October 8, 2015

So...here I am breaking all the rules.

The old Zara pullover and GAP skimmer jeans are both cool blue greys. But the only boots I wanted to wear today are warm taupe grey. Plus, with the straps and buckles, they have a lot going on for moi. Risky combination. I am hoping that adding the mixed grey scarf (cool and warmer) helps to unify it all.

Also, this is the second outing of the gorgeous blush jacket that I now own, courtesy of Dee.

The jacket is delicious. Lovely soft leather, and the fit is perfect. Believe it or not, this is my first "moto" anything. LOVE!! (And thank you Dee for generously offering it on Style Exchange).

Having said that, blush isn't my best colour. This one is quite a cool pink blush so it is better for me than some others. Yet it's still rather pastel for my complexion. I'm wondering if it would work better with grey hair (when that happens) or with darker hair -- what do you think? (My hair is bleached unusually light right now due to some beach days in August.)

I also find the blush a bit difficult to style. What can I wear with blush besides black (probably too harsh a combination for me)? Burgundy or dark red, I know -- but believe it or not, I don't have any burgundy tops or bottoms!!

Styling ideas for blush welcome. :)

Also, can leather be dyed successfully? I absolutely love the fit and style of this jacket but wonder if it would get more wear for me in a different colour. Danier might do it for me, since this is one of their own jackets.

On the other hand, as Angie wisely says in the blog today, not everything has to be a workhorse. I guess the issue is this: now that I finally have a moto, I know a moto in a neutral like navy would be a total workhorse for me. So I am wondering if I'm wasting closet space. Mind you, the price was right, thanks to Style Exchange, so it's not like it took a huge chunk of my budget.

And thank you!

Photo 1 is no flash; photo 2 with the flash.

Posted in the What I Wore category

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

58 Comments

replied 8 years ago

I think this looks great - and leave the jacket alone ! How great is it to have a really different, interesting colour that isn't the workhorse of the wardrobe. I think it works beautifully with your hair as is. You might find yourself wearing it alot once you get the styling down pat. I would try denim blue, taupe, maybe a top with a plum print.....I agree black might be too much. How about your cream cords, the boots, and a denim shirt, or a plaid shirt in a soft colour. Or your cranberry knits - you have a few, right? And I'm laughing at your freaking over too many buckles and straps and a lot-going-on. You should see what I'm wearing today! Stripes, studs, skulls, safety pins, denim, patent leather ......all at once - lol.
unfrumped replied 8 years ago

Embrace your inner pink!
I also need more of a "mauvy blush," but here you've also got your blonde thing going for you. Remember that pink blazer you considered?

I think you've "mitigated" it with the darker grays, and you could go further by trying which berry shades go best with it, so yes, you want to skew it toward the cooler palette, and not too washed out, but otherwise I would just approach it they way you would winter white-out or gray-out, for a great change of "color density". It lets you use some standard silhouettes but the effect is much different than when you are wearing very deep colors.
Prints may work great as bridging pieces, as is hinted at by the scarf.
catseye replied 8 years ago

This shade of pink is so versatile. Don't die it!

Pink and gray is one of my favorite color combinations. I love this outfit. But I will have no trouble seeing it with black, olive, navy.
JAileen replied 8 years ago

What a beautiful outfit. You look wonderful. I think the jacket makes all the grey work. Don't mess with it!
KikiG replied 8 years ago

There is nothing I don't love, and nothing I would change. You look awesome.
Sal replied 8 years ago

Don't dye it - it looks wonderful on you!!

I see it being like the wonderful apple green moto I received from Annabelle - a piece that I now wear about once a fortnight. It is not the most versatile piece but how fun as a change up.

I LOVE it with the grey, would also mix in well with denim, taupe, cool olive green (not sure if you have this colour) and the right whites/creams...and it would work with a column of black as another option.
Stephanie replied 8 years ago

This looks super - you were smart to choose that scarf as it balances the top/bottom of your outfit.

I love the blush on you! Personally, I treat blush as a neutral in my wardrobe. It looks great with burgundy as you already mentioned, but I also wear my blush tops with bright orange, black, patterned trousers and denim. I imagine this jacket would look great with the right olive colored pieces as well. My blush top is a bit lighter/muted, so maybe not all of those color combinations will work, but they're worth a shot!

