Is it a Shirt or is it a Dress? Why, it is Both!

Shirt-dresses are extremely versatile. It is both feminine and masculine. There is structure, but there is also flexibility. They can be flirty while being professional. You can also dress them up or dress them down.

There is something so mystifying about a masculine piece worn on the female form. There is an element of mystery ; it accentuates a woman’s curves while hiding them at the same time, leaving much to the imagination. In fashion this androgyny is very popular and many collections are constructed around this concept. Where do I think that this attraction to blurring gender lines through fashion comes from? The evolution of the woman. Masculinity is synonymous to strength and power, which is often the foundation for success. As women become more multidimensional figures in society, thus giving men more room for exploration themselves, we began to question both the idea of femininity and masculinity.

What I really like about this particular shirt-dress is its wonderful hem, the contrasting material with the mesh and the smooth silkier material, the cape flaps on the back, and the rich color. It is a high-low hem, but it almost looks like a tuxedo tail. The front is quite high and sexy, but the tail tones this down. I can show off my legs, but not appear too racy. I love the solid material that transitions into the sheer black mesh over the shoulder and down the back. It is very feminine and fashionable. This piece is full of surprises, most notably the split cape that flaps in the wind. I love that this piece is very feminine, but certainly has its masculine elements with the shape, collar, and breast-pockets. I actually love love this piece; it has such a classic feel to it.

Accessories: I went with nude heels because they elongate my legs, can go with just about any color, and they lighten the already dark outfit. I also wore a gold-leaf statement necklace and small gold dangling hoops.

What do you think of shirtdresses?

What do you think of the manipulation of classically male pieces for the female form?

Join the conversation!

Floral Prints in the Garden

Duke University boasts a beautiful garden, filled with beautiful flowers and plants, both domestic and foreign. Flowers are certainly wonderful and can do a great deal to brighten up the day with their vibrant colors and aromatic fragrances, but I was certainly on the fence about floral prints. Me and floral prints were not a match made in heaven. That is until I saw this saucy little number. I love wearing black, so if I am going to experiment with a different look, I will more than likely compliment it with black. The flowers are also different shades of red, another color I love. At the time that I bought this jumpsuit I was really into the retro old-school style. This outfit is now one of my favorite pieces.

Accessories: I chose to wear gold dangly earrings because I feel that the outfit gives off an earthy vibe. I also think that gold pairs well with red and black. The pants end at about mid-calf so it looks really cute with flats. I wore flats that are a close match to the darker red color found in the flowers.

What do you think?

How do you feel about floral prints, do you like them? If you do like floral prints, do you like when they are paired with bright colors or dark colors.

Leave a comment and join the conversation.

A New Way to Wear Gold

When I wear colored pants I like that color to be reflected in the rest of my outfit. Colored pants are fun because they go well with prints and uniquely styled items. I chose to wear a black military/ marching band uniform style vest with gold trim and buttons. This vest was a particularly good fit with the pants because the two golds are different hues and textures. Being too "matchy" takes away from the creativity of the outfit. Matching perfectly makes outfits more utilitarian and less expressive.

Accessories: I chose to go with a simple pearl earring set. When your outfit is flashy a minimalistic approach should be taken when it comes to accessories. Contrary to popular belief, you can have too much gold. Over accessorizing leaves your outfit looking clunky and immature.

How do you like to wear gold?