- Blazer - Tahari, thrifted; last worn here in July 2020 with off colours
- Baby blue blouse - no label, vintage 80s, thrifted; last seen here in a fabulous jungle and bronze outfit in June
- Skirt - Trina Turk, consignment; last worn here in March with bad Balmain
- Shoes - Effortless Bebe, Fluevog; last seen here in June in an "outfit salad"
The key to scarf-based outfit planning is to just start pulling out garments that match or are in the same tones as the colours in the scarf.
I noticed right away that this purple blazer was almost an exact match to the purple background colour of the scarf.
I also picked out this baby blue blouse, which helped me figure out where to deploy the scarf.
Since the blouse has a high collar, tying it in a pussy-bow gave the right vibe.
This bright purple blazer is a great colour…but I never reach for it in my closet. The few people who saw me today noticed the colour - because it's awesome - but maybe I just want this colour in a nice sweater instead (which you know I already have) or a skirt (again, I have this).
There's no navy blue in the scarf, but this tulle skirt tones well with the overall look - black would have been too harsh. I did wear my outfit without the jacket and liked it.
In addition, the colour doesn't photograph right, and it feels a little too severe for my style these days. So, I'm letting it go. Ah well, I only paid $4.99 for it, and this is the 3rd time wearing it, so I'm happy with that.
Masked up - this is dark purple.
I felt very business-y in this, but is that really a look I groove on? I love Boss Lady style, but this outfit doesn't say that to me.
- Mask - by Mom
The stuff:
The one thing I did NOT do, and realized after I'd taken all the pictures? I didn't step back and look at the whole outfit from a distance. The shoes match the bits of hot pink in the scarf pattern, but you can't see that hot pink when the scarf is tied. I should have worn blue or teal shoes. *shrug* It still looks okay, but that kind of detail bugs me.
Blue and gold bling:
Ha, I was so eager to put the scarf in the giveaway pile that I missed including it. What does that tell you? It was a fine scarf, didn't spark joy, etc.
- Scarf - Liz Claiborne, purchased here for $5.95
- Belt - Emmanuel, vintage 80s, vintage fair
- Brooch - Fairweather, c. 1986, homegrown vintage
- Earrings - vintage 80s, thrifted
- Lapis lazuli ring/Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes
Have you ever built an outfit around a single item, like a scarf? Any tips to share?
My friends, I've got Friday off, so stay tuned - I will return with tales of adventure!
You've done a fantastic job of picking out the colours in your scarf to create an outfit. I'm not usually a lover of blazers but I must admit that purple one is rather lovely, I can understand why you bought it but if you're not feeling it, out it goes. xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Vix! I love blazers, and I love this colour, but I really only need a couple of bright-coloured blazers in my closet and this one is just not right for me.
DeleteI love building an outfit around the colours in a scarf and this is a great example of it! I really love that purple blazer, so sad to see it go, but if you already have pieces in your wardrobe in that shade that you love more it makes sense why you didn't keep it. I wish I could be more ruthless with my wardrobe sometimes!
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun exercise, and one I need to do whenever I get a new scarf, Mica. I have other pieces in my wardrobe in this shade that will get more wear. It's hard being ruthless, but when I'm not feeling it, it's got to go.
DeleteThat's a beautiful coloured jacket but I can see it would quite difficult to style. The whole outfit looked very stylish and the scarf is beautiful; lots of choice when it comes to planning an outfit around it. It's so hot here today I can't ever imagine wearing a neck scarf or a blazer again!
ReplyDeletexxx
Yes, don't get me wrong - I love a good blazer! - but this just didn't feel like me, Vronni. Ha, sorry if I made you sweaty!
DeleteI'm like you, I love scarves, have loads of them, but then forget about them and so hardly ever wear them. I don't remember ever having built an outfit around one of them.
ReplyDeleteYour outfit is very stylish, and well put together, but it's not very Sheila. I'm hearing you on the jacket, although it's a gorgeous colour, and the "secret" shoe and scarf matching would be a detail that would bother me too. Not easy being a perfectionist :-)
Can't wait to read about your adventures! xxx
I have to make it a priority to wear the scarves I buy, Ann, or they will take over the scarf box! I don't mind this look overall, but it didn't feel that much like me. Yup, perfectionism can be the worst! I hate when a detail is off like that.
DeleteI hope you enjoyed them! Just getting caught up on comments...
Wooho. Looking good. Like how u used the scarf to create a show-stopping outfit. Very inspiring. Thanks for the visuals
ReplyDeleteThanks, Claire!