I think this could be a potential workhorse for you especially in the spring, but with the right fall colors you can make it work this season. Love it!
Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

You glow in that jacket, Suz. I would leave it just as it is. This outfit is a perfect background for it. I bet you could put together a stunning look with it, paired with white jeans, too, especially with your current hair color. Embrace the light.
And this mixing of grays just goes to show the versatility of taupe (the booties, even though they may be called "gray"). It all works splendidly.
Gail replied 8 years ago

I like the jacket color it is interesting. I wear a blush blouse I have with some rust cropped flares and believe it or not it works pretty well. I have lightish hair , well at least I did until today when I went for color and it came out darker grr, but blush can also work with brown or navy.
The jacket is fabulous by the way.
Suz replied 8 years ago

Thank you all for these terrific suggestions.

I think the reason I'm having trouble with it is that it seems a bit "sweet" with denim blue for some reason (although maybe not with a dark wash) -- and guess what? My wardrobe is hugely weighted towards denim and other mid blues! Ha!

LisaP, I don't have the berry tops any more -- I passed them along to Anne in Oz. I felt she would get more wear from the shirt in her office capsule and as for the sweater, I had worn it and loved it a lot so felt ready to try something new instead. Plus, it was more suited to her milder climate anyway.

I can definitely do white or cream with it, Sharan. A column of neutral like this grey one. I think I might like that better in spring but I'll probably wear it at least once in the fall like that.

Stephanie and Sally -- olive is a fantastic idea. I don't have a single olive item. I guess because most olives skew warmer toned or work better with warm tones -- but actually, I can look good in the right olive so it might be worth a look. I think what I like about this idea is it wrings a bit of the "sweet" from the pink.

unfrumped, I think prints are a great idea also. Apparently I don't have the right ones in my current wardrobe. Oh, no...I'll have to shop!! ;)

In all seriousness, you wonderful ladies have just convinced me that I need another moto, this time in navy or grey! :)
Ginger replied 8 years ago

I really like this! The boots are SO different from the blue-greys that it doesn't read so much "off" as "deliberate contrast."

And personally, I think blush can go with just about anything. (Well, maybe not yellow and orange. That would be tough.) But it's kind of a "near-neutral" in my opinion, so red/burgundy/purple/maroon, as well as greens and blues, and greys/browns/blacks. Medium grays and navy/indigo are particularly good.

Another aspect of combining colors is to balance the "weight" of them. I love color, but it doesn't make me as happy when I mix the same weights without any contrast. They seem to go all muddy together. So like when I wear a dark color, I don't want to add in another dark color; I want to add a mid tone, or a pastel. Or, because two pastels is too bland or sweet, I pair one with a more intense color. Then I get the visual interest of both color and contrast.

Blush is a very light color, so I like to balance it with a more saturated mid-tone or dark color. Like medium denim or your greys, or navy or spruce green.

Interestingly, the only true neutrals (black and white) are exceptions to my "rule." I don't mind mixing them with similar intensities. White with a pastel tends to punch up the pastel, and black lets even a dark color (like navy) display itself.

Wow, I didn't mean to write a blog on your post!
Jules replied 8 years ago

We are jacket twins!!!
I love mine. It doesn't go with everything, but it goes with enough. It is more of a special item for me than a daily workhorse but I love creating an outfit around it. Tomato red? Cranberry? Ink? Olive? I've worn mine with a white and blue striped scarf, I believe you have blue and white patterns as well? Definitely love it with grey.

It does *not* work well with a sheer ivory item I have, makes it look aged and dirty. I can totally see the right cream working however, so I think that'll be trial and error.
Alassë replied 8 years ago

The whole outfits works together well, imo. I also like the sound of blush + white-out as Firecracker suggested. (And Suz doesn't have burgundy?! :) )
Jules replied 8 years ago

Oh definitely white out, also faded blue denim.
abc replied 8 years ago

Here is my board for styling a white moto, but maybe you can get some ideas since blush isn't that far off from white:
https://www.pinterest.com/ange.....hite-moto/

Below are some specific pins I made when I was lusting after that exact jacket you're wearing.

I vote NOT to change the color!

1 2 3 4 5
Suz replied 8 years ago

abc, that is so helpful! Of course Angie has a blush moto. DUH!! And Aida has one too. I'll bet she has a zillion ideas for styling it.

Alasse, I know, eh? Crazy. Obviously I have to shop!

Jules, honoured to be your jacket twin! And thank you for the great suggestions.

