Ink, chartreuse lite, and white

My August challenge has been to dress in a backlog of Angie ensembles (and rescue a few orphans in the process). August is nearly over, I've worn quite a few of the ensembles—and by pure chance, wore my own version of today's on Thursday for some shopping and a trip to the dentist.

Got completely unsolicited compliments from strangers, too -- both the outfit and the bag, and the combination of outfit and bag -- proving Angie's point about the cobalt here. 

Everything except the Nickel and Suede earrings is old here. J. Crew top and linen pants from last year, Sam Edelman sandals from 3 years ago, RL bag from 3 years ago. Different footwear would have updated it a bit more, but somehow I was feeling the silver and nude. 

Chartreuse and citron are both horrible colours on me, but wonderful colours with blue, so I do own a few patterned items with hit of them, this top included. I hope to pick up a chartreuse or citron bag next year. 

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37 Comments

  • Mona replied 8 years ago

    How clever of you to purchase that top. The fit and pattern are so pretty on you. You wear these earrings very well too. 
    Oh yes, and I am all for doing a dress up outing with you any time. We'll have a blast. 

  • Sara L. replied 8 years ago

    This looks great!  I must be behind the times because your shoes look pretty current to me.  Chartreuse and citron look terrible on me too and I don't even have a hint of it in my wardrobe, so this is one ensemble I won't be recreating.  I love your version with the cobalt bag. 

  • Ankita replied 8 years ago

    This is love at sight!
    Suz you're breathtaking in this outfit... there isn't a thing in there I don't love or would change!
    Sending you the biggest hug xoxo

  • Word Lily replied 8 years ago

    I love this!

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 8 years ago

    Suz, that is a fab outfit. I can't wear those colours either unless they are a bit player in an ensemble cast.

    I've been doing a similar exercise using inspiration pics and items I've had for a while and am rediscovering last loves. How are you finding the experience?

    I bought those pants last y year because I loved them on you and now know I must admire your looks but not try to emulate them.

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Cheryle, I have LOVED your "inspiration" looks and notice you've taken a lot from blogger Beth. (And no wonder). I love Inge's intros to the new bloggers because it gives us all different models and approaches. 

    I have really enjoyed the process of following the inspirations, and it has helped to focus me this month when I haven't been travelling. I sort of needed to shake things up because in grief, I am a bit on auto-pilot and might otherwise wear the same tee and shorts all summer!  Although some days are better than others and I seem to be able to inspire myself -- the other day being an example. 

    So what about these pants did not work for you? The one thing I find I don't like is the tied waist. I don't mind elastic, but the little ties bother me. I usually tuck them in. 

    They are a bit PJ-like -- I think if I were working in an office, I would dislike them as too "soft" and not sufficiently structured. Since I wear them for my work-at-home (and dentist visits, LOL) they give me a sort of "beachy" vibe that I quite enjoy. I expect eventually they may be relegated to loungewear, but they will get a long life in my closet one way or another. 

  • celia replied 8 years ago

    Beautiful outfit and great strategy to wear your items. Just a hint of chartreuse seems to be perfect for you.

  • Maneera replied 8 years ago

    Love! That top is really very pretty....what a gorgeous pattern! The outfit is fabulous....especially the bag. I'm not surprised you got unsolicited compliments from complete strangers....I'd compliment you too if I ran into you, looking that stunning!

    PS: I love the fit of those pants. They may be PJ-like....but they look fantastic for casual wear

  • replied 8 years ago

    What a find in that top!  Versatile and will be fresh next year too!  This outfit proves there are ways to wear citron/chartreuse as splashes of color that work for those who do not see it as their color.

  • jackiec replied 8 years ago

    This is great! I love how the colours of the top bring out the blonde of your hair. And the cobalt bag is unexpected and fresh. You are ahead of the ensemble curve ;)

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    You nailed it, Suz, Wooohooooo. Killer.

    It's fun to pull together old pieces into new combinations, isn't it. Your unsolicited compliments were very deserving. 

  • Dana replied 8 years ago

    You look adorable!

  • replied 8 years ago

    Nice easy look Suz !  The cobalt really makes the look, doesn't it? And  quite unexpectedly too - I wouldn't have thought of it but now see how it really adds a punch.  I have a pair of these pants too, but they don't get much wear and not for any reason other than I forget I have them. I think I may pull them out today in fact .

  • viva replied 8 years ago

    I really love this look on you Suz. That bag is making me want Denise's Fossil crossbody even more. And those sandals are perfect -- I think the interesting neutral is the perfect foil (pardon the pun!) to the colorful outfit.

  • MsMary replied 8 years ago

    Oh, wow! This is great! That top is fab on you, and I agree with lisap that the cobalt makes the look!

  • replied 8 years ago

    A lovely summery outfit! I like the pleats on your pants. 

  • deb replied 8 years ago

    You look so fresh in this top. Perfect for a very hot day.

  • replied 8 years ago

    I've been looking for a white tunic, a basic for my closet, and when I saw Angie's post this morning for the Ink/Chartreuse lite/White look, I got on it.  I already have the Lush tunic in olive and it dawned on me, why not order the same tunic you love in white?  So I did with my $20 Nordstrom Note reward.  I got the olive during the anniversary sale but this rewards card gives me the same percentage off.  

