Thursday, September 2, 2010

Daily MelWear: Cardigans are Perfection

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: practically ANYTHING can be made to look professional and/or office appropriate simply with the addition of a cardigan or blazer.



Take this top, for example. It’s a halter. I’ve only ever worn it on nights out with friends or my husband. I love it! But it didn’t get much wear because it seemed too “party time”.

Fast forward to present day and I feel much more confident in my ability to take a piece and make it work for different occasions and situations.

I’m excited to get more use out of this halter top now! I love the brown/pink/yellow colors in it and the bow on the side of the neck.


Add a belt on top of the cardigan and I’m ready to go. As long as there’s coffee.

Hope you’re all having a great day so far!


Today’s outfit:


Brown Halter: Forever 21


White Lace-Back Cardigan: Ross

Brown Pants: Charlotte Russe

Brown Belt: Salvation Army

Brown Studded Heels: Wal-Mart

Pink Earrings: Beya

41 comments:

  1. I love that halter top! That bow is so cute! I'm a sucker for bows like that though. The rest of the outfit is super cute too. I think you're doing great with your challenge.

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  2. I agree with you, cardigans are the perfect piece to have in your wardrobe! I really love that top too.

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  3. It is hard to believe that about 4 years ago I hardly had any cardigans. I don't know what I would do without my collection of 40+ cardis now. They are great things to have for work outfits.

    Love this top - glad to see you are getting more use out of it!

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  4. OK....you rocked this outfit hunnie!!!

    Cardigans are a staple for me too..very versatile....they can change the total look of an outfit!!
    That top is gorgeous....I really love the tie..how cool , sexy and business like:)

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  5. I love this outfit! Your blog is so nice! I follow you, I hope you wanna follow me too;)

    Kisses

    http://chiara-fashioncorner.blogspot.com/

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  6. I love post like this as it conveys styling tips to others that are very useful.

    Thanks for checkin' on me Mel, sending you an e-mail shortly. I just want to say, you look great and I think I'm copying the look with my halter top, yes?

    xoxo,

    ML

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  7. You nailed this one! Cute and professional. Well done!

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  8. Well now I want to wear a halter to work! This looks great on you!

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  9. Wonderful top! I agree - almost anything can be office appropriate with the correct styling. You look great!

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  10. I love that top the bow is the perfect accent!

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  11. I have a similar style halter and I LOVE it. I've started wearing it to work under a black blazer and it makes for the perfect outfit, especially if I have dinner plans after work.

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  12. I love finding ways to work "special occasion" items into daily wear! You look great today!

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  13. Okay, this is my favorite look of the week. The halter is such a beautiful color and fabric! And even the cardi is really unique with the swing shape. :) Your earrings are really cute, too!

    You're doing awesome! Missya!

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  14. the cardigan looks nice on you. you have a great smile too

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  15. You look SOOOOO sophisticated, I love this outfit (my favorite so far this week). I can't believe that's halter top/going out clothes. It looks perfect with the rest of the outfit.

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  16. I totally agree. Add a cardigan and go straight to work that's my motto!

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  17. This is definitely a favorite! I looove that top and then the belted cardigan over it, just perfection! The belt almost creates a peplum hem with the cardigan which I adore! Very flattering and so chic :)

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  18. Ohmygoodness! Yes, that halter is freaking adorable. No way to reserve it for nights out only.

    Besides adding the cardigan makes it look like a normal highnecked blouse.

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  19. ooh la la... me likey this combination. The cardigan is the perfect edgy touch on an otherwise very professional and classic ensemble... bravo!

    xoxo,
    Eboni Ife'
    The Fashionista Next Door

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  20. what a great blouse! so perfect.

    http://www.diyainherstilettos.com/

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  21. I couldn't agree with you more! It's amazing what a cardigan can do for a top! Cardigans, belts, shoes.. can't ever have enough of the!

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  22. Your pants challenge is going so well. Every single look has looked great on you so far! Way to step out of your comfort zone, but do it with some pizazz. And I love the cardigan look, but I can just never get the belt to stay put.

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  23. You're absolutely right, you look totally classy and work appropriate. That would be a good work to date/night out wear.

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  24. love cardigans!! :)



    love,
    Jennifer & Sherry

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  25. You did a great job taking a night top to the office. I would never have known it wasn't professional without the cardigan. I love your grown up trendy style!

    Ramblings of a Small Town Girl

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  26. Melissa: I LOVE this out fit very much. The halter top is so adorable when paring with cardigan!

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  27. SO pretty! Love the cardigan. Looks great. :-)

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  28. You look so chic and sophisticated in this outfit Melissa. I absoutely love the high collar on this blouse. What a way to adhere to the dress code while still looking amazing -- you're probably showing about 8% of your skin, and you look HOT!

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  29. Ooh, I like your belted cardigan too!

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  30. Wow. I am MAD for this outfit! Great job making it work-appropriate. I would so love an office job, but that's okay. I can pretend at home. ;-)

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  31. You look great. Man. I wish I could pull off a belted cardigan. I'm a BIG fan of the cardi. Now I need one in a light colour!

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  32. Wow, thanks everyone! I think this might be one of my favorite outfits too. Can't decide between this one or the one with the red/leopard print from Tuesday. But both made me feel great despite wearing pants! :)

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  33. Is your cardigan fully long-sleeved? I'm pretty sure I just saw the same one at Ross. It's gorgeous but I'm not sure if it's for me with long sleeves but wicked airy back. I wouldn't have to be so picky if I had more money. ;-)

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  34. My other comment didn't show up. :-(

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  35. Yes it did. It's short and it disappeared among all the blogger avatars. :-D

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  36. So true--a nice cardi or blazer can really take an outfit to the office. I love the print and bow of the top!

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  37. Congrats on finding more ways to wear the top - its way too fabulous to keep it hidden away. Great outfit!

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  38. Thanks ladies! Ella M_de, the cardigan is 3/4 length and super, super lightweight. I love it! I bought a similar one in black too but it doesn't have the lace back, which makes me sad. Oh well!

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  39. That blouse is absolutely amazing. I love the polka dots and the bow, and the belted cardigan pulls it together so wonderfully. This is one of my favorite looks of yours!

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  40. This ensemble is FANTASTIC on you. I'm such a huge fan of silky blouses with big ties at the neck. The belted cardi pulls it all together perfectly.

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  41. Sarah, thanks! The polka dots make me happy, they make it look less serious in my opinion and more fun.

    Terra, I'm really loving this too, to the point where I want to find more tops that tie at the neck the same way.

    Thanks ladies!

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