Ginger, that's helpful also to think in terms of contrast.
claire replied 8 years ago

I haven't read the other replies yet but Suz, don't you dare dye that jacket! You look great in blush, it's so different for you and it might not feel totally "you" but I think it looks great with your coloring and your hair even if you think the cool/warm thing is a little off. Don't even think of dying it. I think you'll find blush easier to style than you realize. Or send it my way. :)
Beth Ann replied 8 years ago

Love abc's contribution! I think this might be one of those items that gets you thinking "outside the box" in a good way. I suspect you're craving some peaceful order right now, so perhaps that's not so appealing!

I like the blush on you -- I find it calming and peaceful, more than sweet. I think it may well earn its keep in March, when you're sick of dark tones. I like the idea of brown and olive with it for winter. I have one pair of olive "camping pants." I'm thinking about another pair of sleeker olive pants or jeans, to give an earthy "grounding" to my burgundies, blacks and greys.

Mixing the greys? No problem at all. Rules are just guidelines, really!
Suz replied 8 years ago

Beth Ann, that is so true -- by March it will be a gift.

You're right, too -- I'm thinking these days of reducing and simplifying vs. proliferating, esp. the colours -- but I can probably make this work anyway.

And duh, look what I found from Angie: http://youlookfab.com/2013/10/.....lush-pink/
celia replied 8 years ago

I know that photos can give the wrong impression but that blush looks very good on you.
I love all the suggestions already made and think you will use your moto a lot this winter.
replied 8 years ago

I could see this with a graphic black and white t-shirt and darker grey jeans.
I could see it with hoop earrings :) Not sure you're willing to go there.
What about purple?
I agree with others that this is really cool as-is.
Sal replied 8 years ago

I fought all shades of pink for years after overdosing in the 1980s. And lots of young girls wear a LOT of pink.

However I have worked out that it is a good colour on me now, and have several pink items that get a lot of wear. I have pink sneakers, a pink hoodie, tank, jacket, shell tunic and sweater, in shades from blush to crayon pink to fuchsia.

I think the key is to not have it in "sweet" styles. So I would wear a fit and flare dress, but not in pink. And I would wear stilettos - but not in baby pink.

A blush pink moto is not too sweet!
Dee replied 8 years ago

Suz, the jacket looks amazing on you! I'm so glad you got it and I hope it works out. I think it works well with the cooler greys you have here. My hair is a bit darker than yours, but the scarf you're wearing gives some nice contrast. And I always liked blush with grey, navy, olive and white/cream.
shedev replied 8 years ago

I really like this with the greys. Other colors you could pair with, charcoal, navy.
Word Lily replied 8 years ago

I feel like it's all already been said, but you look great here! The grey mixing is not a problem at all, and is aided to smoothness by the scarf. And the blush looks great with the grey and great on you! I don't think I'd dye it, at least until after you've seen how you feel about it in, say, March. Duplicating in a different color makes more sense to me, even though that might feel crazy.
UmmLila (Lisa) replied 8 years ago

I love it, and I don't notice any dissonance with the boots. I also have the tendency to blend in with blush tops. Oddly, some days they are great and others I just don't like that. I have this scarf I use with blush pieces. The colors work well.
replied 8 years ago

Is it too pastel-y over the Vince dress?
replied 8 years ago

I was wondering that too...
Elly replied 8 years ago

Love the moto-- it is a great style on you. I just don't know about the blush-- it doesn't look bad, it just doesn't seem very you.
Suz replied 8 years ago

Elly, that's just it...I hear you. Is it me? But I've been experimenting this afternoon and I think with some playing around, I will have a winner. I also think when my hair colour goes back to "normal" the contrast levels will be better for me.

FWIW, DH thought this outfit was "sexy." So in real life it must be better. He agrees that without makeup the colour is just a tiny bit off. With makeup it's better.

Lisa, Smittie -- alas! It doesn't quite work with the Vince dress. The dress is a bit too cool/ purply for this shade of blush. I would TRY it, but only with some kind of unifying print scarf.

What it DOES look great with is the cranberry Pure Amici sweater. Well, obviously, I'm not wearing it with a cardigan. But this shows me that if I find the right cranberry/ burgundy/ wine shades, it will work really well for me. And I'm not against buying a few cranberry/ wine tops.

Ummlila, do you have the scarf in that colour way? Or the pink? I can see either working, actually! Love the mix with blue. I will keep my eyes open for something like this, thank you.

