While I do wear all the outfits I feature in outfit posts… sometimes there's a little switcheroo. For this look, I wore it with sneakers and then switched to heels for the photoshoot. The heels are quite comfortable, but a bit too dressy for hitting Whole Foods! I also wore this same exact look with sneakers to a family holiday get together. You've also seen these pants before in this outfit post styled with the matching blazer, and in this post where I shared how I styled them with boots and a black turtleneck. This is a big reason why I love wide-leg pants – they look great with sneakers and flat shoes but can also glam up with a pair of heels or ankle booties. As for these specific pants, they're from Banana Republic, come in a variety of colors, are machine washable, and more comfortable than jeans yet look more polished so they get a LOT of wear for both dressy and casual situations.
Shop Wide Leg Pants:
pants | blouse | purse | earrings | ring | sneakers | heels
The sneakers are from CARIUMA. I was offered a pair of their handmade sneakers in exchange for a share on Instagram Stories. I don't do well with gifted shoes, my feet are difficult to fit. But this sneaker brand sounded so great, I had to try and if great, I wanted to share. These shoes look cool, but also have ethics. Their canvas, rubber, and leather are all ethically sourced (learn more at this link), their minimal packaging is made from recycled materials and is 100% recyclable, and to make up for the carbon emissions from shipping their sneakers, CARIUMA purchases carbon offsets. The sneakers are very similar to trendy brands like Vans, which are shoes I love the look of but don't fit my wide, high-volume feet very well. Even Chucks are uncomfortable. But these leather sneakers from CARIUMA? They fit great. They are comfy all day, they don't make my arches ache like Chucks, and I like how they're very sleek and low-profile. CARIUMA has several styles of low-top and high-top sneakers in leather, canvas, and suede in a variety of colors for men and women, they have free US shipping and easy returns. As for the heels, stay tuned as tomorrow I will share a full detailed review on them!
Pants: Banana Republic (14 and hemmed shorter by a tailor) | Blouse: c/o Chico's (a year old; same blouse in other colors and prints, blouse with similar print) | Sneakers: OCA Low in leather c/o CARIUMA | Heels: Margaux | Earrings: Mignon Gavigan via Rent the Runway Unlimited | Ring: Empress Insignia Luxe Ring c/o REALM | Bag: Cole Haan via Rent the Runway Unlimited
I have two of these blouses from Chico's, this one and a leopard print one. They have fantastic drape, like a heavyweight rayon (material is modal, poly, and spandex) and are machine washable. They do need a steaming or ironing after laundering, but the wrinkles come out easily. I got this blouse a year ago, have washed it at least a half dozen times and it still looks new. The last time it was on the blog was when I went to Palm Springs, but it has been worn much more than that. The leopard blouse I'm wearing in this post is the same blouse. Chico's doesn't have either print right now, but this link shows all the colors and patterns currently in stock.
Shop Black and White Polka-Dot Blouses:
I remember I went to a fashion event and a friend had these amazing metallic feathery earrings on. I asked her where she got them and she shared they were by Mignonne Gavigan. I wrote the name in my Notes app and when I got home I looked up the brand. I adored almost everything by them… but they were way out of my budget. I am down for spending on a pair of earrings I'll wear all the time. For example, my Jenny Bird ‘Cober' hoops are almost $100 but I wear them at least once a week and have for six months straight. But over $200 for metallic feather earrings is a lifestyle I wouldn't mind having but do not have. So when I checked out the New Arrivals at Rent the Runway and saw these I immediately put them in my cart for my next Unlimited delivery. And they are just as badass as I remembered. They're super lightweight and catch the light and cause people to stop and comment on them. I don't plan on returning them any time soon!
