Two Ways: J.CREW Medallion Top

Mar 14, 2013

medallionblouseTop: J.CREW Medallion Top ($80)

From Left, Earrings: Tom Binns Studded Swirl Hoops ($132) Ring: Pippa Small Lapis Ring ($140) Bag: Michael Kors Selma Satchel ($358) Shoes: Charles & David Sway Pump ($185) Jacket: Jil Sander Ivory Blazer ($890) Skirt: Donna Karan Pencil Skirt ($795)

From Right, Necklace: Gold Clover Pendant ($45) Watch: Guess Watch ($135) Bag: Topshop Clean ID Satchel ($68) Shoes: Clover Your Bases Shoes ($70) Sweater: Madewell Long Cardi ($56) Jeans: Paige Skyline Skinny Jeans ($189)

For the Office. I’ve clearly been watching too many episodes of Scandal because I suddenly feel gravitationally attracted to the ivory and grey color palette.  I fantasize about removing all of the navy and black from my wardrobe and replacing it with a soft monochromatic palette.  This outfit is the result of this Olivia Pope-induced mind warp.

Obviously, I don’t expect anyone to spend $800+ on a skirt or a jacket, these are just the best model-free photos I could find.  If you’re looking for less-pricey equivalents, I like this ivory blazer and this textured ivory jacket.  This grey J.CREW skirt is nice, as is this under-$75 Halogen skirt.

For the accessories, I decided to choose a simple grey pump (cheaper option, here) and navy accents. This sleek Michael Kors bag is fast becoming one of my favorite items to lust over, and at $358, I wouldn’t say that it’s inexpensive, but it’s attainable. (It also comes in a lot of great colors.)

To complement the navy bag, I chose this cut lapis ring from Astley Clarke and a pair of Tom Binns earrings that I’ve been trying to find a place for for awhile.  If you’re looking for a cheaper option, this square-cut lapis ring is $22.

For the hair, I would wear it down and use hot rollers to give it some volume and curl at the ends.  For the makeup, I would wear a raspberry lip and black liner with grey shadow.

For St. Patrick’s Day.  March 17th is a very big party day in my hometown, so while I may not be Irish, I thought I should have a bit of green on the blog in preparation for Sunday’s festivities.

Because we have a voluminous blouse on top, we need a slimmer piece on the bottom.  I chose my current favorite jean the Paige Skyline but if you want to spend less money, try these $40 American Eagle jeans.  I also added the longline cardigan to rein in the blouse and cover the rear view.  I chose grey, but you could wear any color cardi you choose.

I added green accessories like this inexpensive green satchel (also in black) and these pale green flats.  I also chose a stylized clover necklace, but if you want something more literal, this Jennifer Zeuner necklace or this Dogeared pendant might do the trick.  And I added the watch because I’ve broken three cell phones in my life, two of them in chaotic bar situations where people are jostling for position, so I don’t want to have another way to tell time.

For the hair, I’d probably just wear it down and for the makeup, I might paint my fingernails green.

If you wanted to turn this into a casual Friday outfit, I’d make some easy alterations.  I’d switch out the shoes for some berry-colored driving mocs or some metallic toe cap flats.  I’d also change out the bag for this bright cross body or this pale mauve flap satchel.  And I’d probably wear my hair up in a messy updo or high teased ponytail just because Friday is a dry shampoo day for me.

Three Ways

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  1. Terri says:

    Belle!!!! i just bought this top for a trip to Seattle. How timely and thanks for the outfit ideas! Don’t forget the promo code.

  2. Lady Lawyer says:

    That.Ivory.Blazer. Sigh. If only I had that much disposable income.

  3. Allison says:

    I agree with Lady Lawyer about that blazer, swoon, but I really wanted to comment because I too have been coveting that Kors bag since I first saw it weeks ago. I’m not usually drawn to navy blue bags but this one is just so freaking chic–the shape, the perfect shade of dark blue…it’s hitting just the right mix of minimalism and classic for me. If it’s half as gorgeous in person I might eventually succumb. Now if only I could find it somewhere with a discount…!

  4. Kendyl says:

    Belle, you always have such fabulous outfit ideas for work and casual days. I always use your outfits as inspiration! On the downside, I always find new things to buy on your blog haha 😉 Stay fabulous!

    magpiesandmimosas.blogspot.com

  5. Boston mama says:

    Love the St. Patty’s day outfit. I’m lusting over your recommended Marc b Marc Jacobs Satchel. Have a great weekend.

  6. Liz says:

    I tried on that top in a J Crew recently, and all i can say is, NOT flattering. Not worth $80 either, though the fabric and print are lovely. It made me look like a bag.

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