It may get a bit boring. See…. I ran out of photos…. you therefore will have to do with these. This is pencil skirt styling part 2 (here is a link for those who missed my first attempt). Of course after the initial styling the rest is easy. Once you have the basics, in this case boots and skirt, the tops are easy.
What is different to my normal approach, is the fact that I dived into my own wardrobe and got all these oldies out. Sometimes, new outfits don’t cost any money. Now for the 20 million dollar question…. are these looks still current? Or classic as in “any time”? Or really dated? You tell me. Or does it not matter as long as you look good?
Here we go.
The photo above is my favourite from this bunch. It is simple and I like the tension between a pencil skirt and the tough belt. It also shows off my curves (never knew I had any) in a good way, so I am rather pleased with it. Do you notice the big difference from my normal appearance? I am not wearing my red lipstick! I should never be without.
Below: from the back. Big dangerous split and hair in a mess. Below: from the side. (You can tell I haven’t got many photos, can’t you LOL?) But I mean, honestly… hardly any stomach showing, reasonable butt area and for once my bosom looks good in this brown top. Not too bad a score.Below: to get some colour near my face I put my blue with purple earrings in. A necklace didn’t work with this belt.Below: close-up earrings Below: without the belt and with a statement necklace. The pendant had come loose so I had to hold it. I think this top with the necklace looks better on my brown sheer skirt. In that old post you can see the necklace better and also the brown belt I decided to add when I actually wore this outfit to work. Below: the second top, a leopard print as shown with trousers here. It is much better with a white top underneath it and a small necklace, as you can see here.Below: hmmm a little dangeous, this skirt with this top. With the brown sheer skirt my stomach is showing a lot less.Which proves that a piece of clothing can be wrong in combination with one thing and perfect with another. And it also proves that your figure can look good and bad (or less good whichever positive way you want to look at it), depending on the clothes you wear.
Lots of exploring still to do….
Oh, I almost forgot to make you smile. Very necessary with such a boring post.
Me at the office, taken November 11, 2008, which makes me 54 years old here. I look 40 in this picture.
Greetje
PS linking up to Shoe and Tell, to show you some fabulous shoes.
WOW! love the first outfit Gretje! I think it’s so actual and so elegant also. sometimes is a great idea go to the wardrobe to find old clothes without doubt!
My Fashion Blog
It is also very budget friendly. I should do it more often.
Love love the 1st look with that wide studded belt – so boho yet so polished enough for work. Also love your sassy 54-yr old self in that picture!
Best!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
I love that word sassy. Don’t mind being called that! Thanks Rebecca.
Tremendous success. All your stylings look great, Greetje, but I think my fave is the first one with the pop of colour in the blue earrings. I like the boots with the pencil skirt – the tough touch with the pro touch, as you said.
No hips?! It’s a dream come true!
As for lipstick, you look good with and without. Personally, I feel pale without it and the brighter the better. I think you think the same.
I like your photo from the past too. You look like you’re having fun, which is a good thing in the workplace. I’m in love with the tights.
Yes, we think the same about lipstick. Nice and bright please.
I have to be careful how to dress without hips or bum (and with tummy and stomach) but I will admit, that it is a lot easier than trying to do the same with the opposite. Adding is usually easier than “taking off”.
Laughing at work is something I do a lot. I am even quite known for it. My laugh is very loud. Of course there are always people who take offence. I always think “why don’t you join in?”
(Flipside is…. I can also have quite a temper… I am definitely not a saint.)
I hear ya, girl, I have the same body-characteristics as you do, minus the b**bs, hahaha.
LOL
You are so adorable, and I’m so glad I met you! Charming, and yes you do have a perfectly glamorous figure. Love the skirt … the back slit is saucy without being slutty, so that’s fine. Grand styling. Charming pic of you in the not-so-long-ago! You look delightful at any age.
Does me good just to see your face!
Shall I send you 365 photos of me? One for every day of the year whahahaha. No just kidding. I am very pleased with your comment. It is nice to know that somebody you like, likes you too.
