Navy Wrap Dress

Navy and white wrap dress, Merona. Dark gray, long-sleeved tee, Bitten. Light gray scarf, gift from my MIL. Gray slouchy boots, White Mountain. Dark gray tights, Merona. Silver hoop earrings, Nine West.

Ah, yes. This is THE wrap dress that started it all and that I’ve remixed in so, so many ways. I’ve accented it with
red
red
red
lime
pink
yellow
orange and brown
coral and brown
silver
and gray.

Yes, I intend to wear this scarf indoors, all day. I’ve found that a bare breastbone chills me faster than any other exposed body part. I don’t know how women could stand it when décolleté was standard. In case I do decide to remove the scarf, though, I’ve done some pretty layering at the neckline.


The weather is still unusually warm for January, so I’m able to wear my favorite coat ever. (Red coat, Bebe)

Late Navy

Navy swing cardigan, Mossimo or Merona or something with an “M” from Target. Orange sweater vest, Cherokee. Lace blouse, H&M (via swap). Red and orange tweed pants, Moda International. Orange brooch, thrifted. Brown booties, Style & Co. Gold watch, Raymond Weil.

I woke up two hours late this morning. I guess I haven’t really figured out how my new alarm works. Thank goodness my outfit was preselected. I’ve got greasy hair and minimal make-up, though, so be kind in the comments. By skipping a shower and my usual, lengthy make-up routine, I made up enough time to only be one hour late to work.

It’s nearly impossible to get a flattering photograph of myself in these pants. No matter my weight or the pose, they put my lower half in the spotlight. Honestly, the trousers don’t seem quite so attention-grabbing in person.

Interview Navy

Black shrug, INC. Black lace blouse, Newport News. Navy skirt with black pinstripes and black lace trim, Moda International. Orange slip and gold-tone earrings, thrifted. Black pumps, Bandolino.



I maybe lied a little yesterday. My navy and white wrap dress wasn’t actually my first item of navy clothing. Way back in 2003, I bought a navy suit to prepare for upcoming interviews as I transitioned back to civilian life. It wasn’t difficult to incorporate into my wardrobe, though, because it has black pinstripes and is trimmed in black lace. For interviews, I paired it with a black tank and black pumps without a second thought.

I rarely wear the jacket, though. It seems too big or too formal or both for everyday work. I only whip it out for interviews.

Schoolgirl Navy

Gray sweater, NY & Co. White lace blouse, Newport News. Tartan skirt with tulle detail hem, Tulle. Gray fishnets, Merona. Gray slouchy boots, White Mountain. Brooch, thrifted.

Every once in a while I do something really dorky with my daily wardrobe, like a theme week. I’ve done a green week and one inspired by an In Style layout. This week, it’s all about navy.











I used to be terrified of navy. To my way of thinking, if I committed to one navy item, I’d have to buy navy shoes, a navy bag, and navy jewelry, at the very least, in order to incorporate the color into my wardrobe. I bravely bought my navy and white Merona wrap dress last spring and found that I didn’t need another single navy item to wear with it. I gradually became braver, buying more navy items, including my favorite: a navy swing cardigan (again, from Merona!) I’ve mixed navy with every color but purple. Even navy and black is nothing to shy away from. Finally, just a few weeks ago, I bought my first pair of navy shoes. They’re sandals, though, so you won’t get to see them until spring.