeup.

    10. Weekly goals: Start getting to the gym, figure out a way to make a low calorie version of my mocha coconut frappuccinos, start volunteering in my daughters’ classes, try to figure out a way to ditch my mother in law on Friday when she wants to take me shopping for my older daugthers’ birthday (I don’t hate her, but my free time is precious, I don’t want to spend it arguing politics, her favorite subject).

    Reply

  20. Adorable, as always! I actually thought of you on Sat night. We went to a picnic at a friends’ house and I opted for (flat, standard, leather, 9 West) sandals instead of sneakers. Shocking, but true. After standing in them for 5 hours or so, my feet were KILLING me. I had to laugh because who the heck has sore feet from flat sandals? Me, of course. I also thought “Karen could probably run a marathon in these suckers without a problem.. I’m such a shoe wuss!”. 🙂

    Reply

  21. Karen you look hip, fresh, and adorable!! I can’t wait for Kate Spade to see what’s available in October that’s my b-day month. I was wondering if your Hub cares what he wears is he more laid back dude jump in the shower and go…

    Reply

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