the cardigan experiment: introduction

Background. I blame the world's warped view of cardigans on Mr. Rogers. Every time I put one on, my boyfriend tells me I look like a nerdy school teacher. Well, listen up now. First of all, I AM a nerdy school teacher. But, second of all, cardigans are not nerdy - they are chic, stylish, and versatile.

There are long cardigans, neutral cardigans, short cardigans, fitted cardigans, wool cardigans, sparkly cardigans, flowy cardigans, patterned cardigans. You can wear a cardigan on its own as a top or use it to complete an outfit. You can do anything with cardigans. Absolutely anything. Shall we put this to the test?

Objective. To explore the versatility of the cardigan to provide excitement to my wardrobe, inspiration to my readers, and to give back to the wardrobe essential that has given so much to me.

A cardigan from my fashion idol, Kendi.

Methods. Style four completely different cardigan varieties in four different outfits. Take photos and record my feelings, others' reactions/complements (if any), comfort, confidence, and overall experience.

And, I want you to play along! Style your own cardigan - your own way or try some of mine - comment and tell me how it goes. Even better, email (mylessseriouslife@gmail.com) or tweet (@lesseriouslife) me a picture so I can get inspiration from you and share the cardigan love (and blog link back!) with my readers.

(Access my other fashion experiments here)

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the unexpected color combination experiment: discussion and conclusions

This post, the conclusion of the unexpected color combination experiment, is long overdue. This experiment forced me out of my traditional color pairings and inspired me to be a bit more unexpected in my color choices.

 Figure 1. Summary of evaluated unexpected color combinations. A) blue + black; B) monochrome; C) red + pink; and D) black + brown.

Discussion. The purpose of this experiment was to style four completely different looks using unexpected color combinations to provide excitement to my wardrobe and (hopefully) inspiration to my readers.

This experiment was certainly a challenge for me, but all of these outfits left me with a confident and comfortable experience. Hands down, my personal favorite combination was red + pink, which was color combination I had never braved before. The blue + black pairing was also a favorite. The other two pairings, monochrome and black + brown were certainly not far behind.

So, you tell me. 
What should the next fashion experiment be?

Figure 2. The original color wheel of inspiration.

Conclusions. Through this experiment, I learned that a lot of what makes an unexpected color combination successful is doing it with intention. So, throw your inhibitions to the side, pair some unexpected colors together, and walk out the door with confidence.

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the unexpected color combination experiment: black + brown

I knew from the beginning of the unexpected color combination experiment that I wanted to create an outfit pairing black and brown. It may be the lack of appropriate pieces in my wardrobe, but this particular combination was a big challenge for me. But, given that this is the last pairing in this series, I knew I had to give a go.

Results. I paired this (I know it's hard to tell from the pictures) brown wide belt and brown pumps with this solid black dress and walked out the door. I was scared, friends. Shakin' in my heels. But as the hours passed, my love for this outfit grew and grew. Although I'm not sure if this had to do with the color pairing or more to do with the fact that wearing this dress feels like wearing pajamas.

Figure. Black next to potential brown shade choices.

My opinion is that as long as the brown isn't really, really dark it can pair with black. The key is to be deliberate with the pairing otherwise it will look like you just got dressed in the dark. If you are going to do this - do this.

Talk about ending on a positive note. Three, count them three, compliments happened on the day I wore black and brown together. And, just because two came from the same person on two separate occasions doesn't mean they don't count. I repeat, three.

In conclusion, black and brown was the most personally challenging and most successful color combination so far.

This marks the final pairing in the unexpected color combination experiment. Look for a 'discussion and conclusion' post in the coming weeks and be thinking about what fashion experiment you want to see next!

Previous unexpected color combination experiment outfits:

• blue + black
• monochrome
• red + pink

the unexpected color combination experiment: red + pink

I'm not sure where the 'no pink and red together' mentality originated, but I have lived by this unspoken mantra for years. Who makes up these rules, after all? I don't know who, but I bet they are probably wearing a boring outfit. With that said, red + pink is the next color combination in my unexpected color combination experiment.

