Holding Zone rescue

Now that I have a better lighting situation set up, I seem to be posting like mad. Please feel free to ignore me! 

I've been shopping like crazy (although so far, much of what I have ordered has gone straight back, which is fine -- all part of the process.)

I've also been editing and reviewing the holding zone. This Club Monaco pullover has been in my closet for 6 years, although honestly it has been in the holding zone for about 3. 

I don't own much from Club Monaco but everything I've ever owned from them has been lovely quality and delightful to wear. They often do interesting design details that stand the test of time. Alas, their clothes are also often in neutrals and/or colours I do not wear well. 

This sweater, though -- it's my perfect red! It's also a gorgeous soft, completely non-itchy merino knit, and a very interesting cut with a dropped (but neatly fitted) shoulder and pleated balloon sleeve and a shorter length with a tiny slit on the side. Which is why I was loathe to let it go, even when I wasn't wearing it. 

I think I've figured it out. While ordinarily I adore a high neckline, this one just wasn't cutting it for me. I actually like it in the photo (3) but IRL it always feels a bit floppy or frilly for me. And maybe just "too much" with the sleeve? <shrug> 

Anyway -- trying it here in the first two pics (indoor, outdoor footwear) with the collar rolled inside so it becomes a crew neck. Do you think it works? 

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35 Comments

  • Angie replied 1 year ago

    KILLER STUNNING RED SWEATER

    WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU NOT WEAR IT! 

    YOU WILL BE IN TROUBLE WITH ME IF YOU DON'T WEAR IT!!! NOT FUSSY AND FRILLY. PERFECTION.  

    I'm shouting. Very passionate about this :) 

  • Angie replied 1 year ago

    .....Suz, I do understand that you feel more ready to wear the silhouette now. And you match Max's frilly collars! 

    Best holding zone rescue of the year. 

  • Jenn replied 1 year ago

    Oh wow. Tucking the collar in changes the whole vibe and makes it so much more you! Brilliant, brilliant rescue...it's like discovering a whole new piece.

  • Chris987 replied 1 year ago

    What Angie said. It's gorgeous! Roll the collar if you like but wear it! Or go wild and let the collar do it's thing :-) 

  • Suz replied 1 year ago

    You are SO right, Angie. I'll put Max's red collar on and we can be twins. :) 

    I think it looks fine with the collar up in the photo so maybe I will keep wearing it that way, but I am rather happy to have found an option for those days when I just don't like the collar. 

    The sleeves, I've always loved. They are quite unique and a statement. The only trouble with them is you cannot really layer a blazer. But they work fine under a puffer. 

  • Suz replied 1 year ago

    Thanks, Chris and Jenn. I'm glad I didn't pass it along! 

  • LJP replied 1 year ago

    What the ?? I’m with Angie here - what’s the matter with you ? Lol . This is an awesome sweater !

    As an aside - I too am wearing an old CM top today and those same jeans in black . Actually took some photos but I suffer the same issue as you do with lighting . The pictures - and thus me - just look so blah . I’m not about to go hanging up clip lights and other assorted improvements though - husband would die if he knew why .

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 1 year ago

    No, doesn’t work at all and is a terrible garment. Wrap it up right away and send it to me immediately, so you don’t have to deal with its loveliness anymore Hahahahaha. (Translation: perfect length & color, and those balloon sleeves that become reasonable again by your wrists are tdf).

  • Suz replied 1 year ago

    Haha, SF. I promise if I tire of it, I will find out where you are located. :) 

    Lisa, that's hilarious. Mr. Suz has no idea what I am doing with the lights. I set them up quick and then hide them behind my chair when I am done. The cat, however, thinks I'm insane. I did leave one of them up because clearly I need more light than I have. 

    I know you are a Club Monaco shopper from way back. They really did used to have great stuff. I don't know about now. Roxanna has done well there over the years, too.

    Old Navy has been surprisingly good this year! I just ordered the sweatsuit you mentioned to Chris except in the wild current colour. A middle aged colour, maybe, but oh well. 

  • Runcarla replied 1 year ago

    Ooooh!  I’d lean into the frilly collar, and tie a contrasting (black) ribbon or thin scarf around it with a bow and tails up front. Sort of Victoriana. Saw it in a fashion editorial just the other day.  Will try to find a photo…

    ETA photo: p. 15 November edition of RED.UK

  • Helena replied 1 year ago

    Ummm yeah this is absolutely stunning on you :D Love the turned down neck. Great adjustment to make it feel better for you!

    Side note ... I am so tempted by the CM heritage sweatshirts! That store has been amazing since forever.

  • Kyle replied 1 year ago

    To me, having the collar up really makes this sweater and sets it apart. I also feel it draws attention to your face.

  • LJP replied 1 year ago

    Helena - I saw those CM sweatshirts at the Bay the other day and thought I'd buy my husb one for a Christmas gift. Until I looked at the price.  

  • CarolS replied 1 year ago

    That's a beautiful sweater, Suz, and even better that you have options to make it suit your mood and purpose on any given day. 

  • Janet replied 1 year ago

    OK, so I have to say I understand the dilemma! I have trouble with collars that are "unusual." I can't do any kind of cowl or saggy neckline anymore -- it just calls too much attention to the thing happening to my aging neckline and neck. I have let go of some weird neckline tops that are neither here nor there, if you know what I mean -- not a turtleneck but sort of a small mock neck? They're just not good on me. Or if it's a neckline that doesn't stay where I put it. Fussy and fidgety, ugh, no.

