WIW 3/6: Mod black dress, statement necklace and handbag

I guess I'm on a 60's kick this week! Another shift dress today. Yesterday I went back to TJ Maxx to see if those two other dresses I left behind the other day that you liked on my K/R thread (http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ring-dress) were still there--and they were, so naturally they came home with me! I already have a simple black shift dress from Banana Republic that is over 15 years old and still fits, but is so plain and BORING I never wear it. I like the diagonal tiered panels on this one--it's kind of like the Bailey 44 dress. I need unique details/twists to keep me interested in my clothes. This is from AGB Dress (never heard of the brand) and is only $25! I have also have a B44 that's long black lace tiers, but that one I still feel is too formal for work. Does this outfit still look too fancy/evening for work with the necklace/LBD combo, or is it sufficiently dressed down for daytime?

And I also found this handbag at TJMaxx--I was looking for an orange bag and came across this unusual Guess handbag. I love the structure and retro vibe of the purse, but the bright colors and color blocking make it feel modern. The textured purple sides are so fun. And I love the surprise pattern on the inside. I don't have anything like this colorful bag and hope I'll get a lot of use out of it!

I've been wanting to use this white Kate Spade Fiorella bib necklace ever since Zap mentioned recently that she had one too (she saw it on my Pinterest board). I bought it on eBay and haven't worn it yet because it felt like an "evening" necklace to me. Well, she encouraged me to wear it for daytime use so here it is! I feel very "Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's" in this outfit. I know this is pairing of LBD/statement necklace is pretty traditional but at least it's a start! I will try to keep experimenting with more creative uses for this necklace (thanks Zap for the inspiration photos! http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....rdrobe-mix). Is it too much to wear a statement necklace and colorful statement handbag together, or does this work? I tried to keep the rest of the outfit pretty minimal.

Finally, the shoes. I had a hard time picking shoes for this outfit. These are suede black kitten heels with cutout sides from Banana Republic. They are extremely pointy and I always get comments from people about my "witch" shoes when I wear them. They're ancient and the tips are worn, but they're really comfy (they're essentially dressy flats). I needed comfortable shoes for work today so I went with these.

(ETA: Thanks Sunita for the suggestion! I changed my shoes...do these work suede black pumps look better? They're Indigo by Clark, also really old. Toes are black croc pattern. They are really comfy too so they'll be fine for work. Ahhh, now I'm completely happy with the outfit! Thanks again for helping me tweak it!)

This whole outfit epitomizes my approach to fashion. I love using modern pieces with a retro flavor. I don't like to look completely modern, but I also haven't started shopping vintage yet and don't want to look like I'm wearing a period costume. I feel like an updated 60's mod girl today and it's lots of fun! Thanks for looking and comments/suggestions appreciated!

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23 Comments

  • Transcona Shannon replied 12 years ago

    If you ever get tired of that purse Natalie - let me know (lol)! You have got a great retro vibe going in this outfit and you look stunning in it...as for whether it looks a bit evening wear, I'm not sure. It will be interesting to see what others say.

  • Sunita replied 12 years ago

    Wow...this look is amazing! I especially love the neckalce (no, not too dressy for daytime) and the cute bag. The dress is very flattering.

    I'm not loving the shoes though. I might have gone with something a bit more rounded.
    This might just be a personal quirk of mine--I've noticed that I'm not wearing my pointy-toed shoes lately. Feel like they are a bit dated, but am unsure. Hope others chime in on that.

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 12 years ago

    I wasn't convinced about this dress on the K/R thread but it looks amazing styled. I love the necklace with it and it almost looks like a detail of the dress.

    That bag is outrageous in a great way. Tailored black dress with wow bag. Really great look for you GP.

  • goldenpig replied 12 years ago

    Thanks Sunita for the suggestion! I forgot I had these black mid-heel pumps that are perfect for this outfit--thanks for helping me tweak it! Pics added to original thread!

  • Jonesy replied 12 years ago

    The dress and necklace are fab! You should wear that necklace all the time, especially now that spring is coming! Fab with a t-shirt, with a buttoned up blouse, etc.

  • replied 12 years ago

    I've been secretly waiting to see if you would use the necklace. I am happy you took a chance with it. I do like it a lot but I'm obviously biased. To me, it works just like a strand of pearls, but honestly I've been feeling like I don't know what the " H. E. double sticks " I'm talking about LOL.

