Thursday, March 12, 2020

Beene and Boots Suit

It's been a tumultuous week, at home and worldwide, and I'm emotionally exhausted from it all. 

Clothing As Armour is in effect! 
I was so excited to wear my new-to-me vintage Geoffrey Beene suit. Today was the first time I tried it on not over my clothes!


  • Vest jacket - Geoffrey Beene, vintage 60s, vintage fair; purchased here for $18.00 
  • Turtleneck - Wanko, thrifted; last worn here (4th outfit) earlier this month for a walk with a friend
  • Skirt - Geoffrey Beene, vintage 60s, vintage fair; purchased here for $22.00
  • Boots - Rockport, thrifted; last seen here with blanket clothes in January
  • Leather trenchcoat (below) - vintage 70s, thrifted; last worn here a few weeks ago


I was reminded as I took my stair picture this morning, that Nature continues on despite what we humans get up to.
"This seems like an excellent spot."

The neighbourhood seagulls are scouting for nests.

But back to the suit - isn't it amazing? I found another excellent write-up on its American designer Geoffrey Beene here (scroll down, it's worth a read, link 'cause I love, of course). I love the following quotes:

Clothing from Beene is made for movement and never restricts or binds the wearer...His designs display a sensuous appreciation of the body and always permit movement.

I totally agree with that - I move around a lot in my work, going up and down stairs, reaching up into cupboards, bending, stretching, carrying things, crawling under desks - and this outfit was a champ.
 I especially liked the generous cut of the armholes, which did not restrict at all. I styled this in a very 70s way, belting it and layering a turtleneck under it.

...one can approach a Beene composition in black and white close up with the same scrutiny of a Frank Stella black painting: there is a fascination up close even more gratifying than the sign from afar. In Beene's case, texture is an important element, and the distant reading of graphic clarity became far more complex when disparate textures were mingled. Like reversibility, the near-far dialectic in Beene was provocative: utter simplicity from a distance became infinite technicality up close.

This suit has so many wonderful details - check back via the link above to see some of them (I took a ton of pictures, as I'm a total details person).
There weren't a ton of people in the office today - many are starting to work from home - but those who were there really admired the details in the fabric and the construction. 

Also, that's a pencil skirt with no slit, but I never felt constricted or that I couldn't take a full stride.
 I loved the nice deep pockets too! This is one of the most comfortable suits I've ever owned.

Outerwear - we've had rain, wind and sun, and it's been cold and warm today. Must be nearly spring!
Of course I had to go with some of my vintage pieces, like this wonderful leather trenchcoat, my vintage designer fedora and my new-to-me horse scarf.


  • Fedora - Edward Mann, vintage 60s, thrifted
  • Scarf - vintage, vintage fair; purchased here for $16.00
  • Gloves - Parkhurst


The stuff:
I spy a bare foot, heh.

I really liked these simple dark brown boots with the outfit - I have boots that match the suit better, but I preferred the slight difference in browns.

Brown bling:
My belt and the earrings are the only retail items in my entire outfit. Everything else is thrift or vintage fair.


  • Belt - Club Monaco
  • Earrings - Aldo
  • Bracelet - J. Crew, thrifted


My friends, be safe, stay calm, wash your hands, and take care of yourselves. I'll be back on Sunday with tales of adventure! Thank you so much for stopping by.

30 comments:

  1. All I can say is wow! The suit is so well cut and even though it's vintage it has a modern vibe. It's absolutely amazing and suits you perfectly (no pun intended). You and Mr. Beene were meant to be together.

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    1. Thanks very much, Nana! I agree - and I've found that the best vintage is the stuff that doesn't look dated. Much appreciated!

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  2. That is such a great suit on you Sheila and I love how you layered it with the turtleneck! :)

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    1. Thanks, Mica! I knew as soon as I saw it that I'd be wearing a turtleneck with it.

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  3. “Wow. Who could turn the world on with her smile...?” He was a brilliant designer.

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    1. That Girl! Thanks very much, Peggy! I wasn't that familiar with Beene, but now I'm going to keep an eye out for his stuff.

