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By Debbie AndersonSeptember 29, 2021June 2nd, 2022No Comments

Work Hard, Play Hard

By Meda Kessler
Photos by Ralph Lauer

While we’ve dusted off our high heels and brought our favorite LBDs out of storage, we’re not quite ready to give up the casual-comfort style we’ve embraced for more than a year now. We still have our cool weather go-to uniform of cashmere joggers and a favorite chunky cardigan, but now we’re pairing them with a leather T, something with a little lace or even a tailored shirt. We might slip on a pair of clogs, too — one of this season’s trends. For a true statement shoe, we’ll pull on a pair of lug sole boots. But slouchy doesn’t have to mean sloppy, and opposites play well with each other. Separates that take you to the office or a board meeting also do double duty when you’re off the clock. Add a sleek knit top over a floral-print boho skirt. Throw a snake-print jacket over a form-fitting knit dress. Be bold, be confident and have fun.

Stuck in neutral? Go bold with prints and colors. We paired Kerri Rosenthal’s Patchwork Love cashmere sweater ($348, You Are Here) — opting for a full tuck — with Free People’s Shape Up trousers ($98) in a high-rise style and straight-leg silhouette. The look is pulled together with a Gucci silk neck scarf ($200, Chieffalo Americana); Tortuga leather belt ($68, Free People); and Gucci white leather ankle boot with quilted detail ($980, Neiman Marcus Fort Worth). Add a little sparkle with this By Far Baby Cush Disco Green Hologram leather shoulder bag ($474, Neiman Marcus Fort Worth).

While it might not match your bowling shoes, Valentino’s Roman Stud knit shoulder bag ($2,980, Neiman Marcus Fort Worth) is a winner.

Kneaded Fashion out of Austin repurposes vintage Army jackets and adorns them with appliques or panels made of vintage Hermès scarves. Each is unique, creating a piece of wearable art. Find them at Chieffalo Americana. This star-studded version ($528) tops Alice + Olivia’s Sonja sequin minidress ($995, Neiman Marcus Fort Worth). The custom pink suede belt with white stitching ($300) and brass peace belt buckle ($150) also are from Chieffalo Americana, part of the store’s made-in-Fort Worth private label.

This knit dress from Pearl by Lela Rose ($465) is a slim column of lightweight wool but still offers freedom of movement. Spice it up even more with Alice + Olivia’s Lana snakeskin-print jacket in vegan leather ($395, Neiman Marcus Fort Worth). Finish the look with Merrill suede leather clogs from Loeffler Randall ($395, You Are Here); Hermès silk scarf worn as a bracelet ($400, Chieffalo Americana).

A bold plaid and pearl-studded collar — it’s removable — makes this lightweight coat from Pearl by Lela Rose ($465) a definite statement piece. We’ve paired it with Free People flared jeans ($98) and the AS by DF New Guard recycled leather short-sleeve T ($276, Neiman Marcus Fort Worth). Of course, we love a good animal print, so accessories include Ann Mashburn’s Savanna Leopard Pony buckle shoe ($350, You Are Here) and a calf hair leopard-print belt ($65, J. Crew). Off White’s Pump Pouch top-handle leather bag ($1,685, Neiman Marcus Fort Worth) proves white isn’t just a seasonal color.

Derek Lam 10 Crosby’s Lisel rib-knit polo shirt ($395, Neiman Marcus Fort Worth) would look great with a pencil skirt or twill trousers, but we think it adds a modern touch to Alice + Olivia’s Caralie tiered-print maxi skirt ($395, Neiman Marcus Fort Worth). The reptile-print boots belong to the model.

THE DETAILS

Location Thanks to Bowlounge Fort Worth, which is in a renovated warehouse (once part of the original location of Firestone & Robertson), for the fun and games. Bowlounge offers pool, shuffleboard, darts and, of course, bowling. There’s a full bar and kitchen, too. 941 W. Vickery Blvd., Fort Worth, 817-887-8130, bowlounge.com Talent Taylor Kessler, The Campbell Agency; hair and makeup, Shannon Caldwell Dowling, Something You … Beauty Studio 

RESOURCES

Chieffalo Americana 4698 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817-626-9000 Free People University Park Village, 1540 S. University Drive, Fort Worth, 817-885-7856, freepeople.com

J. Crew University Park Village, 1604 S. University Drive, Fort Worth, 817-885-7756; Southlake Town Square, 334 Grand Ave. W., 817-416-1098; jcrew.com

Neiman Marcus The Shops at Clearfork, 5200 Monahans Ave., Fort Worth, 817-738-3581, neimanmarcus.com

Pearl by Lela Rose Check out the website, pearl.nyc; contact local Pearl stylists Susan Dunkel, 214-676-5517, or Stephanie House, 817-946-2958, for more information You Are Here 5109 Pershing Ave., Fort Worth, 817-862-7466,  youareherefw.com