3 Outfits Inspired by Things You Never Have Time to Do
You know when you see TV or movie characters looking all Oprah-lighting glowy, whiling the day away at some dreamy corner cafe, or wandering the streets in a glamorous, yet effortless ensemble?
Yeah, those girls are not me.
The last time I strolled outside (excluding booking it to class!) I was on my way to my residence’s convenience store. I’m reasonably certain the last time I was able to sit down with a hot drink and read a book uninterrupted for hours was when I had the flu. (Yipee!) There are so many lovely little indulgent things that I’d love to have time to do, but somehow never get around to- my three big ones are listed down below, with outfits to match.
At least I know I’ll be dressed perfectly for each occasion – should I ever find time to do any of them!
1. Go for a stroll downtown
Blazer, Jeans, Scarf, Tank, Purse, Flats
After moving to a city with a vibrant downtown full of eclectic eateries and quirky boutiques, I thought I’d spend my weekends ambling aimlessly, window shopping on the city streets. What I’ve really found that is my schedule is so packed (mostly with laundry – never-ending laundry) that even on the weekends, I often don’t leave campus. I may not have time to wander the shops à la Blair Waldorf in Paris, but I can still dress like I do!
To get this look, create a neutral base by layering a cream colored tank and scarf, then add a gorgeous floral boyfriend blazer. Add a pair of skinnies and finish the look with coordinating flats, a simple cross-body bag and little gold hoop earrings. This outfit would be great paired with a high topknot and winged liner for a look that’s trendy, but comfy enough to spend the day downtown.
2) Relax at a coffeehouse
Cape, Disco Pants, Tank, Necklace, Flats
During those dreadfully long Econ lectures, I fantasize about taking the bus to a little cafe off campus and sipping fragrant tea while curling up with my favorite Fitzgerald novel. There, they will have varieties of teas I can’t pronounce and mismatched cutlery and the waitress probably has, like, a degree in Advanced Study of the Spoken Comma or something. Pretentious? Maybe. Intoxicating? Most definitely.
Prep for your relaxing afternoon with trendy disco leggings and a long, soft tank. Drape yourself with this gorgeous print cape (which is long enough to give you plenty of coverage), then add a simple layered necklace and comfy flats for an outfit that feels both simple and luxurious- perfect for a day spent curling up with your favorite book and a hot drink!
3) DIY up a storm
Tank, Jeans, Cardigan, Moccasins, Ring
As a self-professed Pinterest-aholic, I have endless bookmarks of projects I want to start, from home decor to spa-at-home ideas. One day, I’d love to find time to actually sit down and create that DIY magnetic makeup board I’ve been fawning over, but, alas, time never seems to work in my favor.
If I were to find the time to realize my Martha Stewart ambitions, I would dress for the day by slipping on some boyfriend jeans and a concert tank, along with this super snuggly oversized cardigan. Paired with fuzzy moccasins and a cool ring, this outfit is the ultimate in casual cute.
What do you think?
Do you guys find time to do any of these things? (If so, teach me your ways!) What’s your favorite ‘day-off’ activity? Would you wear any of these outfits? What’s your favorite Hollywood cliche of how women spend their days?
Leave me your thoughts, opinions, suggestions or horrendously bad junior high poetry in the comments below!
 |
Posted on on November 24, 2012 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Activities, Casual, Fashion Inspiration, Featured, Fun, Life, Outfits, style inspiration
Like this post?
Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our 
Wickham
Love the idea! I feel your pain, I have no time to do any of those things either.
These are all great outfits — I would wear any of these happily. The second one especially stole my heart. Gorgeous!
PS – wooooo! UBC!
Tessa
One of my favourite articles here in a long time! I can’t even pick a favourite look because I love them all. You rock!
PS – woooo!! Canada!
Holly
Fantastic post! And I totally want that cape!
And finally, a Canadian voice on CF! :)
Em
Great outfits! But those of us in BC definitely need hoods for those rainy strolls and wet walks to the coffee shops :)
Marina
I love the first outfit but I would add a cute hairbsnd to it in honour of Blair Waldorf :)
catel
In love with that second outfit.
Emma
I Love the third outfit. Seriously tempted by that green sweater!
PS- woooo! BC!!!
Laura
I love the cape in outfit #2, but it’s out of my budget. :( Do know where I could find a cheaper alternative? :)
Fillenoire
That second outfit is great! Love the cape and disco pants. Wish I had time to relax at a coffeehouse.
Ellen
Love outfits 1 & 2, also liked that you included a bag in outfit 1. :)
nana
I’m def going to a coffee house <3 and relax with some a cuppa mocha and cupcakes..Thanks <3
Lina
I love the DIY up a storm outfit that is something that I would totally wear!!!!!!
TkHart
I love this post! Please do more like this!