Results. Red and pink is a combination out of my comfort zone. But, for the sake of the experiment I dove right into these uncharted waters and was pleased at the outcome. This combination is eye catching and trendy (just see my fashion Pinterest board). Honestly, I'm not sure how much guidance I can give on making this work given this is my first real pink + red outfit. But, as I always do with any non-traditional color pairing - laying out pieces is crucial in making sure the colors work together.

Figure. Red next to potential pink choices.

Although I really like the way to brighter shades of red and pink pair together, I imagine this color combination would also work with more subtle hues. Again, it is really all about experimentation.

I loved wearing this outfit. Despite the lack of reactions or compliments, I felt comfortable and confident and let's face it - that's all that really matters.

In conclusion, red and pink is a non-traditional color combination that, if you can brave it, pays off in a big way. One more unexpected color combination outfit remains to be explored: any requests?

Previous unexpected color combination experiment outfits:

• blue + black
• monochrome

the unexpected color combination experiment: monochrome

Shades of One Color. No, it isn't the title of a new self-help book or cheesy romance novel. Shades of one color is the idea behind the monochromatic look, the next combination in the unexpected color combination experiment.

Results. Building a fashionable outfit by pairing similarly-colored items together creates a simple yet complex sophistication. Don't dress yourself from head to toe in just one color shade, unless you really want to look like a giant grape. Rather pull together pieces that are the same general color, but different enough that they contrast each other slightly. I would suggest choosing a few items and laying them out on your bed to see what they look like in combination. Some shades will work better than others.

Figure. Various shade choices for the pink/purple overall color choice.

In the outfit I have shared with you today, my base color was pink/purple (fuschia-ish). But, you could create a monochromatic look with any color. I've created a similar outfit before, for example, with varying shades of blue. The possibilities are endless.

Although I didn't receiving any direct reactions (unlike last time), I enjoyed wearing this monochromatic look. I felt unique, comfortable, and confident. Creating this outfit required a bit more effort than usual, but I think it worked well and hope to create more outfits with a monochromatic theme in the future.

In conclusion, a monochromatic look is an unexpected and chic combination worth exploring. Just pick your favorite color and go get your monochrome on.

the unexpected color combination experiment: blue + black

I still remember in high school when I was ignorant to fashion (and many other things) and was convinced that if I wore blue I had to pair it with brown. I have no idea why. The fact of the matter is, black is a neutral and can be paired with any color. Black and blue, my friends, is a beautiful pairing and the first combination to be explored in the unexpected color combination experiment.

Results. Truth: black and blue go together. In fact, I may even like blue paired with black more than blue paired with brown. This color combination is unexpectedly modern and sophisticated. 

I would recommend keeping the rest of your outfit simple, and really play up the unique color pairing. For example, anything other than black pumps with this outfit would have made the entire thing look a bit unorganized. Keeping the tights, cardigan, and shoes solid black really made this outfit work.

Figure. Black next to potential blue choices: royal blue; powder blue; navy blue.

I prefer pairing vibrant blues with black, but any color blue will work. For example, a soft, powder blue looks lovely next to black. Even navy blue will work pending it is done thoughtfully. Again, the key is keeping it simple and intentional.

Brace yourselves, dear readers, for this unexpectedly paired outfit received a compliment. Yes, a co-worker told me, "cute outfit!" The impossible does happen. And, I agree with my kind co-worker, I loved wearing this outfit. I felt confident, modern, and fashionable.

In conclusion, black and blue is a perfectly beautiful, unexpected, and modern color combination. Stay tuned for three more outfits for the unexpected color combination experiment.

the unexpected color combination experiment

Background. Remember when you thought that your top had to match your shoes, or that black didn't go with brown, or when the idea of pink and red together in one outfit made you cringe? It wasn't too long ago that I subscribed to these fashion 'rules' myself. That is until I discovered that fashion, specifically color combinations in fashion, is much more fluid than the 'no black and brown together' mentality. Fashion is about pushing boundaries and one of the most direct ways to do this is with unexpected color combinations.

