Style Bee - Winter 10 x 10 - Look 5

WINTER 10×10 – LOOK 5

01.16.17

I hope everyone had a great weekend! We had a fun time visiting with friends, enjoying great food and catching up on snuggles with our fur babes. It was one of those weekends that leaves you feeling a little zonked but full hearted in the best ways.

I’m so excited to be diving back into week #2 of the #WINTER10x10 Challenge, which I’m hosting with Caroline Rector of the blog Un-Fancy! It’s one of my favourite points in the challenge because there are a few go-getters closing in on their final looks, lots of midway insights popping up and a some newcomers who’ve finally been convinced to give it a try. It’s so interesting to see where everyone’s at! If you’re new to this series it’s not too late to join in and you can learn everything you need to get started from this post and get lots of tips and info on this page as well. We’d love to have you!

I myself am currently smack dab in the middle of my personal 10×10 and loving it so far! I took the weekend off from wearing my 10 items to do a bit of laundry and get myself organized for the rest of the challenge (although I wore my white sweater lots!). Luckily, the weather this week is looking really relaxed for a Canadian January and we’re all thanking Mother Nature for the break from heavy snowfall and blizzards, however brief it may be. If nothing else at least it means the outfits I have planned will be wearable! YAY!

So let’s have a look at the first of 5 outfits hitting the blog this week! 


Style Bee - Winter 10 x 10 - Look 5 Style Bee - Winter 10 x 10 - Look 5

INITIAL THOUGHTS

On Monday’s I try to keep things as simple as possible, whether it’s my outfit or my to-do list or my evening plans. The first day of the work week can easily get hectic and stressful so if I can feel like at least my outfit is under control that’s already a good start.

I’m really letting my minimalist tendencies lead with this look and I’m super into it. From the shapes, to the palette to the accessories it all feels comfortable and relaxed but still sleek and put-together. It’s nothing revolutionary but it’s a timeless look that I’ll be able to recreate with lots of different items in my closet. I feel elegant and totally at-ease in this one!

This is actually a new-ish silhouette for me too. A semi-fitted top, fully tucked with a pair of high-rise, wide leg pants and casual shoes. I’ve worn something similar earlier this season and last summer and I really like how it looks and feels. It’s super easy to create and I’ll definitely be working it into my go-to repertoire!

On deck today I’ve got a day in the office and a couple of meetings, then I’ll be ditching these duds for my gym clothes and calling it a day.


Style Bee - Winter 10 x 10 - Look 5

Style Bee - Winter 10 x 10 - Look 5


STYLE + FIT DETAILS 

1 | CIRCLES | I don’t know exactly what it is about circles but I’m really drawn to them as a shape. Curves in general are something you’ll find a lot of in my accessories collection (I even designed a circular purse last spring!). They’re simple but striking and can make a statement without being too much. I also love repeating them. In this case you’ll see them in my necklace, cuff, bag, glasses and even the large top button on my pants. To me it doesn’t feel too repetitive, instead, it’s more of a subtle way to add continuity and interest throughout the look.

Next time you’re stumped on how to accessorize, try repeating a shape in different elements of your look! 

2 | PALETTE PRUDENCE | It would have been really easy to let myself feel like this outfit ‘needed’ more colour and sure, it totally could have tolerated a pop of something. But what I think makes this feel chic and sophisticated is how refined the palette is. Just black, oatmeal and a couple flashes of gold. It allows the shape of the pants, the bag and my carefully chosen accessories really stand out and sometimes that’s all you need!

Next time you’re looking for a really simple look consider keeping your palette to just two neutrals with some interesting accessories.

3 | FULL TUCK | For a long time I’ve been on the half-tuck train but lately I’ve been inclined to fully tuck my tops in. It’s an easy way to create a slimming waist and a simple approach to style high-waisted pants with regular length tops that might otherwise feel a bit awkward.

Next time you’re having any trouble styling your top consider the full-tuck options. It’s clean, classic and fuss-free!


Style Bee - Winter 10 x 10 - Look 5

OUTSIDE

This outfit was begging to be topped with a wool beanie and my super cozy alpaca capote coat. I love that the extra items don’t deter from the minimal sophistication of this outfit but they add total functionality for a cold and unpredictable time of year.

It’s pretty mild out today (2°C + sunny) so there’s no need for a base layer beneath my sweater and I’ve got a nice medium weight pair of socks to keep my toes toasty in these boots. I’ll add some wool gloves to walk to pup but to and from my car will be easy. If the breeze picks up I simply wear my bag across which helps to hold my coat in place.

I get lots of questions about how warm the capote coat is and it really depends on what’s underneath. In this instance I have a warm base so it’s more than enough for a calm winter day with an above average temperature. I would say this coat is great from anywhere between -2°C to 16°C depending on what’s underneath.


Style Bee - Winter 10 x 10 - Look 5
SO THERE WE HAVE OUTFIT #5!

Be sure to pop over to UnFancy for Caroline’s latest too!

+ Keep sharing your looks with #Winter10x10 and if you have a sec, check Instagram Stories today for a real-life look at our outfits in action (@caroline_joy + @leevosburgh).

HOPE YOUR WEEK IS OFF TO A GREAT START!


