I spent about an hour in my closet on Monday putting together outfits from my purchases of last week. I always try to ensure that I pair new-to-me things with items already in my closet, to ensure that the new stuff is going to integrate. I also like to wear new things immediately so that I can decide if they are keepers or not.
Today's outfit features this vintage-inspired blouse. It's so very 80s/90s Versace, isn't it? But it's Zara!
This blouse it totally reminded me of one I owned back in the early 90s, which I always thought of as my "fancy" blouse. I had a period in my 20s when I did not dress up (I endured a lot of depression back then), and that blouse was one of the few bright spots in my miniscule wardrobe.
I tucked the front of the blouse in, letting the longer back hang down.
I enjoyed the slightly louche, chill feel of this outfit.
I always liked the oversized 90s look, even if it's not the most conventionally flattering.
The skirt is a treasure - it's a classy designer, Dries Van Noten, and last time I wore it, I noted that I'd found the runway season it came from (2005). This skirt is going on 17 years old!
I refer to it as my Pirate skirt, as I feel very "Avast, me hearties, swab that deck," when I wear it. I guess that makes it booty instead of treasure, yar, mateys!
Outerwear. That's it, I have had it with this jacket!
Inspired by the pattern and the original era of this blouse's design, I piled on the gold and pearls. Just like a pirate would wear!
It has been annoying since I got it. All that lovely thick faux fur works in the same way Velvet Rage does: it grabs my clothes and makes them all head for my waist. My sleeves were up around my elbows, and when I sensed a very cold draft (yikes!), I realized the skirt was heading upwards too. I spent my walk to work balancing my coffee, my bag of lunch, and holding my skirt into a modest position.
On previous outings of this jacket I grouched, griped and gnashed my teeth. Frankly, I am surprised I put up with this kind of errant coat behaviour for this long! Actual things I wrote from when I previously wore it:
- When I was out shopping, I was constantly having to pull my dress down as it kept riding up. At one point it was around my waist!
- This coat is notorious for clinging and causing Creep with my clothes, and I did have to pull the skirt down several times.
- …picture this [skirt] 7 inches higher! Zoiks! I had my hands on the hem the whole way to and from work. That never puts me in a good mood.
- I had to adjust my sweater sleeves once (they were up around my biceps), and fussed a bit with the skirt's hemline on the way home.
- I spent nearly every second of my walk yanking down the hem.
- It actually caused the sleeves to ride up to my biceps.
- I was pulling down my skirts all the way to work.
I paid $35.00 for it in December 2019 (it was on clearance at Turnabout) and today brings me to its 11th wearing for a total of $3.18 per wear. I am happy with that, and I bid it a not-so-fond adieu! Sorry, not sorry, coat! You are GONE.
Accoutrements:
A couple of nice snuggly pieces.
- Scarf - gift from Milind
- Gloves - Parkhurst
- Mask - by Mom
The stuff:
These shoes were the perfect match.
Pearl bling:
- Pearl necklace - c. 1986, The Bay
- Gold necklace - Givenchy, vintage 80s, vintage fair
- Ear-balls - Dior, consignment
- Pearl/chain bracelet - thrifted
- Chain bracelet - thrifted
I forgot to pick out rings! My hands felt bare, even though I wear five rings 24/7.
I really like that shirt, it's a fun piece and you wear it well! Sorry the jacket has been such a pain to wear, definitely better to let it go than let it continue to annoy you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mica! Ah, it's okay - I am fine with the amount of times I wore it, and someone else can now enjoy this jacket.
DeleteVery pretty outfit. Sometimes I worry your creations are wasted on an empty office. You should have a position that gives more prominence to your sartorial achievements. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty "first world" worry, Ally! :) My position actually does give me the chance to show off my outfits...when the world is not dealing with a pandemic! I am grateful to have this blog, and friends like you, to show off my looks.
DeleteThe blouse looks great and the skirt is such a great shape.
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the period of depression and not being interested in clothes or appearance, I went through something similiar - that's why I also get huge pleasure out of dressing up every day, painting my nails and wearing make-up.
I had to smile at your rage at the jacket. when i met a friend yesterday she was wearing a coat I didn't recognise. The sheepskin lining kept grabbing at the cord dress she had on underneath and in exasperation she'd taken it off on the train and turned it inside out! Be gone, clothing grabbing garment! xxx
Thank you, Vix!
DeleteI had to wear a uniform of a polo shirt and khakis at my old Christmas store job back then, and that didn't help. I was in a bad relationship (a bit of mental abuse/gaslighting) where I lost myself for a while. Dressing up didn't fit in my life then. I'm so grateful now that I have this outlet - it totally helps, doesn't it? Thank you for your understanding. *hug*
Oh, I was seething! I would have turned it inside out! But instead, I will give it to someone who wears jeans and t-shirts - it will work fine with that kind of outfit.
That Zara shirt does have a Versace feel to it. It looks great paired with that designer skirt. The shoes are fabulous and the bling is beautiful. The coat looks warm but I totally understand why are you getting rid of it. When something causes skirts and dresses to ride up, it has got to go.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it? I love the pattern.
DeleteAnything annoying doesn't last long with me!
I'm loving that Zara blouse and the Dries Van Noted pirate skirt obviously gets my full approval. It's hard to imagine a similar blouse being the bright spot in your wardrobe in your 20s, although I can certainly relate. I've battled with depression too at some point but although I never actually lost my interest in clothes, I truly shudder at the choices I made back then. I'm hearing you on the annoying coat, and I think you've got far nicer coats in your closet anyway. xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ann!
DeleteI know, it was a dark time in my life. As I said to Vix, clothing just wasn't a big thing for me, as I wore a uniform of sorts, and my life then wasn't conducive to dressing up. It wasn't until I was in my late 20s (when I met L) that I started to get back into expressing myself through clothing.
I really like your skirt, it's a fab design! and also loving your pirate vibe, the accessorizing and the matchy shoes!
ReplyDeleteTotally understand that even a so gorgeous coat has to go when it's uncomfortable. Velvet Rage is so annoying!(and you're brilliant naming things!)
I've read Vix and Anne's comments and felt identified with you, girls. In my early twenties I was starving myself and in a bad relationship. And Look At Us, we're rocking it now, ladies!. Sending Hugs!
besos
Thank you, Monica! Velvet Rage is the worst - I'm so relieved to be rid of that coat.
DeleteHa, we are so much alike - I'm so glad we got through those times. Hugs to you (both).
I LOVE the details on that skirt! That jacket is so cute but WHAT A HASSLE!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura! I don't keep stuff that bugs me, so the jacket is gone.
DeleteLife is too short to wear uncomfortable, creeping-up clothing!
ReplyDeleteI so agree, Shelley - I gave this coat a good shot, but it's gone now.
DeleteSame here regarding the oversized look of the 80s and early 90s. It rarely comes across as anything but frighteningly terrible on me personally, but I associate it with many women (both in person and on TV) at the time whose styles I admired and as such it will always hold a special spot in my heart. You, unlike moi, rock it superbly, my dear friend!
ReplyDeleteAutumn Zenith 🎃 Witchcrafted Life
I enjoy the old looks and seeing them come around again is always fun. I loved Fran Drescher and Peggy Bundy back in the day - no surprise I dress like both of them! Thank you!
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