Are you trembling in your fashion boots (that are perfectly coordinated with your fashion bag)? Don't. Just follow along as I dive in and provide you with some unexpectedly colorful fashion inspiration.

Objective. To style four completely different looks using unexpected color combinations to provide excitement to my wardrobe and (hopefully) inspiration to my readers.

Methods. Create four fashionable outfits with a focus on combining colors in an unexpected way. Take photos and record my feelings, others' reactions/complements (if any), comfort, confidence, and overall experience. I hope to push myself to try new things and inspire my readers to get creative with color.

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the skinny belt experiment: discussion and conclusions

This post concludes the skinny belt experiment. This simple accessory may appear daunting at first, but with a few simple remixing tricks, a skinny belt can make a rewarding addition to any wardrobe.

 Figure 1. Summary of evaluated skinny belt outfit combinations. A) Long top + skinnies; B) skirt + tucked-in top; C) + cardigan; and D) + dress.

Discussion. The purpose of this experiment was to remix a skinny belt in four unique ways with the hopes that my remixes would push me out of my fashion comfort zone while challenging and (hopefully) inspiring my readers to do the same.

All of these outfit combinations left me feeling confident and fashionable. My favorite combinations were the skinny belt + dress and the skinny belt paired with a long top and skinnies. But, the other two pairings, a skinny belt paired with a skirt and tucked-in top and a skinny belt + cardigan were not far behind. Overall, I learned that a skinny belt is a simple way to add interest, waist accentuation, and a little touch of fashion to any basic outfit. I also learned that most people you encounter on a daily basis don't notice your attempts at fashion (or at least didn't react or compliment my fabulous creations), which should make trying new things even easier!

So, you tell me. 
What should the next fashion experiment be?

Figure 2. The original skinny belt that was to undergo the remix, until I went shopping and bought a new one.

Conclusions. In summary, the skinny belt is an accessory that can easily and successfully be remixed into a variety of outfits. And, if I have encouraged even one of you to wear a skinny belt in a way you wouldn't have before - I call this, my first-ever fashion remix, a success.

the skinny belt experiment: + dress

Dry your tears, dear readers, today I bring you the last outfit combination in my first-ever fashion experiment: the skinny belt experiment. Add a skinny belt to a simple dress and you will look thinner, trendier, and more exciting (at least this is what I am telling myself).

Results. So, I suppose if you want to get detailed, my outfit here is not a dress per se. But, rather a dress worn as a skirt under a 3/4 length top. Given that this was the last outfit in the skinny belt experiment, I really wanted to show my readers a pairing with a dress, but I have no weather-appropriate dresses. This means that: 1) I need to go shopping and 2) this paring is a slight variation, but retains the overall concept for you to apply to any dress.

A dress is a simple, one-component outfit. But, if you want to take it up a notch, add a skinny belt and create a bit more waist emphasis (especially important if your dress does not have any built-in waist accentuation) and interest.

Figure. Outfit combination for the skinny belt experiment: dress + skinny belt at waist.

Depending on how the dress is cut, belt placement can vary. For example, if your dress already has some type built-in of waist accentuation (as in the Figure above), your belt should be placed there. Belt placement also may depend on your body shape and what section (low, natural, high) of your waist you wish to accentuate. Here, I emphasized my natural waist, but this could have been shifted higher or lower. In reality, I play around with placement to see what best fits the outfit and my mood. You should do the same.

I felt great in this outfit combination, and although I did get a few compliments on the color of my dress/skirt, no reaction to the outfit as a whole was given. As you have learned, however, this is nothing out of the ordinary.

And, finally, how about a blurry close-up and a little belt trick?

Depending on where you place your belt it isn't always the right length and there isn't always a belt hole where you need it to be. The solution? Slide your belt through and place the prong (? i.e., the piece of metal that would usually go through the hole) on one side of your belt (see above photo). This usually keeps the belt secure and unless someone gets awkwardly close to you, no one will know the difference.

