Blogger Collaboration.
Wearing 4 colours (or more) together.Firstly, I have a confession to make...
If I am honest, Blogger challenges and collaborations sounded (to me) like something bloggers do when they have ran out of ideas.
Something that I thought would be overly staged, quite false and not really for me.
However, after receiving an email from my bogging friend, Ann (or KrembedelaKrembe) I realised that these so-called challenges were just a way of showing how different bloggers interpret a certain look and could even inspire other women to experiment with their wardrobes.
I am all for that!
So, I was delighted to be asked to join some fellow bloggers in a "Wearing 4 or more Colours" challenge.
Although, I now have to make my second confession....
I do feel like a bit of a fraud!
4 colours is not so much of a challenge for me, more of a daily occurrence in my wardrobe.
This does not seem like a challenge at all!
So in order to make this more of a genuine challenge for myself, I decided to tone things down and make an outfit that was work appropriate.
Not something you might associate with a colourful outfit.
I can't even begin to tell you how cold I was standing here.
The wind was coming in icy blasts and my hands were blue!
Who needs volumising spray or an intense blow-dry when you have a gust of wind to do the job for you!
This look is great for a non-formal work environment.
Comfortable and just smart enough.
You could easily replace the loafers for a heeled pump or booties, if these are more appropriate for your work place.
This pencil skirt is a comfortable stretch jersey and was "cheap as chips" from Forever21.
The fabric is not too shabby either.
I was really surprised.
A nice thick jersey with a cheeky split.
I chose to wear it with a pair of marled grey tights, which I picked up in Lidl while buying bananas and bread.
I bought them to wear under my jeans (for warmth) BUT they are surprisingly good quality.
Grey tights usually remind me of school, but these are such a fine weave that they get away with it.
My silver loafers seemed the perfect choice to go with the grey, and add interest to a potentially dull lower half.
They are very comfortable and just fun enough without being OTT.
I decided to go for a simple jumper and polo neck combination.
Polo necks are still HUGE and you can't go wrong with a crew-neck jumper....especially in a cheerful hue like this neon coral.
A mustard polo neck seemed the perfect choice to wear underneath.
Pink and orange are a great combination.
My Moth necklace picked out the mustard and grey, tying the whole look together.
See it here, with shorts and here, with a party dress...during the day!
Adding a super-cosy and fluffy scarf added warmth and made the colours blend together.
See this scarf with a vintage knit, here.
A cute silver bag and my (now obligatory) pompoms finished things off perfectly.
Simple ways to add more colour to any outfit:
- Jewellery. A large and colourful necklace (or earnings) can lift a look from "Meh" to "Wow".
- Bag. Carry a pop of colour in the form of a classic bag in an unexpected shade.
- Shoes. Colourful shoes or boots can transform a mediocre outfit.
- Nails. A trendy and bright nail colour is so chic, and unexpected...people do notice!
- Lips. A colourful Pop can bring your face (and your outfit) to life.
- Scarf. Wearing a colourful scarf in an unusual texture (bright pink faux fur?) can add interest.
- Hat &/or gloves. Colourful leather gloves are a beautiful addition to any winter wardrobe... I am looking for a yellow pair.
- Coat. If you are feeling brave, a bright coat can brighten not just your day, but everyone that meets you too!
Skirt: Forever21 (similar)
Jumper: Boden
Polo neck: La Redoute..this one is nice, and on sale!
Necklace: Ebay (here is an easy shop selling similar designs)
Scarf: Newlook (This one is nice)
Bag: Topshop (This one is VERY cool)
Shoes: JohnnieB (similar)
I am joined today by five incredibly inspiring women...
Firstly, here is Ann from krembedelakrembe.com
Who looks like she is in a Winter Wonderland, obviously not in Hong Kong at the moment!
I wondered where all of the snow had gone...
She is head to to in prints, colours and textures, a riot of detail.
And, of course, her signature red lip.
She is one bold lady.
Coat: ASOS
Earrings: Macy's
Lipstick: Maybelline Lip Studio Color Blur
Jumper: Zara
Trousers: Forever 21
Gloves: Market in China
Shirt: Tailored from China
Bag: Louis Vuitton Speedy 35
I am a little (read: pea green) envious of her cute bag and cool gutties....sigh.
Look how casual and effortless, yet stylish this look is.
What a fresh combination of colours.
Jacket: Adidas
Dress: Ciaopanic
Shoes: Adidas Stan Smith
Bag: Mousse
Her quirky hosiery and shoe combination is a joy to behold!