    This white tunic is fitted across the shoulders and flowy--great with jeans, skinnies, etc.  You can easily layer it, tuck in the front as the model shows, accessorize,

    If you are looking for a white tunic, you might try this one on in the store and see what you think.  I ordered online.  Banana Republic currently has white tunics and I tried on a couple in the store and it wasn't a go for me. 

  • Beth Ann replied 8 years ago

    Oooh!  A serendipitous pairing, and a timely one, too!

    I love a soft pant, as long as the the rear doesn't bag too much.  I never like them as well when I take a picture of myself in them --- I think the best elements -- the way they move with us, and our freedom of movement in them, is best captured in real life.  The texture of the linen and slip of the silk must have been yummy together as well.

    You look beautiful, and I find the shoes fresh and flattering -- they bookend the light background in the top and your hair and face. 

    Wear it again --- quickly -- before Winter comes!

  • Elizabeth P replied 8 years ago

    Love this Suz.  Every time you post that top, I kick myself slightly :)

    So how's this for funny:  Yesterday I wore my white pants like this, AND I had a dentist appointment.
    "They are a bit PJ-like -- I think if I were working in an office, I
    would dislike them as too "soft" and not sufficiently structured. Since I
    wear them for my work-at-home (and dentist visits, LOL)"

    We are both channeling Angie these days... I JUST saw Angie's post, and happen to be wearing... white black and citron (citron being my chartreuse... I need pure clear colour, not the muddy version).

  • rute replied 8 years ago

    Gorgeous!

  • Amy replied 8 years ago

    Very pretty!

  • BethT replied 8 years ago

    Looks great!  Really love your earrings and cuff as well.  

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Thanks for the lovely compliments and suggestions, friends. :) 

    BethT, the earrings are available from Nickel and Suede, a featured blogger here a while back. They're great because they are large but super lightweight. The cuff is a present from my brother that I've owned since I was about 8. ;)

    Elizabeth, it's hilarious that we both want to wear PJs to our dentist. Ha!! But seriously, what else? You have to lie there in that chair....

    Beth Ann, you're right -- these pants don't photograph as nice as they feel. :) 

    CJ, thank you. I have a Pleione top not unlike that one you pictured. It's a tough silhouette for me to wear because with my small frame and smaller bust, the fabric sort of overwhelms me. But I really love the look so I keep aiming for it anyway, ha! And I am glad you found one that works for you. 

    Mary, Lisa, Vivian, it really is the cobalt, isn't it? I think I wore this same outfit last year with my black and white colour block tote. I love that bag, too, and of course it worked with it -- but this one seemed to add a little something special. 

    Jackie, I think you're right that this top works for me in summer because of the blonde. I get more blonde (like it or not -- just happens) and I get a bit of tan, and suddenly the chartreuse and blush are not as horrible as they are in the winter, LOL. 

    Maneera, isn't this pattern lovely? I couldn't resist it, even though I was aware that the colours might be a bit tricky. It seems like I always want one new printed silk top in my wardrobe each summer, and this was last summer's. I predict I will keep it for a long time. 

  • replied 8 years ago

    Suz, this Lush white tunic lays really well so it doesn't feel like too much fabric.  I'm 5'7".  So tall and taller than me gals probably befriend tunics better.  Paired with booties and boots, it's a long, lean look.  My mom, 4'8", cannot wear tunics, ever.  They are more like dresses on her.  

  • catgirl replied 8 years ago

    STAWP!  This is too fab for words, so I had to make one up. :)

  • carter replied 8 years ago

    The top is really beautiful on you. I love the little bit of pink in it...you look so great in pink. I know that's not the theme of the ensemble, but I had to sneak it in anyway:-). Love the whole thing!

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 8 years ago

    Suz, I bought the pants and the fuscia silk top from zara after you posted a WIW.  I realized that what works on you does not work on me.  The pants just didn't drape nicely on me and the top was a disaster.  It was sad.  LOL  On the plus side, I now know that I need to admire your outfits without buying them.

    I still have them and may keep them when I purge to wear around the house.  

  • Joy replied 8 years ago

    Gorgeous! What a great way to incorporate chartreuse when it does one no favors. Love that top.

  • Jenn replied 8 years ago

    This is fabulous, Suz. That top is so, so good. I love seeing you happily wear items that are 1-2-3 years old, too.

  • unfrumped replied 8 years ago

    Love that too and your whole rendition.
    The way it works in the bits of citron, you'd never know its not " your" color. Works with your hair and also because you wear white so well , I think.

  • Karie replied 8 years ago

    Perfect! I love how you've incorporated "not your" colors in a pattern that might not work as well for you in a solid. Those pants look comfy and fabulous, and the purse is the icing on the cake.

  • Dee replied 8 years ago

    I love the subtle chartreuse in the top and how well it's balanced by the pattern. And I love the cobalt bag, but I completely support the purchase of a chartreuse or citron one in the future.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

    No wonder you got compliments. This outfit is so pretty and modern. Great take on Angie's ensemble.

  • Tania replied 8 years ago

    You look at ease, totally fab.

  • rachylou replied 8 years ago

    Beautiful! Saw it on the wall and came straight over to say so.

  • Jaime replied 8 years ago

    Love the top on you! Remixing excellence!

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