The bag is also from Rent the Runway Unlimited. My favorite way to use RTR right now is to borrow a small everyday bag. I have a good selection of larger bags and totes in my wardrobe but fewer smaller bags and crossbodies. I keep all my purse basics in one of my bigger bags and then I just move what is essential when I want to carry light. Instead of my big wallet, I use a Dagne Dover cardholder to hold cash, ID, a couple cards. For the first decade of my daughter's life, my purse was our lifeline. Once we got past the need for a diaper bag, I switched to a big purse that could carry wet wipes, a snack, a water bottle, a book and more. I also was so into “I'm responsible for another human life” mode that my purse held so much “just in case” stuff. Pain reliever, Band-Aids, safety pins, a tiny pair of scissors and a mini sewing kit, tampons and liners, a protein bar in case I was away and got hungry, multiple lip products, a backup eyeliner in case I cried and messed up my makeup, hand cream, face mist… you get the idea. And sometime last year I realized I rarely use this stuff, and with my new lifestyle, I am rarely where I get stuck in a jam and need these things. I was still living as a city commuter and a mom of a toddler instead of someone who works from home with a relatively self-sufficient tween. So I'm testing out downsizing by renting expensive smaller bags from Rent the Runway Unlimited. I haven't found one I adore; if I do I can buy it fro RTR at a discount, or search for a similar size and shape of bag elsewhere. I do like this bag; the closure is cool looking, the bag has a surprising amount of storage and plenty of pockets, the hardware isn't too in your face, it looks expensive yet you can't determine the brand. But I am not in love so I'll keep it and use it until another one shows up in New Arrivals that catches my eye and I'll switch it out. If you want to try Rent the Runway, you can use promo code RTRDC22F051 and get $100 your first month.
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Love your outfit, those colors together! And really like your sneakers, too. I notice they don’t come in different widths. I definitely need a wide, to be comfortable, and I thought you did too. Did they fit snug?
Thanks!
No, they are really roomy! So roomy I worry about those with normal to narrow feet.
Thanks so much for your answer! I’ll give them a try!
WO2 gals,
I switched over from my “prepared for anything” bag to crossbody bags and downsized my large wallet to a credit card case. It was tough at first but I realized that I really didn’t need all that stuff. I’m a fan of Brighton handbags (Brighton.com). It’s interesting to me that I’ve never seen any blogger partner with Brighton. I have 7-8 Brighton bags in wonderful shape even though several years old. My latest and most fav is a “Bria” crossbody in a gorgeous peacock blue-green. They have a number of backpack types for those who love that style. I encourage y’all to check out Brighton. Hope my endorsement is ok, Allie.
Totally okay! And I wonder if they have just decided not to go the influencer route. I checked their site and they don’t offer affiliate links to make a commission off promoting them. Some brands, especially established ones with a longtime fanbase like Brighton, occasionally choose to not participate in the influencer scene and I respect that. I had a friend who worked for Brighton and said they treated their staff quite well!
Timely as I think I need to buy some pants for a work event coming up! I typically work from home which means casual most days, but I’m going to a meeting. Any tips on hemming so you get the right length so you can wear your pants with flats/sneakers but also with heels?
I recommend bringing both pairs to the tailor. With flat shoes, the trend is to have the pants ALMOST but not quite touching the ground and a break/crease in the front as the pant folds onto the top of your foot. That usually ends up leaving the pant still a great length with up to a 2″ heel.
The earrings are like mini chandeliers!
https://littleblackdomicile.com/2017/10/26/5-types-of-lighting-for-savvy-first-time-home-owners/
They really are!
I like both versions of this outfit on you!
Those Cariuma shoes sound awesome. I am quite tempted by the Ibi knit sneakers, in black. . . but these days I’m struggling to define my new style of dressing post-retirement and so putting off any purchases until I do.
That makes complete sense, way better than shopping willy-nilly without knowing how it will fit your new life. And congrats on your retirement!
Thanks!
Oh my gosh! I didn’t even realize I’m still carrying a “prepared for everything” bag. My biggest reason to carry a backpack is the hands free aspect. It makes using my cane easier. Maybe it’s time for a down grade.
It’s such a hard habit to break. Men run around town with a wallet and little else but somehow we women feel we need to carry the kitchen sink with us at all times. I’ve come to storing more in my car since I’m now usually out and about with it. And you know I love my fanny packs, I also wear them crossbody if I don’t want more bulk at my waist.
I can relate about the “current lifestyle” bag choices….My daughters, who are both mothers of toddlers (and a new grandbaby due Wed!), have taken the backpack route for the daily must haves, and they are stuffed! As for me, I started carrying a crossbody about 4 years ago when carrying a purse just became too much for my fibromyalgia. I adore my crossbodys! Hands free shopping, distributes weight more easily, and doesn’t overburden one arm or aching shoulder!
I can see you are having a great deal of fun with the RTR!
RTR has been quite better this go round! They just received my most recent return and I ordered some warmer weather pieces for my upcoming trip to Palm Springs! And three cheers for crossbodies!