In the pink and other real life fashion adventures

I've been spotty on the forum of late because the last month has been a whirlwind. I had a number of promotional engagements for my book in late August and September (mostly Zoom, but several in person) and then, on the first day of classes, I was asked to teach two courses at UVic. In person, on campus. It turns out, I'll be teaching there all year because I've already been asked to fill in for another course next semester. 

It's been a long time since I went to the office on a regular basis! (I'm on campus three days a week). It's been a long time since I've been anywhere, really, due to COVID. A few discoveries: 

  1. I wear a topper every day, usually a jacket. Yay for jackets! My jackets are getting used again! 
  2. I really, really, really want an replacement/ upgrade for my black watch suit, which I wear casually, as shown. It's not in great shape but I still adore it and want a similar option (with shorter jacket, as here).
  3. I need a major refresh to my knitwear capsule. In particular, I need to upgrade/ replace a few essential knit tops. (See my other post). 
  4. I wear more clothes. I mean, that's pretty obvious, right? But it's true! I wear gym wear, regular clothes, and I also find, more than ever, I want to wear loungewear when I get home. (I don't exactly have a dedicated loungewear capsule. I have crossover gear/ PJ items, mostly, with one or two dedicated lounge pieces.) 

Nothing is new here, so I haven't posted Finds. Everything is older, mostly up to six or seven years older. My clothes last me a long time! That's another revelation -- how much of my wardrobe is on the older side. I may need some updates to denim as well as new knitwear and a new suit. 

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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.

40 Comments

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 2 years ago

    You’ve got dressing as an English professor down—now good luck with the rest of it this semester!

  • The Cat replied 2 years ago

    You look very fab--and happy--in all these outfits.

  • Tanya replied 2 years ago

    Great outfits all around Suz! I especially like #3 and # 7, pink really suits you. So nice to see you posting again! Good luck with the teaching, that is going to be a great reason to dress up.

  • CarolS replied 2 years ago

    You may not be used to going to the office regularly, but you certainly haven't lost the ability to present yourself well in public! YLF!

  • replied 2 years ago

    Swell outfits! Faves are #6 and #7. Red is a striking color on you :)

  • Katerina replied 2 years ago

    What a fantastic set of outfits, Suz! I love your collection of jackets and your casual styling. I am taking notes. The pink outfit is amazing on you, and the reds - gorgeous. I particularly admire the long red coat/cardigan with the large red and white scarf and the white shirt, plus red boots - stunning! And yes to the suit - the shorter jacket is great. Btw, how did it go with the red suit you were thinking about trying? Have you tried it in the end?
    May be that the items are a few years old, but you look very chic and modern. You are glowing!

  • kkards replied 2 years ago

    i’m assuming that your happy to be on campus and enjoy teaching, and if you don’t, at least you look like you do…

  • lozz_oz replied 2 years ago

    Kudos to you for having a wardrobe of clothes that are stylish and styled so well by you, for your lifestyle. Shows you have purchased quality items that last, but also outlast ‘fashion’.
    Hope you find a replacement black suit and the merino knits that are essential to your style....I’m sure you’ll keep us posted.
    Good luck with going back on campus.

  • Jaime replied 2 years ago

    How fabulous! I cannot think of many things that would want me to update my wardrobe more than standing in front of a bunch of university students. Nonetheless, you look fantastic in all of these outfits. Love the jackets and hope you find an undated suit. Congratulations on everything too! 

  • JP replied 2 years ago

    Your wardrobe looks great, even if the items are a few years old, everything looks current and very well coordinated. They fit perfectly on you and you just look amazing.

  • Runcarla replied 2 years ago

    Isn’t it fun to get dressed with a purpose?! I really like #7 a lot!  Congrats on the book, and on the work contracts at UVic!


    I get the thing about most of your clothes being ‘older’.  So much of our regular activities of daily living pre-C19 have been on hold for so long, there hasn’t been a need to replenish work capsules or party clothes.  2020 and 2021 seems a blur of gear and pj’s.

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Yes, the most recent items are jeans (because my jeans do wear out, no matter what) and I guess the jacket and boots from NAS 2019. Plus the Margot sweater from J. Crew last year. 

    The culottes in 7 are a J. Crew item -- trusty and true, Angie recommended in, oh, maybe 2015? Can't recall. Pink jacket is also older J. Crew. As is the sweater underneath.

    A lot of the essentials (red top, grey sweater, wide leg jeans) are BR. Black Watch suit is also BR. As are the wide leg navy crops. 

