It started with a pair of shoes… A pair of high-heeled caged shoes in a blush color to be exact. I spotted these high heels by INC International Concepts at Macy’s last week and was overcome with that special tingly shoe feeling — you know, the one where you know you have to get a particular pair of shoes in your life.
But I’m getting a little ahead of myself… This story actually starts a month ago.
I woke up one morning, opened my closet doors to pick out my clothes for the day, and realized that everything I own is gray or black.
Not that there’s anything wrong with those colors. Black is always chic, and gray effectively hides the tabby cat fur. But I came to the realization that I just don’t want to be clad in black and gray from head to toe right now.
Spring is coming, and I feel like bright colors! — like a blooming garden with flowers all over the place and rainbows and a teal pegasus soaring across the sky. 🙂 It’s time to update my clothing garden/game, and I’ve been looking for floral pieces that both match these shoes and also work with things I already have in my closet.
What do you think of this floral peplum jacket?
I love the different shades of pink and how they vary from soft blush to intense hot pink. I think the peplum also gives it a very ladylike sweetness, while the zipper gives it a bit of an edge.
It’s also pretty versatile. I dressed it down here with a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans and a white tee, but I think it would also look super cute with a gray pencil skirt, or perhaps on top of a white flowing dress… Or maybe with a pair of mint green skinnies, because there is a little mint green in the pattern.
I’m affectionately referring to these tapered printed soft pants as my Blanche Devereaux pants because, hello! — Blanche would have totally rocked these in the Golden Girls era, and they still look good. They’re like an updated version. They’ve got that draping, hugs-your-curves-in-all-the-right-ways vibe to ‘em.
I really like this print because it goes with most of the black pieces in my closet. It’s maybe not quite as sweet as the peplum jacket is, but I can play off the black in the print and pair it with a black top and/or my black leather jacket.
Here I’m wearing the shoes again, but I think it would also look cute with a pair of black high heels.
Pink and gray — my two favorite colors when I was in fourth grade, and they’re still one of my favorite color combos now, which is why I was drawn to this floral-print pencil skirt. I kept it casual, pairing it with a hot pink tee and a slouchy gray cardigan.
One of the great things about florals is that they’re easy to dress up or down, and even if you feel like they might be too loud for you, you can always ground them with a darker top or bottom. Most importantly, start with a floral print moves you in some way, like, when you see it, you think, “Oh! I like that combo,” or, “I like that pattern.” You just have to find something that speaks to you (or whispers), and then just think about how it would work with some of the pieces in your closet. Do you have a black t-shirt that would go with it? Or a white one?
Florals might seem limiting sometimes, but they’re not. The possibilities are endlessly blooming.
The floral pieces I’m wearing here are available now from Macy’s INC International Concepts.
This was originally posted on theFashionSpot.com.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S.
those shoes!!!!<3<3<3
Hi Allison,
Right!? I love them. <3 <3
Happy Friday!
Ahh those sandals! If I could walk in heels with ease, I’d so totally get them!
I like black, but I’m also big on prints. I definitely think there is more than one way to make floral prints work, and there is no need to feel intimidated!
Hi Sunny,
I think heels are like any skill — practice enough and you’ll get a handle on it. 🙂
Karen, I loved these shoes the first time you presented them. Now I love them even more with these pretty floral pieces! I am “rocking” a back brace as I had a lower back fusion and in two months it can go and I can shop >> florals!
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
I hope that your body is healing nicely and that you’ll be able to rock your beautiful florals soon!
Happy Friday to you. 🙂 What are ya doing this weekend?
I love the skirt and the peplum jacket. I don’t normally go for florals but they are both nice, especially when styled with solids like you have. I think you might be able to get away with polka dots with the jacket though for a super girly look. Maybe some stripes with the skirt too!
I’d also be tempted to throw on a low cut blouse in white, your leather jacket, and the skirt for a date night!
Hi Erin,
I love the idea of the last outfit! I have a slouchy white tee that I think I’ll use… Thanks for the inspiration!
No problem! Make sure to post pics!
