Respect the Outfits: You Being You

Isn't it a great thing when we can put together an outfit that is stylish, chic and instantly puts us at ease? Something that not only looks good but conveys confidence at a glance? Welcome to this month's Respect the Outfits reader feature - all about YOU lovely ladies wearing what you love.

These are the outfits that these lovely fella readers have selected to represent who they are sartorially (right now at least) - because as you gals have already told me, it's our perogative to change our style!

Please read on and check out these beautiful ladies just being their chic, unique selves:

♥  Lauren from Small Talk, à la simple yet chic.

Anthro Apothecary skirt / Anthro Aviatrix Tee / Anthro cuff / Anthro Dearie Me wedges / Diana Warner earrings / Palabra Designs necklace

♥  Jessica from Monster Cakes: This picture perfectly captures me because I am a bit geek chic (hence The Great Gatsby shirt and glasses), but I'm also girly and not afraid to embrace both sides. Yey for nerds. : )

♥  Lisa from Sweet Laundry Loves, à la sophisticated and classy with a bit of a twist.

Striped Dress: Jacob / Tights: Hue / Shoes: Nine West / Bracelet: Ann Taylor / Sunglasses: Miu Miu

♥  Stephanie from Bar Chic: I think this is definitely me being me! I think of my style as being floaty and feminine, but also fairly relaxed, so I picked a girly dress and paired it with some casual flat sandals. I'm also being classically "me" here in the sense that the first thing I do when I put on a dress like this is give it a twirl!

Dress: Anthropologie Gull Wing Dress / Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft / Necklace: Kate Spade Twirl Necklace /

Shoes: Seychelles Cream of the Crop Flats

♥  Gigi from Gigi's Gone Shopping, à la modern + classic w/bright pops or touches of sparkle.

Jacket: J Crew 2010 / Blouse: Anthro 2010 / Necklace: J Crew 2010 / Jeans: J Crew 2010 / Shoes: J Crew 2008

♥  EE from Eek!, à la polished but comfy.

top: Anthro / skirt: Old Navy / pumps: Jeffrey Campbell / sunnies: Dsquared / belt: Gap

♥  TG from La Petite Anthropologiest: This look is quintessentially because this whole look is repeated in my closet a lot. My look is always about SHAPE. Shapes are sensual. And I love to shape my body in bright colors and fitted clothes.The shoes with the buckle, the fitted pencil skirt soft white shirt: that's TG.

Top: Anthro Climbing Cowlneck / Earrings: Anthro / Skirt: Anthro san pedro skirt in / Belt: sash from the Anthro Tiny Windows Dress /

Necklace: Anthro / Shoes: GUESS

♥  modernmom from I Dream of Anthropologie: I LOVE pattern mixing, and wanted to copy the product image from the catalog for this skirt. It used a pink plaid top, but I am not a big fan of that much pink. I love taking a risk with fashion, and being just outside the norm.

Shirt: J Crew Perfect Plaid / Skirt: Anthropologie Penciled Abronia / Belt: DKNY / Thrifted Shoes: Guess, DSW /

Bracelet: Anthropologie Omnifarious / Earrings: Dillards pearl hoops

 ♥  Rachel from Promises Like Pie Crust:

Anthro Verdant Slip Dress / Club Monaco cardigan / Hilary Druxman necklace / Miss Sixty Tracy shoes

♥  Jamie from Thrifty Threads: One of the things that I love about personal style is that it can be multi-faceted without being contradictory. Many of the outfits that I post on my blog incorporate beaded cardigans, pencil skirts, bright colors, and plenty of florals. I almost sent one of those signature "Jamie" outfits, but decided to send you a very different outfit: one that is more city sleek than suburban sweet. And I felt just as much myself in this look as I do in my usual assortment of ruffles and lace! I think it's wonderful that personal style affords us the opportunity to explore different aspects of ourselves every day, without requiring that we compromise our identities or chose any one aspect of our personality over another.

J. Crew Wave Tank / LOFT blazer / Hudson Collin jeans / Franco Sarto wedges / Talbots belt / Banana Republic necklace / Kate Spade bag

♥  Tara from Mix and Match Fashion, à la colorful.
 

Blouse: LOFT / Cardigan: NY & Co / Skirt: J Crew / Shoes: Nine West

♥  Kelly from Fashion Fuel: I can't say I always adhere to one particular style, but I always feel my best when I'm wearing a skirt or dress. Plus, blue and green are two of my favorite colors, which makes this outfit one that truly defines me.
 

