I started wearing my hair up a lot recently. This has to do more with the fact that I’m growing my hair out and am really just kind of lazy than actually having the skills required to make my hair look nice. To help hide the fact that I’m only now, in my 28th year, actively learning how to properly use bobby pins and products with funny names like “transforming paste”, I’ve started added some pieces with some simple but interesting, detailed necklines into my wardrobe.

Keeping the possibility of a “I’m putting my hair UP today” kind of day in mind while I’m shopping makes it easier to spot the subtly cool details that really pull my new look together. (And yes, we’re keeping the “The real reason my hair is UP is ’cause I’m lazy” part of my new “look” a secret. Shhhh.) So I was tickled pink when I came across this piece ON SALE last week:

I know, that pic does nothing for this piece. I do love the color and the fact that it’s silk (who doesn’t love silk?), but even on the rack, the only thing that really stood out was the neckline. But I loved that ruffle so much, I knew I’d be able to work it out.

I got the shirt, hid the hanging ties, tucked the shirt in a pencil skirt and belted with a wide patent belt. Then I threw my wet hair up in this new hairstyle I’ve been rocking, topped it off with a headband and … there is was insta “HEY I HAVE TO HOST A BRIDAL SHOWER” outfit!

Yeah, this is a terrible pic taken in a broken mirror in the apartment I have basically already moved out of.

Here’s my outfit in action at the bridal shower – from left to right: Meg (the bride to be), Dan (Meg’s brother), ME! and Kate (my sister). The four of us grew up together and were CONVINCED we were all really brother and sisters. That shouldn’t really be in the past tense since we still do ;)

The shower was a hit, and I have to say I totally felt the part of bridesmaid/party thrower in my outfit.

The breakdown:
The skirt? A piece I bought for $29 from H&M in 2001 when I was interning.

The belt? Purchased for $16 when Jasmine Sola was going out of business a couple of years ago.

The shirt? I can’t even believe where this is from since it does NOT look at all like what I picture coming from this store – The Gap. Seriously. And it’s on sale NOW for $29 (it comes in two other colors for slightly more at $39). It looks great with a pencil skirt and perfectly adorable untucked paired with mini shorts and a cute summer sandal! (I told you I always have to come up with at least two outfits to justify a piece of clothing now!)

The whole outfit was well under $100 (and most of it several years old – 2001? REALLY?) but it didn’t matter because I felt like a million bucks.