Pix-Elated

36 Comments

• Rambling Ann replied 11 years ago

  1-2 looks nice but not special. If you like it and it fills a worrisome gap, keep. If it's just on sale, I'd keep the funds for something I'm in love with.

  Shorts are great, not too short at all.

  I'm not into peplums, so skipping that.

  Nice haul.

• kkards replied 11 years ago
  i like the shorts, i think the length is great, certainly age-appropriate, and l like the green belt with them. also like the peplum top from the loft, i would never have thought to layer under it, what a great way to make it seasonless.  as for the BR top in #1 &2, not sure why, but i find that i like the back better than the front. 
• Angie replied 11 years ago
  My thumbs are up for it all.
  
  I love #1 the best, actually. SO flattering! I love how the lines accentuate your boyish straight bod, Suz. That's also beautiful in my book - curves aren't the only beautiful female bod shape! Make sure you're comfy with the sit-down test though.
  
• deb replied 11 years ago
  I would wear # 1 with shorts or jeans all the time. I seems very versital. You could add a jacket or sweater. I say keep.
• Suz replied 11 years ago
  Angie - Thank you for weighing in, and so smart! I didn't do a sit-down on that top yet. It might not work. Plus, unless I can think of actual wearing occasions, it's not worth the money, whatever it looks like. No closet orphans for me! 
• Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago
  Like Angie, I love the look of ALL of these pieces Suz. For someone who used to hate shopping, you are turning into an incredible wise and careful shopper. I admire the thought process you put into your purchases. I'm more a "fly by the seat of my pants" kinda gal - lol!
  
  If they all pass the sit down test, please keep :)
• Kristin L replied 11 years ago
  I think everything looks great. The shorts look super cute on you. I don't see anything that says "age inappropriate" on them. 
• Suz replied 11 years ago
  Well, Shannon, you can afford to be that way, because years and years of shopping experience and paying attention to what works for you and doesn't have taught you a thing or two. It's all "natural" for you now, whereas I have to think it all (painstakingly) through. 
  
  But also, as someone who wants a smaller wardrobe, I just can't afford to have pieces in there that don't work in multiple ways -- except for the odd bit of "occasion" wear. When you are happy with a larger closet, you can afford to include more "extras" -- pieces that you might only wear once or twice a season.
  
  Maybe with the tops I should be doing a one-in-one-out rule. I did purge a bunch from last summer, which is why I'm top-shopping in the first place. 
  
  Deb, the top in #1 just isn't comfortable enough for me to wear with shorts or jeans, really. It's a bit stiff and structured and the fit is snug. So I can't imagine reaching for it for that reason. 
  
  Thanks, Kristin!! 
• merwoman replied 11 years ago
  Great shopping!
  I'm wondering how your white pants might look with top#1?
• Angie replied 11 years ago
  Suz, it's just a little cotton shell top! Nothing fancy at all! It fits like a dream - granted you've done the sit-down test. It's like a t-shirt for hot weather. Dress it down. Easy :)
  
• lyn67 replied 11 years ago
  Suz, I die for that peplum top, but all are great things, not much of a help, I'm sorry!:-(
• Suz replied 11 years ago
  Angie, you are so funny! I know, I know it is just a cotton shell...but in our humid summers, anything snug under the arms is risky. And while it is cotton, it is not lightweight (for my climate). But I am going to try Merwoman's great suggestion and see it with white, too. I like it enough that it is worth giving it a go. It would work for many evenings here. I could always try the size up, too, just in case. 
• hedgiehog replied 11 years ago

  Suz, I really like everything. I know what you mean about the top in 1 and 2. When I saw it I immediately thought it would look great with a suit. If you won't have occasion to wear it, maybe it's not a keeper.
  The shorts, to my eye, are completely appropriate. Nothing wrong at all in that photo. They look fresh, summery and totally fab on you. I am not a peplum wearer as I do not have the figure or it but it looks great on you. I love how you styled it with the shirt underneath. Isn't it great that we learn so much from this wonderful forum?