You are born for pencil skirts, Greetje! I always love them on you, and the boots are fantastic! The dark top suits you : it’s my favourite…
Your look is fantastic, with tan and no lipstick! And what to say about those turquoise earrings? They are the perfect accessory!
Everything is very more than still current…
Oh good! I am finding my way back to skirts and dresses then. I still have a preference for skinnies but I am trying harder to balance things.
Nice outfit but I’m sorry I can’t say I like this with boots. To me it’s a sexy office look and boots really spoil the polished look. If you threw on a loose casual jumper the boots would then work . I love the boots but they look really out of place here.
And I love somebody who speaks her mind. Thank you for being honest.
Anja and I chose the boots to make the look less old fashioned. The sexy office look with pumps is in my eyes a bit “done too many times”. But perhaps it is completely back haha.
I do wear this outfit with pumps as well, but I am having problems with wearing it with short booties. Wearing these boots and pencil skirt with a jumper would, of course, work. Alas my bodyshape has problems with that look. Makes me look like a stick.
Can I just say that the tights in the last photo are extraordinary. A beautiful style statement! I also love the first photo of the pencil skirt outfit. While the version with the great necklace is a nice look, the edgy belt in the first look is unexpected and makes a much bigger statement like “don’t mess with me today!” I love classic clothing combined with leather. I have a problem with thin pale lips. Considering your neutral palette I would try a darker neutral shade with a brown undertone to accent your lips and liven the face but not distract with a specific warm or cool color. Bobby Brown makes wonderful neutral lip colors.
I am so used to red lipstick (or fuchsia) that I would really have to try hard to like another colour. But it is always good to try something different from time to time, so I will.
I think the one you use (bright red) is best for you.
I like fuchsia lipstick too but haven’t found a good one yet. Always too greasy.
Beautiful then and now Greetje! I like really like this outfit with the brown belt and the blue earrings. Lately, larger belts is not working for me because there’s too much mid section going on. I need to get back into eating clean again. So proud of you for shopping your closet!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
I gave up eating clean this weekend as I could not get rid of two extra kilos. No matter what I did or did not eat. But after binging for two days I decided that is not what I want either. Back on track today.
Love the blue earrings with the brown shirt. And I recognize the handwriting on the sheets on the wall in the last picture, my very own:) You can see why you were our fashion guru back then, looking funky and good!
Oh how funny.. You are right .. It is your handwriting. I thought it looked familiar. I thought it was taken in the room of the Local Marketing boys and girls. Fashion guru… LOL
What a great look Greetje! I appreciate seeing how you tried different things to get to a look you liked.
That is not so easy and all fun Lisa. Poor Anja has to endure quite a few tantrums from me. I have no patience for it and usually react negative on any out-of-the-box suggestions from her. Only to admit when I do try it that she is right most of the times. Trying sessions for her.
But also a great girlfriend-activity for me;-).
You are so sweet and patience. And you would have every right to say: “listen, I am doing this for you, so treat me nice or I’ll stop.”
My favourite is the second clean look with just the necklace!
It is definitely a great timeless look.
Annette | Lady of Style
My preference is the one with the tough belt and the colourful earrings.
Mine too, Greetje. It enhances your figure and is classic but not outdated.
Hi Greetje, you look great in all these photos. I prefer you with a medium intensity colour on your lips …this one is too soft…do you like berry shades?
Your new blog design looks terrific and fresh!
Thank you Evaline. glad you like the new design. I had to change my photo anyway (much older and blond now), so why not change the design too?
As for lipstick… I am all for bright red. Berry shades I have never tried. I will try that, next time I am in such a store. Who knows.
Yay to the second look! And a yay with firework to the first! I love the clean line and mix of brown and white.. very sophisticated and expensive (kaching!)
And not really expensive at all. Oh oops, the boots were. (Had to look up ka ching haha, but I get it now.)
LOVE the tartan tights! You wild woman you! : )
I think I notice your tan and blond hair more than your lipstick honestly. You look like you might have just gotten in from catching a few rad waves.