This skinny belt + dress combination rounds out the four pairings for the skinny belt experiment. Look for one more 'discussions and conclusions' post on the topic. In the meantime, let me know what item you want re-mixed for the next fashion experiment!

the skinny belt experiment: with cardigan

Not only does Fall mean my pantry is filled with canned pumpkin, but it also means my outfits are littered with cardigans. And, a belted cardigan makes a perfect pairing for my latest update for the skinny belt experiment.

Results. Oftentimes I wear a cardigan open and don't worry about waist accentuation. When the weather starts to turn a bit cooler, however, I tend to keep my cardigans buttoned-up and then they scream for some type of belting at the waist - less I get lost in fabric. The solution? A skinny belt. This simple addition adds waist accentuation and can add texture and/or color to any outfit.

Figure. Outfit combination for the skinny belt experiment: jeans+ cardigan + skinny belt at waist.

This combination can also be done with an open cardigan. The best way to make this work for you is to first button the cardigan, belt, and then un-button. This ensures good cardigan-belt placement without spending your precious morning minutes arranging and re-arranging your clothes.

The only notable issue with this combination is that belting at the higher-waist was slightly less comfortable than other belting in other areas. Breathe too deeply or eat too much and you will wish you never discovered the skinny belt.

Belting so high can leave a trailing belt end. My trick is to use the 'loop and tuck' method as seen in the above picture. You look trendy and effortless even if this loop takes you 15 minutes to perfect in the morning. 

And there you have it. A new skinny belt combination from me to you. Now who's brave enough to try and share? mylessseriouslife@gmail.com.

commentary: my fashion discovery

Imagine this: I used to be a tomboy subsisting on jeans and tank tops. Every single day. 

Kendi of Kendi Everyday.

When I was younger I fought with my mom about wearing anything feminine - tights, skirts, and dresses. In college I was known for repetitively wearing the same jeans with tank tops. In graduate school I meagerly attempted to incorporate a bit of 'grown up-ness' into my wardrobe, but only enough to make me presentable. I hated shopping. I didn't care. And then one day, I discovered fashion.

Tania of What Would a Nerd Wear.

After graduation and in preparation for my first real job, I knew that what I wore could directly affect my success. But, I had no idea what I was doing or where to start. One day I was feeling particularly uncomfortable with the length of a pair of hand-me-down khakis. I didn't even know how long my pants should be with my tiny, tiny heels. So, what else would a good academic do but research it? I came across this blog post by Already Pretty. I was intrigued and quickly began to link off her page to others.

Kendi of Kendi Everyday.

One blog roll led to another and soon I stumbled on Kendi Everyday. Kendi is the root of my fashion inspiration. It may sound strange and a bit obsessive, but this is what she has become to me. So I watched (ahem, stalked) her - I watched others. Every day eagerly anticipating the next outfit. And then, one day I braved the stores and tried it myself.

Kristine of Kristine. Or Polly.

The transformation was nothing less than drastic. Now, I am happy, confident, and eager to learn more about how I can make fashion work for me. I had discovered my fashion self.

Kendi of Kendi Everyday.

And, in case you find yourself in a similar place in your fashion evolution, here are a few tips for finding and fostering your own fashion self.

• Try. You have no idea if something looks good if you don't try it on. Even if it is just in your bedroom or in the dressing room by yourself. Just try.
• Read fashion blogs. Get inspiration from others. Check out my 'Seriously Great Reads' page for my favorites.
• Get out of your comfort zone. Push yourself to choose things that make you a little nervous. They may be exactly what you want, but didn't know it.
• Look around. (Depending on where you live), there is a world of fashion inspiration right outside your door. Pay attention. 
• Constantly re-invent yourself. After college I was anxious to wear skirts because I was the girl who always wore jeans. I thought such a drastic change in my wardrobe would cause some kind of uproar. The reality? Most people didn't even notice. Be brave and try something new - you can be a jean person one day and a skirt person another day. No one (except you) really cares that much.
• Shop online. Even if you aren't buying anything, checking out the websites of your favorite stores (many of which often have seasonal lookbooks) can be inspring.
• Keep track of your feelings. Note how certain outfits, styles, and combinations make you feel. Do you feel confident? Do you feel beautiful? If you do, wear it agian. If not, loose it.
• Note others' reactions. Do certain outfits make others' notice you in a positive light? That is good feedback, but certainly don't put too much weight on this. Some of my favorite outfits (e.g., outfits with colored tights) still get me nothing but strange stares from co-workers.
• You can be anything you want to be. Fashion allows you express any part of you that you want. Have you always wanted to dress a certain way? Do it. Nothing is holding you back except a little money and courage. This is your chance.