• nancylee replied 11 years ago
  These are all lovely and very useful pieces, Suz.  
  
  The top in #1-2 doesn't look tight at all, and I could even see you dressing it up to function as a more formal piece.  Of course, it has to pass the sit-down test first...
  
  The shorts in #3 are adorable!  Your legs are lovely (no more complaing about them, ok?) and seersucker is such a classic summer fabric.  Totally appropriate.
  
  The peplum top in #4-5 seems like a potential wardrobe workhorse, in addition to being on trend.  I'm in favor of any top that works with our famed VC midi skirt.  Keep!
  
  Since you're already keeping the tops in #6-7 I'll just nod my head in agreement.  
  
  Doesn't it feel good to have a jump on summer dressing?  Phew.
• rae replied 11 years ago
  I like it all! A lot. :)
• Gaylene replied 11 years ago

  Hmm, let me start by saying all the items look great on you, as do the white linen pants in your other thread. And a thumbs up from Angie, coupled with a great price, is not to be dismissed lightly.

  BUT, as another small-wardrobe lover, I'm finding that the bigger issue for me these days is to re-adjust my priorities. Before my weight loss and pre-YLF, if something fit, was the right price, and looked good, buying it was a no-brainer. My current thinking, however, is that price, fit, and "wow-that looks good on you" is just the beginning; to make it into my closet these days, the item has to work for me on a reasonably consistent basis, otherwise, beautiful as it is, the item won't earn its keep in a curated closet.

  Will you want to grab XXX when you need to get out the door in a hurry? Will you feel comfortable and attractive in it when you are working at home in the middle of the summer's heat? Will you toss XXX into your suitcase if you need to spend a few days away from home? Trying to answer those questions might help you decide whether to K/R.

• Beth Ann replied 11 years ago
  Well, you're well on your way to a fabulous warm weather wardrobe, Suz!  Love everything.  I like the way the peplum shapes your frame, the fun preppy/retro vibe of the black/white, the Martha's Vineyard quality in the shorts outfit, the midis.....
  
  And yes, I like the cotton top, too!  The shape is remarkable on you, but you must love it enough to choose it over other items when you open your closet door in the morning.  This is my new test:  As I ponder a purchase, I imagine myself opening my closet in the morning.  Do I say, "Oh, yes, I want to wear this!," expecting to feel fab throughout the day?  I, like you, need to "feel" good --- put together, but not restricted -- as much as look good.
  
  I've been buying plenty of 7 and 8s to make my wardrobe work.  It's a lot of pressure to find all 10s!  However, I realize that it seems more doable to have a wardrobe of items that I really want to wear when I open the door of my (tiny)
  closet!
  
• Mona replied 11 years ago
  Suz, the shell in #1 is my favourite from this haul but I agree with your concerns there. Being an inexperienced shopper myself, I understand all the questions going through your mind about this. Gaylene has raised some very good points above. I hope you keep it as it fits you so well and are able to make it work for your wardrobe.
• Freckles replied 11 years ago
  Suz I read this post earlier today and had to let it sit awhile before I answered.
  
  I love top number one.  The back v is stunning on you but I have a special love for vents, princess seams and houndstooth.
  
  If you would wear it for those date nights at home, out to the movies, meeting someone for coffee, your writing event capsule I say yes otherwise it's not worth the money.  (Of course you know your real life and what you might and might not wear it for).
  
  Love the shorts and the length is totally fine even if you went further than the park.
  
  The peplum is  lovely.  Would you reach for this one, or the one from J Crew that you might order, instead of the top in pic one?
  
  So you have decided that the neckline of the t is good, this colour combination is fabulous.  They look like really cute, serviceable t's.
  
  The last blouse is just fabulous with this skirt too.  Would you reach for this instead of the one in pic  one?
  
  You have done some totally awesome shopping!
  
