K/R: More kimono & jacket stylings

Here I go again, prevailing on patience! There's more after this, too -- a few tops also snuck into that Zara shopping cart. 

I have decided to wear (or at least bring) my vintage black kimono to the gala if I wear the sheath. So there is no need to buy any of these items. 

However, I think there is room in the budget for one or two of them, should they seem like good additions to the wardrobe. 

1-4: Blue Chinoiserie jacket. With my True Religions (and that ridiculously expensive Club Monaco shell that I clearly had a need for and am keeping) plus some leopard; with a tube skirt and top (blues might not be good here -- just experimenting); with my slouchy skinnies; and with my J. Crew linen shirt for some pattern mixing. I have about a million options for this one; works with pretty much everything in the closet. 

5-9: Blue silk kimono. With tube skirt and white shell; with a column of white; with a few denim options. My concern with this one is whether it overwhelms. The sleeves feel a bit on the long side. It only comes in one size. 

11-15: Cream poly kimono. This one is obviously less expensive than the silk. Showing with a few obvious options; I think it could work with quite a bit more due to the colour mix. This one does not feel oversized because it comes in my size -- so the bottoms of the lapel area (not sure what to call it) seems to fall right at my hip, etc. In other words, when I am wearing it, I don't feel like I'm wearing a bathrobe. Which I do to a tiny but not deal-breaking extent with the silk. 

Again, I do not have to keep a single one of these. And I don't want to keep any if they are not genuinely useful additions to my wardrobe.  Would love your thoughts! And thank you!! 

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38 Comments

  • replied 10 years ago

    Ok, love the blue how you have styled it here. Keep!

    I do love the blue bird kimono on you, but I like the shape of the cream one better. I love the high-low effect of it.

  • deb replied 10 years ago

    I vote keep all of them!!!

  • replied 10 years ago

    Oh Suz! You make this so hard because you look good in everything! I like the blue jacket for it's structure, but it is a departure from your usual vibe. And how can you ask me to choose between silk and polyester? And why does the polyester have to look so good? I love the pattern and silk material of the black kimono, but I love what the cream one does for your shoulders and forearms. The fit is so much better, it doesn't look bathrobe-y in the least, and that red border really dresses it up. Based on looks alone, I'd have to go for the cream. 

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Yes, Ceit, I agree -- the shape of the cream one is quite nice. It's well designed. 

  • Liz A. replied 10 years ago

    I'm swooning over the jacket.  Did you get a new pair of sandals in 4?

  • rae replied 10 years ago

    11-15 is my favorite of all of them! The cut is very modern to me. Does the red banding help with the scale issue you mentioned in regards to the white blazer? I really love this one. 

    The black one is nice, too, but doesn't grab me as much. For some reason it looks much bigger and borderline swampy. 

    I'm taking myself out of the opinion pool on the blazer after what Claire said about thrifting and patterns on your other thread.

  • Glory replied 10 years ago

    Suz - so many wonderful items to choose from
    Blue Jacket - I think this one is a keeper. It fits well and goes with so much in your closet. I can see getting much use out of it and it is fresh and current

    Kimonos - well I have both of these waiting for a decision. Here is my 2 cents - take with a grain of salt
    Blue - love the fabric and pattern. I found it large on me and the gather at the back removed the swishy feeling that I wanted. 
    White - love the tri level detail and the fabric is light and airy. I find this one more casual - but I could be wrong. The pattern is fun and fresh but somewhat bold. Do you think it can be paired with white bottoms? not sure if that might be too much.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    These are great visuals Suz - thanks for taking the time and energy to put these together.

    Love the floral blazer on you but I'm a big floral lover, at least for those that have that retro vibe to me. The color is magnificent on you and works with everything here.

    And LOVE the cream poly kimono on you - the stylings look FABULOUS. I am seriously considering buying this one for myself and had pictured BF jeans and white tee with it. You have shown that combination perfectly. How was the sizing for this one?

    I vote keep the floral blazer and cream kimono and return the darker kimono. As much as I love the dark blue one (I don't find it overwhelming on your petite frame) I don't think the color will be a versatile for you.