I love an unexpected twist to an outfit....especially when the top half seems quite conservative.
I must get some Tartan tights, there is an opening in my collection for a pair like these.
Jacket: Tabitha
Shoes: BCBGeneration
Dress: St Michael
Belt: Zara
Tights: old
Necklace: Magpie Vintage
Check out those pom pom shoes, gorgeous cape and those tassel earnings....a girl after my own heart!
Her outfit is a riot of delicious tones then her hair adds another colourful punch.
Fabulous!
Dress: CeCe
Cape Coat: ASOS
Clutch: The Cottage Shop in Houston
Earrings: Burdlife
Shoes: Custom Made by Coronation Vintage local stylist Dawn Bell
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
Last, but by no means least, Sheela from sheelagoh.com.
I think this colourful look was more of a challenge for her than anyone of the others!
She is more about unexpected shapes and fierce shoes than a riot of colour.
I love the yellow (one of my favourite colours) with the black and white...and who doesn't love a tartan wrap?
A great way to inject colour into any outfit.
Notice how her boots, lipstick and hair pull the rest of the colours together?
Makeup and hair can be great accessories too.
Jumper: B&W - Thrifted
Top: Poshmark
Scarf: Zara
Trousers: Herban Devi on Etsy
Boots: Shoedazzle
Lipstick: Veronica from Anastasia Beverly Hills
Thank you for joining me on my first challenge.
I hope you enjoyed seeing what other bloggers make of a '4 colours (or more)' outfit.
Do you have a favourite?
Which outfit is closest to your personal style?
Please let me know in the comments...or tweet me @samantha4blair
I love your work-appropriate colorful look! I would wear it exactly as is! I also loved seeing the other bloggers' takes on color!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a happy & healthy 2016!
Thank you Andrea, me too! It is really interesting to see what other people think of when they reach for colour. And what colours work together. XXX
DeleteHappy New Year! XXX
DeleteYes, it was SUCH a challenge for me, Samantha but I knew this would be a walk in the park for you LOL Ann and I were talking about it and we both said in unison, it's a Samantha thing!! LOL
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for being a part of this, Samantha. I didn't even realise we were spread all across the world until I saw Nikki and Liyana use the word global in their post titles. And that makes this collaboration even more special, even more spectacular xoxo
Global....I love that! I am so impressed with your colour choices, mustard and burgundy are lovely together, so rich and delicious. Thank you for inviting me to join in the fun. XXX
DeleteFab use of colours as usual Samantha. Considering that we're both big on colours it's interesting how we each decided not to play it to the max. Love your casual take on your workwear, especially these metallic loafers (yes you can hear a little bit of covet in my voice). Happy New Year x
ReplyDeleteAnna
Anna's Island Style
It was really interesting, wasn't it? I had a feeling you would be doing something unexpected....:oD
DeleteI loved that demure cream and chocolate combination...then the pop and zing of cheeky tights and shoes. XXX
So many gagagageous women here!
ReplyDeleteThe best advice though? Ditch the volumizing spray and let the wind take care of it. Hahahaha!!
Happy New Year to you all!
Of course Melanie....it's much more fun!
DeleteHappy new year to you. XXX
Love this...and don't you think that color makes you so much happier than the boring neutrals? You look truly wonderful!! jodie
ReplyDeletewww.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you Jodie. I am a firm believer in colour as a mood lifter and a day brightener. XXX
DeleteHi Samantha! So I guess this "challenge" was a complete breeze for you, then? I'm so glad I took the opportunity to join in this particular style challenge as I wasn't aware of how so many stylish, fearless women like you and the rest are actually out there! I can imagine you being an inspiration for so many people, including me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting me occupy a little bit of your space here too, by the way xo
Thank you Liyana...I loved this, so much fun! XXX
DeleteI knew four would be no prob for you! That's your daily dose--sometimes more. As per usual your post is so helpful. You always offer a guide book to dressing cool. I'm so happy we were all able to do this, and I do love how global our group is. Super cool! Fast friends across the seas.
ReplyDelete(Using all the colorful heart emojis!) Ann
www.krembdelakremb.com
It WAS very cool to 'meet' these other bloggers...thank you for including me and introducing me to some more "real" women having fun with style. You are right about the colour though! Hahaha...I deliberately toned things down and tried to make a more sombre outfit. I love the different interpretations and reading about what other women find easy and challenging. Thank you Ann!! XXX
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