Last fall, I showed you — in all seriousness — how to wear a bustier to work as part of a Business Casual outfit. I also promised to show you how I have worn it on Casual Friday and on the weekends. Let it never be said that The Directrice doesn’t honor her promises, even if it takes her a long time to do so.
For those who’ve forgotten, a navy blue suit . . . of sorts.
Here is the same bustier, suited for Casual Friday: a long-sleeved jersey underneath, jeans, and an interesting necklace for fun.
This bustier has a great shape; all of the pleats at the waist create a beautifully defined bell over the hips. So feminine.
Am just realizing that when I actually wore this outfit to work, I wore it with leopard print flats. So . . . take a few seconds to imagine that because I’m not re-taking these pictures.
This multi-strand necklace combines a mix of chains with sparkle and roly-poly trade beads, which I think are the best part.
Hold on! We’re not done. Here’s how I’ve worn this bustier on the weekend, to a party.
With a striped jersey!
But it looks a little bare. It needs a little something.
Let me think . . . think . . .
Exactly!
The stripes are busy and require something bold to stand out against them. This necklace qualifies.
A floral bag rounds things out — and it’s just big enough for reading glasses (I like to party), tissues (party like a rockstar), money (tips, bribes, bail), and my driver’s license (organ donor).
The details will now be shown in detail.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Bustier: Rebecca Taylor; Tee shirts: JCrew; Jeans: JCrew; Mixed-chain necklace: Lulu Frost; Enormous necklace: Marni; Bag: Tory Burch; Shoes: French Sole New York
I just wanted to comment on how much I am enjoying your blog. I have found it maybe 2 months ago, but it is quickly advancing to becoming one of my favorite reads (even though our professional environments are very different, as I am in Academia and thus free to be as fancy, classic, elegant or casual I want for my lectures). I love the tone (you always tell a story), the humor and self-deprecation, the photography, the boldness of your outfits. Your blog really stands out and I appreciate the work you must be putting into curating it so well.
On a side-note, the “singular, arresting blouse” has arrived, but I will need to return it, alas. I am two inches shorter than you and it swallows me a bit. For the price it needed to be a 10. I love the singularity of it and it definitely looks great on you.
Side-note 2: Il y a de temps en temps une petite phrase en français sur votre blog – vous le parlez donc bien?
Thank you, Couchette22! A comment like this makes my day. So sorry that the blouse did not work (tant pis), but you are absolutely right that it needs to be a 10. I had 2 inches taken off the back of mine and I think it is now perfect, but as readers pointed out, shortening it any further would destroy the look. You may want to look at this blouse (different features, but still a statement). Addressing your question: No, I do not speak French. Only a few phrases. I studied Spanish for years and can read it (sort of) and comprehend when listening (to someone who speaks slowly).
I love all the incarnations, but the final one is my favourite. Quirky and charming.
Your description of your handbag contents caused me to audibly laugh. I needed that!
And now I must purchase a bustier.
I have never thought of a bustier as a versatile clothing item. You have shown it to be and charmingly so. Happy Valentines Day to you and the photographer!