DeleteSuch a shame when garments don't work out when they seem to be perfect on paper, e.g. a great colour etc. The blazer really is a gorgeous colour and I love the scarf. I know you said the shoes are pink but my head was screaming "Ruby Slippers!" as I saw them!
ReplyDeleteI think this would be awesome...on someone else. I love a structured blazer and own several, but this one in particular is not working. Ha, yes, they do have a lot of red in them.
DeleteMorning Sheila, yes you look very business like and the outfit is beautiful love the purple and blues but if YOU are not feeling it then hey. I cannot do business like anymore. You did such a great job of picking out colours from the scarf and even though you weren't feeling this outfit rest assured you still looked fab =- you always do. have a great week end Shazxx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Shaz! I like a business look, but my "Boss Lady" outfits feel way more "me" than this look does. It was a fun exercise, and it did help me weed out items that aren't quite right, so not a total loss!
DeleteScarfs to bring a ne pop of color or make a dull top a bit more interesting.
ReplyDeleteThey do, Sam! I love a fat silk pussy bow like this.
DeleteWhat a beautiful scarf, Shiela. I love how you planned your outfit around it. I love scarves too and wear them heaps in spring and autumn as I'm always wearing turtlenecks in winter and can't seem to pull off the turtleneck and scarf look. X
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jess! I love them with coats, but it's harder to style scarves with blouses and blazers in an actual outfit. With turtlenecks, I tend to wear the scarves in my hair.
DeleteMourning the loss of those two items as I would build many outfits with those colors but Sheila you are so good at curating what works for you.
ReplyDeleteI won't miss them, Chalotalo, and I know they will go to a good home. The blazer is great "on paper" but just didn't feel like me. Thank you so much!
DeleteI’m a fan of the purple blazer, but if it’s not doing it for you, to the give away pile it goes!
ReplyDeleteHere’s to a super weekend!
This comment comes to you direct from Olympia, WA! Overjoyed to see Robin & Katryna and meet our “grand” cats! Later this morning Katryna is taking me to a second hand clothing store. I’m keeping in mind all the tips you have shared, plus your encouragement to try a long skirt or dress. Eager to see what the store has in its keep!
Big hello from us to you. :)
Yup, it's just not right for me, Laurie. Oh, that was a really FUN weekend! And I'm so happy that you're actually in Olympia now! That is so awesome. Do try things, just because you can! You never know until you try.
DeleteBig hugs!
Are you sure it's the jacket and not the blouse? The blouse is not at all bad-assy, boss lady and therefor for me, it doesn't scream Sheila! Just my opinion - feel free to ignore, lol.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good point, Nana, and the blouse has actually been put into the giveaway pile and pulled back out again! I love a romantic, Victorian vibe, and the blouse is awesome for layering. The blue is a surprisingly good colour on me too.
DeleteLOL, even when I ask, I always do my own thing. You know me! :)
love the purple blazer and that lovely scarf! The long skirt, the shirt and blazer combo is fabulous, makes me think of Victorian silhouette- but worn in a more modern way.
ReplyDeleteThey go well together, so hopefully whoever takes the blazer takes the scarf too. I love the Victorian look. Thanks!
DeleteFantastic outfit! I adore that purple blazer and think it looks smashing on you, dear Sheila, but as I always say, if one isn't feeling a garment, there's little sense in holding on it any longer.
ReplyDeleteAdding a pussy bow with that elegant scarf is such a fun, exciting style choice - and one that, unfortunately, is not seen often these days.
I hope your week is going great and that you have a relaxing, fun filled long weekend (no plans on this end, but simply having an extra day off is celebration worthy unto itself).
Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life
Thank you! I am not missing it, so I'm glad I've moved it along, Autumn. I love pussy bows - they need to make a comeback!
DeleteThanks so much - it's been lovely.
I've definitely done the same thing - built an outfit around all the colours in a pattern, and then realized that you can't even see some of the colours from a distance! The perils of matching.
ReplyDeleteIt's so annoying - I've done this before too, arg.
DeleteWhat an amazing shade of purple! I really like this blazer on you, my friend. I have definitely styled outfits starting with just an accessory like a scarf. And I also keep my scarves in a jumbled mess inside a bin. I have tried to find more effective ways of storage but I have too many and I do like to go digging in the bin, too. I often find forgotten treasures in there and what's more fun than that?! Thanks for linking!
ReplyDeleteShelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks so much, Shelbee! Picking one piece and building on it is a fun exercise, even if it doesn't work out every time. Bins are great for soft items like scarves and camis, I find.
Delete