    However, I love that you have the option of turning the collar on this in, so that it's a nice crew neck if you aren't feeling the collar up. The color is great on you, as is the fit, and the sleeve is very current. I say enjoy and wear!

  • Dee replied 1 year ago

    OMG, you and Lisa talking about the lighting and what your husbands ( and a cat) would think about what you get up to taking these photos, just had me in stitches because I'm sure my husband wouldn't get it either lol.

    BTW Suz, you had that sweater stuck in a holding pattern for a few years ?
    For shame, its too fab on you to languish.

  • Jaime replied 1 year ago

    Like a fine wine, this sweater just had to age a bit to be appreciated :) ! Love it on you, both ways. Just a different vibe. Sleeves are magnificent. 

  • Jessikams replied 1 year ago

    I actually think I have the same sweater in navy! I had trouble with it too, until I decided to just think of it like a sweatshirt. Same loose cut and length, if you know what I mean. Also I’ve done what runcarla suggests and sometimes emphasize the neck with a bow or a big necklace. I think it works well with our short hair!

  • Bijou replied 1 year ago

    Angie has spoken!

    I like this both ways. The collar is not too different from a popped collar on a shirt or jacket.

  • replied 1 year ago

    Wow- it's great on you! Yes, tucking the collar definitely works better!

  • Zaeobi replied 1 year ago

    Joining the potential YLF mob that will form outside your door if you DON'T wear this jumper, lol! JK, I do understand your issue - I felt the neckline on that teal Boden jumper I ordered was smaller than I'm used to, which did give me pause. Does the collar of your jumper stay tucked when you wear it like that?

    I have a similar jumper with hip splits & find it can overwhelm me if not worn a particular way, so I sympathise - can you do a half tuck with it? I like how the blouson sleeves have a slightly architectural quality - not too drapey.

    That shade of red suits you perfectly btw - it's festive whilst not being 'too much' for the rest of the year, IYKWIM.

  • Joy replied 1 year ago

    That is a great shade of red on you. I like the side slits on the sweater and how it looks in both photos. What a great save.

  • Lesley replied 1 year ago

    I love it! I think the sleeve is super cool and you look cool head to toe in all three photos!

  • Suz replied 1 year ago

    So, an update -- sob! There's a moth hole in the sweater. I noticed it last night. 

    I can't find anyone who does invisible mending in Victoria so I may have to learn how to do it myself to rescue this and a few others! 

    Zaeobi, yes, the collar stays tucked just fine, no issues, if I roll it under. The problem with it when it is worn normally is that it feels a bit floppy somehow. So maybe a ribbon would make it stand up more. Interesting thought, Carla, and Jessikams. (Waving to my sweater twin!) 

    I've definitely decided to keep and fix it and wear it more often after yesterday's experiment. 

  • Roberta replied 1 year ago

    How clever you are to tuck the collar inside! I would never have thought of that. And I agree, the sweater is perfect on you and how often does that happen?

    I have been exploring visible mending (sashiko is one name for it) since I have an excessively distressed pair of jeans. I haven't tried it yet, but the many examples on Pinterest are sooo cute! Here is a sample of a cashmere repair and a denim repair.

  • Murph11 replied 1 year ago

    You can do it, Suz! Watch a handful of videos and don't overthink it.

  • Angie replied 1 year ago

    *SOBBING*

    Where is the hole? 

  • Suz replied 1 year ago

    Angie, the hole is right in the front! I'm not sure how I missed it earlier in the day when I put it on -- it may in fact be a small tear instead of a moth hole, although again, not sure how it happened. 

    But, I've just watched a video on how to mend it and I think it can be done. It is not a large hole at all. I have a few mending jobs like this to do and plan to get at it! 

    Roberta, I love that visible mending, too -- so beautiful when done well. I think for this sweater it can be invisible, more or less...we shall see. I'll report back! 

  • Minaminu replied 1 year ago

    thank Goodness for the holding zone! it's a lovely colour and the sleeves are fun!

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 1 year ago

    That sweater is the perfect shape and color for you -- I especially love the interest the sleeves add. And I love it every time the tartan boots come out to play.

  • Jonesy replied 1 year ago

    The sweater is indeed amazing (I especially love it with the turtleneck tucked in) but I am sorry to hear about the hole! Fingers crossed you can mend it and then wear the heck out of it :).

  • Zaeobi replied 1 year ago

    Ahh, sometimes there's a reason why we put things in the holding zone that we soon forget - I've started to put my things in labelled bags (subdivided in the holding zone) to avoid this optimistic amnesia, lol...

    It should be mendable it if it's a small hole (I only know how to darn, so not technically an invisible repair) - but even if it's not doable, I guess it won't be a big risk to try (since it was in your holding zone anyway)? I've also got a pile up of mends to do, so in solidarity!

  • Karie replied 1 year ago

    Sweet sister! This outfit is gorgeous. That red sweater is fantastic and so are the boots. Love, love, love!

  • rachylou replied 1 year ago

    Oh gosh yeah - the rolled collar makes it. Fantastic sleeves.

  • lyn67 replied 1 year ago

    Hah, you are hilarous (Lisa & Suz!:-)) I am with Angie-and all others saying this is a beautiful sweater (visible or invisible mending on that moth hole included:-)). And I'll go  further to say Carla &Jessica had a good idea with the added ribbon- just try it, too-but  anyway, I wouldn't hide that collar (really fits your  neck and hair!!). It is part of the design for  a dressier vibe so & would do a perfect job even  for Xmass, too...

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