I also like the first outfit best.
I like that your door handle pull matches your earrings. LOL
bisous
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
The door handle tassles are presents from Anja. I hardly ever wear and wore printed tights. This was the exception to the rule. If you do it, go overboard…LOL
Love the outfit at the top Greetje. It’s just perfect.
The picture of you in your tartan pants is so great. Great hairstyle too and those tights are the best!
Some photos from the past make me grin. So why not make you grin too?
On my shopping list for spring is a white pencil skirt…I can only hope I look close to how good you look in this one!! Wow…very flattering fit!
I usually have my pencil skirts altered. I have no hips so they are taken in at the sides. I also make sure they are tapered towards the knees. That is more flattering.
I have overdone this a couple of times. Then they were so tight I had to take them off like trousers to go to the toilet haha.
LOVE that first outfit on you – you look really terrific! Kind of like a cool California surfer gal heading to work ;O
Hahaha… Love this description. Must remember that. Thank you.
OMG! The tights! I’m 54 now, same age as you were in that photo! You got some Sassy going on…very, very cute!
I noticed immediately something different about your photos…I thought it was the tan! I quite like a more neutral lip…have you considered trying different shades of lipstick?
And turquoise and brown is a beautiful combination! I love the earrings with your outfit!
I have hardly any colour in my lips so I tend to go for a colourful (read bright) lipstick like fuchsia or red. Otherwise it hardl makes any difference. I take it you’d prefer a softer shade?
And those tights were a hit. I might still have them but I don’t wear them anymore.
hmmmm….I think you look more youthful in these photos, but, is it the lip colour or the tan? In these photos you are tanned and softer shades and sun-kissed skin just seem to go together…kind of like that beachy no make-up look.
It is the bad photographs… they smooth out all the wrinkles haha.
If it looks good on you and you feel good wearing it, then its always in style. That being said, the first look is super stylish, I love how you updated the look by adding the leather belt. And, the pop of turquoise was a perfect choice for accessory.
As for you older photo, I want those tights!
I don’t think those tights are still available. You know when something is not in fashion, you cannot get it it. Like I am looking for a red fitted jacket… nowhere to be found.
Yes, they are. Dunno where, but they will always stay available. I know. (about the tights).
Hi Greetje! Your look is a touch of classic and bohemian. Not many are able to pull those two polar opposite of styles together. You managed to do so successfully.
Oh I hit that quite accidentally haha. But if you say it is good I believe you immediately.
Great post!! Wouldn’t have even recognized you in the last picture, but the tights are so fab! Really, I think you look great in all the pictures. Sometimes I think we get too picky on the details when looking at our own pictures…as I don’t think “normal” (not fashion bloggers) people pick the outfits apart like we do! I think as long as items “fit” and we look “nice” it’s a great day! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
ps…i do like the colorful earrings next to your face!
I think you are absolutely right Jodie. I was giving my thoughts on trying to create the best possible outfit with these items for inspiration. Sort of “how did I get there?” But nobody would look at me with such examining eyes.
Love love the 1st look with that wide studded belt – so boho yet so polished enough for work. Also love your sassy 54-yr old self in that picture!
Best!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
I love that word sassy. Don’t mind being called that! Thanks Rebecca.
Tremendous success. All your stylings look great, Greetje, but I think my fave is the first one with the pop of colour in the blue earrings. I like the boots with the pencil skirt – the tough touch with the pro touch, as you said.
No hips?! It’s a dream come true!
As for lipstick, you look good with and without. Personally, I feel pale without it and the brighter the better. I think you think the same.
I like your photo from the past too. You look like you’re having fun, which is a good thing in the workplace. I’m in love with the tights.
Yes, we think the same about lipstick. Nice and bright please.
I have to be careful how to dress without hips or bum (and with tummy and stomach) but I will admit, that it is a lot easier than trying to do the same with the opposite. Adding is usually easier than “taking off”.