the skinny belt experiment: skirt + tucked-in top

This week, I am particularly busy, but I can't very well walk around naked now can I? So, I was happy to tackle the skinny belt experiment with an 'easy difficulty' outfit: a skinny belt with a skirt and tucked-in top.

Results. You don't have to be wearing pants with belt loops to add a skinny belt at your waist. In fact, you don't need belt loops at all. I usually opt to tuck in tops to skirts (especially when attempting to look professional and polished at work) and adding a belt at the waist is a simple way to add interest and waist accentuation.

This combination is easy - any skirt will work depending on the waist band. This particular skirt provides a bit of waist emphasis without the belt (because of its band), but adding a belt only creates more. Some skirts, like classic pencil skirts, provide no built-in waist emphasis and adding a skinny belt can do wonders for your look.

Figure. Outfit combination for the skinny belt experiment: skirt + tucked-in top + skinny belt at waist.

My only word of caution is to pay attention to where your skirt sits on your waist. Do you really want to emphasize that location? Make sure the skirt/belt combination is emphasizing your natural waist or higher.

I wear this type of combination all the time, so I was comfortable and confident despite no reaction from my co-workers (surprise, surprise). When I compared my overall experience to my previous experimental combination (i.e., long top + skinnies) I actually felt a bit less satisfied. There is something about stepping out of the box and taking a 'fashion risk' that feels quite rewarding. But, today's simple combination is one that I will wear again and again.

All in all this skinny belt combination was an easy way to take a simple outfit up a level. Two combinations down, two to go.

the skinny belt experiment: long top + skinny jeans

Just like any good researcher would have done, I purchased a new skinny belt for this experiment. My motivation was (of course) purely academic: I didn't want my experiment to be confounded by previous belt-wearing experiences. This belt is never-before-worn unbiased goodness. Ah, the things I do for science. 

I dove right into the skinny belt experiment by starting with what I consider an 'advanced difficulty' pairing: a low slung skinny belt with a long top and skinny jeans.

Results. The skinny belt added interest to a simple two-piece outfit that would have otherwise been boring. The key is to choose a longer top, which provides more options on belt placement. I chose a low slung belt, but be careful with this option (see below). Be wary of choosing tops that are too long, especially if you are shorter, as these may throw off your proportions. 

Adding the belt to this outfit also added interest, pattern, and texture to two solid pieces. Variations are endless. If your top has a bold pattern, try incorporating a solid skinny belt. A neutral color belt always works well, but you could also choose a belt in another color to make things interesting.

Figure. Outfit combination for the skinny belt experiment: skinny jeans + long top + low slung skinny belt.

Note: No ranking will be calculated for this particular experiment as it is not as quantitative as others (i.e., cereal, sock) because the main objective is to simply try out different pairings. But, my mind still craved graphical/tabular representation, so I created a table and figure to keep everything neat and tidy.

What makes this pairing difficult, you ask? Typically, the emphasis of the skinny belt should be on a smaller part of the body, the waist. Here, I moved the belt down towards my hips - which isn't something every body type or outfit calls for. A belt worn this way with a more tightly fitting outfit places the emphasis on the hips, not the waist. As Sal from Already Pretty tells us, beware of your waist-to-hip ratio. If it isn't great, this combination can be dangerously unflattering. If you are unsure, play around with the belt placement and move it higher on the waist. It is all about making the accessory work for your clothes and your body.