Dee, glad you like it!! It's such a gorgeous jacket in terms of finishing. The quality is impeccable. Danier truly varies but this is one of the nicer ones. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to try it. I am taking it away for the weekend with me (a weekend of theatre) -- I will let you know how it goes!

Celia, Sally, Shedev, Word Lily -- thank you!
Peri replied 8 years ago

Scarf twin!!!! I. So envious....not fair I found it and you get to wear it first. It was 80 today, I think I still have about a month to go.

Okay, recovered. Don't dye the jacket!
UmmLila (Lisa) replied 8 years ago

I have the brownish scarf. I don't exactly think of it as brown but that's what Nordstrom called it. It's good with blush,

I copied Peri and also have the leopard one you wore.
Angie replied 8 years ago

LOVE this, Suz. Leave the jacket as is. This is a wild card. Enjoy the spontaneous ride. Great that it did not break the bank either.

Try matching the jacket with burgundy too. It will match whatever colour your hair becomes so no worries. I wear my blush moto with citron, ink, black, cobalt, cream and white - it's VERY versatile.
Suz replied 8 years ago

Thank you, Angie. Now that I found your post on the versatility of blush, it really helped. And I tried it on with some navies and saw that it isn't too sweet. I'm going to wear it to death this coming weekend and get a sense of it. I KNOW I'll love it with burgundy -- if I can find the burgundy pieces. I think I'm also going to look for an additional scarf or two to tie it in with other bottoms.

I thought it would make a great wild card and a chance to try the moto style. So I'm happy (and grateful to Dee). Now that I know this works, I can also go back to Danier for my ink moto when the time comes.
Angie replied 8 years ago

YES, YES and YES. Have fun wearing your new jacket this weekend, Suz.
dakotacheryl replied 8 years ago

Totally fabulous jacket and love it combined with the leopard?/ animal scarf...cuts down the "cute" factor of pink.

I think you will make A LOT of combos with this wonderful piece!!
Jaime replied 8 years ago

Oh definitely keep the color - it looks fab here and yes, will be fantastic when your hair goes to the other side. Excellent styling advice above of course!
anne replied 8 years ago

I was so tempted by that jacket too!! Glad to see you have plenty of suggestions for it. Have to admit I have been both attracted to blush and worried that it's pastelness isn't strong enough for my colouring (since I love stronger pinks). Seeing you here gives me encouragement it could work.
(I haven't got my head around that whole grey thing, so no words of wisdom there)
Joy replied 8 years ago

Please don't change the color. It looks amazing on you. How perfect to use the leopard scarf to dull everything together. Blush looks wonderful with your berry colors and can be fabulous with taupe.
approprio replied 8 years ago

I love the blush! It's one of the few pastels that can look edgy to me. Good with the scarf too. Have you tried it with all black? Keep it as it is.

Not everything has to be a workhorse? Quite right too. We all need a few show ponies, otherwise STC would be no fun at all. :)
lyn67 replied 8 years ago

Looks great, I wouldn't dye it! For another styling, black on the bottom, and white on the top! Or camel on the bottom and white on the top, underneath I mean:-) or over a column of white.
krishnidoux replied 8 years ago

Suz, you look terrific in this color combination. It is such a darling outfit.
(Sorry for the long post, this is calling to me so much!)

Having the same complexion as you, I too find I am attracted to this color palette, and run into the same type of problem regarding: 1) what footwear to wear it with and 2) how to rock it despite my low contrast pale skin tone and hair.

Well, you have done a terrific job.
Booties are PERFECT! To me eye, not too busy at all.
Blush: ideal color for this look.

Looking at it on you I realize how our bonde complexion is actually an asset with such soft, pastel colors on winter fabrics: Your hair and light skin here completes the look. It evokes creamy, smooth, delicate, comfortable, sentimental and mellow, yet something juvenile, porcelain, fresh, healthy, happy.

Blush: go with soft but colorful items: orange, reds, pink, camel, or, inversely, mushroom taupe, soft turquoise, baby blue, cream... Here the scarf is simply impeccable.

It takes a very special state of mind to crave this soft look. It requires the right items and more specifically:
1) The right textures (leather/wool contrast) prevent the outfit to become too flat;
2) The right shades: colors with grey in it,
3) The right cuts: a cosy, roomy feeling, which you have rocking here with the jeans and somewhat with the grey top too.

