August 30, 2015

Continuing on the neutrals theme, let's take a look at Cream, Black, and cognac (with variations thereof).

You might recall I already tried one version for our anniversary lunch.(Pic 4) I'd also tried another version earlier with gingham (falling into the gingham shirt ensemble as well). (Pic 5).

I really enjoyed #1, which is also a version of "Drapey top with ankle straps.) Cream has become white in this version, as with my two others -- although the white in the VC tube skirt is a softened white. Worn for at home "date night" with Mr. Suz.

My most recent was worn to a meeting of my poetry group one night last week -- the air was a bit chilly, so I threw on my ink blazer (not black) and grabbed my navy knapsack. First outing of the NAS scarf and a new pair of cognac sandals. :) I love their retro vibe!

Posted in the Dressing category

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36 Comments

Joyce B replied 8 years ago

Those are great outfits and capsules but the first one is fantastic!
replied 8 years ago

Holy cow - outfit #1 is stunning, outstanding, and perfectly perfect. You look fantastic in black and white, and i know this isn't something you necessarily gravitate toward. I think with your blonder hair and bit of a tan,the big contrast here is beautiful. The cognac sandals are great - I bet you are wearing those constantly. I would be - that heel is bang on.
Suz replied 8 years ago

Lisa, I know, right? That heel is perfect. The reviews for these sandals are atrocious. Luckily I didn't know that. I just tried them on (and at 70% off, who wouldn't?) and bought them. They are so incredibly comfortable for my foot. I had a pair like this in the 90s and have been looking for something like it ever since!

Thanks for the compliments. I do think I can wear black and white in the summer a whole lot better than in the winter. I can manage a higher level of contrast in summer for sure. It's mostly the bit of tan I get (through self-tanner and a bit of sun) and the way my hair goes blonder -- somehow it all just works better. In winter I don't have enough contrast myself to manage it, and look too tired.
Jenn replied 8 years ago

You always look so good, Suz. Every one of these is great. I'm in awe.
Angie replied 8 years ago

KILLER ALL ROUND, accept for #1 which is Killer to the power of Killer.

I think you might like white as much as me, Suz. Unlike Gryffin and Debs from Oz who are passionate about black, I think most things better look better in a shade of white. *smiling* . It takes all sorts for the world to go round. Good that.
Angie replied 8 years ago

One last thing before I go - isn't dressing in Summer SO MUCH MORE FUN. I much prefer my Summer style these days. My pieces and outfits are more interesting to my eye. LOTS more variety. Part of me is sad to head into Autumn - although our Autumns are stunning. But I love my coats, and it will be fun to wear them again.

Ideally, I need to live in CA for my style.
replied 8 years ago

Suz - I'm looking at this again, and to my eye, there is something very flattering about the higher waist on the linen pants, (say as opposed to the jeans) and how they drape around your hips and thighs. I'm not sure I'm articulating it correctly, but there is something about that cut of pant that really suits your body.
Ankita replied 8 years ago

Jeez....you're killing me with your gorgeousness here Suz!
The pants in #1 are incredible and flatter your shape BEAUTIFULLY!
LOVE the skirt in #4... need one of those! ☺
jackiec replied 8 years ago

I completely agree with Lisa! That higher waisted look and the slightly cropped tank pairing looks amazingly fresh and new. Super super flattering. These are fab ensembles. I am with you on the black and white combo working better in the summer. Same for me. And another WOW vote on those sandals. I love the clean, thick lines of those. Great purchase!
TraceyLiz65 replied 8 years ago

Fantastic trio of looks. Your style has evolved and is beautiful!
Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

I am floored by #1, too, Suz. This is your version of drape. I think the defined waist is especially flattering, with the blouse draping over it and the pants draping below. And the shape of the pant leg, the slightly cut-in armholes, and the beautiful ankle strap black and white shoes. Swoon.
The other outfits are absolutely fabulous, too. I especially love the ink jacket and bag you added to the last outfit, and how they contrast with the tan sandals. What a fun bag!
Suz replied 8 years ago

K2K? Wow...Now I am swooning!! :)

Thanks for the kinds words. Lisa, you have hit on something relevant to one of Angie's blog posts this week. It has to do with my proportions. I am slightly short legged and short waisted but long in the rise. The cropped top ends more or less at my actual waist, the low heels and higher waist of the pants give my legs a bit more length, and I can handle the pleats because my hips are relatively slim (although my bum is not -- my hip measurement is all in the back, LOL.)

In other words...if I am going to wear a high contrast outfit, a higher waist is generally more flattering to my proportions than a lower rise jean.

These white jeans are actually a super fit and I've had lots of compliments on them also, but they look best with a slightly lower contrast outfit -- either toned in shoes/ booties with a heel, and/or a toned in top, rather than a starkly contrasting blazer that cuts off my legs. ;) Plus horizontal strap sandals for maximum leg shortening. ;) But I was going with JFE on that one -- it wasn't date night. ;)

Anyway, apologies for that novel, but it might help someone who is new and puzzling over proportions.

Angie, thank you so much for your kind words, and I could not agree more. I used to dread summer dressing, but in the last 3 years I have come to love it more than anything! And now I am dreading winter. Early fall, I do enjoy, but the minute I have to cover all bare skin is the minute I start to feel really, really, DEEPLY sad and somewhat thwarted in my wardrobe choices. Nude hose really won't do it for my climate for 3 months a year (at least) -- so I am stuck with this and must do my best to search for creative solutions. Thinking cap is ON. Help gratefully accepted. ;)

I think that the bare skin makes a HUGE difference to outfit cohesion and a feeling of harmony and freshness in those of us who are fair haired and fair skinned. (Even inches of it -- I'm not talking about going around half naked!) I just think it is easier to look balanced in an outfit where bits of skin add to the "light" effect.

