Casually formal: the art of juxtaposition

 I'm so glad I don't work in an environment where I have to adhere to a dress code. I just don't know what I'd do. For me getting dressed is such an expression of who I am, how I feel, and what I love.

I know if I had ever thought about a different career path for myself, it would have to be artsy and creative.  Something where I didn't need to wear a power suit, or wear conventional clothing (whatever that is). Maybe I'd write for a magazine, or work with a designer or try my hand at professional styling, etc. Who knows?!? No stuffy office job for me. 

There is so much to love about artistic expression with personal style.  I'm often described as having an eclectic style, which I take as a huge compliment.  I like to think I'm unique and unpredictable.  Take this outfit for example, when I acquired this new-to-me Monki jacket (still with tags on!) I loved it for it's elegance and sophistication. 

 But, I knew that I would style it with something totally unexpected. The first time I styled it by wearing my DIY vintage Guess distressed jeans,  a cropped T and booties. In the afternoon, I threw on my Baendit Eyewear for a totally casual look. I figured the ripped jeans worked nicely to offset the elegance and formality of the jacket.

Since wearing it this first time, I've styled it up a few different ways (with a dress, with slacks) always thinking of juxtaposition. I'm so glad that cooler Fall weather has arrived because I will have this jacket in regular rotation (check my Instagram to see).

While I'm on the topic of this Monki jacket, let me take a moment to share where I got it.  This year, I have the pleasure of mentoring a student, Tora, with her senior project on sustainable fashion. She created an Instagram account @shop.north to sell off some of her clothes and she will upcycle clothes that don't sell into new clothes.  We've been going to events together (the Eco Chic Design Award Alumni Network Launch and Wednesday's HK Green Drinks talk with Christina Dean, Founder of Redress NGO) and I'm super excited about what she has planned and inspired by her enthusiasm for the topic (we're kindred spirits in this regard).  Stay tuned, I intend on sharing her progress here. 

Thanks Kremb de la Kremb for the pics.