Wear It Both Ways: Chioma's Evolution of Style

Today, we're thrilled to welcome Chioma of Chioma's Evolution of Style to Jane Squared!

We absolutely love her ability to remix classic pieces in a fresh, modern way; check out her bold, colorful style in the latest edition of Wear it Both Ways -- the utility vest!

Thanks again for rocking your vest both ways, Chioma!

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Hey everyone!

I’m so excited to be guest posting for Aili and Ailyn today! I just love their style and I was so flattered to be asked to feature a piece for their “Wear It Both Ways” series. On my blog, I love incorporating pieces that can be worn multiple ways. I’m an avid believer of being fashionable on a budget and purchasing quality items of clothing that can be styled and repurposed for different looks. Today I will be showing you two ways to style the ever popular utility vest. One of the biggest trends since Spr ’12 is the utility vest, it’s versatile and can be used to pull a look together or give it some edge. Here are two ways that I styled mine:

In my first look I wore the vest in a feminine way, cinched in at the waist with a belt over a chambray shirt. I decided to wear a flowy printed maxi skirt with boots to finish off the look.

In my second look, I wore the same vest over a layered polka dot sweater and plaid button down with jeans. This is a cute every day look that can be given some edge and taken to the next level with a utility vest. 

Have fun styling those vests and thanks again for having me guest post today! 

Wear It Both Ways: Quilted Vest

Fashion Fundamental: 
Quilted fall/winter vest - I really enjoy this layering piece because it provides warmth without bulk. It's pretty versatile for 3-seasons of the year here in the Midwest -- I've even worn it with a dress!  Those of you living in warmer climes still might consider picking one up for those cooler fall and winter days as a great alternative to a jacket.

Also, for more ways to style a quilted vest, see Aili rock it here and here.

Pink-on-Pink
Vest: Gap (old) | similar by JCrew
Cardigan: Uniqlo | similar
Top: Gap (old) | similar
Jeans: 1969 Always Skinny Jeans, Gap | shop - The ankle length fits me perfectly. Shorties FTW!
Boots: Snowmass by Keen | shop

Stripes-on-Pink
Vest: Gap | similar
Necklace: JCrew Outlet
Dress-Worn-as-Sweater: Target | similar dress version or sweater version
Chambray: JCrew | shop
Jeans: Gap | shop
Boots: Hingham, Sperry | shop
Lips: Just Kissable BalmStain in Lovesick, Revlon | shop

Best Vest

I really do love vests; I think I always have.  Vests can add a preppy vibe to any look and sometimes your outfit can look incomplete without a third piece. To finish off a look, I usually default to a cardigan or blazer, but I think a vest is a nice warm weather alternative.  This is my summer sweater vest.  :)

What do you think?  Are vests too cool for school or too reminiscent of Urkel? Let us know your thoughts!

Vest: Banana Republic | similar

Shirt: JCrew | shop

Skirt: Gap | similar

Shoes: Versie Pump, Target | shop

Earrings: Target | similar

Linked up at the Monday Mingle.

Sweater Vests are the Best

I love sweater vests. My love of vests grew after watching years of a very special show -- The Cosby Show. Bill was always so funny and quaint in his sweaters. The sweater vest is a fantastic piece for work and perfect for a brisk day. I've picked up a few great ones from Limited. Here's to chic sweater vests and the always charming - Bill Cosby.

Coat:  Burberry Harbourne | shop
Vest:  The Limited
Shirt:  Gap
Pants:  Drew Bootcut Pant, The Limited | shop

Shoes: Perfect Pump, Ann Taylor | shop
Necklace:  Big Love  Earrings: Forever Audrey, Jewelmint