Laughing at work is something I do a lot. I am even quite known for it. My laugh is very loud. Of course there are always people who take offence. I always think “why don’t you join in?”
(Flipside is…. I can also have quite a temper… I am definitely not a saint.)
I hear ya, girl, I have the same body-characteristics as you do, minus the b**bs, hahaha.
LOL
You are so adorable, and I’m so glad I met you! Charming, and yes you do have a perfectly glamorous figure. Love the skirt … the back slit is saucy without being slutty, so that’s fine. Grand styling. Charming pic of you in the not-so-long-ago! You look delightful at any age.
Does me good just to see your face!
Shall I send you 365 photos of me? One for every day of the year whahahaha. No just kidding. I am very pleased with your comment. It is nice to know that somebody you like, likes you too.
WOW! love the first outfit Gretje! I think it’s so actual and so elegant also. sometimes is a great idea go to the wardrobe to find old clothes without doubt!
My Fashion Blog
It is also very budget friendly. I should do it more often.
What a great look Greetje! I appreciate seeing how you tried different things to get to a look you liked.
That is not so easy and all fun Lisa. Poor Anja has to endure quite a few tantrums from me. I have no patience for it and usually react negative on any out-of-the-box suggestions from her. Only to admit when I do try it that she is right most of the times. Trying sessions for her.
But also a great girlfriend-activity for me;-).
You are so sweet and patience. And you would have every right to say: “listen, I am doing this for you, so treat me nice or I’ll stop.”
Nice outfit but I’m sorry I can’t say I like this with boots. To me it’s a sexy office look and boots really spoil the polished look. If you threw on a loose casual jumper the boots would then work . I love the boots but they look really out of place here.
And I love somebody who speaks her mind. Thank you for being honest.
Anja and I chose the boots to make the look less old fashioned. The sexy office look with pumps is in my eyes a bit “done too many times”. But perhaps it is completely back haha.
I do wear this outfit with pumps as well, but I am having problems with wearing it with short booties. Wearing these boots and pencil skirt with a jumper would, of course, work. Alas my bodyshape has problems with that look. Makes me look like a stick.
Love the blue earrings with the brown shirt. And I recognize the handwriting on the sheets on the wall in the last picture, my very own:) You can see why you were our fashion guru back then, looking funky and good!
Oh how funny.. You are right .. It is your handwriting. I thought it looked familiar. I thought it was taken in the room of the Local Marketing boys and girls. Fashion guru… LOL
Beautiful then and now Greetje! I like really like this outfit with the brown belt and the blue earrings. Lately, larger belts is not working for me because there’s too much mid section going on. I need to get back into eating clean again. So proud of you for shopping your closet!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
I gave up eating clean this weekend as I could not get rid of two extra kilos. No matter what I did or did not eat. But after binging for two days I decided that is not what I want either. Back on track today.
Can I just say that the tights in the last photo are extraordinary. A beautiful style statement! I also love the first photo of the pencil skirt outfit. While the version with the great necklace is a nice look, the edgy belt in the first look is unexpected and makes a much bigger statement like “don’t mess with me today!” I love classic clothing combined with leather. I have a problem with thin pale lips. Considering your neutral palette I would try a darker neutral shade with a brown undertone to accent your lips and liven the face but not distract with a specific warm or cool color. Bobby Brown makes wonderful neutral lip colors.
I am so used to red lipstick (or fuchsia) that I would really have to try hard to like another colour. But it is always good to try something different from time to time, so I will.
I think the one you use (bright red) is best for you.
I like fuchsia lipstick too but haven’t found a good one yet. Always too greasy.
You are born for pencil skirts, Greetje! I always love them on you, and the boots are fantastic! The dark top suits you : it’s my favourite…
Your look is fantastic, with tan and no lipstick! And what to say about those turquoise earrings? They are the perfect accessory!
Everything is very more than still current…
Oh good! I am finding my way back to skirts and dresses then. I still have a preference for skinnies but I am trying harder to balance things.
