Anatomy of my Oscar influenced casual chic outfit

 

There’s lots to talk about the Academy Awards show last night, but let’s not. Don’t get me wrong! I love talking about glitz and glamour, but the Oscars are so yesterday!

But with gold statuettes lingering in my mind I knew when I woke up Monday morning that I wanted to create a flashy, fun casual chic work outfit.

Because I was going glam on top, I knew I needed to use ankle jeans as my base. All the sequins and glistening jewels I had in mind would have been over the top if paired with nice black pants. Maybe I’d wear it that way for a nighttime affair but I was going to be working in a client’s closet all day. The jeans would be the casual part of my casual chic outfit.

Bring on the layers!

Next came all the layers. Everyone here in the Bay Area says to everyone else around them, “It’s so c-o-l-d!” And yes it is, so today’s outfit required layers.

 

Layer #1

This is my Max Mara tank that I often use under knits because it’s slinky and not clingy. It is a lovely weight and always feels good.

Layer #2

Is it the J.Crew Tippi sweater yet again? Yes, folks, it is! This is my black Tippi thin wool sweater which I’ve used dozens of times this winter as a layering piece.

Layer #3

Okay, here come the sequins! This is a Jones New York sequined tank that is practically archival. I’ve had it for decades, rarely wear it, but today it needed to come out and play.

Layer #4

This is my Eileen Fisher 3/4 length silk jacket. I actually found it at SAX Consignment, my daughters’ store. I remember when I tried it on, I fell in love with the fabric and the texture and it felt so good. Caitlin was working there that day. I said, “Do you like it?” And she said, “It looks like you, Mom.” Sold.

I love the texture created by the pattern on it. It reminds me of polka dots, even though it’s not. I adored combining it with the sequined tank. The two pieces really kind of blend in together and make their own textural magic.

You’ll note that none of the layers are too heavy so even though I’m wearing four layers in this outfit, nothing is bulky. There was another wool coat in the car that I could have put on if I needed it. (Yes, it’s that cold!)

 

Assembling a glitzy Beauty Bundle

 

Because I wanted this outfit to be an ode to Hollywood, I had to go glitz or go home when it came to the jewelry.

I started with this super sparkly, unruly necklace. It’s a gift from a friend but I hadn’t found a way to wear it … yet. I decided not to wear it long (and now I don’t know why; that might have been great) but to double it instead. I liked how it filled in the neckline area and brought attention to my face.

I added this great Alexis Bitter lucite medallion designed cuff to my wrist (a gift from that same friend on a different occasion). I love every opportunity to wear this cuff.

Next came my diamond and gold owl ring (by Victor Sanchez), again, something I love and adore. (I’m seeing a real love fest theme going on here!) I added my druzy black earrings that twinkle. They’re wrapped in gold so it stayed within my gold theme.

But when I stood back and looked at my creation thus far, I decided it really needed something to anchor all those jewels lest they get too chaotic looking. So I called on a pin that was in my Mother’s collection. It’s gold, sparkly, vintage, and is a snake wrapped around a heart. Somehow that made this outfit sing for me once I got Russ to pin it on the lapel. That tip is a little tricky. Don’t you think it must have been a hat pin?

 

 

Figuring out what to do with the feet

I thought I was going to wear my AGL patent flats with the velvet big bows but when I tried them they were way over the top. So I grabbed an old faithful Stuart Weitzman suede slipper flat that has triple black tassels on the front that swish and move when I walk. (They’re very entertaining to look at in motion!) I liked adding the menswear touch to this feminine outfit.

 

 

So there you have it! A glitzy fun outfit to wear to work that’s made up of all things I love. What have you been wearing lately that you adore? Do share!