  • Aquamarine replied 2 years ago

    It’s weird, isn’t it, getting dressed up in clothes we haven’t worn in almost two years. But you look like you haven’t missed a beat!

  • slim cat replied 2 years ago

    Gorgeous looks ! Fav #1,2,5 and #7 but all are wonderful!
    Great collection of jackets and scarfs!

  • rachylou replied 2 years ago

    I love that blackwatch suit. You should always have a blackwatch suit. And I love those culottes.

    Have your teaching outfits changed a lot? I’m thinking about the arc of your style journey, and in some ways, your style strikes me as having changed a lot but not…

  • Mirjana replied 2 years ago

    Gorgeous looks! You look wonderful, so stylish in every outfit. I would wear every one with pleasure. I understand you for updating and it is normal. I especially like you in #3 and #6, red is fabulous on you.

  • Star replied 2 years ago

    You have great style.  4,6 & 7 are my personal favourites.

  • cat2 replied 2 years ago

    Congrats on the additional engagements, I know academia has been in such turmoil with the pandemic. I think being able to remix existing pieces so well is a win, your looks feel fresh.

  • Janet replied 2 years ago

    Nice to see you post again! Congrats on all of the wonderful professional achievements. You look marvelous in all of these — your signature polished casual style takes you anywhere beautifully.

  • Joy replied 2 years ago

    Your outfits look wonderful got teaching set of outfits. My clothes also last a long time and most are several years old. I plan to do a gradual update. I seem to not be returning things like I should and that is annoying. I have been shopping mostly at a consignment store that allows trying on and concentrating on pull on bottoms.  Buying second hand is a goal for the year except for HEWIs. 

    Wishing you well with the teaching and wardrobe replacement.

  • Angie replied 2 years ago

    Congrats on all those exciting new things in your life! I'm delighted for you :)

    Looking KILLER fab in all your looks! All very Suz. Trendy Classic worn in fun, interesting, practical and elegant ways - and you rock it! I can't pick a fave....

    The pattern mixed striped top and floral scarf with cardi or blazer is signature to your look, which you wear beautifully. Excellent remixing of shop your closet! I'm sure your students enjoy your outfits.

    Have you seen this suit at BR.....sold out now, but people are returning all the time.

  • Bijou replied 2 years ago

    Suz, you look fabulous in all of these and congratulations on the book and new job. You sound super busy, a new suit sounds like a great FW2021 purchase for you!

    I bought some PJs for winter from Uniqlo (in Finds) and LOVE them. I plan to buy another pair next year because they are so comfy and a great price for the quality. I also bought a velvet gown (alas not Uniqlo but an Australian brand) and have loved these updates to my sleepwear capsule.

  • Mainelady replied 2 years ago

    Congratulations on your achievements and new adventures! As always, your outfits are fab! I think it is great that you are able to pull together so many great looks with your older items. Yay, for jackets is right! 

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Thank you all for kind comments and suggestions! 

    I realize that I should have shown some outfits with my masks -- I'm masked on campus and so are the students. I have a bunch that sort of coordinate with outfits. To a degree, at least. :) 

    Bijou, it is surprising how luxe a new set of PJs can feel, right? Thanks for mentioning Uniglo. I really need to consider them more often! 

    Angie, alas, one casualty of the pandemic seems to be that offerings in the big box stores like BR are even more limited in Canada vs. US than was true in the past. That jacket isn't available at all on the CAN site. Similarly, the red suit I thought of trying is on backorder indefinitely here, and I don't have the patience to wait. 

    You're right -- a  pattern mixed striped shirt with floral scarf is a signature spring/ fall look for me, for sure! 

    Rachy, that's a good question. I don't think my style has really changed at all in the past five or six years. And it's consistent with my style throughout my life!). My favourite combos now were my fave combos in the 80s -- current denim, jacket, turtleneck or other simple top, scarf (sometimes), current footwear.

    Is that a good or a bad thing? I think I am feeling the need for a refresh because I didn't really shop at all in 2020 except for gear and PJs, and did very little purchasing in 2019 (just NAS, really). I've had to retire a few items and should retire a few more (like the suit and quite a few knits) that are looking quite tired IRL.  So.... I'll be looking for suitable replacements over the next year, I guess. 