Hi Greetje, you look great in all these photos. I prefer you with a medium intensity colour on your lips …this one is too soft…do you like berry shades?
Your new blog design looks terrific and fresh!
Thank you Evaline. glad you like the new design. I had to change my photo anyway (much older and blond now), so why not change the design too?
As for lipstick… I am all for bright red. Berry shades I have never tried. I will try that, next time I am in such a store. Who knows.
Yay to the second look! And a yay with firework to the first! I love the clean line and mix of brown and white.. very sophisticated and expensive (kaching!)
And not really expensive at all. Oh oops, the boots were. (Had to look up ka ching haha, but I get it now.)
Love the outfit at the top Greetje. It’s just perfect.
The picture of you in your tartan pants is so great. Great hairstyle too and those tights are the best!
Some photos from the past make me grin. So why not make you grin too?
If it looks good on you and you feel good wearing it, then its always in style. That being said, the first look is super stylish, I love how you updated the look by adding the leather belt. And, the pop of turquoise was a perfect choice for accessory.
As for you older photo, I want those tights!
I don’t think those tights are still available. You know when something is not in fashion, you cannot get it it. Like I am looking for a red fitted jacket… nowhere to be found.
Yes, they are. Dunno where, but they will always stay available. I know. (about the tights).
Hi Greetje! Your look is a touch of classic and bohemian. Not many are able to pull those two polar opposite of styles together. You managed to do so successfully.
Oh I hit that quite accidentally haha. But if you say it is good I believe you immediately.
LOVE that first outfit on you – you look really terrific! Kind of like a cool California surfer gal heading to work ;O
Hahaha… Love this description. Must remember that. Thank you.
LOVE the tartan tights! You wild woman you! : )
I think I notice your tan and blond hair more than your lipstick honestly. You look like you might have just gotten in from catching a few rad waves.
I also like the first outfit best.
I like that your door handle pull matches your earrings. LOL
bisous
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
The door handle tassles are presents from Anja. I hardly ever wear and wore printed tights. This was the exception to the rule. If you do it, go overboard…LOL
Great post!! Wouldn’t have even recognized you in the last picture, but the tights are so fab! Really, I think you look great in all the pictures. Sometimes I think we get too picky on the details when looking at our own pictures…as I don’t think “normal” (not fashion bloggers) people pick the outfits apart like we do! I think as long as items “fit” and we look “nice” it’s a great day! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
ps…i do like the colorful earrings next to your face!
I think you are absolutely right Jodie. I was giving my thoughts on trying to create the best possible outfit with these items for inspiration. Sort of “how did I get there?” But nobody would look at me with such examining eyes.
My favourite is the second clean look with just the necklace!
It is definitely a great timeless look.
Annette | Lady of Style
My preference is the one with the tough belt and the colourful earrings.
Mine too, Greetje. It enhances your figure and is classic but not outdated.
On my shopping list for spring is a white pencil skirt…I can only hope I look close to how good you look in this one!! Wow…very flattering fit!
I usually have my pencil skirts altered. I have no hips so they are taken in at the sides. I also make sure they are tapered towards the knees. That is more flattering.
I have overdone this a couple of times. Then they were so tight I had to take them off like trousers to go to the toilet haha.
OMG! The tights! I’m 54 now, same age as you were in that photo! You got some Sassy going on…very, very cute!
I noticed immediately something different about your photos…I thought it was the tan! I quite like a more neutral lip…have you considered trying different shades of lipstick?
And turquoise and brown is a beautiful combination! I love the earrings with your outfit!
I have hardly any colour in my lips so I tend to go for a colourful (read bright) lipstick like fuchsia or red. Otherwise it hardl makes any difference. I take it you’d prefer a softer shade?
And those tights were a hit. I might still have them but I don’t wear them anymore.
hmmmm….I think you look more youthful in these photos, but, is it the lip colour or the tan? In these photos you are tanned and softer shades and sun-kissed skin just seem to go together…kind of like that beachy no make-up look.
It is the bad photographs… they smooth out all the wrinkles haha.