OOTD: Monochromatic, not quite at its finest

This week is Spirit Week at my school, culminating with the homecoming football game and dance this weekend.  Each day during spirit week is themed; students (and some spirited teachers) dress to fit the theme.  Monday was Color Day, so I took the opportunity to wear my J.Crew Liquid Silk Skirt.

Sweater:  J.Crew Tippi in bright dahlia, size small

Skirt: J.Crew Liquid Silk Skirt in bright dahlia, size 2 (reviewed here)

Shoes:  Cole Haan Nike Air Peep Toe Pumps, size 7.5

-I'm going to try to be better about posting sizes when I post OOTDs.-

This is not one of my prouder outfit moments; I felt very sloppy.  I kept accessories to a minimum, because I didn't want to clutter up the simplicity of the look, but I still felt unkempt.  I tried tucking in the sweater, and that just looked lumpy, so I scratched that idea. 

Finally, after homeroom, I had had it with the shapeless grape of an outfit, and I added a black belt around my waist.  That made me feel a bit better, but I still don't know that I'd ever wear these pieces together again for anything other than "Color Day."  However, if the colors weren't so bright (One of my girls told me she got a headache looking at me.  Thanks, child.), this outfit might just work.  I think the navy liquid silk skirt would look great with a navy or camel tippi.  It would probably even look great with the bold peri or bright dahlia colors.

I will say that the skirt felt amazing all day.  The fabric is so luxurious, flowy, and feminine.  I can't wait to wear it again with a normal outfit!

Anyone else give the monochromatic look a try lately?  How'd it work out for you?  If not, would you ever try it?  I'm not sure I'd be brave enough if it weren't for Color Day!

OOTD 9/9/11: Simplicity

Blouse:  NY & Company

Jeans: Joe's Jeans, Anthropologie

Shoes: Cole Haan Nike Air Peeptoe Pumps

Belt: Loft

Necklace: Target

A closeup of the belt:

A better shot of the necklace:

I love how this necklace sits with this blouse.  I wore the two together in an August OOTD with shorts.  Sometimes, when I find a pairing that I like, I wear it over and over again.  Do any of you guys do that, too?

I wore this outfit for our first jeans day at school.  Most Fridays, we can pay $5 for a specified charity, and we get to wear jeans.  The jeans were a welcomed break, as I'm just getting used to dressing up every day again. 

I got so many compliments on this outfit, and I'm pretty surprised, because it's relatively simple.  At the end of the day, the French teacher, Valerie, came up to me in the hallway.  (Side note: I absolutely love this woman; she's a complete sweetheart.  She was born and raised in France, and her style reflects it.  Her outfits are always well put-together, but she keeps them simple.)  When she approached me, Valerie said, "I just love zees outfeet.  Zees eez a very Valerie outfeet!"  Let me tell you, I could not have been happier!  There is such a je ne sais quoi about the way French women style themselves.  There have been countless books on the subject, but none of them seem to exactly pinpoint what it is that French women do that we American women can't quite grasp.  The fact that I achieved it, even if it was for only one day and one outfit, made me feel awesome!  Just thought I'd share my little style victory with you all!  :)

What do you think it is about French women that keep them looking so fabulous?