Variations on a Theme
Does it count as a “power outfit” when it’s a simple sweater+pants combo? For years, I gravitated towards clothes that were interesting because of their prints or eye-catching colours; I am now enjoying more subtle details, like the shape of these sweaters, their texture, their plain unadorned-ness. A part of me is concerned that this aesthetic evolution is going to put an end to any pretensions that I may still have as far as being a style blogger. These outfits might read as rather “blah” and repetitive as blog fodder, but they feel perfect to wear. I think I look good in them, but they are not outfits that call attention to themselves in any way. Again, that’s great for real life … perhaps less so for a blog.
Leaving blogging conundrums aside, let’s talk a bit more about the pieces here. I ended up adding a couple of bracelets to the first outfit, to join my fave Alexi Bittar earrings (which you can’t see). One chunky bracelet, one delicate one. As I mentioned on Instagram, I have been very inspired by Iris Apfel lately, so I have been exploring chunky jewelry. The funnel neckline is my favourite part of the sweater so I didn’t want to detract from it with a necklace or even a brooch; a chunky bracelet (silver-grey) seemed like a good bet. I added a thin, gunmetal-coloured rhinestone loop bracelet to the other wrist as a juxtaposition. Sadly, I wasn’t able to take photos of my wrists, so you will have to take my word for how cool it all looked.
The sweater in the second pic is another recent thrift find. I adore the greyish green colour; it’s a kind of foggy, washed out celadon. I have no idea if it’s a most flattering shade for my complexion, but it’s incredibly soothing, so I love wearing it. I added my fave MaxMara chunky necklace, of which I am sure Iris would approve.
Winter Casual, Redux
Winter is a terrible guest this year; it simply won’t go away, no matter how many hints we all drop that it’s time for it to move on. As a result, I am very much still in boots-and-cozy-outerwear mode when it comes to weekends. I still try to have some fun with it; wearing these patched Holding Horses jeans is currently my idea of fun, anyway. They are so very ugly-cool in the very best way possible. They work with all my chunky knits, and you know how much I love those.
Purple Reign
This DVF sheath is the right colour, but a little too feminine for my Prince persona; still, it was free (through my clothing swap), so I am giving it a try. I like it a lot, but I’m not sure that I love it. I think I need to think outside the box a little bit when it comes to styling it, to make it more “Adina, 2018”. In the meantime, I’m including it in this round-up to give y’all a break from my current obsession with pants. You’re welcome.
I wasn’t originally a super-fan of the patched jeans, but they always look so darn cute on you with all the ways you style them. Now I’m kind of convinced that I need a pair!
Haha! I have a patched jeans problem, for sure. I prefer them to regular distressed jeans, and I like that look at the moment. I just bought another pair, d’oh.
I’m really enjoying The Prince! I’ve always been attracted to mens’ wear styles and have always felt like I can’t pull them off being curvy/busty/fat (pick an adjective). Love that you put your trouser outfits next to the Adina-of-yore purple dress. It’s a great dress, but the trouser outfits are so effortlessly cool and confident. Compared to the trousers the dress outfit suddenly seems almost – dare I say it – matronly :O It isn’t at all, but I hope you know what I mean. These posts have been super interesting, I’m really enjoying the journey!
Thanks, I totally know what you mean. That’s how I feel. Maybe not matronly, per se, but just not me. On a different woman, that dress would make her shine. I’m not giving up on it (for me) just yet, but I know I can find it a good home if I have to.
I get the feeling your style right now is more COS than Ann Taylor iyswim 😉
YMMV but I think you could bring that dress into you-2018 by adding some black tights, ankle booties, and a long black sweater overtop – either a more structured cardigan jacket (something along the lines of the the Aritzia Lance cardigan) or a long heavier weight knit vest. That’s what I would do, anyway, and my aesthetic is very much down the road you are travelling these days (I love love love your slouchy pants + sweater combos!).
That is totally what I was thinking as well. Great minds and all that 😉
I really love the first two outfits, especially that funnel neck sweater. I’ve been looking for something like it for myself.
The purple dress also looks very good on you. Definitely a lucky clothing swap find! I pretty much wear my many sheath dresses for work with tights, ankle boots, and longer/bigger cardigans like Shannon mentioned above. Admittedly, I think it kind of dims the effect of a sharp, well-fitting sheath dress a bit but well, it feels comfortable and cozy with the sweater.
Glad that you’re finding outfits that suit you!