Saturday, August 3, 2013

My Own Challenge

I've learned in life that I do best when facing a challenge.  Something innate gets triggered -- my attention focuses, my energies unleash and I do my best work.  I have no idea why, but it's true.

Those of you who've been here for a while know that I own a red bra thingie.  (That's the technical term I gave it.)  Sequined and sparkly, it's one of my favorite pieces.  It is, however, a bear to wear.  The bra should be displayed but, by itself, it's awfully gaudy.  It needs to be toned down but not hidden.

I made a few stabs at incorporating the bra thingie into outfits but none really pleased me.  So I figured I'd keep trying as long as you'll indulge me.  I just came up with a new attempt which is radically different from my prior efforts.

There's a wonderful boutique for tweens that I visit every weekend on my neighborhood walk (Max and Gino's).  Despite their clothes not being designed for old farts like me, I've been picking up items every time I visit.  Part of that is because their clothes are a challenge -- how can I wear something too small and designed for girls?  The other part is because the saleswomen are so sweet.

In the following outfit, I join the red bra thingie with a sparkly skirt ($10) and a cute top ($10), both bought at the boutique.  I think these items work together, at least for fun.  This is something I'd wear to a party.  What do you think?


 
 
 

 
 
 


38 comments:

  1. It does work and really well! I like that yellow drapey thingy, which is a perfect way to show of the red bra thingy underneath. The skirt and tights are so cute. I hope you really do have a party to go to because this would be a perfect outfit!

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  2. Ooh, the drapey blouse is the perfect layer over your red bra thingie. I love how you can see a peek of the sequins while being covered. It's sexy and tasteful! I also like the continuation thing you did with red tights under your skirt. :D

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    1. I cannot recall- have you tried a tailored button-up shirt/blouse unbuttoned to show the sequins?

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    2. No, but I should. It's a good idea.

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  3. I think this is my favorite bra thingie outfit yet!! You look fabulous and the colors all look so awesome together!

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  4. This is an awesome way to wear that bralette!! Very cute. I like the red/yellow combo together.

    I like to wear my lace bras under tanks that are too big and let the lace peek out.

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  5. I love the red bra thingy! Awesome outfit. I really love the skirt! :)

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  6. I love your colours here. Awesome bra thing. Sometimes I'll wear such a piece, although lesser in fabulousness compared to yours, on top of a t-shirt or maxi dress, as outer wear... Such a shame to hide it. But then I might throw a floaty robe thing on top. Sparkle away!

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  7. its a fab look, cowl necklines are super versatile, I love the skirt, love love love it all x

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  8. I lol'd at the word "old fart" :D I never think that way about you but in the other hand I feel the same when I shop in young girls store and I'm 34 anyways :)
    The outfit is fun, looks great on you.

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  9. This looks great - it's the 'peeping' sparkliness that works so well. Draped cowl necks are useful for discreet flashing ;-) xx

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  10. Super fun, love the colors! Your Thingie would also look chic under an open white blouse with that skirt

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  11. This is exactly how bralettes should be worn. Not all alone, but with something over it so it can peek out a little and add some mystery. You look lovely! I also don't limit myself to certain stores or age-appropriate items because you'd be surprised how you can make something work if you just think creatively.

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  12. Oh my gosh! I LOVE this for reasons I am failing to be able to express. (Perhaps I'm just attracted to bright and sparkly things...)

    Maybe it's the tights complimenting the bra (honesty coveting those red pepper hosiery)? The shoes matching the skirt? The choice of solid colours rather than prints, letting the sequin-studded and sparkly items do the work? LOVE!

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  13. Spot on. This is one of your best outfits; it's so well coordinated and I love sparkles and bright colours. Very classy and tasteful. Fabulous!

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  14. Oooh spunky!! Perfect for a summery night out with the girls

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  15. how cool! I love red and yallow together (so fun) but with sparkles it's totally different. I believe that's my favourite outfit from you so far.
    I have to say I'd wear to many parties as well.

    xx
    and have a great week!

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  16. I know precisely what you mean, dear Ally. I too have often felt that I thrive and succeed to the best of my abilities under pressure and/or in the face of pressure.

    What a super fun outfit - I totally agree, it has party (perhaps even New Year's Eve party) written all of it. Awesome colour palette! If I had more silver garments, I'd love to try to put together a vintage version of this look. Perhaps I could swap in grey for the silver...the wheel are turning! :)

    ♥ Jessica

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  17. This turned out fabulously!! I love the sparkly skirt! Red and yellow are super fun together too - definitely a party outfit for sure!

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  18. Fun for sure! I would not have thought of this and now my brain is coming up with all kinds of fun "barely showing" outfits to display the red thingie! I think a long draped black dress with a deep vee neck would also be fun.
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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  19. Oh my--that cowl neck blouse is PERFECT with the red brathingy--lets enough peep out to be intriguing!! i love the bright pop of colos-this outfit is a WINNER!!

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  20. That is a very cute look! This would be a great outfit for an end-of-summer party! I love the colors!

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  21. I'm picturing new years eve party ... champagne, balloons and lots of laughter. You know what - to celebrate I'd buy you a wig cut in the sassy style that Halle Berry had going a little while ago ... it would be so fun.

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  22. I love it! Is the word you're looking for "bralet?" I've seen those around, they're these kind of half-shirt-half-bra things. They're really cute under sheer tops :)

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  23. The "old fart" comment made me think of British... don't know why!
    I think that it works under the draped top...

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  24. I like this look, it's so much fun and I like the way you played with colors, yellow is one of my favorite colors ever. I think when we dress as a challenge we have more fun, and that's the best part ! I would love to try a brathingie like that with something denim, cause I love red and denim together. Hugs

    Fashion and Cookies

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  25. It works! I really love your skirt, it's fantastic!
    xo
    styleontheside.com

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  26. I've been loving my new super bold sports bras, wearing them in such a way that they peak out under shirts, etc, and I love that you're doing the classy version of that!

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  27. Bright colours and sequins? Yes please! You look cheeky and sexy and I love the balloon props, such fun!

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  28. You did great with this challenge. The bra peeks out in the most fun and sophisticated way.
    Nice job.
    Daphne.

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  29. That's a sassy looking red bra thingie! I think you wear it well!

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  30. Those are some bright and fun colours firstly, so I love that! Very cool mix of elements here in this outfit. Great work! :) x/Madison

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  31. That's perfect! You get a glimpse of it but not too much. The sequined skirt is so fun too.

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  32. Well done, Ally - great outfit and so much fun! I adore the drapey top over the fitted sparkles, and the mix of bright colours. Hilariously, here are the exact kind of pretty face-framing asymmetrical bangs I meant in my last comment - so great on you!

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