We all have them: the outfits that, for whatever reason, just don't work. This is one of mine. Enjoy...or not!
- Cardigan - Theory, thrifted; last worn here in February 2019 over drapey neutrals
- Tank - Ellen Tracy, swap from Caro; last seen here in March with my Big Lady Boss Pants
- Skirt - Alfred Sung, vintage 80s, vintage fair; first worn here as my last summer outfit in September 2019
- Shoes - Sol Sana; last seen here with pleated blossoms and pink earlier this month
- Coat (below) - Stop Staring!, thrifted; last worn here in October 2019
The cardigan is too long and drapey with this look. It's been downgraded to home attire - it's good over t-shirts and it's merino wool, and it's excellent quality. I'll wear it tons. And I can tell it's not one I reach for, since I haven't worn it in over a year.
The silk skirt is too long on me...but not long enough. A shorter length would make me look taller, and a longer hemline would make me look taller. This length makes me look short! And no, I cannot be bothered to hem this.
Even pockets can't save it from the giveaway pile!
 |
| "Dang, I don't have time to change." |
That look on my face is me starting to realize I don't like what I'm wearing. Ah! Outfit fail!
Outerwear - I picked this coat to go over the full skirt.
- Gloves - vintage 50s, thrifted
The stuff:
Pearly bling:
- Two pearl necklaces (worn as bracelets) - Eaton's, c. 1986
- Big pearl necklace - Aldo Accessories
- Hinged bangles - thrifted, first wearing, $1.95 for the pair
- Earrings - thrifted
- Crystal/silver ring - Uffizi Gallery gift shop, Florence, Italy
- Double pearl ring - Erth, consignment
- Pearl ring - Pearl Factory, Honolulu, c. 1985
Ah, well, there's always another outfit. I'm off tomorrow, so Wednesday I will try again.
My first girlfriend Maura is a painter. We used to joke about how all great artists (e.g., Van Gogh) had off-days when their work just doesn't come together. Why should you be any different? :)
ReplyDeleteAw, that's really sweet of you, Ally, thank you! I'm not upset by it - it happens. The difference is all in how one responds to failure, isn't it? Keep going!
DeleteThe pictures are actually very flattering, but if something doesn't feel right to you then it doesn't matter what other people think. I have a feeling you will get over this fast; you are spoiled for choice with your wonderful wardrobe to work from.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day off :)
Keep well.
Thank you, Nana - yes, it's a FINE outfit, but it just didn't ring my bells, and I was unhappy with it overall. I know I have a huge wardrobe to play with! Something good will come of this!
DeleteThanks, I shall. :)
Great post!You look divine!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThe great artist Grayson Perry has a fab TV series around art during lockdown,;it's airing at the moment. He's encouraging us all to make art and lots of it. Last night he reflected that all art creation makes us vulnerable.... Sometimes it doesn't work and we (or others) may perceive this as a failure. This is not the case. With great art creation comes great vulnerability and this, in itself, is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat I want to say is that your outfit is delightful today, even if you were a little disappointed with it. I find the pastel flowers and the flowing nature of the skirt joyful to look at. And your shoes tie in beautifully! The length of the skirt means we can appreciate them all the more.
Keep dressing as your art, Sheila. We need more people in the world who are brave enough to embrace vulnerability!
Juliana, you are so right - it's the willingness to try and risk failure, to be vulnerable enough to put something out there and not be afraid to fail. Fear of failure is what hold so many people back from even trying.
DeleteThank you, I very much appreciate that - your comment is really inspiring! I loved all the pieces, but recognizing when something isn't working is part of my ongoing process of discovering my style (which is constantly changing).
I will continue to try, and to not fear failure, thank you, Juliana!
It's disapointing when an outfit doesn't come together, I've left the house thinking I looked okay, caught sight of myself in a shop window and felt so deflated, the wrong length, the wrong colour top, the wrong boots. Strangers may have complimented me but if I don't feel good all the kind words in the world are of no help.
ReplyDeleteI think that skirt is really pretty, I'd probably have picked it up in a charity shop but remade it into something for the house as pastels make me feel wrong.
Onwards and upwards, tomorrow is always better and you are always fabulous! xxx
Yes, it's so frustrating - and I didn't have time to play around and fix it! However, I know and accept that this happens, and I'm not going to beat myself up.
DeleteIt is such a pretty skirt, but as I said, the colours are wrong, as is the length. Someone else will love it, I'm sure.
Thank you, dear Vix!
I really like this outfit - it's a beautiful statement skirt, but being a shortie I know what you mean when the length just isn't right! I had the hardest time last year trying to find replacement ankle boots as they had to be the right height for my short legs - I ordered and returned 4 pairs I think before I found the winning ones! :) I know this skirt will find new life with someone who is a different height! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mica! Yes, sometimes things are just not quite there. I have the same issue with ankle boots! Note the lack of them in my wardrobe! I so appreciate your supportive comment, thanks, my dear.
