Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Funky Menswear With a 45-Year-Old Blouse

I played around with my new clothes in my closet last night, and put together this outfit. My work is doing a Mental Health Month, so I was chatting today with a coworker about what she does to clear her mind. A few people ended up sharing their "Zen" things - mine was (of course) playing in my closet.
I do other stuff too - I love to read (a lot), and I paint or draw sometimes - but playing in my closet is the most fun when I really love the outfit that comes out at the end. It's my art.


  • Blouse - Shirt-Tales by StyleRite, vintage 1970s, thrifted; purchased here for $12.99
  • Pants - H&M, consignment; purchased here for $10.00
  • Shoes - Clarks Narrative, consignment; purchased here for $21.50
  • Coat (below) - Denny Rose, consignment; purchased here for $24.50

 I wouldn't do this look every day, but it's a nice change from how I usually dress, which tends to the uber-girly at this point in my life. Maybe I'm due for a change, I don't know. I'm not going to overthink it - it's one outfit! It would look nice with a vest too..

The blouse was lovely to wear, although slightly warm (hurray for 70s polyester!). No buttons popping open, or even loose, although this piece is easily over 45 years old. You can't say that about modern stuff. What will be left of that in 45+ years?
 First wearing of the pants also, and I liked them quite a bit. They don't have any stretch but they are slightly loose on me. The blouse did come untucked in a few spots (the back mostly), but was good overall - the PVC waistband actually helped it stay in place. Like all H&M, the quality is a little hit and miss, and it usually doesn't last for very long in my wardrobe (maybe a few years at most) before I cycle it out.

Outerwear. It was threatening to rain this morning, so I risked wearing WAY too much stuff. No, hat not needed. But I see potential for fall!
 Seriously, isn't that the most gorgeous coat? It reminds me of Burberry plaid. I like how the pockets follow the colour instead of being slash.

Just a nice straight cut.
 This was a fabulous length for walking too - most longer coats tend to swallow my frame, but this one felt just right.

The stuff:
 Also feeling just right were these shoes. I loved these so much. All-day shoes! The funky legs are courtesy of a pair of trouser socks (aka patterned knee-highs).

Double bling:
Did you see how I layered the necklace over the tie? I was proud of coming up with that - I really liked how it evokes a pocket-watch, and adds to the overall menswear vibe. My vintage tie says "Has a love letter won your heart".


  • Silk tie - Escada, vintage 80s, thrifted
  • Necklace - Fossil, consignment (first wear, purchased on the same spree as above)
  • Earrings - local
  • Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes

24 comments:

  1. That coat!! :-)))) The stripe proportions are exquisite. The coat reminds me of a piece of great statement jewelry: even if it's not worn often, or even every year, it's a keeper because what it does, it does so well. Fun outfit, too.

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    1. Isn't it gorgeous? I could not leave it behind. I'll be wearing it a lot this fall/winter, I expect. Thank you so much, Pam!

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  2. Oh, that coat! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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  3. Love the striped coat and necklace/tie layering! Playing in my closet is my zen, too!

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  4. The coat is fabulous on you and I loved the outfit. The pants fit you beautifully and the shoes are smart and comfortable. I like playing about with my 4 hanging rails - all in different cupboards - and making up outfits, too.

    xx

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    1. Thank you so much, Veronica! I felt just awesome in the whole ensemble. Wow, four hanging rails sounds lovely! How fun!

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  5. Love your outfit. Your coat looks so good on you. I feel the same way about putting outfits together. I find it very relaxing and how I channel my creativity. You never know what kind of outfits you will create.

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    1. Thank you, Sandra! It really gives one a sense of focus, and it really helps me feel like I'm getting a bit of creativity into every day. It's magic!

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  6. Sheila,
    This outfit is a work of art and that is why i love your blog so much. The tie, plus necklace is infinitely clever, and I love the trouser socks for that extra punch of pattern. I saw am embroidered tie I want to buy. but I am was a bit sick, so i went home and am staying in.
    It is so fun to create in one's closet, I agree. YOU are fabulous in this. I have been enjoying drawing and painting digitally on my new iPad pro. I think you would too! Drawing on an iPad is fun, good for Mental Health month!
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/

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    1. Elle, that is just the sweetest thing to say - thank you! Oh, I hope your tie is still there when you are feeling better!

      Do you know, I have never touched an iPad, but that sounds like fun!

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  7. The pants do fit well, even though they are H&M - and as you say, with them its hit or miss thing.
    And the coat.... that is another story, the word splendid, spectacular or cool don't do it justice its just f*cking fabulous !!! and made in Italy.

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    1. It is, which is a shame - it's starting to take over the thrift stores. I feel like it's only going to get harder to find good quality items. I know, the coat!! It's just incredible. I'm boggled that I found it.

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  8. Love the turquoise blouse with your turquoise eyeglasses! The tie is a fun touch.

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    1. Thank you, JS! I'm a funny gal, so I like my fun touches!

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  9. such a cool outfit, love that masculine-feminine twist, and your accessorizing is awesome!. Love your tie and necklace, those shoes, and your coat (fabulous stripes and shape!)
    besos

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  10. That coat is an excellent score, and looks very expensive. The streamlined shape is also very flattering.

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  11. The coat is blooming marvelous isn't it Sheila? What a great buy! Golly you're gonna get such a lot of wear out of that one. And the other piece which I love are your socks/knee highs - the pattern is fab and so punchy against those trousers.

    Anna x

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    1. It really is - I'm so happy with it. Ha, thank you! I love the bit of fun they add.

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