Hooks the Look

Boho Kimono: Up Down All-Around

Understandably, you might’ve had a sense of deja vu with your first look at the feature photo of this kimono and the outfit on the far right. The outfit (and photo) was in last month’s Up Down All-Around feature that highlighted the potential versatility of track pants. Hanging on the rack in the store, one would likely think this kimono to be suitable for festival wear or perhaps as a swimsuit cover-up but that didn’t stop me from thinking up other places and occasions where it could be worn.  I so adored the pairing of the track pants with my boho print kimono that I couldn’t stop at just one look for the kimono and it’s now the feature for this month.

Dressed Up For Work

In Up Down All-Around, I usually share my work look first so that is what you see below.   I’m a firm believer in the jacket/blazer/cardigan “completer piece” philosophy of dressing for the office and this kimono seems like a close cousin to swing style jacket.  The kimono has no buttons or other closure so it’s meant to be worn open and loose but for a professional edge, I added a belt to synch it in at the waist and give it the appearance of structure.


Kimono – Mossimo Supply
Pants – Harper by Old Navy

Underneath I’m wearing a plain black tee and a pair of black cropped trousers. These are the Harper style that are sold at Old Navy and they are a great work pants option for curvier gals like me (this is not a sponsored post … I bought them myself and in another color, too). The medium-weight fabric has a little bit of stretch to it that doesn’t wrinkle nor do my lumps, bumps, and pantylines show through. They work well for most situations, not just for the office. A tassel pendant necklace, open-toe pumps, and work tote complete the look.

Dressed For Play

Remixing items shared before, the kimono is a fun topper for my slightly distressed (and thrifted) jeans, white eyelet top, and cork wedge sandals. It makes for an easy and light layer that might be needed on a cool night or if the air-conditioner is turned up too high.

 

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Dressed For Fun

As I said in the introduction, I had paired the kimono with track pants in last month’s Up Down All-Around post. I was inspired to do so because the colors of the stripes on the pants are also in the kimono’s floral pattern. Once I had the outfit on, I knew that I had a winner. I could’ve left the kimono loose but I’d wanted to try a “cinched at the waist” look. A belt hadn’t looked quite right so then I tried tying it in front like you might do with a blouse, and the outfit was instantly transformed.

And, of course, I couldn’t resist the urge to spin and twirl.

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Let’s Wrap This Up

Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link up for this week. My featured contributor from the last week’s Powers The Flower link up is Neti from Madam Too Much. I think that Neti looks quite fabulous in her bold and colorful tropical print pants and in no way would I say “too much”.

Because I found my boho kimono so easy to pair up with my outfits, I wore it a few times in the first week or so after I bought it. Usually, my husband is the only person that I would see every day who might have noticed (but he wouldn’t say anything), however, it was my sister did notice and said something to the effect “gee, you must really like that kimono”. Yep, I do.

That happened last month when our frequency of seeing each other picked up a bit due to the issues with our mother. And this brings up the point that this Mothers’ Day will be the first one without her. She wasn’t much aware of the significance of the day last year but she did still recognize us as connected to her. My mother-in-law is still with us so this year, we (husband, our daughter and son, and I) will start the day by bringing brunch to her house and then the four of us will enjoy some time together at a local beach before we take the man-child back to school. Life goes on. Wishing each of you celebrating, either as a mother and/or as a child, a wonderful Mothers’ Day.

Let’s connect! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, love, pin, stumble … all options are available and waiting for you. I look forward to hearing from you. And don’t forget to add a post or two to the link up.

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23 Comments

  1. thestylesplash

    The kimono’s gorgeous, I love dark floral prints. I think the first outfit is my favourite, the tote bag and pumps create a very elegant and flowing look. Happy Mother’s Day Rena!

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

    • Rena

      Thank you, Emma. The first outfit is a new “to-go” look for work that makes me feel very confident.

  2. Nancy

    How creative is the last outfit! I like it! I wish you a good mothers day!

  3. robjodiefilogomo

    Happy Mother’s Day, Rena—again, our love and sympathy is passed to you & your family. It seems like the holidays make it so raw….
    As for the kimono—I love the idea of belting it. I can’t believe I never thought of that. In fact, I just gave one away that was too large and I might have been able to do that with it. Oh well…too late. I’ll have to get another one!
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • Rena

      Jodie, thank you for the good wishes. I’m delighted to be a style inspiration to you even if it’s just an excuse to go shopping.

  4. Marilee Gramith

    That kimono is a beauty! I LOVE the print. I’m sure that the kimono look has really caught on in California. The vibe of this breezy, light, boho beachy coverage is perfect for the locale. Here in Minnesota, I see them in the stores but I rarely see them out and about. It’s probably more common among younger women than i…

    These are some of my favorite outfits you’ve featured. I love Target and Old Navy for styles and prices. You’ve done a great job of showing the versatility of a kimono and that REALLY serves many women.

    I hope your Mother’s Day is wrapped in warmth, love, and good memories Rena.
    Loved this post. Thanks!

    • Rena

      Jude, kimonos might seem more fitting in SoCal but they’re a great layering option and hid a multitude of sins. Truth be told, I think of them as more old glamour than boho. Thank you for the lovely compliments and for the good wishes.

  9. 1010parkplace

    I’ve had kimono fever for months now and just yesterday ordered one online! Brenda

  10. jess jannenga

    Happy Mothers day Rena! I love the floral kimono on you and how stylish it works with both dressy and casual looks! I seem them on others and love them.. perhaps I need one! 🙂 Love it belted and with those cool wedges you have one too! Very pretty.
    Have a great day!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

  11. Patti

    I love this kimono – esp when you belt it over your work trousers. Your hair is looking fab too. I’ll bet this mother’s day is a tough one for you – hugs and thoughts to you. xox

  12. Andrea

    That’s a great kimono, Rena. I like all three looks!

    I’m sure it wasn’t an easy day today, but I hope you were able to comfort each other. Hugs.

  14. shelbeeontheedge1

    I love kimonos so much, Rena! And the floral on black is one of my favorites. I am really liking the belted look and was just deciding what to wear to a Women in Small Business Conference tomorrow. I want to wear a kimono from Shelbee’s Shoppe but couldn’t figure out how to make it less boho and more business, but now you have given me some fabulous ideas! So thank you very much for the inspiration!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

  15. Jennie

    This is a beautiful kimono and I like the variety of ways you have styled it. Great idea about belting our kimonos for a more professional look. Have a great week!

  17. Madam too Much

    A Hearty Thank You for selection last week and I hope to live up to this honor. I am so loving your hair and your can-do attitude about life. Kudos!!