Those shoes!! They’re sort of moving from the “oh pretty” category to the “I want them” category to the “I need them” category. I love the gray and pink skirt, too! Enjoy your lovely spring wardrobe, you selected beautiful pieces.
Hi Tatiana,
Thank you! I hope you get to see the shoes in person (and perhaps try them on). For a high heel they’re relatively comfortable and stable. I don’t feel like I’m going to topple over them.
Now I think I need the nude pair in my life, le sigh!
I hope you’re having a lovely Friday so far. What’s going on for the weekend?
You little fashion doll, you! You look incredible, I love it. Very spring-appropriate indeed. And those shoes, oh gosh… <3
It’s the first day of spring and it’s overcast and chilly here in Northern California, would you believe it?!
Happy Friday, by the way. What’s the plan for the weekend?
The shoes and the pants are my favorite Karen..but all of them look incredible on you!!!
Thanks, Varsha!
I hope that you’re well. How have things been?
Hi Karen..I love the whole look!! Its very light and springy..the shoes are so cool!
Where did the jeans come from? I love those too and now have to have a pair!!
Please let me know..
Hi Doreen,
They’re the Torn to Shreds jeans by Blank NYC. 🙂
Love those shoes! They are so cool!
Thanks, Gio! They are surprisingly comfortable too, believe it or not. 🙂
Happy Friday!
I love all 3 outfits. The peplum jacket is totally my style and I love floral patterns. You should do more fashion posts, Karen!
Hi Agata,
Aw thanks, girly! I just might… They’d give me an excuse to buy more shoes, lol!
Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
I love those looks you put together!
Hi Kirsten,
Thank you! I hope you had a wonderful Friday. 🙂
OMG love all the looks! (I wish I had as much fashion sense as you Karen!). I really love the soft pants with the moto-jacket. I love the cut of the moto jacket too. I have been on the hunt for a nice one. Super awesome! That outfit is right up my alley!
I also totally ordered the TF Book of Bronzers thanks to you! Can’t wait to get it!
Karen those legs though!
I love those pants!
I saved those sandals to my Macy’s wish list the first time you posted them on your blog.I hope I can buy them soon
You look like you stepped out of a fashion magazine, love it!
My first floral piece was bought last spring, and I wore it again in NZ, so I guess it is safe to say it will still go strong this year.
Those shoes!! I need them in my life right along with that jacket. Both are so perfect for spring!
Loft has some super cute floral prints right now. You’ve inspired me to grab a few florals from them. I feel like my wardrobe lacks patterns, it’s very monotone. This will wake things up!
So pretty ! I’m a neutral kinda gal .. so it’s great to see these fun flirty florals.
Monica
Very cute!! I specially like the high heels!!! Is it comfortable? I have very fat/thick feet so am always hesitate to buy heels too high, but this one is just adorable!
Hmm, actually I’m here to give you some feedback.. maybe the timing is bad (with the gift card lottery), so you might not see this comment. Anyway…
Remember I asked you if the Tom Ford Sable Smoke would look good on me (NC25), and I finally went to the counter and tried it out… I was very upset cuz the formula was so nice but the color washed me off… It was like (exact) my skin color… :(( I love the formula so much that I spend more than 30min to try other colors. However, the only ones I like was indian rose, but it is kinda similar to the collin in lips and boys… I didn’t buy anything at the end of the day.
To make myself feel better, I went to get a lipstick from cpb, hahahaha.
So if you have other color suggestions, please please let me know!! I’ll definitely go and try it!!
Thanks!
Omg Karen! You look gorgeous. I love the shoes, and the floral prints are beautiful. Spring has sprung!!!
You are so gorgeous, Karen! Your first look is so sweet and flirty. The second look is super sexy and sultry! The third one is pretty/put together/casual. I love the second one best! Everything just looks so great- the hair, the pants, the shoes. You nailed it.
You look so prettyy karen.. i really liked the pairing of pink and greay..and those soft printed pants looks so comfy for summers.. 😉
In love with your shoes though!! <3
Love love love those shoes girl! Oh my goodness!!