Outfit Inspiration - Black and White Stripes Paired With Denim

What am I going to wear today? Do you ask yourself this question EVERY. DANG. MORNING.?? I know I do. Much of the time I spend getting ready each day, is spent putting together the perfect outfit. Back in the day, I used to pour through magazines looking for inspiration. These days, Instagram and Pinterest are my two top sources for outfit inspiration.

It's my belief that Instagram and Pinterest should be for inspiring people - not getting them to buy things (although plenty of people do it very successfully and there's nothing wrong with that-that's just not why I'm there). When I scroll through pretty pictures on Instagram, I'm inspired to pull out similar pieces from my own closet, or make a similar meal for my own family. When I post pictures and links there myself, it's with the intent to do the same for you, my friends, readers and followers. I want to plant an idea in your head that you can run with and add joy to your life.

I found such inspiration over the weekend in the Instagram feed of Carley Barton.  Carley posted an adorable picture of a simple black and white striped dress with a chambray shirt worn jacket-style. So simple and classic, it got my wheels turning. I don't have a dress like that - although it's been on my "to buy" list forever. Maybe someday I'll find one. But I do have a black and white striped t-shirt . . .and black ankle pants . . .and a chambray shirt.

I pulled the pieces out of my closet and set to work building my interpretation of Carley's awesome outfit and look. I didn't buy a thing, I used pieces from my own wardrobe that I already own to create a look that was 100% my own, but was inspired by the awesome look that Carley put together and shared on Instagram.

The t-shirt is one I've had for quite a while from Ann Taylor. The pants are a year or two (maybe 3 or 4 - shhh) old and also from Ann Taylor.

The Chambray Shirt is from  - you guessed it - Ann Taylor. It has a great soft drape and a little stretch to it. It was an impulse online buy last year - and I'm quite pleased with the results.  I rolled up the sleeves as Carley did in her photo, and left the shirt unbuttoned.

I grabbed my black and white Kate Spade bag and a pair of black flip flops (I like these flip flops from Vionic) to finish up my look. Simple silver jewelry, a high ponytail and natural-looking makeup complete the casual and simple style of this easy weekend outfit idea.  

What outfits are inspiring you lately?

Want more real life outfit ideas? Try one of these:
Three Looks for One Outfit
A Great Summer Top from prAna
3 Tips for Styling Cropped Pants

catch you soon -
This post is linked up to The Pleated Poppy and at Jo-Lynne Shane be sure to check them out for even more outfit ideas and inspiration.