Monday, February 25, 2013

Something Different

As you know, I recently bought a cute pair of Mary Jane pumps in a nice shade of purple.  They're a different style for me so, when I thought about building an outfit around them, I thought I'd continue in that direction. 

This is a new area I've never explored before -- more conservative and traditional than usual, albeit with my favorite color scheme.  I kinda like it, even though I don't normally lean this direction.

You're the experts -- what do you think?


 
 

 
 

 
 

30 comments:

  1. Oh, I love this more conservative look. I think you look lovely. But, it doesn't quite feel like you to me. I think I prefer your bolder looks. But, you know I love you either way!

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  2. This is very conservative, but professional. I agree with Gracey, you are more bold with your choices. I do like the outfit and those awesome pumps. I wanna see you wear these with a full skirt or dress!

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  3. This outfit has me thinking: you do a great job of event specific outfits (ranging from prom to Halloween, to girls night out...). As you said, this outfit is more traditional. I'd love to see a comparison between what you wear presenting male, and what you would wear in the same situation, presenting female. What would you wear to work? What would you wear to a blogger meet up? For a motorcycle trip?

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  4. Oh I love Cara's suggestion to what you would wear to a blogger meet up! I really like the stripes in this outfit. Stripes are HUGE for this season. Also, your Mary Jane's look lovely as well.

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  5. I like this a lot. The top half is conservative but the above the knee skirt gives it a sexy secretary vibe.
    Bonnie

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  6. Cute look, but I think it's missing a bit of the Ally shazaam! The above-knee length skirt with the gorgeous mary janes keeps it in the sexy-secretary vibe, wondering how a printed or colorful tight might change things. Maybe a cobalt blue? or brown print?

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    1. You're right. Usually I create my own outfits from scratch, using different pieces. This dress seems to BE the entire outfit, without any input from me. And its theme is a conservative one, reflecting society's choice, not mine.

      Thus, I agree this outfit doesn't look like something I'd create because I didn't create it; instead, I'm adopting a socially-determined look for a woman. I wanted to explore how it felt to do that. I'm processing the experience now, with the help of the feedback in the comments.

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  7. It's a pretty outfit, and you look a little prim in it. I think it needs a big colorful brooch on the jacket, maybe a flower shape - and you could give it some pop by having a contrasting color.

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  8. I think you look nice, very proper. The cut is good on you - the jacket hits higher than a natural waist and since you're not hourglass-shaped, the colour hitting the pattern gives you a waistline. So the shape and cut are an A+!

    I'd agree that this isn't your usual style, but it's good to experiment and see what YOU like on yourself. It's boring to always have to bring out the "shazam" because that's what people like, so don't be afraid to try something new! You never know! :)

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    1. Thank you, Sheila. You get what I'm trying to do here. Like I just said to Megan, this is an experiment to see how it feels to adopt a conventionally-accepted appearance for women.

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  9. I think you look really pretty. It may be different than your usual style, but I think it's a keeper.

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  10. That's the great thing about women: we're so multifaceted. Some days I want to dress girlie, others edgy. And some days I like to dress traditional and all buttoned up. I think you look lovely.

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  11. I LOVE this on you, I think you look great. See, you can still show off your fabulous legs even in conservative looks; trust me I have been doing the same for years in dresses and skirts for work.

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    1. I know you have and that attractive look appeals to me. I've always wondered what women feel like when they dress this way.

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  12. Looks like you're headed in the "sexy corporate" direction. Can you get a hair piece so it looks like you've got your hair up in a bun?...add some glasses. Now you're the sexy secretary nobody can take their eyes off of!

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  13. Gorgeous!! Those shoes are stunning!

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  14. You're right -- it does have a vintage feel to it and that appeals to me.

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  15. You look nice :)
    I can actually picture you working in an office and giving that big "Good morning" smile when greeting co workers.

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  16. It is definitely more subdued, but you pull it off well! I call this "Secretary Ally" kind of like when you play "Teacher Ally". You do look very nice!

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  17. You look very office-ready in this outfit! Professional and demure, but still stylish :)

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  18. Such a classic, sophisticated look. This dress channels a certain 1960s First Lady vibe to me, and looks really becoming on you (the fit in the shoulders really looks good on your frame). Perfect shoe choices, they compliment your elegant frock perfectly.

    Thank you very much for your immensely nice comment on my vintage outfit post this morning, dear Ally. You're always sweeter-than-sugar with your touching, lovely compliments.

    ♥ Jessica

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  19. Your dress is gorgeous as as Style Agent 909 suggested, an updo or bun and some cat eyed glasses would just sass it up completely.

    You look divine.

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  20. I really like this dress on you. I think the cut of the short jacket, and the nice swing of the skirt, combined with the lovely Mary Janes, make you look like a stylish and successful working gal. I'd add some earrings and a cuff bracelet and a ring to give it that bounce of bling that always entertains me during long days at a computer :)

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  21. I think it's very flattering. Definitely a dress that doesn't require a ton of embellishment.

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  22. Coming a little late (have been away and read today's post before this one) to say I really like this look on you. I am with Lynne, it needs some jewellery but otherwise I like how we can still see your fabulous legs, but the overall look is more conservative and vintage. Maybe that is just my taste...

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  23. I think the fun of dressing is to try different looks. While this may not be the usual outfit for you it looks like a great background piece to dress up in different ways. Like wearing a big glitzy statement necklace or a really vibrant scarf or belt. I like classic with edgy accessories. I like Megan Mae's tights suggestion too.

    I do like the outfit on you.

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