    I'm also looking forward to the opinions...

    I am in love with that dress. Is it from the last round of K/Rs?

  • replied 12 years ago

    The overall look is fab, and I love the shoes in pics 7 & 8.

  • Kirti replied 12 years ago

    I love it! I'm a big believer in statement-y necklaces for daytime and I really like this on one you! I also adore the bag! So colourful and awesome :D

  • Sylvie replied 12 years ago

    That purse is a wonderful find!

    I like the second pair of shoes better than the first.

    I think the necklace or dress could work alone for daytime, but together, it is reading to my eye as a more "evening" look, especially with polished shoes. If you threw on your leather jacket or a cardigan or blazer or some RATE boots, it would feel more daytime to me. I assume it's warm right now, so those aren't options.

    The necklace would look fabulous with a bright colored dress (I'm imagining teal/blue)

  • amyreh replied 12 years ago

    Apparently I must get myself to a TJMaxx!! Love that you pulled that necklace out for daytime.

  • catgirl replied 12 years ago

    LOVE. We desperately need a TJ Maxx, or a Rack, or Loehmanns, or SOMETHING!

  • Fruitful replied 12 years ago

    Ooh, I'm loving this with Mary Janes! Reads more mod to me somehow.

    I'm with you, I tend to prefer vintage inspired, because I'm picky about what passes for "excellent vintage condition" which can include small marks, tears etc. And although we have a lot of shoddy %^&%$ around these days, our fabric technology is more wearable than the rigid wovens and smelly old polyesters I sometimes find! I don't want to baby my clothes like a museum piece either (or spend the large amounts well-preserved, beautiful vintage can cost). I also hate the creaky old zips! That said, over the years I've found the occasional standout vintage piece for a few dollars at an op shop in barely worn condition. I then wore these things for years until they died from overuse (a bright red hooded A-line vinyl coat; camel-coloured suede gogo-type boots; the cost per wear was virtually nil and the joy per wear immeasurable).

    LOVE your bag too - great way to get an orange fix in a controlled dose! ^_^

  • Sarah A replied 12 years ago

    Great outfit! you've just inspired me to wear a statement necklace that's been lingering in my possession unworn for years!

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 12 years ago

    I just remembered that I wanted to ask if you got the amazing red dress too. Did you? Can't wait to see it if you did. I loved that dress on you.

  • Sveta replied 12 years ago

    Natalie, you disappointed me: I hoped to see pictures of BOTH dresses!:-)
    Seriously - fab dress and fab necklace. Audrey would be proud of you!

  • rae replied 12 years ago

    Fab everywhere!! OMG, the BAG, the necklace, the dress!

    My peach hobo may be crying out to be freshened up with this tangerine color. :D

    The bag and necklace are great together - they are far enough away that they don't fight, and the black dress is a perfect backdrop.

  • goldenpig replied 12 years ago

    Thanks so much everyone! Zap, that dress is from the last TJ Maxx K/R thread. And yes, Dianthus & Sveta, I did go back and get the red dress too! Stay tuned for the WIW!

  • replied 12 years ago

    I'm so glad you got the red dress. It was my favorite! I will never be able to find the same thing on TJMaxx again.

  • ManidipaM replied 12 years ago

    Good goddess, that bag! Glorious retro look, Natalie, and so glad you debuted that necklace --- I've been wanting to see it in play ever since you and Zap mentioned having it. The shoes were a smart switch too, though I had to say I'm personally maybe a little partial to any shoes that say 'witch' for themselves!

  • Sunita replied 12 years ago

    Two enthusiastic thumbs up to the tweaked look with rounded shoes!

  • Meredith1953 replied 12 years ago

    GP,
    That outfit looks so lovely on you! The bib necklace looks like it was just meant to drape that way across the neckline of the dress. The bag has spunk and attitude and makes the look playful. I actually like both pairs of shoes but the 2nd pair is a little nicer with the outfit! Looks great!

  • Jem replied 12 years ago

    I LOVE this outfit!! It's definitely better with the Clarks. I really want to steal your bag and necklace, too! :-) The whole thing is amazing and I'm sure you will be able to make other fab outfits with all of the pieces, too.

  • Heather replied 12 years ago

    Gorgeous!!! I love a bib necklace!

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