Chic Inspiration: When in Rome

Today’s inspiration is a bit of a departure from the usual. The 2010 movie “When in Rome” starring Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel is a silly and fun chick flick that’s definitely worth adding to your Net Flix queue, but the best reason to watch is Kristen Bell’s wardrobe. Her character, Beth, is a young professional working at a museum and wearing classic but youthful outfits that are very adaptable to real life. I originally wrote about her look more than a year ago and it’s one of my top posts according to Google Analytics, so I’m revisiting it to create two outfits that give a nod to “When In Rome” and are great summer options for dressier workplaces.

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There are a four reasons why Kristen Bell’s wardrobe is worth searching for (and writing about) a year after the movie came out:

1. Signature jewelry: An amazing quatrefoil watch and quatrefoil necklace, which are from the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection and are thus extremely expensive. With a little digging it’s possible to find less expensive options like the pieces I’ve used in the outfits below.

2. Quality suiting: Although the cost of a well-made suit may initially hard to stomach, you’ll get your money’s worth in the long run. If it’s simple and fits your body well, it will never go out of style.

3. Classic color combination: The “When In Rome” stylists nailed how important it is for a young professional’s wardrobe to be versatile, and there’s unlimited versatility in the classic blue/black/white/gray color combination they use throughout the movie. A wardrobe full of mix-and-match pieces is much more affordable and interesting than one that’s full of “outfits”.

4. Feminine details: Menswear, like the vests that Kristen’s character wears, can look severe unless there are feminine details like a slim fit, delicate jewelry, ruffles, and pleats.

For a summer work outfit that most mimics this most searched-for “When In Rome” outfit, tropical-weight wool cuffed trousers and a backless tuxedo vest are a light-weight choice, and pintuck detailing on an inexpensive oxford blouse provide a feminine touch. And those peep-toe booties? Hello, sexy!

1. Tuxedo Vest, All Saints – $160 (backless waistcoat style); 2. Blouse, Land’s End -  $24.50; 3. Quatrefoil Necklace, Go Back In Time Jewelry – $34.99; 4. Quatrefoil Watch, Carnation Collection – $95; 5. Pants, Ann Taylor – $128; 6. Bag, Etienne Aigner at eBags – $84; 7. Peep-toe Booties, Carlos by Carlos Santana at DSW – $40

To really lighten up the color palette for the hottest days, go with trendy white-on-white and a linen vest. Denim pumps are youthful and transition well to date nights.

1. Linen Vest, Banana Republic $89.50; 2. Ruffled Shirt, LOFT – $44.50; 3. Pumps, Jessica Simpson at DSW – $60; 4. Bag, Fossil at Piperlime – $103; 5. Pants, Gap – $59.50; 6. Quatrefoil Earrings, Beaucoup Bandit $18; 7. Layering Necklace, Daffodil Boutique – $49

My workplace is casual (and some people take it too far and wear ripped shorts and Birkenstocks or teensy spaghetti strap sundresses), but most days I still try to dress up a bit simply because it makes me feel good – and a little more productive.

Did you see the movie? Wasn’t the bridesmaid dress Kristen’s character wore just fabulous? I think I want to buy the DVD and watch it again one evening when the hubs is out at softball.

Read my original post, “Get The Look: When in Rome” and see photos of Kristen Bell’s stylish house.