Overall, I felt great all day with high confidence in this outfit. Despite any lack of reaction from others, (which isn't surprising considering my daily environment. i.e., most (~97%) of academics don't give a crap about fashion) I liked this pairing and will wear it again. Although I experienced a bit of belt-shifting, this look was perfectly comfortable.

All in all I would say that my first stab at the skinny belt experiment was a brave and successful one.  

Have any of you, dear readers, tried this pairing? Or worn your skinny belt in a new way yet? Do tell.

the skinny belt experiment

Background. Most of us 'regular folk' need a little inspiration to incorporate new items into our wardrobe in a fashionable and unique way. I tend to find something that works and get stuck in a style rut. Variety is what creating an interesting fashion profile is all about. In that light, this new series of experiments aims to take one daunting piece and re-style it in four ways. First up, the skinny belt. 

It wasn't long ago that I didn't even know that there were varieties of belts. Wide belt, stretchy belt, skinny belt. Sounds like the beginning of a Dr. Suess book. They dangle from store racks in countless varieties of colors, textures, materials, and finishes. You may have purchased one or two of the skinny variety with high hopes and they now simply lay in a dusty pile in your closet or only get worn in one very specific way. Well, my friends, it is time to master the art of the skinny belt.

Objective. To style this skinny belt in four completely different ways to provide excitement to my wardrobe and (hopefully) inspiration to my readers. 

Methods. Style this skinny belt in four ways. Take photos and record my feelings, others' reactions/complements (if any), comfort, confidence, and overall experience. In the end, I hope to discover new and brave uses for this previously under-utilized item.

And, I want you to play along! Style your own skinny belt - your own way or try some of mine - comment and tell me how it goes. Even better, send me a picture (mylessseriouslife@gmail.com) so I can get inspiration from you!

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commentary: the 3 shoes rule

I have a genetic pre-disposition that causes me to desire many pairs of shoes. It's true. Just walk in my mom's closet and you will quickly see what I'm in for. Like many of us, my inclination is to buy, buy, buy. But, because I realize that there are (perhaps) more important things to purchase in life than shoes, I created the 3 shoes rule. For me, it is a way to fulfill my shoe craving, while maintaining control.

Figure 1. Three shoe choices from spring/summer 2010 (left: Tsubo heels, center: Rocketdog wedges, right: Target gladiators).

If you have this same affliction you know the feeling you get when a new fashion season (i.e., spring/summer or fall/winter) is beginning: that insatiable desire for new shoes (don't even get me started on the clothes/accessories). My rule allows me to purchase three new pairs of shoes per fashion season.

Figure 2. Three shoe choices from fall/winter 2010 (left: Anthropologie boots, center: Steve Madden boots, right: Urban Outfitters heels).

For me, this means being a few months 'behind' the fashion curve while I sit back and blog-stalk my fashion inspirations to see what shoes I just can't live without. Next, I make a mental list of the general types of shoes I want to buy (e.g., tall brown boots, brown wedges, flat t-strap sandals). Then, the research begins. The majority of my purchases are done online and I search site upon site (e.g., Piperlime, 6pm, Zappos, Endless) to see the available choices and variations in style and price. I spend hours doing this. Yes, hours. I select candidates and ask others' opinions, read online comments about comfort, and try them on (look for free shipping/returns). Order your favorites, try them on, and wear them around your house. Yes, I have trotted around my house in PJ's and high heels all night to test their comfort.

Figure 3. Three shoe choices from spring/summer 2011 (top: Frye wedges, bottom: OluKai sandals). One choice remaining and I am eyeing these).

Then, carefully, select your three pairs. In the end, you have satisfied your desire for new shoes, participated in new trends, and added to your collection, all while staying in control.

(Note: Sometimes you may get shoes as gifts and these certainly don't count. And sometimes you may encounter a really fantastic pair after you have picked your three. A splurge, every now and then, is perfectly acceptable. Mom, this note is for you.)