Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Beaded and Pleated

It feels like the weather wants to turn warmer - but now that I have a limited window to wear sweaters and boots, that's all I want to wear! 
 I'm sure I'll change my mind when it gets really warm (not just somewhat-chilly-but-also-sunny). In the meantime, I got to sneak in a first wearing of this fabulous beaded and embroidered sweater!


  • Sweater - J. Crew Collections, thrifted; purchased here for $19.99
  • White shirt - no label, thrifted; last seen here with a badass bowtie in March
  • Skirt - Marc Jacobs, thrifted; first worn here with a silver shrug in March
  • Shoes - Asos, consignment, Vancouver; last seen here with linen firecracker in April


Like yesterday's teddy bear sweater, this gorgeous beaded sweater is going into the fall/winter pile to be rediscovered at the end of September.
When I was searching online and researching this piece (and gasping at the original retail price of $1,458.50!), I found many pictures of it worn just like this, with a white shirt under it.

It was mostly styled with pants or jeans, but my first thought was this wonderful pleated grey skirt.
 The pale pink shoes brings out the pale pink of the sweater.

In motion, the sweater is less boxy.
 You might enjoy this rant about the 2013 collection that this sweater is from, here, from The Gloss (linking 'cause I love).

They note, "35,000 crystals, sequins, beads and paillettes went into this ugly, short sleeve $1900 sweater." That must be the US price. It doesn't seem so ugly when it's only $19.99, does it?

Outerwear - just a hat, because the sun is starting to do a number on my hair, and gloves, because I am a delicate flower whose hands get cold in the morning.
 I am looking forward to wearing this sweater in the cooler months! Bye for now!


  • Hat - Delux
  • Studded gloves - Danier Leather


The stuff:
 Pretty petal pink shoes. They're starting to get worn out - I wish they were leather and not fabric. They'll last to the end of the summer, but I'm now on the lookout for more pink shoes.

Crystal bling:
Not much, since I was covered in 4 lbs of beading.

  • Crystal ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop, Florence, Italy
  • Amethyst/gold ring - Frances Jewelers, c. 1965, Dad's
  • Earrings - Lazy Susan's


34 comments:

  1. This is a runway outfit, Sheila! Stunning find, that top. Reminds me of something Greetje at No Fear Of Fashion would assemble. I'm shocked that J. Crew sold something that expensive. I knew they have a wedding line that's pricey, but for a blouse!

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    1. Aw, you're so sweet, Mel-Bee! Thank you! I agree, Greetje would like this. I know, I gasped out loud when I found the original retail!

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  2. I love this on you Sheila - and I like that you changed it up and went with a skirt. Denim is my default option for most things and I need to change that! Replacing a lot of my denim shorts with soft fabric ones this summer was one way, but I need to make use of all the other options I have in my wardrobe more. So pleased you were able to enjoy and wear this before the weather heated up too much.

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    1. Thank you so much, Mica! It's so important to try new things, not always stick with our "safe" or comfort zone options. You're doing a great job of experimenting with new things!

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  3. Wow! This sweater is amazing and it looks fabulous on you, Sheila! The skirt complements it perfectly and I love those shoes! XXX

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    1. Thank you, Sasha! I need to find another pair of these shoes.

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  4. Very cute. Like the skirt. I just bought a pair of shoes almost identical to these. You lead, I follow!

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  5. What a find, Sheila! Love how the skirt echoes the sweater in color, shine and vertical details. Can't wait to see how you restyle it this fall. Hoping to see it with a slinky bottom.

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    1. Thanks, Chalotalo! Hmmm...slinky - maybe a mini, or a skinny pant (or a wide pant?). I do have a long pewter leather skirt that would be fab with it! Thanks so for the ideas!

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  6. I liked it off but it looks amazing on, Sheila! Inspired with the grey skirt and blouse. xxx

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    1. Thank you so much, Vix! The shirt keeps it from getting stinky, hee hee.