I also agree 300% about white -- it makes me SO happy to wear it in summer, especially paired with blue, grey, black, turquoise, or even fuchsia. Everything feels fresh with white.

In winter I prefer a softer white. But I still love it and will try to find ways of wearing it despite our heavy slush.
Suz replied 8 years ago

Oh, one more thing -- the one problem with the first outfit (and what made it an at home date night outfit) is that in motion, bits of midriff were exposed. These pants are not really as high waisted as they look and the top is a bit short -- so I felt a bit awkward for outside the home. It was fine for the purpose, though.
Staysfit replied 8 years ago

Wow! Number 1 is number 1! I think that's the most gorgeous look I've ever seen on you and that would be a lot of looks! It's remarkably flattering! I hope you repeat it often! You're lucky you can wear high conrast black and white well.
MuseumGal replied 8 years ago

You always looks great, Suz, but WOW, #1 and #4 are stunning!
unfrumped replied 8 years ago

Oh, I love #1 also!
I hear you on the black blazer/white pants thing, but the top and scarf work so well to give you that more tonal look, not column of color of course, but similar vibe.
I love the drapey linen pants, but where the waistband hits is a rate-limiting step for me also--so often the rise is too short. These look like they hit you at a good place, though so for tops that a just a tad longer in front, maybe you will feel more "secure," because that's a great look and should not be house-bound!
Laurie replied 8 years ago

You are totally rocking the black and white, Suz. Count me in as a huge fan of #1.
Clearly I need to spend some time analyzing proportions - you have really taken your style to a new level here.
kerlyn replied 8 years ago

Lovely outfits, Suz! But #1 is perfection!
cheryle (Dianthus) replied 8 years ago

I love them all Suz. Black and white is fabulous on your summer skin. :)

Could you achieve the same look as #1 with a slightly longer top with a partial tuck to expose the higher rise and get those flattering curved angles on the sides?
Angie replied 8 years ago

Suz, I'm high fiving you all the way. EXCELLENT analysis and explanations. And when are we moving to CA?
merwoman replied 8 years ago

STUNNING! My fav is #1 - your radiant smile and those okala pumps take it to another level!
Joy replied 8 years ago

Each outfit is a winner, but I am so impressed by #1.
Jaime replied 8 years ago

You are killing these ensembles. and then bringing them back to life! Really adore these on you. The new sandals are fabulous! Love them. I can't pick a favorite, but this combination is spectacular on you.
Deborah replied 8 years ago

Suz, I cannot get passed #1. Just stunning. Those pants are fabulous...and sold out I see :(
replied 8 years ago

Another capital WOW from me on these, Suz. That top is amazing paired with the white pants and striped skirt. Just the right cut in the shoulders, just the tight amount of drape. All outfits are stellar and each is perfectly finished with exactly the right accessories--and just the right touch of cognac. You look stunning in this colour combo. i look forward to seeing more of your black & cream with cognac renditions.
Sal replied 8 years ago

Yes, more love for these looks especially 1. Those pants are just perfection on you, and the cut of that top is great too.

You look fabulous!
Beth Ann replied 8 years ago

I echo everyone's kudos! I particularly like the way you've made the linen pants go upscale and super chic! And the CM top has ben a real workhorse. I've been wearing this combo some this summer as well, as the perfect brown purse is my HEWI. So many browns right now are too matte and yellowish (baby poo). I love that luggage brown --with a natural lustre.
Cerinda replied 8 years ago

Yep, what she said! Stunning simplicity in #1.
Sveta replied 8 years ago

You are having a very stylish summer, Suz! #1 is especially great - K2K rating from Angie is dead right here.
Hmmm, I am not sure I can completely relate to your summer dressing experience. I have not been particularly inspired this season but it may be because this summer was too hectic for me and my mind was not style -geared at all (and still is not!)
Anyway, I will enjoy whatever is left out of this summer through you. Angie and other YLFers :-)
You rock girl!
Maneera replied 8 years ago

You're rocking your challenge! How fab!

You look stunning in #1, Suz. Mr. Suz has got to love date nights at home!!! :D I love the new scarf...desperately want it too! The ensemble in #7 is fabulous----it's polished and trendy and looks very comfortable too. Rock on!
Style Fan replied 8 years ago

Great looks Suz. You have nailed the proportions perfectly. #1 is my favourite. Those pants are amazing on you.
I am an autumn girl. So looking forward to cooler weather. Not cold. Not hot. No wonder they called me Goldilocks when I was little. It has to be just right.
CocoLion replied 8 years ago

The CM sleeveless top has magical powers on you. It really shows off your gorgeous shoulders. If I were Angie I'd give both of the outfits with that top a K to the power of K rating.
texstyle replied 8 years ago

What Angie said :-). I've been busy and haven't been able to comment much, but wow Suz - this is fantastic! Love all the outfits.
Elly replied 8 years ago

That floaty tank is amazing on you.
catgirl replied 8 years ago

Haven't looked at the comments but to me #1 is fantastic. All of these are, actuallym and the black/white suits you as it's dramatic but not too much high color contrast somehow. Just inspiring!
Carole replied 8 years ago

Wow! Just stunning outfit combos, Suz.! You look so comfortable with your style.

Pix-Elated

August challenge: Part 2

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