Esprit Tunic (worn as shirt) / Anthropologie Skirt & Belt / American Eagle Necklace / Jessica Simpson Shoes

♥   ♥   ♥   ♥

And here iz me in a very Me look and Lauren's skirt twin - bright colors, requisite stripes and a statement-y necklace:

  

Top: J. Crew perfect boatneck (worn here before - similar here)
Skirt: Anthropologie Parameter apothecary (worn here before)
Necklace: Old Navy ethnic statement (now on sale - worn here before)

Shoes: Seychelles she's got the moves (worn here before)

Respect the Outfits (You & Your Pets)

I won't bog down this post with my typical over-wordiness, because we need to get to the pretty girls and their adorable fur babies. So without further ado, here's this week's Respect the Outfits reader post, featuring you and your pets:

♥  Kristin from Lovely Apidae with Kya:

Dress: Anthropologie / Cardigan: Anthropologie Back Porch Blouse / Stockings: Hue / Rain Boots: J. Crew / Necklace: Botanical Bird

♥  Jenn from Complex Cardigans with Buddy:

♥  Callandra from Petite Early Morning Style with Eckles:

Polka dot dress - H&M / Yellow ballet flats - Target / Olive military jacket - Forever 21

♥ Anne from My Own Little Spot with Bailey:

Ralph Lauren headband / Ralph Lauren earrings and necklace / Anthropologie Scottie Dog Romper / Anthropologie belt / Coach shoes

♥  Laura from Anthro Closet Chaos with Heishe:

Powdered Pigment Dress - by Tracy Reese - Anthro March 2011 / Opaque Tights in Brown - by Hue - 2009 / Lass and Laddie Oxfords - by Poetic License - Anthro Aug 2010 / Green Line Satchel in Ochre SS09 - by Orla Kiely - July 2009

♥  Anjali from Love and Wardrobe with Chutney:

♥  Chantilly from Chantilly Songs with Scout:

anthropologie parted petals cardi- ebay / plaid camp shirt- ? vintage / pants- uniqlo / red easy spirits- thrifted /

necklace- dreamcatcher from foxwoods strung on cord

♥   ♥   ♥   ♥

As for Pacey and I - well, we get what we get. No amount of doggie treats, cooing about her good dogness, or promises of long walks by the lake would make her get over her sudden case of camera shyness or want to play/wrestle/knaw at my arm. And yes, the pic-taking took so long the light was changing in the room. So here we are:

 

 

Top: Forever 21 extended hem dot (worn here before)

Skirt: Anthropologie Edme & Esyllte circle the globe (worn here before - similar print here, buttoned here)

Shoes: Bandolino (worn here before - similar here, here, luxe here)

Necklace: J. Crew pearl cluster (worn here before - similar here, ivory here)

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Respect the Outfits (Anthro-esque)

Not a lot of Lisa mumbo jumbo this time because we all already know - loads of big puffy hearts for the Anthropologie, but they go hand-in-hand with credit card rashes and a dwindling bank account. But good thing that your fellow bloggers and Anthro fans are so fashionably resourceful, because they've been able to pull together some stellar "betcha can't believe it's NOT from Anthro" looks for a lot less!

So here's this week's Respect the Outfits reader feature: Anthro-esque ( and if you want to check out the last Anthro-esque reader post, click HERE):

♠  Dea from the dea diaries:

Outfit: Forever 21

♠  overcaffeinated (see overcaffeinated rock her look here):

ruffle top - Old Navy / cardigan - J.Crew / skirt - Forever 21 / shoes - Connie / necklaces - Avon and H&M

♠  Jen from vintageglammz (see Jen rock her look here):

Dress: Tokito Horse Print Waterfall Dress @ Myer Australia / Jacket: Museum Clothing Sydney / Tights: Paddy's Markets Sydney /

Shoes: Kmart Australia / Belt: Dotti Australia

♠  Josie from Jo Jo Phine (see Josie rock her look here):

Dress and Shoes: Macy's / Top: Urban Outfitters / Jewlery: gifts

♠  Cee from to brighten my day (see Cee rock her look here):

Plastic Island dress / American Eagle shirt / J.Crew necklace / Mossimo flats

♠  Peggy from She Hath Done What She Could (see Peggy rock her look here):

Shirt: Old Navy $5 / Cardi: NY&Co. $9 / Skirt: Ross $10 / Shoes: Target Dolce Vita $7

