Style Bee - Spring 10 x 10 Challenge - Look 6

2017 Spring 10 x 10 – Look 6

04.17.17

Aaannnnnd we’re back! I hope you had a wonderful long weekend! What did you get up to? Lot’s of fam jamming or did you lay low and get in a much needed recharge? I did a bit of both and spent Friday half working, half chilling (ie: watching UnReal Season 2) and then we went out for an overdue date night. After a morning of errands on Saturday we had a great time at a big family brunch and spent most of the day outside (thank you Mama Nature!). After that we took our bikes out for the first spin of the year and rode the Grand River Trail. Pure bliss just about sums it up! Sunday was my usual marathon shoot and blog prep day, which I relished as always.

A weekend well spent means I’m energized and ready to dig into a new week of #Spring10x10 Challenge goodness with my girl Caroline of UnFancy and all the savvy stylish folks who’ve joined us! So how are you feeling now that we’ve passed the halfway mark? At this point you’ve likely worn all your 10 pieces at least once so it’s time to start flexing those creative muscles! I know you’ve got some awesome looks up your sleeves (pun intended) and I’m so looking forward to getting caught up with all your great outfits this afternoon.

If you’re interested in getting in on the 10×10 Challenge fun it’s never too late! You can get all the info here and tons of inspo here.

Today’s outfit is a new one for me and I’m sharing a little bonus styling idea, so let’s take a look! 


Style Bee - Spring 10 x 10 Challenge - Look 6

INITIAL THOUGHTS


I took the weekend off from the challenge to wash some things, iron some others and plan for the week. I still wore my shoes for the most part and my jeans on Saturday and Sunday so I felt pretty cool with it. In fact, this look was an impromptu outfit change on Friday night when Dave surprised me with a reso at our favourite Italian restaurant. I slipped into this little number, grabbed a coat and slung this scarf around my neck and immediately felt chic and ready for a night out with my handsome fella.

Now I’m not going to lie, I’ve struggled with the ‘little black dress’ department in my closet for a long time. I’ve had my fair share of options over the years but sure enough they all end up making their way onto new homes. Either they’re too little, too silky, too corporate, too blah or too…whatever, but this one feels different. It’s just not like the others and I dare say it’s got some serious staying power.

I barely wore any dresses all winter long but this one started to make its way into the rotation over tights and under sweaters very soon after it arrived. Now that the weather is more friendly, it’s proving even more of a workhorse than ever and I’m totally changing my tune towards dresses.

This is definitely a new silhouette for me and yet it feels pretty natural. The comfortable, effortless fit of this dress combined with a familiar palette definitely helps. I also think it’s working well because it’s what I call easy-elegant, meaning that it feels super comfy, takes minimal effort and yet it has a high sophistication factor. The rich black, pop of pattern, minimal accessories and final touch of cognac suede come together for a high impact outfit with zero fuss involved. I also love that it’s feminine but feels far from girly. More on all that below!

Today’s Agenda: In this one I’m ready for anything the day throws my way. Whether it’s a client meeting, time in the office, a coffee date, errands, dinner out or even better, a concert I’m all set! In fact today’s agenda has a little bit of all those things involved and since it’s a little chilly out (13 degrees) I’ll probably keep my duster on all-day and add the scarf when I head out. 


Style Bee - Spring 10 x 10 Challenge - Look 6 Style Bee - Spring 10 x 10 Challenge - Look 6

STYLING NOTES


1 | GET IT TAILORED | Before I found my new favourite tailor in Guelph I was reluctant or mostly just never really considered having things tailored unless it was an obvious thing like hemming or taking in the waistband. But now that I have someone I can trust to do a good job, quickly and for a very fair price, I bring her everything I want to fit better. On this dress the arm holes were huge and stuck out too far revealing my bra so I asked her to take them in. Suddenly it went from being awkward to being the perfect dress!

Before you write something off as ill-fitting consider if there is an element that might be improved via tailoring. 

2 | PATTERN POP | It’s funny I rarely wear this scarf aside from 10×10 Challenges and yet it works some major magic every time. I love how it brings this look to life and really ties in the cognac colour in my shoes. Suddenly a harsh, heavy, black outfit feels softer and much more spring appropriate. Plus it adds a bit of coziness around my neck.

When you’re wearing a pattern look for a colour within it and consider pairing another element in the look with it. No matter how subtle, it really helps to pull a look together. 

3 | ROUND ABOUT | All my jewelry has a circular element in this outfit. Round dome studs, a flat circular pendant and two small spheres on my bangle. They’re not overtly matching yet they add a nice element of continuity throughout the look.

When you’d like to add jewelry but want to keep your look clean and minimal, opt for pieces that are simple but feature recurring shapes. This way they’re read as united instead of random.


BONUS STYLING NOTE: ADD A BELT


Here’s a look at this dress and scarf combo worn with a thick black belt for a more waist defining look. Immediately it feels a bit more formal and deliberately styled. I love this as a day to night option to make a bit more of a statement.Belt available here.


