Tissue Turtleneck Three Ways: Phase III

All good things must come to an end.

Phase III is here! If you forgot and/or are wondering what the hell phase III means, don't worry! I almost forgot about it, too. I've been doing a turtleneck challenge with J. Crew's tissue turtlenecks because a) I now own three of them and b) I'm always down to promote these babies not because I'm a victim of corporate consumerism, but because they're just that good. Everyone needs one (or five) in their wardrobes!!! Two weeks ago I proved their embellishing nature in Phase I by only revealing a rust-tinted neck under a victorian lace blouse, one week ago I proved their necessity by not daring to layer anything over it and pairing it with a mini skirt in Phase II. So it's about time for phase III! And unfortunately the end of this wonderful challenge I've had a blast doing (I hope you had just as much fun reading about it). If I owned ten of these, I would be extending the challenge to ten turtlenecks, and I'd even be able to give the turtleneck ten separate qualities, one for each color. My limited amount of turtlenecks (and funds) forces me to put an end to this, so I'm going out with a bang and revealing the convenience of these staples.

Here's phase III:

Jumpsuit and tassel cuff by Madewell. Boots by Topshop.

Most people's initial gut reaction to the turtleneck is oh, yeah, I should definitely start wearing these more because it's really damn cold outside. I always attempted to forget this primary purpose, mostly because I wanted to assign more universality to these tops (wearing a turtleneck in 60 degrees should be allowed, right??). But now I'm reassigning the turtlenecks purpose today, because here, I actually did slip this hot pink baby on because it was really damn cold. My regular readers should know that I don't let the cold stop me from what I'm wearing (like here and here), so I decided to wear a velvet cami jumpsuit, which is definitely meant for winter (imagine wearing this to an NYE party!!), but the lack of sleeves say otherwise. So tissue turtleneck comes to the rescue! How convenient!!! I went for my pink one, not only because it was the last one left in the challenge, but also because I've learned that this bright hue of pink can really brighten up a freezing day. This tint of turtleneck alone could look like a 4th grader's dream, the velvet jumpsuit alone could resemble  Bianca Jagger's #ootd, but combined, they represent my personal style.

I told you these things were magical!!!

I finished the look with the same boots I've worn this entire challenge, mostly because I'm still in that honeymoon phase with them that is bound to end soon, once I get myself a pair of loafer mules. And to really make this last day of my challenge go out with a bang, I took photos on a roof with DC staring at me in the background. I'm not sure if it's the pop of pink or the bright sun making this outfit look truly ~entrancing~, but I am sure that the sensation of the softer-than-a-cloud material embracing my neck did make me feel the most me. And I'm sure you'll feel that same revelation, too.

Buy a few (or ten!) tissue turtlenecks here.

phase I | phase II

Photos shot by Brianna.

Psa: this post (or challenge) was not initiated because J. Crew (or affiliated companies) asked me to do so, and I am not being paid or sponsored to promote these turtlenecks. I just really, really like them! I hope you will, too. 

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Tissue Turtleneck Three Ways: Phase II

The wait is over!!!

A month ago, when I finally was able to state that I owned not one, but three, tissue turtlenecks, I decided to take on a fashion challenge, which I have done many times on here (exhibit a! exhibit b! exhibit c!). But this one carries a lot more schedule, a lot more structure, and definitely a lot more planning -- the planning officially started one month ago! I told myself I would wear my three different tissue turtlenecks, of all different colors, in three completely different ways.

Why does this matter, you may ask?

The turtleneck seems to carry so much more utility than just a neck warmer. And I'm here to prove that! I proved last week that they can simply be used as an embellishing factor, to brighten up a neutral outfit with a little peep of a colorful neck, in Phase I. I showcased the embellishing nature of the infamous tissue turtleneck, and now I'm about to reveal the necessary nature of them. Necessary, not only to keep me warm in this frigid winter, but to also stand alone, not as a layering piece, and still make an outfit look damn good.

Here's phase II:

I'm not wearing pants!!!

Just kidding. 