♠  Jenn from Complex Cardigans (see Jenn rock her look here):

Target Cardigan / Old Navy Dress / Urban Outfitters Belt / Forever21 Necklace / Target Boots

♠  Danielle from mrschong (see Danielle rock her look here):

Jacket - Old Navy / Dress - Dynamite / Shoes - A&N / Purse - Vintage

♠  Thirteen Pounds (see Thirteen rock her look here):

jacket- Gap / blouse- Banana Republic / herringbone pants- Gap / necklace- Forever21

♠   ♠   ♠   ♠

And here's my Anthro-inspired attire - I know I've worn this skirt with something navy to death already (here, here, here) and this cardi just a few days ago (here), but can I help it if an outfit puts itself together?

 

Skirt: Zara elastic-waist (similar here or here or not, but I wants! here)
Top: Loft beaded blouse (worn here before - similar-ish here or in white here)
Sweater: J. Crew cotton (similar jacket here or oversized here)
Bracelet: Forever 21 faceted cube spiral (worn here before)
Shoes: Nine West temani wedges (worn here before - similar here or peep-toe here)

Respect the Outfits (your faves)

There's nothing better than putting on an outfit that just makes you feel fantastic, regardless of whether or not it is for a special event or just because it's Tuesday. Here are the lovely ladies who are sharing their recent favorites with you for this Respect the Outfits: your faves reader post.

Thanks again to all your beautiful gals who participated this week:

★  Thirteen Pounds: I have also attached my FAVORITE DRESS EVER...worn literally 20 times this summer, at least.  This was my attempt to winterize it so that I could wear it even more.  The tights and boots are also huge loves.  I feel so "me" in this outfit!

Details: dress, bodysuit- Anthro / chevron tights- Target / Gray scrunch boots-Frye

★  Lisa from Confessions of a Call Center Gal: This sweater is from Roxy, and anything from Roxy makes me feel like I'm this young surfer chick with a HAWT bod. And this is my fav. go-to outfit as I'm not a fan of ironing. So jeans ~ no ironing, sweater ~ no ironing. The Snowscape tank requires ironing, but since it's layered under my sweater, you can't see the wrinkled mess.

See Lisa rock her look HERE.

Outfit: Sweater ~ Roxy / Tank~ Anthro Snowscape / Jeans ~ AE / Shoes ~ Canda

★  Chantilly from Chantilly Songs: i knew off the bat that i wanted to wear this bright orange scarf with the purple skirt. but when i opened my drawer, this yellow shirt just seemed to fly out at me! as soon as i put it on, i knew i had a winner.

something about these colors together made me SO HAPPY. i can't explain it! t's like i was going back to being a little kid again, putting together cri-zayzie color combos, and not giving a f*ck. it just goes to show how an outfit really can make a difference in confidence! this particular ensemble made me feel like a ray of sunshine.

See Chantilly rock her look HERE.

scarf- anthropologie / shirt- ebay / belt- thrifted / skirt- uniqlo / leggings- f21 / boots- frye via ebay

★  overcaffeinated: This is one of my favorite outfits and it came together quite serendipitously.  I started off with the cardigan, and just started building from there.  I think it is a good representation of my personal style with it's overall simplicity, and little extras like the ruffles and colour to make it special.  The boots are quite possibly the most versatile piece in my wardrobe.  I've worn them everywhere this winter.

See overcaffeinated rock her look HERE.

dress - Target / cardigan - Winners / necklace - Anthropologie / tights - Old Navy / belt - H&M / boots - Frye

★  Steph from Minnesota Maven: I love this dress, probably because I always feel so good in it! This time I paired it with red, one of my favorite accent colors, and a favorite (and well worn) pair of shoes. This outfit makes me feel so confident and polished. I wear this dress as often as I can!

★  Kristin from Lovely Apidae: This recent outfit made me feel beautiful! I knew that I wanted to wear this skirt and I tried on numerous tops/cardigans/shoes with it. Finally, this combination came together and just worked. I didn't go anywhere or do anything special that day, but the outfit made me feel like a million bucks.

See Kristin rock her look HERE.

Top: Anthropologie Precious Particulars blouse / Skirt: Urban Outfitters Pins and Needles pleated skirt /

Tights: J. Crew / Shoes: Anthropologie Flaxen Wedges

★  Liz from lizzypunch: I loved this look because the top was a gift from my mom and the accessories just pulled everything together into such a comfortable yet stylish boho ensemble! I love the print on the top and the neutral accessories help ground it. I also love wearing a loose top with skinny jeans tucked into boots so wearing this was awesome!