  • CASHMERE CREW | EVERLANE ($100 USD) | Also available in 10 other colours!
  • KAMM PANTS | Jesse Kamm ($325 USD) Available in Many Colours Fit note: I’m usually a 26 in denim and wear a size 4 in these. | Similar by NEED ($ 115 USD) + Everlane ($78 USD)
  • PISTOL BOOTS | ACNE STUDIOS ($570 USD ) Made In Italy
  • CAPOTE COAT | Lauren Manoogian ($396 USD on sale! + only 1 left in charcoal)
  • FRAMES | Wilson by Garrett Leight (Wearing the 46 mm $310 USD)
  • BAG | The Stowe ($318 USD on sale!) Made in Montreal
  • JEWELRY | Necklace + Cuff Young Frankk (n/a but this line is amazing) | Signet Ring CLAUS ($110 USD) 
  • HAT | No longer available but I also have this one from Madewell ($35 USD) Imported.)


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.

15 comments
01.16.17
Outfits

Leave me a comment here!

  1. 1) I love that you don’t feel a need to add an extra layer to every one of your looks for interest. It makes me feel better when I put together more “boring” looks that don’t have that finishing piece but that I feel like don’t necessarily warrant the third piece. Not every outfit needs it, so thank you for showing that! 2) I love your note on repeating shapes! Definitely something I want to try in the future.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Kimi! Totally agree, sometimes simplicity is the statement! No need for extras. Of course if the mood strikes, something extra can turn the tides too. Just depends on what feels right. If you do try the repetition idea, let me know how it goes! It can easily steer into the matchy-matchy zone but if done sparingly I really like it. xo

  2. Totally random question, but I’m trying to curate my pants/jeans collection and was curious as to how many pairs you own. I know the perfect number will vary for each person but a little context helps me minimize better! Haha.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hey Emily, Good question! I know what you mean about having a benchmark of some kind being helpful. I have about 15 pairs total for all seasons. 2 pairs vintage jeans, 4 pairs skinny, 2 Kamm pants, 3 linen, 2 Flares, 1 Cecilia and 1 Summer Jean and a couple of leggings (leather and ponte). Hope that helps! xo

    • That’s super helpful! I have 8 pairs now and I’m thinking after a few culls and additions I’ll end up with 10 or 11. (Trying to decide whether or not to sell some nice low-rise jeans…I love them but all of a sudden I have a butt so they’re not as practical now, especially with all the bending over and sitting on the floor I do).

    • Lee the Bee says:

      That’s great! Oh man, I hear you! This butt has not been low rise friendly since like grade 8. Didn’t get the memo till college though so pretty tragic haha! If they come back in style I’m going to have to take a hard pass. xo

  3. Louise says:

    I am with you. I don’t think outfits “need” color and I’m a color lover. But for this challenge, I have not even ventured outside the realm of black on black. It was my goal for this challenge to reduce unnecessary choices and unnecessary stress, so eliminating color coordinating was part of that. In the future, I might do the challenge in a non-black (like burgundy or tan or blue) monochrome palate, which is more of a statement but definitely still reduces choice and stress.

    All black: https://lesslessyes.wordpress.com/2017/01/11/winter-10×10-outfit-2/
    And more all black: https://lesslessyes.wordpress.com/2017/01/12/winter-10×10-outfit-3/

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Louise, that’s such a cool idea and a great spin on the challenge! Fewer choices really does equate to less stress for me too, at least when it comes to getting dressed. Thanks for sharing your latest looks! Keep up the great work. xo

  4. stephanie says:

    Gorgeous – simple and elegant! Perfect proportions and colors – and the lip color is great balance as well.
    What you seem to really get is that dressing well is about finding the proportions/cuts that work well on your figure [this is perfect on you] as well as the right colors [these really work – the ‘oatmeal’ color compliments the color of your skin – makes it look healthy and radiant – and the lip color is perfect and brings a finished sophistication to the outfit] and also being comfortable and confident in them. You’ve nailed it.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Stephanie! It’s definitely an ongoing process to figure out what works and what doesn’t and how to have fun with style without being overly influenced by trends. Glad to hear you liked this one. I’ll be honest, I often feel that light neutrals wash me out (esp in winter) but I’m loving this oatmeal these days. Colour is just so subjective! xo

  5. Linda says:

    For the full tuck I always have issues with the line of your top across your pants… suggestions?

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hey Linda, If you mean the line where the top ‘spills’ out over the waist of the pant what I do is:

      1 – Tuck in the top as much as I can while standing tall.
      2 – Then do a 1/2 bend forward and backward to ‘pull’ it out slightly.
      3 – After which I just fix it a little to make sure there aren’t any odd creases.

      Of course it depends on what your top is made of. Soft fabrics lend themselves better to tucking than other stiffer ones.

      If you mean the line of your top ‘inside’ your pants, that’s a bit trickier. My pants are usually thick or relaxed enough to conceal it but I’ve often tucked my top into my undies for a mock body-suit and that helps a lot!

      Hope that makes some sense! haha xo

  6. Ally H says:

    Love how you’re continuing to produce different looks without too much unnecessary layering. Shows, I think, how composed and put together your wardrobe is:-) I had a realisation today that simpler is definitely better for me – am wearing black skinny jeans and a breton top, and feel more like me than i have done through most of the challenge.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Ally! I love to experiment with layers but I’m all for simplicity too. That’s such a great insight! Stripes are great when it comes to keeping things simple but not boring. So glad you’re finding these things out and sticking with the challenge! xo