  
  
• Ginkgo replied 11 years ago
  Suz, regarding #1 -- don't you do a fair amount of lunches and dinners in the city?  Could you wear this top if you had an author reading or appearance in the summer?  Do you have a summer capsule for author/public appearances?  It seems to me you could use a couple of summer dressy items, apart from date night.
• Suz replied 11 years ago
  Thanks, all. Gaylene, that is just what I am thinking -- it needs to be something that I will genuinely wear more than once or twice per season, unless I've designated it for a highly specific use. I do have to include some items like that in the closet (for appearances and so on) and those I don't really expect to wear a great deal. But otherwise, I do want to wear it a lot, or what is the point. 
  
  But you're also spot on in the questions that I need to ask myself. And the item that works well for work-at-home won't necessarily be the thing I want to throw into the suitcase for a short trip. In fact, it almost certainly won't be the same. So I really do need two capsules -- with overlap, of course, but quite distinct. I wouldn't wear those seersucker shorts for anything but the most casual around-the-house (or maybe to a beach or cottage). But I have a real need for that type of item. Meanwhile, I also have a need for a smart top I can look presentable in if I have to make a quite trip to the city. 
  
  Freckles, another good question. I think I would reach for the peplum because it is softer and less binding under the arms! Too bad, because like you I am a sucker for the princess seams of the shell! 
  
  Well, I'm still pondering. Thank you all for your sage advice; it was very helpful. I am definitely keeping the shorts, at least, and the peplum. 
• Suz replied 11 years ago
  Gingko - thank you. I do go to the city a lot (at all times of year) but this year don't have any summer appearances planned so far (but that might change). Still, I've been looking at last summer's woven tops again, and apart from my linen and linen/cotton buttondowns, they are looking pretty faded. So it's possible I will keep this anyway. I'm going to do a really careful inventory of what I know I'll be up to in the next few months and think if this might be "just the thing" for whatever that might be. I do love the modest front and deeper V at the back. 
• CocoLion replied 11 years ago
  I like all of it on you.  Definitely keep the shorts, they will be great for your hot days without a/c and they don't look age inappropriate AT ALL!
  
  As for the top in #1, the same reasoning holds as for the linen pants.  For that matter, this is the same quandry I had with the Paige skinny white piped jeans.  These things belong in a smart casual capsule, so you have to be ok with getting a lower CPW on them.  But maybe feeling super fab has some value, even if you don't get to wear the item a lot.
  
  Dang our casual lifestyles!
  
  (OTOH -- devil's advocate -- who's to say you can't wear a peplum or structured woven top as in #1 with shorts, at home?  I always think of my grandmother who was born and raised on the exact same ranch that I live on today.  She wore dresses and heels every day except for laundry day, Mondays, when she wore pedal pushers and a chic head scarf!)
• Suz replied 11 years ago
  I know...and she was probably doing more actual labor, too, right, Denise? It's definitely something to ponder. Of course I could wear the peplum (and might wear that because it's comfy) and could wear the BR shell at home, too -- but it doesn't feel as comfortable. That's the kicker for that one. It did pass the sit test...barely. 
• Gaylene replied 11 years ago

  I've been mulling over your comment, Suz, about the need for two (or three, or more?) distinct capsules-- work-at-home and travel-to-the-city, in your example. My first reaction was--of course, that makes total sense-- but, after thinking about it a bit more, I'm starting to wonder if that approach is why I end up with a wardrobe full of items I love but which rarely get worn.

  Instead of slotting items into different capsules, maybe what I need to do is to use the PPP principle to find items that work across multiple capsules? For example, a pair of shorts that are comfortable (and washable) that I could happily wear at home, but are also tailored enough to be worn with wedges and a nice top on a casual outing in the city. Or a sleeveless top that would look great worn for a casual lunch but was also comfortable enough to wear working at my desk during a heat wave. Maybe it's my fear of not having something to wear that makes me settle, or the infrequency of my shopping opportunities, or my frustration at ordering and then returning--but that PPP is much harder to follow than it seems it ought to be in theory.