DeleteOh, I know that feeling so well. You've got it all worked out in theory, but then practice proves you wrong. And then, of course, there's no time to change, and you feel strangely off-kilter all day. I love the skirt though, even with its neither here nor there length. What a gorgeous floral! But yes, your coat's length is much better on you. But worse things happen, and there's always another day to get it right again! xxx
ReplyDeleteIt totally should have worked - I had it all set up in my head! I did feel discombobulated in it, and I couldn't even discuss it with my coworkers. The coat is an amazing piece, and reminded me that I still have so many other great items I can wear. Thanks so much, Ann. Hugs to you.
DeleteOh I know the feeling when you are wearing something you don't like! Hate it. I would be pissed off all day. I love the skirt though!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't pissed off, but I was annoyed at myself. Thanks, Nancy - I do too.
Deleteso, so, so pretty! i just bought pre-Quar, a dress of similar color to upcycle!
ReplyDeletethe accesories, specifically, those darling shoes my my heart swoon!
xo Eva @StyleMyThrift
I think the skirt would make excellent pillows. :) thanks so much, Eva!
DeleteIt is a very pretty skirt, but I know what you mean about the outfit feeling "wrong" and it does make you feel uncomfortable about it all day! Someone else will love it.
ReplyDeleteJust not quite right, eh, Shelley? I'm happy to have it gone! Next!
DeleteIt's a beautiful skirt and I'm sorry it didn't work out for you. I've had plenty of those 'outfit not working' days! I'm also wondering if its too much pastel colours together?
ReplyDeleteThe shoes and bling were wonderful!
xxx
Me too, Vronni, thanks - I really fell hard for the skirt so it's disappointing to have it just not work. Could be the pastels - I seem to need brights in an outfit.
DeleteThank you!
I know what you mean, if something doesn't feel right, then it is outfit fail even if it looks fine to others. Your outfit looks lovely to me but if you're not feeling the items then it is time to part ways with them. I do like the floral pattern on the skirt, but I can see how it could be difficult to wear. That lenght can also be challenging.
ReplyDeleteI often don't express my own opinion of an outfit in my posts - I like to see how others see it - but I just felt so "off" on this one. Thank you so much - I have to let things go if they are not working.
DeleteI agree, it isn't what it should be. For all the reasons you gave. And perhaps you are more of a bright colours girl like me?
ReplyDeleteGreetje
I think I am - but I also like neutrals, but I think I just need bright colour in my outfits somewhere.
DeleteThat is SUCH a lovely skirt!! Sorry it doesn't work for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kezzie! It's cool - I expect this when I shop second-hand. Not everything works!
DeleteIt's a beautiful skirt, I like the colors and print, but I totally understand that you feel it's an 'unadequate length' skirt, too long but not long enough!. It happens frequently to me.
ReplyDeleteBut you created a beautiful outfit anyway, even if you didn't feel like wearing it!
besos
Thanks, Monica - it was worth a shot and I know someone will love it more than I did. It' a gorgeous garment. Aw, you are too kind, thank you.
DeleteDang! I hate when that happens. You put all that work into putting an outfit on, blah blah blah, and they you feel, blah. Oh well. Since I'm reading backwards, I know you more than made up for this the next time. Heh. Theory/reality - they sometimes fight hard.
ReplyDeleteIt sucks...and it's sometimes hard to tell when a piece is just not going to work until you put it on. Thanks for swinging by, my dear!
DeleteI have pinks and greens that have the same effect on me. And yes, in theory this outfit ought to have worked, but maybe a shorter cardigan might have improved things? And perhaps a more fitted tee shirt/blouse would have improved the look? But hey, you gave it your best shot!
ReplyDeleteYeah, there are a few things I could still try, but I'm feeling rather "done" with it now, so gone it goes! Thanks, Anna!
DeleteHonestly, I absolutely adore this outfit and think you look gorgeous! Every last wonderful, feminine, flowy inch of it is fabulous. It's my style (when I go for lighter shades, or in general in terms of the layers and floral pattern), which is no doubt why it calls out like an enchantress to me.
ReplyDeleteI totally get - and goodness knows I've had my fair share of them, too - that feeling of not being sold on an outfit though. Wearing it for the day (or however long it's on) can feel uncomfortable and almost like chore. You can't wait to strip it off at the end of the day and start anew the next morning.
May you have an extra long run of ensembles that you adore to help make up for this one that didn't make the winning cut for you, lovely lady.
Autumn Zenith 🎃 Witchcrafted Life
Aw, you are very sweet, thank you, Autumn! My outfit actually reminds me of the last card you made, ha ha! Yeah, it just felt wrong, and I was so happy to get it all off! Thank you, my dear!
DeleteI think it works but I understand what you are saying. Maybe if you hemmed the skirt and wore it with thinner heeled shoes? But I hear ya on hemming.
ReplyDeleteI guess you will have lucky ladies getting these items, maybe you can host a zoom party and then send them away?
Yes, there are certainly tweaks and alterations I could do to make it work, but I can't be bothered. I'd rather just pass them along.
DeleteI'm just going to wait until we can have small gatherings and then I'll disburse my stuff.