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  7. I love this outfit, the pink shoes are just the perfect soft pop of colour. Going to buy some Robbin's egg blue shoes today I think.

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  8. That beaded top is fantastic, especially the way you combined it with the grey pleated skirt and the white blouse underneath. I wasn't sure how you were going to wear it, but you really did yourself proud. Just stunning! And how sweet are those pale pink shoes! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Ann! How will I ever top or equal this outfit?

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  9. What an amazing sweater and I couldn't believe the original price tag - OMG! It looks so cool with the skirt and shirt underneath and the pink shoes are really pretty. Still needing sweaters, coats/jackets and gloves here, too. I wouldn't mind but with the mini heatwave we had a couple of weeks back I put most of my winter wardrobe away - doh!

    Hope your week is going well.

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    1. I know, it's a crazy price! We're coming into a hot spell, so no more thick sweaters here! Happy week to you, my dear!

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  10. Nope the 35,000 crystals look mighty magnificent at under 20 bucks, a fabulous find and top notch styling, as always. I love the color of your shoes. It is finally hot and sunny in New York and I am loving it. Enjoy the cozy and chic layering until the sun arrives.
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/2018/05/01/gingham-tie-front-dress-add-tropical-punch/

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    1. Thanks so much, Elle! I was happy at $20, but wow, to find I got such a bargain?? It's getting warm here, and I'm loving it too.

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  11. Ugly?! That's crazy.
    The original price is an awful lot for a piece of clothing - but for that quantity of hand beading it's not unreasonable, if one can afford it. I only hope the beader/s were reasonably paid for their work.
    It's absolutely stunning and I'm so glad it's found it's way to you - who will actually wear it, rather than just keeping it for an occasion. With pewter leather it'll be amazing. I love this outfit - as someone who grew up in England, white shirt and grey pleated skirt is very school-uniform to me, making the sweater even more impressive, if possible, in comparison.

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    1. I know - one person's ugly is another person's "gasp!" I agree, the beadwork is definitely worth the cost - and although I doubt the beaders got paid a fair wage (sigh), at least I put money into a downtown local business.

      I'll definitely wear it! I don't like saving things for "good". Yes, it does have a uniform vibe about it - that reads preppy to me.

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  12. Sheila I am still flipping over this item, it was such a FABULOUS FIND! and the first outfit you have created is just grand !!! I look forward to seeing this sweater in the future.

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    1. I know! Lorena, I knew you would see this for the treasure it is!

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  13. I'm so perverse that the minute I packed away my winter sweaters I was desperate to find a cashmere the very next day. This ornate top was an astouding find and not in the least bit ugly I'd say. My inclination would have been to wear it with jeans, and so this pleated skirt is a clever twist. Lovely pink accessories too!

    Anna x

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    1. Ha, isn't that always the way, Anna? I may wear it with jeans one day. Thank you!

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  14. I can't believe anyone actually paid full retail price for that sweater! The beadwork is lovely, and bravo to you for getting it for $20. As I get older I find that the question of "how do I clean this" is closer to the top of my list of criteria when buying clothing - can you hand wash it?

    Your hair is sooo much longer than when I first "met" you - I really like it that length on you. and of course, the colour is great.

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    1. I'll just spot clean if it gets a spill, Shelley, as it's wool and will respond well to that treatment. There's no need to overall wash unless I sweat in it - I'll be wearing a piece underneath to forestall that happening!

      I know! Crazy how it grows. Thank you!

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  15. I've just seen that you know Anna already! Of COURSE you would know her already!!!
    HOW was that SOOOOOOOOOOOoo expensive? It is gorgeous though. I love how this is a chic twist on an adorable preppy look!x

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    1. Of course I do! It's all the labour that goes into creating that - it takes so much time, and time is money. Thanks!

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  16. what a fantastic top, and it's hand beaded! it looks really luxurious!
    And it matches so nicely your pleated skirt, it's a brilliant ensemble!
    besos

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    1. Thank you so much! That sweater is the most luxurious thing I have ever owned!

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