  You've given me a lot to think about in this thread, Suz. I think I've just had a big epiphany. This curated, functional wardrobe thing is obviously a lot more complicated than I had originally thought.

• Joy replied 11 years ago

  Late to the party but I also like it all, especially #1. The simplicity and texture are quite elegant.
  The shorts look lady-like on you. I love the way you have styled them with blue and the turquoise belt.
  The peplum looks modern and has a great neckline. I like it both ways.
  Absolutely love the new tops in 7&8! You are filling out your summer top collection nicely.

• Thistle replied 11 years ago

  Enabling here, but I like them all! :)

  I think you can find away for the shirt in 1. It looks fab on you! I think the shorts will be great this summer. Did they pass the sit down test? I actually like longer shorts in summer as I don't like my legs touching.

• Caro in Oz replied 11 years ago
  I do love the look of these on you suz - but as Gaylene says this is only one aspect of the decision to K/R. Personally, I would not keep anything that didn't feel comfortable on me - especially summer clothes as I will always reach for the comfortable ones over anything else.
  
  I've been thinking about the process of developing a fully functional small wardrobe. I realised I didn't need as many capsules as I thought. My going out casual capsule could be the same as my at home capsule - I just change my coat or jacket for a knit & my boots for some house shoes.
  
  All of my clothes excluding gym clothes & a beach capsule overlap with at least one other capsule. I have  casual, everyday dressy casual & dressy. I'm working on the casual - I bought knits, a really casual raincoat (the citron one)  & a couple of t-shirts. The jeans & knits from this capsule also work with the dressy casual when I wear them with a shirt or a tunic & a jacket. The same jackets work for dressy with pants or skirts.
  
  I feel as though I'm on the right track (for me). I just hope this focus continues for my next summer:)
• Suz replied 11 years ago
  Gaylene and Caro,  I hear you.
  
  I actually do have a fair bit of overlap between what I'd call my super casual work-at-home and my more "smart casual" city trips clothing. Almost all the jeans fit into both capsules. Some of my shorts (though I tend not to wear shorts in the city just out of preference, i.e. I prefer skirts for a dressier look). Most trousers. (I only own a couple of non-jean trousers). My tube skirts will fit both capsules. Most of my tops (both winter and summer) are in use in both capsules. Most of my sweaters adapt to both. 
  
  On the surface, it looks as if toppers don't overlap. But that isn't true. What is true is that at home, in the actual house, I don't wear them as much (except for pullovers in winter). But that makes perfect sense. Who would? 
  
  So really, the only items that don't tend to overlap a lot are one or two skirts and dresses (just too dressy to wear at home), one or two pants that, while I could, theoretically wear them in my at-home capsule, I prefer to keep them pristine -- and a few tops. 
  
  To me, this makes sense. When I'm in the city, I want to dress up more than I do at home (or on my mountain writing retreats). That does require a few ...maybe "statement pieces" isn't the word...but items that I wouldn't reach for when I plan to spend the day curled on a couch or even sitting at my desk. 
  
  Having said that, you've always advised to consider the actual activities you'll be doing before packing for a trip. It's very similar for any capsule. Okay, so I've accepted that it's okay to have a few summer tops that I will not wear a lot at home (but will wear a few times when I am in the city.) How many times? Is that enough times to justify the cost? How many of these city tops do I need in a season? Probably one or two at most. Is this the one that I really want? Etc. 
  
  With the peplum top -- it's sort of a no-brainer. This one works cross-seasonally, on its own or layered over a button down, and with a skirt or with jeans. Bingo. I can wear it in all my dressier outfits (should I choose) and it will pay for itself in no time. The shell, for me, is a late-spring and summer top. Not comfortable enough for wearing at home, but "finished" enough to wear if I cannot wear a topper (due to high temperatures). Do I have  a real need for it? That's what I am debating. In some summers, I unquestionably would. But this summer? I need to think some more on that. 
• Karie replied 11 years ago
  I haven't read the other comments, I will after I give mine. I love the top in #1! I hope you decide to keep it, you could dress it up or down. I usually wear my shorts longer, but I don't think these are too short - I would keep and wear them. I like the peplum, Loft and BR shirts too.
  
