In my attempts to style something other than a sweater this winter, I ordered a few tops from Banana Republic last week. I was immediately drawn to this bright, cheerful bell sleeve top. It made me think right away of Valentine’s Day. They’re calling it orange, but to my eyes it’s a lovely combination of pinks and reds.
We don’t usually have any fabulous plans for Valentine’s Day, but any excuse to buy flowers and go out to dinner is a valid holiday in my book. This is the type of outfit I like to wear when we go out. It’s not super fancy, but it’s a little dressier than what I wear on an everyday basis.
I would probably be more likely to wear this top with dark wash jeans, but I wanted to show a dressier option for this post, so I’m wearing it with black pants.
These pants are fleece lined, so they’re super warm. They read like slim ponte pants or skinny jeans, but they’re so cozy. They’re a few years old, and I haven’t found anything like them to link to, but you could certainly sub your favorite black pants or jeans.
If you’re in the market for a pair of black pants, these seasonless slim pants at White House Black Market look like a nice choice, and I also like the looks of their ponte skimmer pants. It’s hard to find black pants that don’t look like work wear, so I try to go with a super slim fit to avoid that.
Another option is white jeans. I didn’t think of this until I got home from our shoot, and I started wondering if pairing the red with black was too predictable, so I switched to white jeans and nude pumps and snapped a selfie. I like this version too, but I think for February, I’d stick with black. Maybe when it gets more towards spring, I’ll wear it with the white.
I carried a black shoulder bag with gold hardware. This is my go-to “going out” bag because the size is perfect for holding just the essentials, it has a shoulder strap for easy transport, and it looks dressier than an everyday bag. I love a good clutch, but it’s not as practical.
This necklace is new from Stella & Dot this season, and I think it makes a fabulous statement on this blouse. Because of the print, I wanted something bold enough to show up, and this was the perfect piece. It has a link clasp that allows you to make it any length you want. I’m wearing it full-length, but you can make it shorter, which is cool.
This necklace is rather heavy so it has a way of falling in between the cracks, ifyouknowwhatImean… I wore a cami underneath the blouse to avoid that issue, and it worked perfectly. It also provided some extra warmth, which was a plus. It was like 32 degrees the morning we shot this outfit.
To finish the look, I wore my Lucky Brand Tukko Heels. They have that cool stacked heel that lends a slightly more casual vibe, and the ankle straps help keep them on your feet, if you’re one who (like me) struggles with traditional pumps. These shoes are VERY comfortable and on sale for $39.95 at HSN.com. I also like the red ones.
What about you? Got any fun plans for Valentine’s Day?
bell sleeve top // similar black pants (or jeans) // Lucky Brand heels // shoulder bag // gold pendant
And it’s Friday, so that means linkup day! If you have a fashion blog, I’d love for you to join us. If you’re here for your weekly dose of style inspiration, you’ll find plenty of that here. Have a beautiful weekend!
Fashion Friday
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This top is so adorable!!!
Jaymie
What a perfect top for Valentines day! I can’t get enough of bell sleeves lately and the print is so pretty!
Jill
Doused In Pink
perfect look for v-day specially if it’s a little chilly.
xo
Pinksole
It’s always chilly here on Valentine’s Day. One year, it snowed! LOL. I always see such cute, festive sleeveless tops for V-day and I am just cold LOOKING at them. I’d happily take some of your Florida warmth and sunshine right now. 🙂
Soooo pretty! I like it with the white pants too! I love the bell sleeves– I’m going to have to jump on that trend! Thanks for hosting.
This is a gorgeous top! At first glance it kind of looked like a lace type over layer. Beautiful either way!
By the way, not sure if this is on my end, but your homepage is coding (only the paragraphs that show before clicking to read full post). I noticed this yesterday too.
Gorgeous! Such a colorful look. Love both the black and white pants.
That blouse looks fabulous on you. I have yet to get on the bell sleeve trend because they would not be practical for my work, but they are so pretty and this one has me considering one even more.
Yeah, it’s definitely more of a dinner out look. 🙂
Valentine’s Day is our anniversary (isn’t that convenient??), so we’re actually going out to Seattle for the weekend afterwards to celebrate!!
This top of yours, Jo-Lynne is so bright and beautiful.
I love how you showed it with both white & black jeans!! Our theme this week on the blog is winter whites and we’re showcasing white jeans today, so I thought that was perfect!!
Happy Friday!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie, I live on an island north of Seattle. Woke up to snow this morning. I doubt it will last long but I wont be able to get out for my walk this morning. I hope you will enjoy the city when you visit!!! We are heading to dinner in Seattle the weekend before V-day.
How nice to meet you, Kerry!! I didn’t even realize that it snowed up there because you’re so close to the water!!
Thanks for the hello!!
Have so much fun in Seattle!
Jo-Lynne, I love this top! The bell sleeves and the print are just adorable. I love how the look changes from black to white jeans. Two totally different but equally great looks. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks, Shelbee. You too!
Happy Friday !!!! Love the outfit for Valentine’s Day , I really like the black pants but I think the top really pops with the white jeans , I may have missed it while reading but what size did you get in the top , I always use that for reference when I am purchasing anything you style .
Thanks and have a blessed day !!!!!
Diana
It’s a small, and it’s plenty roomy. 🙂 Hope that helps!
Thanks for the camisole fix for necklaces that “fall between the cracks”! I just hate when that happens! 🙂
What a pretty and versatile top Jo-Lynne! I really like the bell sleeves and am happy it’s on trend now. It looks great with the black and white pants.
I’m so glad you’re kids are all well and back at school.
Have a great weekend!
That blouse is so pretty! I am similar in size to you, so please advise what size you are wearing? Not too sure about Banana Republic blouse sizing. Very pretty outfit!!
It’s a small. I’d say it runs a little bit big. Hope that helps!
This top looks great on you! I love the look of it with the white jeans for spring. It will make a good transition piece!
Fleece-lined pants sound like the best! Cool look. ☺
What a beautiful top! It’s festive, and useful beyond Valentine’s Day. I love the way you’ve styled it.
Setting aside the weather or wearing a necklace, does this top require a camisole?
The top is stunning on you….perfect color and cut. What size are you wearing?
It’s a small, and it’s plenty roomy. 🙂 Hope that helps!
Love the color and sleeves! Looks great on you!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thanks, Amy! Hope you are well! xo
So pretty! I was just talking about button up blouses that don’t fit – this is the perfect alternative! Love the color and the sleeves. Have a great weekend!
Yes, I think that’s why I wear so many sweaters. I can’t do button-downs.
So pretty
Love this! So cute and I love the color. And may I say I thought it look so much better on you than on the model in the link. It just drapes on you so much nicer.
Love the top with the black pants. Doing Valentines early because I work the night of the 14th. Actually okay with me because in Dallas most places go to a prix fix menu so you can’t get your favorites not to mention the long wait times……
Yes, we are going out the weekend before. 🙂
Beautiful top! I love the colours and the flared sleeves. It looks great with both the black and white jeans 🙂
EMma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com