Making It Work: Ackee Pencil Skirt

A Making It Work post is all about styling a piece using coordinating and contrasting colors to create the most options possible. I love doing these posts because they help me wrap my mind around all my options, and I hope you walk away with some inspiration, too!

Coordinating Look 1

A structured skirt goes all soft and feminine with shades of pink and cream, while the killer shoes remind everyone that you're to be taken seriously. =)

1. J Crew crew neck top

2. Beach top
3. Cotton skirt
4. BDG suede shoes
5. Anthro Work Weekend bag
6. FOSSIL Stella watch
7. J Crew vintage studded belt

Coordinating Look 2

You know the girl that has it all together? This is that girl...no missteps, no messin' around. A mixture of the basics with a kick and a punch.

1. J crew cardigan

2. J Crew shirts blouse
3. Seychelles Kiss at Midnight pumps
4. Kate Spade pocket tote bag
5. Fossil watch
6. Straw hat

Coordinating Look 3

Obviously, not for the office...but this is exactly the sort of styling I love. I'm at home with my children most days, so working the dressy pieces in my closet with a more relaxed, cool-momma sort of vibe is perfect for my lifestyle.

1. J Crew cotton t shirt

2. Boat shoes
3. J Crew leather handbag
4. FOSSIL rose gold watch
5. J Crew studded leather belt
6. Buffalo check boy shirt

Contrasting Look 1

I'd have never thought to do something like this before I started reading Kim's blog...she's the queen at toning down primary colors with pastels. Love the effect of this look...

1. J Crew ruffle top

2. J Crew scoop neck tank
3. Seychelles Pot 'o Gold pumps
4. Anthro Work Weekend bag
5. Anthro Modern Master Watch
6. Sophia Shades

Contrasting Look 2

What's more striking than red and black together, I ask you? You'll look smart, sophisticated and on-point.

1. J Crew chiffon top

2. J Crew cami tank
3. Seychelles Kiss At Midnight
3. Pure Collection Leather clutch bag
4. FOSSIL white watch

Contrasting Look 3

All out, primary against primary makes for a strong, statement ensemble.

1. J Crew crochet cardigan

2. J Crew t shirt
3. Slim shoes
4. Fossil watch

Combination Look 1

It's office basic with out being boring...that detailed neckline is just all kinds of amazing. Perfect!

1. Beaded top

2. Target suede shoes
3. Kate Spade pocket tote
4. Fossil watch

Combination Look 2

A slightly more relaxed look, perfect for browsing the farmer's market or window shopping with friends.

1. J Crew longsleeve shirt

2. Anthro Two-Paths Trench coat
3. Frye huarache shoes
4. Luna strap bag
5. Sophia Shades

Combination Look 3

A look that could easily be taken from errands to the office...just change out a pair of flats for some pumps.

I love pink and navy together (in a non-1980's sort of way) and to throw a red print into the mix makes me feel all smiley and giggly inside.

1. J Crew knit cardigan
2. J Crew cotton t shirt
3. Kimchi Blue two tone shoes
4. Deux Lux pouch handbag
5. J Crew indian scarve
6. J Crew skinny belt