What We Wore: Aubergine Explosion

Outfit-planning for today began with our favorite poufy silk taffeta skirt with flouncy gusseting; taffeta isn't exactly a summer fabric, so it's been hanging up, awaiting a day when it could be released to rustle like the leaves as we walk. A delightful TJ Maxx score, under $30.

Then came the tights. Which tights?! We quickly decided on the aubergine/burgundy Givenchy patterned silky sweater tights (from Marshalls, $5 on clearance, down from jaw-dropping). They're so divinely cozy and soft... We bought three pairs even though they were only available in the one color!

We could have color-mixed, it's true, but we went totally matchy-matchy. We do love purple more than anything, after all. Top: sequined aubergine mesh, $14.99, Filene's Basement (~5 years ago?); eggplant sequined mohair-blend sweater, no clue (?) but probably Marshall's~ under $15. We like how this makes a twinset-- a flashy one, which keeps it out of the preppy-soccer-mom arena-- even though the pieces were purchased totaly separately.



We made a couple of changes to the outfit, both as pictured and as originally envisioned... we had planned to wear the new teal trench coat, but discovered upon donning it that with the poufy skirt we just looked... um... big. Ack. Observe:



Wethinks (teehee) the trench will work better over trouser jeans or a slimmer skirt-- there is just too much volume going on!

Much improved, with shorter leather jacket (if you missed its story, read this!) instead:


These faux-patent buckle boots (Famous Footwear, Etienne Angier, ended up being $8 with BOGO half off plus $10 customer rewards!) thoroughly cut us off in the leg, making us look stumpy and linebacker-calved, so as soon as we got to work we switched them out for our Hot Kiss peeptoe slingbacks (thoughts on tights showing through peeptoes or even *gasp* sandals? It's all over the magazines. We remain somewhat skeptical). Doesn't this work much better?



Jewelry: All gifts (and therefore free); Amethyst handmade beaded necklace from mom; the ubiquitous David Anderson leaf bracelet, and moonstone/amethyst earrings from the bro (traded for at barter fair at the Oregon Country Fair).

Handbag: FREE faux leather plain black tote from Lucky magazine for subscribing :D
We love free. This isn't the best bag-- nary a pocket-- but its lovely streamlined shape and plain color are perfect for toning down an outfit with a lot of elements already!

Hope you like it... let us know what you'd do differently!

Happy tweaking-until-it's-perfect!

Aubergine Edition (with more black skirts)

Otherwise known as eggplant, aubergine is one of our absolute favorite shades of purple (which is, incidentally, our rather singular obsession). On Thursday we wore a little cap sleeve tee, which we think was a gift from a friend (because we know we wouldn't have bought something with contrast stitching in white, but it's still cute!) with this lovely a-line black skirt ($15) and tights ($3) from Marshalls. We also found these cute little Hot Kiss stacked-heel slingback peeptoes at Famous Footwear last weekend for $15! Oooh la la.
Pardon crappy cell phone pic. Cost of entire outfit (minus undergarments): $33

What you can't see here is that the skirt has tonally-embroidered large polka dots. We're not usually into prints, but when it's more texture than actually a pattern, oh my, we like. We saw the skirt again at Marshall's in Stoneham last weekend so if you look you may be able to pick it up for a jig and a snail shell.

We don't think you can ever own too many black skirts with fabulous individual detailing. Especially if they're thrifty.

For only $15, this one at left from ChateauDeHope looks like it has a crepe over-layer which creates a nice embellishment at the hem.

This little collage is of our Etsy finds, both vintage and handmade... we searched through over 2,500 skirts to find these picks, all under $30:

Left to right, top to bottom:

Handmade floral circle wrap skirt by Vidals, $29
Vintage velvet gypsy skirt w/ tiers & ribbons from Selenesian, $25
Handmade A-line with rickrack trim by CourtsCloth, $20
Vintage rockabilly swing skirt with tulle petticoat from RockZombieOldies, $28
Embroidered corduroy skirt from Meroww, $22
Vintage Ann Taylor cross stitch skirt from FridasChoice, $21

Tops in eggplant don't seem to be readily available online right now, so scour your local thrift or bargain stores, or check out these cool screenprinted versions (also from Etsy):

Left to right:
Star moss tee by Xenotees, $20
Peacock feather tee by Gypsies, $32
Ghandi "Be the change you want to see in the world" butterfly tee by InnerPeaceDesigns, $24.45

Happy Shopping!