Skirt by Zara. Bandana from who knows where (I've owned this thing since I was ten, you can buy some here!). Boots by Topshop. Tassel cuff and wool coat by Madewell.

Phase II made me think about using the turtleneck as a top, standing by itself. What a rarity for me! Layering has become second nature, and I'm fairly certain this is my first time wearing a tissue turtleneck on its own. Trump is now the president, anything is possible. It's time to try new things, get out of our comfort zone. So I continued my fashion challenge, and unwillingly put on the periwinkle turtleneck and did not continue to layer anything over it. I paired this with a frill mini skirt from Zara that looks like it came straight out of the '80s to add something extra to the bland turtleneck, and unfortunately broke my layering rule by layering a bandana over my already covered neck, choker style, and a tassel cuff over my already covered wrist. Is it still layering if they're only accessories? I opted out of putting tights on my hot dogs because the turtleneck covered my upper half, and finished the look with my heeled ankle boots and wool duster that both make me seem very business professional (walking through the streets of D.C. with clacking shoes is scientifically proven to boost your confidence level).

Before attempting Phase II, I was afraid I'd have this feeling of emptiness. I was wrong! My views in fashion constantly shift from minimalism to maximalism, and although maximalism has been controlling my wardrobe these past few months, the less is more attitude may be my new mantra. And the challenge continues! Check back next week for Phase III.

phase I | phase III

Photos shot by Brianna.

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Tissue Turtleneck Three Ways: Phase I

It's the season of the turtleneck.

A few facts about me: I'm an avid film lover, I'm the type of person to wait 10 hours just to be front row for my favorite band, and my favorite article of clothing for the past three years has been the turtleneck. Will the last statement ever change, you ask? Probably not. They're ~*~magical~*~. Like the wool inside your cocoon coat that keeps you warm, like the embroidery on those new floral ankle boots that everyone now seems to own, like the perfect pair of jeans you can't seem to unglue from your unwilling legs.

Necessary, embellishing, and reliable. What more could anyone want?

Due to my undying love for the amazing neck-protectors, I decided to take on a little ~fashion challenge~. How exciting! Especially during the weeks around the dreaded inauguration, a mini endeavor into how I can wear turtlenecks can brighten up the depressing time ahead of us. And to make this time even brighter, I'm using J. Crew's tissue turtlenecks, which I used to own one of and now own three!!! I'm such a fan of these that I could practically be a salesperson for just the turtlenecks; I rave about them daily to my friends who most definitely do not care. They're a) super soft b) thin enough to fit under any article of clothing (sweaters! button-up dresses! slip tops!) and c) come in practically every color of the rainbow, plus more. They make layering so much easier (and more fun! who wouldn't want to layer a hot pink turtleneck under a black checkered dress?!), so I suggest purchasing at least three in both neutral and bright shades.

For this fashion challenge, I'm going to wear all three in completely different ways to prove the endless wonders of the tissue turtleneck. Here's phase I:

Top by Zara (similar here). Jeans by Madewell. Boots by Topshop.

In the first step of my endeavor, I wanted to use the turtleneck to simply embellish an existing outfit that could stand alone without the neck-protector, but at the same time could really use the rust-tinted neck to add a pop of color (and little warmth!). To simply add a turtleneck to a look that doesn't technically need one, reach for a long-sleeved blouse, preferably high-collared and Victorian, layer that over a turtleneck of your choosing (this orange one seems pretty fitting), roll your sleeves to show off that turtleneck a bit more, and slide on a pair of pants -- any will work, but I grabbed these wide-leg denim ones that work better in warmer temps but seem to work just fine with a covered neck and ankle boots (gold heel optional). My first attempt at the Tissue Turtleneck Challenge™ showcases how turtlenecks can add a pop of color, a pop of warmth, and really just a pop of cool, if you define cool to be something that can help on so many different levels and add some stylish flare to your outfit.

Check back in the next few weeks for the other two phases of my turtleneck adventure, and maybe, just maybe, you'll hop on the turtleneck train (if you haven't already).

phase II | phase III

Photos shot by Sydney. 

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