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  4. Ooh, that Geoffrey Beene suit is even better on, and I love how you layered it with that turtleneck! Very 1970s indeed. Your accessories are spot on as well. Be safe and have a great weekend, Sheila. Ours will be very quite as Belgium has gone into semi-lockdown. No shops apart from food shops open in the weekend and all pubs and restaurants closed until end of March. It'll be a ghost country! xxx

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    1. Isn't it amazing, Ann? I just loved it.

      Thanks, my dear, you too - we're not quite in lockdown yet, but I can feel it coming...

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  5. As soon as I saw it I thought that suit looked midcentury - it's a very stylish suit of armour.

    I hope your weekend goes well too - stay safe!

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    1. It does have that vibe, but it still feels timeless to me. Thank you, Mim, you too!

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  6. Lovely to see this suit 'in action' as it looks even better!, you rock it!
    And so delightful to wear a vintage suit that fits you perfectly and it's comfortable and well made!, that's Quality!, love that you share so many details about this!
    Hope you enjoy your weekend (safely!)
    besos

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    1. Thank you so much - I'm glad you like it. I know, it was a joy to wear such high quality. I do adore the details.

      You too, Monica, thank you!

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  7. Gorgeous outfit that you've styled beautifully -- Geoffrey would approve! BTW, those boots are lovely!

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    1. I hope so (he is still alive!). I love the boots too, thanks, Cynthia!

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  8. Clothing as armour, I totally understand you in this current world crisis.
    Oh, your suit is just perfect accompanied by your gorgeous brown boots. Stay safe. X

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    1. Yup, I definitely needed it! Thank you, Jess, you too!

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  9. That suit looks even better on, the skirt is a perfect length and those boots were a brilliant choice.
    They feel like very strange times, don't they? Everything feels very weird at the moment, while we're not on lockdown a lot of people seem to have chosen to stay indoors. We popped out yesterday and it felt we we'd wandered onto the set of some dystopian film set.
    Enjoy your weekend. xxx

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    1. I am so happy with the suit, Vix, as I'm sure you understand. Thank you - I love the boots.

      It's really so strange. We've been told it's safe to go out and be in restaurants and shops (but wash your hands and maintain "social distance") but the streets and restaurants are dead!

      Happy weekend to you!

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  10. Oh I didn't realize it was a vest when you had bought it. It's a gorgeous suit. And those pockets in the skirt! I love that! Enjoy your weekend!

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    1. It's a little different than a normal suit, but that's why I like it. I know, pockets! Woo!

      Thanks, Nancy, you too!

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  11. Sheila, thank you for sticking to your regularly scheduled program! The cut of the pencil skirt, even though there is no slit-- perfect and comfortable! Thanks for pointing that out.

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    1. Absolutely, Mel-Bee! I'll be here hell or highwater!

      I'm glad you enjoyed it, thanks for commenting!

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  12. Now, that suit is really something special. The textile used is beautiful and the suit is tailored to perfection. I love how it enables you to move freely. Such a quality piece! You wore it perfectly btw. I love that you paired it with a turtleneck and heeled boots. I love to wear heeled boots with skirt suits too, especially when it's cold. It is such a great way to stay comfy and cozy while looking feminine and professional, isn't it?

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    1. Isn't it lovely? I am so happy with it, and I feel very lucky to have found it! I loved this whole look - it's exactly what I envisioned when I bought it. Yes, I love boots with skirt suits!

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  13. The Geoffrey Beene suit is a great find, and you have styled it so it looks very modern. You always have the perfect accessories for every outfit! People are still out and about here, but they don't linger anywhere for long. My friend and I had our fave Starbucks almost to ourselves on Saturday morning. People have been grabbing all the toilet paper and hand sanitizer here though and it is ridiculous!!

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    1. Isn't it fabulous, Shelley? What a score! Thank you so much - accessorizing is one of my favourite parts of outfit creation. It's very dead around here, but we have plenty of toilet paper!

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  14. Let me give you a standing ovation!!! Your co workers missed out on a grrreat look Sheila. This suit is lovely and fits like a dream, I am so glad you found it.

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    1. *bows* Thank you so much, my dear friend! I can't wait to wear it again, but I think it's going to be a fall/winter piece only.

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