Style Bee - Spring 10 x 10 Challenge - Look 6
Style Bee - Spring 10 x 10 Challenge - Look 6 Style Bee - Spring 10 x 10 Challenge - Look 6

TODAY’S ITEM SPOTLIGHT – JERSEY TANK DRESS


Today’s item spotlight is the Jersey Tank Dress by Eileen Fisher. I received this piece during my System Collaboration and immediately knew it was going to be a warm weather favourite. I’d never tried anything like it before and I surprised myself by how much I loved it. After testing it out a bunch and giving it some thought, there are a few key elements that make it a hit (rather than just a sack) and here’s a quick breakdown on what those are:

FIT | I’m wearing a Size S and it’s just right. Relaxed enough through the hips to not feel tight and thanks to my tailor, the armholes fit now too. I’m 5’7, 125 lbs and my measurements are 32/26/37 for reference. For this one I would probably take your normal size (if you’re curvy in the hip zone) and have the armholes nipped in. Otherwise it might be smart to size down.

FABRIC | One thing I’ve learned about Eileen Fisher pieces is that they use some seriously beautiful fabrics that feel amazing on. This is a Jersey knit is definitely one of those and made of 92% viscose, 8% spandex which drapes beautifully, has lots of stretch and excellent recovery. I shot this look after wearing the dress all day long (12+ hours) and it barely shows aside from a slight bit of relaxation in the seat. No wrinkles or creasing at all. It’s also a deep rich black, which I love and doesn’t seem to pick up too much lint or pet fur, which is amazing! It’s the perfect mid-weight jersey that will be wonderful in many temperatures.

PRICE | $210 USD

WASHABILITY | I’ve washed this one a couple of times now and it comes out great. Hand wash cold on delicate, remove promptly and hang dry. It has not faded at all so far either.

LENGTH | I love the midi length of this dress. It’s approximately 49 inches from shoulder to hem. I find it very flattering and elegant. The narrow width the bottom is no problem since the material is highly stretchable. If you’re worried about length this style is also available in Petite sizes.

SHAPE | The shape of this dress is so simple but a few smart details make it a true workhorse:

  1. The straps are bra friendly.
  2. The scoop neck hits at a perfect spot to layer necklaces and so you can lean forward without issue.
  3. Even though it appears very column-like (straight up and down) it’s cut allows room for your hips and then falls in a straight line down.
  4. It nips in slightly at the waist for a subtle hourglass shape.
  5. The straight hem at the bottom is clean and chic.

If you’re looking for a chic black dress that you can style a zillion ways and wear to work, dinner, dressy-events, on vacation, the cottage, a girl’s night out or just about any other occasion, this gem is a great option!


I wasn’t paid to include this dress in the 10 x 10 Challenge, nor is this in any way sponsored by Eileen Fisher, however I do make a small commission when a purchase is made via the links in this section or below. This commission helps me run Style Bee and limit the amount of sponsored content that appears on the blog. I sincerely appreciate your support! 


Style Bee - Spring 10 x 10 Challenge - Look 6

COAT OPTION


This dress and this coat are a perfect match, in my opinion at least. I love how the length of the dress is a few inches longer than the coat so your get to see a good chunk of it peeking out at the bottom. I worried that the colour of the coat and shoes might not work but they’re a similar enough ‘clay’ or ‘cognac’ colour in slightly different richness so I think they do, especially with a thick border of black (from the dress) separating them. The whiskey tone in the scarf pattern also picks up really nicely when paired with this coat so I knew they’d have to make an appearance together on the blog. For a linen coat this one is quite toasty and has a beautiful weight and movement to it. Catch it in action on my stories @leevosburgh!


Style Bee - Spring 10 x 10 Challenge - Look 6 Style Bee - Spring 10 x 10 Challenge - Look 6

1 | JERSEY TANK DRESS | c/o Eileen Fisher (4 months old) | $278 CAD | Made responsibly in USA

2 | BARONNE DUSTER | c/o ESBY | $368 USD | Made responsibly in USA | Receive $20 Off when you sign up here. | Wearing an XS.

3 | COGNAC SUEDE FLATS | L’Intervalle (2 months old) | $138 CAD | Made in Spain | Similar pair by Stuart Weitzman ($365 USD) and in Blush by Coclico ($295 USD) |

4 | ELOISE BAG | The Stowe | $378 USD | Made in Montreal | Receive $20 Off when you sign up here

5 | SCARF | old URBAN OUTFITTERS | Shop my favourite scarves by Blockshop Textiles here ($120 USD).

6 | DOME STUDS by ATTIC | $290 CAD | Made in Toronto.

CIRCLE NECKLACE old YOUNG FRANKK* | BRACELET c/o BIKO | SIGNET RING c/o CLAUS | GLASSES by GARRETT LEIGHT | *linked to similar


So tell me how you’re feeling about the back half of this challenge? Is it starting to test your creativity a bit?

I’d love to hear more if you have a sec.