Isabelle
This is such an amazing post,I love every outfit :) Well done Lara!!!
C
I love this! I also always want to do these things but never have time! I have actually only sat in a coffee shop twice in my life and once was a study group! And I would love to do a DIY day too! Love all the outfits, but the DIY outfit is my favorite! Great post ;)
Lori
what a cute post, love the idea. and the outfits were all fab!
Alyssa Nicole
Omg these looks are gorgeous as well! I wish I could spend time doing these lovely things as well but life has a different plan for me at the moment :)
Mallory
Such a clever concept. And well executed. Great work Lara
Jenny
Part 2? Please?
Samantha
Great idea for an inspired by post! I wish I had time to do a lot of these things as well :)
Kelly
Also looking for a cheaperalternative to the cape in outfit two. Anyone find one?
Dailyfashiom.com
I have soo many DIY that I want to post in my blog but no time to do them :( blogging and studying is hard girl!
Roxanne @ Shanghai Tai
I love that Tapestry jacket! I am older than dirt and I would wear every one of those looks only with looser pants lol. I would wear that blazer to the office too. Fortunately for me I get to have DIY days fairly often! Wish I could do the other two and wish I had a downtown to go strolling in!
Ellen
Yes! Part 2 of this article would be great. :)
Julia
Came over to comment for the first time in three years because I loved the looks so much and was shocked to see that the writer is a gal from UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA!!! WHOOO!!!
In any case, kudos on making orange attractive in your first look, and making a reference to the exotic background of coffee with that exotic lookin’ cardigan. Yeyy
Lara - University of British Columbia
First of all thank you all so much for your support, your comments really make my day! CF really has the best readers on the web :)
And shoutout to all my Canadian readers out there, sending you all much love and lots of success when Roll Up the Rim starts up again ;)
@Em: Totally true! I’m from Alberta originally and I am NOT used to this crazy rain haha- I’m a big fan of umbrellas and layering thermal shirts instead of big coats though- I find it much more manageable when out for the day with nowhere to stash a bulky jacket!
@Marina: Perfection, xoxo ;)
@Roxanne: I’m sure you would rock any of these :)
@Laura & Kelly: I found these 2 capes a little more affordable, hope I helped!
http://www.riverisland.com/women/sale/accessories/black-flower-embroidered-cape-626403
http://www.etsy.com/listing/111901343/fringed-poncho-cape-shawl-1980s
Isa
Oh banana bread,
How I question thee
Your greenish brown color sort of disgusts me
Your scent is hurting my head
Kind of like chlorine and locker rooms
I applaud your uniqueness banana bread
You also smell of mushrooms
You might be found in a pantry,
On a plate or in an oven,
Baking the day away,
Next to a cupcake or muffin
You can be golden at times
Looking delectably so,
But I know your true identity,
A questionable pastry, no?
You don’t even taste like bananas!
A rather coconutty taste I must say.
You dare call yourself banana bread?
Ah well.
I’ll eat you anyway.
Homemade or store-bought
You are still the same.
A very distinctive concoction,
Something amazing yet lame
I’ve tried you pan fried,
But that changed nothing
You still taste the same,
A weird, unique something
You occasionally have nuts,
A nice feature I must say
But when you go all pecan,
Ugh. You might as well decay.
You’re much heavier than cake,
Something I would have never discovered
What are you really made of?
Tis a mystery I wish to not uncover.
Congratulations banana bread,
You are officially everywhere.
I saw you at Safeway the other day,
Why would you dare?!
So to make my feelings official
About you awful baked-good you,
I’d just like to say,
You make my day more interesting,
By causing me to write this poem-like essay.
you enabled me
I used that for the 7th grade poetry competition and won like Beyonce
(PS Lovely outfits I absolutely love this post. One of my favorite posts in a while :D)
bobcut-cateye
i usually rarely comment on here but oh my goodness! the outfits you put together are just so so so beautiful!
Lucia
relaxing at a coffee house is easy! take your books there and study! my fav thing to do!
Lara - University of British Columbia
@Isa- Gold star. I am speechless.
Jessica - UCLA
This title/ concept! Brilliant
Andrea
I love your ideas – where did you get the gorgeous print cape. I just love it, I would like to purchase something similar, it is just my style – a little boho and cover well it seems.
Kathy
I hate flats! Especially with skinny jeans, and I’d rather have more bootcut type jeans so I can put on wedge shoes or boots. Also, you really should have included hoodies. They are great for over or under everything! Another alternative for a casual look with skinny jeans would be either espadrilles or wedge sneakers…they have really taken off, with so many colors and styles available. I enjoyed reading your articles and what I liked the most was the cross body handbag.
Lauren Fox
I love the outfits, especially the second one! My favorite cliche is that they go out for power lunches all the time (in between their manis, shopping, and other fabulous activities).
Katy pur
They are really nice !!