  • Roxanna replied 2 years ago

    Suz! So nice to see you and to hear about all those exciting life changes! Glad to hear that your wardrobe is asking for the ride with you... The pay off for your thoughtful and website curation over the years. I agree the stores here don't have much to offer, and what they do have is uninspiring and a bit meh. Hence all my thrifting as of late :) look forward to seeing what you pick up!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 2 years ago

    Your style is as fabulous as ever, Suz. All super great outfits. You have a sort of uniform going on that is very chic yet laid back, with your blazers, slim pants or jeans, and sneakers. I especially like the library-card tee with the plaid blazer. I also love the short jacket and wide-leg pleated pants. It's sad to hear the black watch suit is aging; I hope you find a suitable (pun intended) replacement soon!

  • Sal replied 2 years ago

    You look wonderful Suz and I do agree that dressing with a purpose is more satisfying...

    And a nice positive reason to do some shopping especially now you know your climate, your lifestyle - and have a great base to work from.

    I hope the right suit turns up - I could see this being a wonderful addition for you.

  • replied 2 years ago

    These are great and yay for the good career happenings! My favorite is the red too! Having a consistent style for years definitely makes things easier.
    What is the book about?

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Suntiger, thanks for asking. The book is about reading, and re-reading, and being read, and the books that shape our lives (sometimes to our surprise). But it's also a whole lot of other things in my life, because it is a collection of personal essays. It actually came out in the spring, but fall is when some of the promotional stuff happens. 

    Firecracker, you're right -- I actually have three simple uniforms. Slim pants or jeans with a short or longer jacket; wide pants or culottes with a short jacket. And dusters with either type of bottom. I have skirts but don't wear them so much for commuting since I sometimes go by bike and sometimes by bus. Hence the sneakers. 

    Sal, you are so right -- I know the climate, the lifestyle and now have a positive reason to shop and better information to make good choices. IF, to Roxanna's point, I can find anything I want! 

    Roxanna, if you come back here, what is the Canadian Real Real lookalike site you recommend? 

  • Brooklyn replied 2 years ago

    Love the plaid jacket. I really like your jeans, blazer, graphic tee formula. Just the right mix of casual, dressy and interesting.

    Congratulations on returning to real life!

  • Irina replied 2 years ago

    Beautiful outfits, Suz!
    Hope the promo events for the book going well. I’ve read it and loved it!

  • Suz replied 2 years ago

    Thank you so much, Irina! 

    And thank you, Brooklyn, too -- hope your return to real life happens soon as well. 

  • Jessikams replied 2 years ago

    Congrats on your recent professional successes! I have also had more “real meetings” lately and it feels so good to use the “third pieces” that were abandoned in the closet for so long. Still hot here, so I’m using a lot of vests of different lengths, instead of blazers.

  • JamC replied 2 years ago

    Your outfits look approachable, comfortable, and interesting. Like you I keep wardrobe items for a long time and my style hasn’t really changed much over my adult life. (It is fun to see old photos and think “I would still wear that today if I had it!”) Therefore, like you I find ways to remix as new items enter my wardrobe or replace worn items. I think preferring classic or trendy classic style and wearing the same size for years cuts down on wardrobe churn but does necessitate searching for replacements.

  • lyn67 replied 2 years ago

    You and your outfits always look fresh-your clothes don't look old or show wearing out in the picties at all-and you must be the best dressed teacher there- think your students are  loving your outfits, I am sure my DD would love them (and mee, too!!) Especially love the shoe options, and the fuchsia experiment is a win!!! But really all are so well put together they look effortless, curent, professional  and chic!

  • Preppy Pear replied 2 years ago

    Great outfits and pieces! Your working wardrobe is so well-thought out! I really like that blue scarf in #1.
    Every time I see that navy and red plaid blazer, I kick myself for returning mine. Looks so good on you!

  • RobinF replied 2 years ago

    I love the way you combine dressy and casual - you have the mix down perfectly and I can see if being just right as a professor. Congrats on the professional accomplishments!

  • sarah replied 2 years ago

    These are classic Suz looks - a bit of fun (pattern mixing! sneakers!), a bit of trend, a bit of classic...I really love them, and am inspired to get out my toppers as the weather cools down here!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 2 years ago

    What a brilliant system of uniforms! I am going to contemplate how I might copy it. I have been flailing around ever since I started adding cropped, higher rise jeans and transitioning away from nothing but mid-rise skinnies--which I typically wore with long cardigans or tunics.

  • Jonesy replied 2 years ago

    You have had a busy, busy fall! Adding two new courses at the last minute is no joke, especially on top of all of your other engagements related to your new book release! I love your style and you wear jackets so beautifully. I also love the outfit with the cropped, voluminous pants--it's unexpected, but really suits you. I can see how you'd be eager to add a few updates, but your current style is working so well!

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