DAYTIME SEQUINS

In addition to wearing unseasonably bright colors, working party clothes into my everyday wardrobe is another way I try to keep midwinter looks fresh. This blouse is a piece I thrifted for $1 (possibly the best dollar I ever spent) and a gloomy midweek day ended up being the perfect time for its debut.

The jewel tones and glistening sequins of the blouse call to mind the work one of my favorite artists, Gustav Klimt.

An Austrian painter, Klimt (1862-1918) is widely known for his allegorical works which are influenced by ancient Greek, Egyptian, and Minoan culture. He was also inspired by Byzantine and Japanese art, all of which are evidenced in his paintings.

Klimt's work features beautifully stylized designs in coexistence with rendered forms which achieve a near otherworldly effect.

Some of Klimt's most beautiful works are portrait paintings of women. The gold Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer has been the subject of much scrutiny due to its repatriation after being looted by the Nazis during World War II (as detailed in the book and film The Rape of Europa).

Klimt's most famous prodigy was Egon Schiele (discussed here and here) and his effect is notable in many of Schiele's works.

In order to tone down the densely sequined blouse for daytime wear, I paired it with a few preppy staples like a chambray shirt and riding boots.

I'm wearing a vintage sequined blouse, thrifted men's button-down, Uniqlo jeans, Tory Burch boots, and a Lauren Merkin suede clutch. Following is a detail shot of the blouse.

Check out my dear friend Candace's lovely piece on blogging as a creative outlet.

Many thanks to Garrett for nominating me for both a Shorty Award in Fashion and Best Fashion Blog 2011 on About.com!

Also, thank you to Daphne for including me in her Stylish Fashion Blogger award.

[Klimt images from filmplus.org, ricci-art.net, toptenz.net, and normanadams.org, respectively.]