Retro Chick Blogs for Simple VIP
May 6, 2010Are You Ethically Fashionable or Fashionably Ethical?
May 11, 2010You can’t get it right every time.
Friday was the first day of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival and I’d planned to pop into town for a bit and then see a friends band play in the bar at the festival tent.
The weather was rainy and miserable so all my summer dresses languished unwearable on the hanger as I stared in frustration at my wardrobe with no idea what to wear.
In the end I picked out these French Connection black trousers that I haven’t worn for a while and thought I’d go a bit androgynous and team them with two tone shoes and a moustache necklace which I bought for just £4 at Clutter City (from Kluck).
❤ Top - SPUN ❤ Trousers - French Connection ❤ Shoes - New Look via a Charity Shop ❤ ❤ Moustache Necklace - Kluck ❤ Pearls - Antique Market ❤ Bag - Lulu Guinness ❤
I experimented with using a string of pearls as a belt to add a bit of definition to my waist and a girly touch and a bit of a quiff style fringe roll.
In theory I still like the idea of this outfit. But looking at the pictures I think I got the proportions wrong. The top isn’t long enough and hits me right at my widest point and the belt doesn’t quite add the definition I was aiming for. If the top had been longer, or I’d perhaps used a skinny belt, rather than the string of pearls to add more definition this might have been more of a success.
I could have not posted this as an outfit post at all. But I thought I’d post it because it’s interesting to see peoples experiments in fashion and I’d like to know what you think.It’s also a lesson in why you shouldn’t experiment when you’re in a hurry to get out of the house!
Are you as critical of this outfit as I am? Or are you even more critical?
There is always an argument for sticking with what you know. I know that my body shape suits full skirts and nipped waists and maybe I’m just not suited to trying out a bit of androgyny, but wouldn’t life be boring if we never experimented?
In other news, how cool is this roundabout? Sadly it’s for kids only, but I love the Tim Burtonesque characters.
Tonight I am off to see a performance of La Vie, which promises “…all the excitement of a circus, the intrigue and bawdy humour of a cabaret styled performance and the immediacy of intimate theatre.”
8 Comments
I think .. you look like you’re hiding yourself in the outfit, and you’re right: the proportions don’t showcase your figure, and the pearl necklace looks untidy.
I think you *can* do Androgynous, but it needs an extra layer – like a blazer – to pull it into a ‘look’? And tucking the top into your trousers, and using a cummerbund to highlight your waist?
On the plus side .. I imagine no-one else really noticed, or thought you looked odd: a lot of women wear all-black day-in, day-out, with far fewer witty touches than you!! x
Cummerbund, hmmm, now THERE’S an idea, that could work….
I wanted to wear a blazer actually but it was ffffreeezzzing, so I had a big overcoat for outside wear.
I don’t think it’s that bad, but it’s not very *you* – not that I know you, but I think you suit colour and a nipped-in silhouette. Also, someone once told me that wide belts are better for girls like us with hourglass figures – this might have been nice with a pencil skirt and a wide, equestrian style belt?
Anyhow, I think you’re being hard on yourself! My idea of an off day is what I wore yesterday: denim short shorts and a man’s grey sweatshirt! Would I take a pic of myself in that? Er, no, I think I’d shatter the lens!
Ha! You made me laugh!
It gets boring being *me* all the time! I think the wider belt might maybe be the way to go if I feel like trying it again!
oh my, you are being more critical than you should, you look darling. i have always wanted to experiment with a pearl necklace/belt, but always get nervous about breaking it.
There is nothing wrong with your outfit, it looks pretty and comfy and casual…
If I were you (for a more androgynous) I would put a white crisp shirt with the trousers instead (tucked in if your brave) and put little black leather gloves on and I’d drape those pearls around your neck (the more pearls the better)… And of course your hair the way it is (tis gorgeous!!!)
Like you, I like this idea in principal, and I think if the proportions were different, it could rock.
I would wear a pointy-toed shoe to elongate the leg line – I have the cutest pointy-toe flats that have a ruching detail on the front. Also, I think the shirt should be a few inches shorter, in fact. Then it would hit the top of the hip instead of the middle.
I love the sleeves on you, and the shoulder detail is lovely. You can pull of a round neckline as well, and the attempt at waist-definition with the pearl necklace is cute and fresh. Like you, I’m not quite sure it did the trick entirely, and I really love the idea.
Oh yeah, and I would ditch the mustache and go for some statement ear rings instead, but that’s just me.
Don’t hide yourself with too-long things! You’re so beautiful, a tunic wouldn’t do you justice!
Love,
CarolAnn
http://CharismaU.com
It’s great to try new things and I like the way the black and white of the clothing and pears is reflected in the two-tone shoes. My only concern is that the pearls are not substantial enough to stand up as a belt. Perhaps if there were more strands.