Tune into my Instagram Stories (@leevosburgh) later today for a look at this one in action. Be sure to see what Caroline is up to over on her blog and Instagram too!

See you on the #Spring10x10 hashtag and tomorrow with Look #7!


This post is not sponsored but contains affiliate links. When you shop via the links above I may make a small commission from a sale. Thanks for supporting Style Bee! All opinions are always my own.

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Tannis says:

    I hate to be snoopy but is that a beautiful, new engagement ring? If so, congratulations! It is stunning.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hi Tannis! Haha Good catch! The ring/engagement isn’t new but the ring was getting a little tune up during my first week of the challenge. Thanks so much! xo

  2. Britt says:

    Great look, Lee. I recently donated a black dress with a similar length and “feel”, but mine had cruddy fabric and a weird poof in the hips, which broke the deal for me, so I let the dress go. But now, seeing how elegant this look is, I am wishing I had held onto it and taken it to the tailor, perhaps, at least played around with the look a bit more…

    Also, I am finding that by putting more skirts and dresses into my lounge capsule, I am expanding my ability to wear those things in my day to day fashion. For example, when I come home, I tend to shed the pants, and let the breezy do its magic by slipping on a skirt, and it feels so liberating and feminine and free! I feel like “dressing down” the skirts and dresses by wearing them in my lounge capsule makes me feel more keen to wear skirts or dresses whenever I want, even outside of the lounge capsule. Just an idea for those struggling with the “I don’t wear dresses image”, which I struggled with for a long while.

    -Britt // http://www.radiantearthart.com

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Britt! Ah, I’ve had a similar feeling about past pieces but in the end I never miss them much.

      I love that idea! I just put a tee dress into my loungewear and I LOVE having something so easy to slip into instead of more pants all the time. The skirt concept is one I’ll have to entertain too. Thanks for the insight! xo

  3. Katie says:

    Eileen Fisher items are so lovely, I’ve been lucky enough to find a few over the years and not only is the material always gorgeous – it holds up really well! (I am terriable person and wash all of mine in the washer but I haven’t seen a difference between hand washing and washing in cold water on gentle.) This dress has a really interesting shape to it that seems to really suit your style, I love it with that vibrant scarf and your block heels.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      That’s great to hear Katie! Glad to you’ve had success with EF pieces over time. I’m the same and just use the ‘delicate’ cycle as my version of handwash haha. xo

  4. Shae says:

    This dress and this duster have shown up in my two favorite looks of yours for this challenge! I’m seriously considering getting the dress. I’ve got two questions: (1) what do you use to hand wash delicate items? (2) you mentioned above you don’t wear dresses often but I’m wondering which others you’re thinking will be good staples for spring/summer?

    Thanks as always, Lee! 🙂

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Shae! I use an enzyme free detergent that’s very mild (this one) and put them in the washer on a delicate cycle in cold water. I’ve had good luck with this method.

      As for dresses, I’ll be wearing this tank dress a lot, my Georgia Midi in Black Silk and my Georgia in Ivory Raw Silk with be my go-tos. I also love my striped linen dress by Pyne and Smith and a maxi dress by Ace & Jig that I’ve had for a few summers now. Mostly long, relaxed fit in breathable fabrics. Hope that helps! xo

  5. Love the feminine-yet-un-frilly look of this dress, Lee!

    So appreciate how this post is nudging me to wear a long, black, raw silk Elizabeth Suzanne dress I received for Christmas…and, um, have yet to wear. I had wanted a black dress and adore the ES one. It’s just, I feel shy putting a dress on – it’s such a rare occasion and will for sure invite comments from those who know me. Normally, with with my minimalist uniform, I go for seriously understated. But I do have a fancier event this weekend…

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Dana! I can totally appreciate the mindset you have towards wearing a dress. I read somewhere once that you should try wearing a new style around people that you don’t know, like out for dinner with a close friend or partner or during the day to a coffee shop or running errands to get used to the idea. I say go for it!!! You’ll look fabulous! xo

  6. You look great! Love that dress on you! And the scarf really pulls it together nicely. As always, thanks for the detailed styling notes 🙂

  7. Tina says:

    Hi, I just LOVE the look with the belt. So simple yet elegant. Definitely one to try out and definitely one of the reasons why I love your blog. I’m not doing the 10×10 this time since my workplace is moving to a new building and I’ve had all my energy in that project. Just caught up on your and Caroline’s outfits on the weekend. Maybe I’ll use the inspiration and do my own 10×10 after the big move. I find it really difficult to dress for spring in our climate – the weather can be all over the place. Here in Germany we had over 20° last week an this morning we had several inches of snow. So I like your “coat option”.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Tina! I hear you on the tricky spring climate, our weather has been all over the place so it’s been nice having coats available. Once you’re all settled you should definitely try a 10×10 Challenge! Or consider joining in for the Summer session. xo

  8. Wow! So simply elegant. Love the belted scarf look. Looking at the same pieces in a new way is inspiring.-Laurel Bledsoe