Sleeve Drama

Upon observation, it seems the most recent styles from last summer through to the present have transitioned from off-the-shoulder to cold shoulder, to bell sleeves, to drama sleeves -  and I've enjoyed every minute of it!  All of the above are still going strong, but the latter is the new kid on the block.  Here's my favorite find thus far to throw spotlight on this newcomer.

Blouse //  Jeans // Shoes // Bag similar // Sunnies // Choker // Watch

This is a style I've never worn before but immediately felt comfortable with.  Must be my British inner Tudor heritage coming to the surface!  This top is from White House Black Market, it's a class act and less than $100.  It's a stretchy poplin cotton fabric and despite being a fitted style it's blissfully comfortable to wear.  It has ruching at the back, and the ties which I made into a bow at the front can be tied back or front.  

Despite all that's going on with this blouse, it still appears very flattering.  I'm wearing a size 6 and it almost feels as though it were custom made for me (I have a boyish figure, a thick waist and slight boobage).  The  stretch in the fabric makes it forgiving in the areas that might otherwise be of concern.  The way in which the stripes flow also add to the flatter factor.  But those sleeves - they are so out there! 

The blouse works with a number of different looks. White wide leg pants make it very dressy, almost formal.  Slim capri pants work well too.  For the daytime or office, a smart formal black flared pant.  But my favorite look is with these jeans I'm wearing here.  Blue jeans are also a go to.  Flats or heels work although I prefer the heels, because it elongates the whole look giving it even more drama.  In this look I've paired a red handbag because I happened to have one already, but I also love the idea of red high heels and a black bag.

Now lets talk about these jeans!  I've always been very particular about my jeans.  Jeans are the one thing I am willing to spend more money on in an effort to get that perfect pair.  To me, jeans are a lifestyle not just a garment.  I have a bunch of designer jeans in my closet such as AG, 7 For all Mankind, and Paige.  I also have a loving old pair of Gap jeans that are distressed to death (organically because they are so old).  But when I stumbled across these black jeans on an errand trip to Target the other day by Who What Wear I just had to try them on.  I'm so impressed with them. Not only are they super on trend with their frayed high-low hemline and slight kick flair, but they fit absolutely amazingly.  I think I've worn them almost every day since I got them.  They are a mid to high'ish rise, they have a soft forgiving stretch that sits on your body as opposed to digging into your body, and they retain their shape - I can totally vouch for that given how much I've worn them in such a short span of time! And, wait for it... they were only $35.00.  I am completely obsessed with them, they are definitely as good a quality as any of my $200 price tag jeans. 

In this look, the blouse itself is a statement, the bag is my pop of color, and the overall look - black and white.  As such,  I kept my jewelry to a minimum with the simple thin leather choker from Off Saks Fifth Avenue.  The shoes are Louise et Cie which I've had a long while, but they are still in circulation.  I've linked the items I'm wearing below, and a couple of other suggestions.

Thank you for reading, as always
Karen xox