Two-Ways Tuesday: Beaded Beauties

 James: Top: J.Crew. Chambray: J.Crew. Denim: Old. Shoes: J.Crew. Natalie: Top: J.Crew. Skirt: Anthropologie (similar styles here and here). Shoes: Vince Camuto.

What about this beaded top caused you to purchase it? 

James: The mere site of a sweatshirt gives me flashbacks of my less-fashionable days in college. In fact, I have pretty much shied away from them since undergrad. But leave it to J.Crew to add a little glitz to an otherwise drab garment. Voila! I am instant fan.  

Nat: I love that this top has a tough "Rosie the Riveter" feel, but the pretty beadwork keeps it feminine. Also, the fit is great. Worn untucked it has a nice long and lean silhouette that works well on my body type.

In what ways do you style this piece? 
James: A chambray shirt is a great item to have in your closet. It is an easy and casual way to add layers, and a dotted print like this one gives the outfit an extra dimension of visual interest.

Nat: For this look, I went for a 1950s vibe by tucking it into a full skirt. Both of the patterns relate enough in size and color to work well together, while the beading in the top is subtle enough to not compete with the skirt's more dominant patterns. I also enjoy wearing the top casually and simply by pairing it with dark skinny jeans and oxfords. When it's chillier, I add a long cardigan in a fun color—a great look for traveling or running errands.

Photo credit: Angie Harding