The Bird is all about dressing-up the dressing-down, and vice-versa. Take a really basic, casual set of everyday clothing and throw in a wild card, like some metallic gold heels. Cargo pants and heels are one of my favorite pairings and the theme of today's Inspired post. It instantly elevates something rumpled and slouchy and the heels make the outfit look intentional. It's not a barrier-breaking fashion pairing, but something I consider one of the new Modern Classics. You won't be embarassed or look behind the times for wearing this look from season to season, and for more casual-friendly offices, it's a way to mix things up.  

These days I'm more interested in relaxed, everyday wear. I think it's sometimes the most difficult thing to dress for, avoiding the "weekday uniform" look, where you're wearing the same t-shirt and jeans every day. This is something I'd wear out for a relaxed lunch with friends -- no muss, no fuss, but still put-together. Pulled from the Jaunty Wardrobe: jeweled cardigan from Ann Taylor, purple cotton shirt from JCPenney, cargo pants from Express, gold metallic peep-toe heels from Steve Madden, slouchy brown shoulder bag from La Redoute, silver heart pendant from Tiffany and Co.

Jaunty Fine Print: Inspired image from J.Crew, Jaunty Wardrobe photo by Denise Sakaki

This Bird realizes fall is in the air, but the Pacific Northwest is getting the rare treat of a lingering summer, with pleasant weather and clear skies (knock on wood). It puts a relaxed step into our normally hurried workaday gait, so let's slow down and take some time to soak up the lovely autumn colors appearing in the trees, and wear some of our favorite comfortable, slouchy summer clothes for at least a few more days. Digging through the Jaunty Wardrobe, this home-shopped look of layered ruffles (Express) and a light cardigan (LaRedoute), paired with a velvet-embellished cargo pant (Express), and finished with vintage jewelry and gold peeptoe heels (Steve Madden)* was Inspired both by the elegant styles of the J. Crew October catalog, and a Pacific NW-appropriate (love the coffee!) runway look from Dsquared2's 2009 fall ready to wear collection.

* Readers have asked about the clothes featured on Inspired posts. I don't list things, only because many of the pieces are several years' old and the stores don't carry them anymore or I've had them for so long, I don't even remember where I got them! If no one minds my bird-brained memory, I'll list stores when I can. The original intent behind Inspired posts is to show that one's own closet can be as good as any store, so be creative, be jaunty, and don't be afraid to pair things together and take a fashionable risk!