See Liz rock her look HERE.

gifted tunic from Sweet Jayne, Portland OR / vintage belt / pashimina stolen from sister / old jeans / gifted boots / 

earrings from One Sydney Road via Maddy Chronicles giveaway

★  Inkmark from Objects of Desire: My recent favorite outfit has to be this one with the  J CREW Floral tulle mini. I am just a total sucker for things that has texture to it. It is an unexpected find at store (at sales price too!).  Geroge, the SA who helped me took it down from the manikin,  actually remembered me even though I haven't shop at JCREW local store since Christmas.  He is the kind of SA that makes you feel good about shopping at a store.  Nice, warm, not pushy at all,  and not afraid of giving you some fashion advice. I remember last time when I check out the plaid skirt from him, he was telling me how it would look cute on me with the boots I was wearing and it would work great with a pair of legging and ballet flat too.  I still have to try his advice now the weather is a bit warmer.  

See Inkmark rock her look HERE.

Top: JCREW cowl neck  / Skirt: Floral tulle mini / Cardigan: JCREW cashmere / Boots: Hush Puppies

★  Lisa from Sweet Laundry Loves: This H&M bird dress is my favourite to wear because it's comfortable, cute, and very versatile. I feel great in any dress, but I like this one in particular because of the print, the neckline, and puffy sleeves. I can wear this dress in the winter with tights and a sweater, or in the spring/summer with a cute pair of flats and a belt. I also think you could easily style this dress for a night on the town too!
 
See Lisa rock her look HERE.
 

Dress: H&M / Tights: Hue / Boots: Aldo

★  Danielle from mrschong: This is my casual go-to outfit whenever I don't feel like doing up buttons, zipping up zippers, or playing with accessories. Simply throw on the stripey top, put on some skinnies/jeggings and you're set. The overall fit of this top is loose so even after having a fuller meal, there's no need to worry about the bulge. Best part? This brand new looking top was thrifted for only $3!

See Danielle rock her look HERE.

Shirt: VV looks new - $3 / Jeans: Bluenotes / Boots: A&N

★  Marie from Lemondrop Vintage: This is one of my fave outfits because individually I love each part! The shift dress is vintage and great by itself in warm weather. The flannel is one of the best plaid combos ever, and I wear my Fryes all of the time! I just feel comfortable in each piece, so they make me feel pulled together even when I am not.

See Marie rock her look HERE.

Vintage: Dress, cuff and purse / Shirt: Harold's Old School Clothing Co. / Belt: Obi from AudraJean on etsy / Fryes clogs

★  Hanna from banhannas: Every time I wear it, my boyfriend always goes, "remember when we first met ..." It isn't something that I would wear at work but something that I won't get tired of wearing. The shirt dress is a little outdated and that is what I love about it since I don't want to wear something just for the sake of being "in".

See Hanna rock her look HERE.

Shirt dress from Urban Outfitters / Lace tee from a blogsale / Necklace from Macys / shoes from Piperlime

★  Anne from My Own Little Spot: "Welcome Aboard the Motor Vessel Viking!  We are required by the US Coast Guard to familiarize you with the location of our life saving equipment aboard the vessel."  Ha ha!!  This was my uniform shirt from way back in the day when I was a deckhand on a Cape Cod Canal Cruise boat.  It's the shirt I wore when I met my the handsome Harbor Patrol Boy who is now my husband of 9 years.  I wear this silly shirt every St. Patrick's Day, and it never fails to make me feel comfortable, nostalgic, pretty, and if I have some Irish beverages, I may even feel like rambling off the commentary!  So please sit back, relax, and let the beautiful waters of Cape Cod Bay wash away your stress!

See Anne rock her look HERE.

Old Hy-line Cruise polo shirt / citizens jeans / forever 21 belt / anthropologie spectator shoes

★   ★   ★  ★
 
 Last and least is little ole me - here's two of my fave recent outfits:
 

What does J. Crew like to say - borrowing from the boys? Well I guess they've got it right because two of my fave recent looks had me in some menswear-inspired pieces - from the tailored blazer and white spectactors that had me feeling vaguely dandy-ish, to the crispness of a clean white cotton shirt that is so simple yet polished to me. I would love to look casual yet polished everyday - and though I don't accomplish it all the time, I think I did myself a bit proud here.

You can see the original posts HERE and HERE.