  Did you post on the Marissa pants? I missed that, I'll have to look for it.
  
  OK, I'm off to read what everyone else said. I'm sure it was all good, you look fantastic in everything :)
• replied 11 years ago
  Hmmm. Do you have a sleeveless sheath dress that would fill the same role as the first, back-V top? If so, it might not be that necessary to keep. It doesn't seem like you love, love, LOVE it. It looks great, it has Angie's approval, but I get the sense you aren't just collecting everything that looks good on you. Would you mix things up and wear it with BF jeans or clams? 
  
  The shorts aren't anywhere near indecent. Keep them if you are comfortable at that length--you have awesome gams mi'lady! I love the peplum top. That seems like a total score with all the ways you can wear it. The striped T is incredible on you, and you got it in another colorway? That was smart. The blue and green of both tops look beautiful with your coloring. Did you decide to keep the silk sleeveless safari blouse? I tried a very similar BR shell in an animal print and the cut just didn't work for me. It was too high cut (I like to show a little collar bone if possible) and the armholes felt wonky. Thanks for the subtle hint to try this one though, lol, and I'm sorry I referred to it as 'rayon' in your other thread. Pardonez moi, SVP!
• Suz replied 11 years ago
  Claire, did you try the off-white and brown (or is it taupe or tan??) I hear you on that neckline. For me, it's good, but it's not everyone's cuppa. The armholes on this one are fine on me, as well -- cut just deep enough, but not too deep, if you know what I mean. I'm definitely keeping this because I'll wear it across capsules (at home and in the city) and I will ignore the instructions to dry clean. (I always wash my silks). 
  
  Those tees were all part of the Loft friends and family sale so I picked them up to try, knowing I could return if necessary. I did not buy any new tees last year, so 4 new ones (for my lifestyle) seems reasonable to me. I wear a T or a sleeveless woven every summer day. Sometimes..er..more than one. 
  
  I'm a bit nervous about the length of the shorts but I know without question that they will fill a big need, so I am keeping. 
  
  I do have my navy sweater (cotton) sheath...but not for summer..it is a spring item, really. My black one is still (barely) wearable and I do wear in summer. Still debating that top. It is a comfort thing, full stop. 
  
  
  
• replied 11 years ago
  No, but I did look at the brown/tan one online. It's nice, but I have to be very careful with browns. One wrong move and they take over my wardrobe and the next thing you know I'm buying brown cardigans and blazers to go "with" the brown item. I wear taupe well, but I need to be really careful with brown and green. Those are too colors that have to be just the right shade on me to work. I might bite if it had black or navy included in the print.
  
  So the debatable top, I know you wouldn't wear it around the house, but it might come in handy if you have an outdoor wedding or graduation to go to this year. Does it look okay with a topper if you move indoors for an (edit: Air conditioned) reception?   
• Suz replied 11 years ago
  Yes, it looks great with toppers, Claire. 
  
  I may have a wedding this summer, but it is outdoor and casual and I think I'll be wearing my blue and white cotton sheath that I got at Cleo last year. 
  
  I will have: a big Writers' Union meeting at the end of May in Ottawa (where it can be hot); a 50th anniversary party for my uncle the same weekend, a work presentation the following weekend, and possibly a reading in Montreal mid-week. Hmmmm. It is looking more useful as we speak....
• Jaime replied 11 years ago
  This thread has gone far beyond whether the individual pieces look good (I think it is agreed they do!) and to whether they deserve a place in your wardrobe. I will mine it for wisdom rather than try to add anything right now.
  
• Sarah A replied 11 years ago
  I'm mining for data with shevia... it's like a Masters level shopping and wardrobe planning course in one post :)