I myself crave this look when I want to be flirty but still put forward my caring, soft side. When I want to be hugged. Was this the case for you?
spoff replied 8 years ago

I have looked into dyeing a leather jacket and was told that the feel of the leather would change and become stiffer. Also the cost for a professional job was well over 200.00 and when Danier has a good sale you might get a navy one for just a bit more than that. I actually have this blush jacket and one of the things I love most about it is the soft lovely feel of it. I think it looks great on you and selfishly want you to keep it so I can copy your styling ideas lol
AnnieMouse replied 8 years ago

You mentioned a cranberry cardigan, Suz. I'm not sure about its weight/ construction, but could it be worn backwards, as shown here?
Jules replied 8 years ago

I forgot to mention that I think you look fab in this outift! And I like the way the greys and taupes and boots toughen up the look, reducing the sweetness of the blush.
Carole replied 8 years ago

What a fun piece...I love the fact that you need to be a little creative to put it to work for you...makes for a more interesting and stylish look, don't you think? look at all the great suggestions and inspiration here...YLF is the best!
Carole replied 8 years ago

Ps, it's a beautiful jacket and looks fantastic on you!!!!
abc replied 8 years ago

Did you say this was your first moto? Did I read that somewhere in this thread? If so, welcome to the club, I can attest that they somehow begin multiplying behind closet doors ;) and if I dreamed up that comment, oh well, it looks like you've got plans for the jacket this weekend, please snap some pics and share your analysis afterwards. I always love to see how you break down things and the whys behind your decisions.
replied 8 years ago

Oh, the blush jacket is gorgeous on you! Dont dye it. It's fab as it is. I love all the greys with it. Just think of blush as another neautral :)
Elizabeth P replied 8 years ago

Step. Away. From. The. Dye.

Really... this jacket is gorgeous, and you should leave it as is. So what if it's not a workhorse? Sounds like you got yourself an inexpensive wildcard/statement/maybe only wear every once and a while piece. And it sounds like you will be able to pair it with several things you already have.

The only thing I question in this, honestly, is the boots. Not the buckles, but the colour. And it's not bad, just not great, imho. But I'm obviously an outlier in this one.

Enjoy your weekend! I'm bringing out my white Danier jacket for the first time since summer and taking that away with me. What a workhorse that's turned out to be...
Susie replied 8 years ago

Beautiful jacket, Suz, and I think it looks really lovely on you. I wouldn't dream of dying it...enjoy it as is!
TraceyLiz65 replied 8 years ago

I love blush with grey and your styling is perfection. Tone on tone with Burgundy is so on trend right now as all the mannequins in my mall are showcasing it. I also like it with chocolate brown. For a softer look you could try shades of cream or white.
catgirl replied 8 years ago

While this is a little different for you to my eye, it's still very Suz - I think this shade of pink looks amazing on you. The fit of the jacket is perfect! I love the idea of burgundy or navy, and if you wore olive I'd suggest that.
Vicki replied 8 years ago

This is a nice wild card for you, Suz! Isn't it funny what we go through when we add one of those, second guessing and wondering, liking it with trepidation and uncertainty, and then when feedback comes, an opening appears and we see all the possibilities! That's my moto philosophy for the day!

Truly, I love some of these additional colors that were mentioned: navy, charcoal, grey, burgundy, even shades of taupe or cream might work. Enjoy it.
replied 8 years ago

It is impossible for me to be objective about the blush because I love it so much. If this is a new color to your wardrobe, you might wait to see if the blush doesn't become a workhorse in its own right. You might be very pleasantly surprised.
CocoLion replied 8 years ago

Stunning! So glad I decided to check your recent WIWs as I haven't been on the forum that much. I agree with the others. The color is very good on you, and brilliant with the light gray. The fit of those Gap skimmers is perfect btw, like tailor made for you.
tulle replied 8 years ago

Suz, please don't change the color of that jacket--you glow in it! You and I seem to have similar (Summer) coloring, and I find this cool pink blush (which I think of as ballet-slipper pink) to be one of my more flattering colors. I love wearing it as you've styled it here, with light cool grays or taupes, but also with faded or medium denim, charcoal, dark navy, espresso, true black, cream, white, and slate or wisteria blues. There is a wonderful reflection of light that comes from having this pink near one's face, I think. It's pretty. Nothing wrong with that!
Ingunn replied 8 years ago

Hi Suz! I love this shade of blush on you, and the entire outfit is fab. I love the tought of pairing it with navy and burgundy - great ideas.

Pix-Elated

Garbled greys...and I'm blushing!

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