  • Linda replied 10 years ago

    Suz,
    Here's my vote for what it's worth.  They all look great on you, but I understand that you want a working wardrobe so here goes...  Definately keep the blue Chinoiserie jacket and the cream and red kimono.  The blue silk kimono seems to overwealhm your delicate frame.  That way, you have a darker jacket and a lighter one which look very different.  You look terrific and I love the Club Monaco shell!!!!

  • texstyle replied 10 years ago

    You look great in all of these but I'd probably consider just the blue jacket if it were my own decision. It seems the most functional in your wardrobe. Also DH likes it, you like it and you said it feels really good on. I don't usually like floral patterns at all but this one seems to get past my filter enough for whatever reason. Regarding the kimonos - you have a nice black kimono for that particular trend, so I'm not sure it's necessary to invest in another unless you are 100% sure you love one of these.

  • citygirldc replied 10 years ago

    I like every single one of these outfits.The cream one has a nice cut and looks the best. The navy one is a bit big though so that might  have to go.

  • Thistle replied 10 years ago

    I love 11-15.  If you can only make room for one of them, this is the one I would choose hands down.

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    The jacket is a big yes from me.  It adds a feminine quality in a classic structure --- not your "typical" piece, but a great addition, I think. 

    I like the cut of the white/red kimono best, but the color and design of the silk.  I think cut wins out, in this case.  If you happiness factor is high --- I'd vote to keep the red/white.  Would you wear this at home?  Out in the neighborhood?
    If your unsure, it's possible that there is another kimono out there for you.

  • Diana replied 10 years ago

    OK, I liked the blue kimono with the dress, but I like the cream one better with everything else.  Agree that the shape/size/cut is much better for you.  I still do think that the oversized blue one worked with the dress because the dress is so body-con, but it does look too big with the other outfits.  The cream on the other hand works well with the more casual outfits, and I think the cut is really flattering.

    Love the jacket too and it seems to work with everything!  I am tempted to go try it on myself.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Thank you all for your thoughts! Very helpful. 

    Claire, if it will make you feel any better, that lovely silk kimono is lined in polyester! So it's actually not all that breathable in the end. What were they thinking? 

    Liz, those are my old sandals from last year. They are Reikers, believe it or not, and were real workhorses last summer. I will eke another season out of them if I can! I like them with denim and most of my shorts. 

    Rae, the pattern on the cream kimono is quite different from the pattern on the cream jacket. It's not as "lacy" (for want of a better word); not as delicate, I guess. However, the pattern on the cream kimono has a sort of fake digital look to it up close. It's clearly an intentional thing -- maybe it is actually supposed to mimic needlepoint, now that I think of it. 

    Glory, I agree with your observations about the pattern of the white. I do think I (or you!) could wear it with white jeans. It would also work with pink, turquoise, my casual navy sheath, etc. 

    Shannon, I ordered the small of the cream kimono and it seems to fit. You might try the XS. The shoulders on this one are (uncharacteristically, for Zara) a bit dropped on me in the small; in fact, I wonder if I should be sizing down. The design makes it seem to work this way, but I hope Angie weighs in on it. 

    Linda, Naz, Texstyle, Thistle, thank you. 

    Beth Ann, wonderful questions, as always -- you are the best person for helping a person think! I think I would wear the cream one as a really easy summer topper -- in town, all over. It's just poly so can go into the wash, you know? 

    Diana, good points, and I hope you will try the blazer! Zap has it. I have it in small and it is just barely big enough for me -- when I stretch my arms out I get a tiny bit of that tightness across the back that signifies a too-small shoulder. But it might fit you best in that size since your shoulders are not wide.

  • Mona replied 10 years ago

    I am not a big fan of kimonos in general but I love love and more love the blue jacket on you. All the outfits from 1 to 4 are fabulous and prove that this jacket is so versatile.

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    The jacket: a definite KEEP from me. Love the color, pattern, fit and how it goes with your blue dress plus with jeans.
    The dark blue kimono: I'd keep this too as a great piece to wear for readings and other appearances. Angie liked the kimono on me that feels oversized.
    I also liked this very much with your new blue dress. The fact that the blues were just a little off added just the right amount of tension. I wonder if the poly lining could be carefully cut out if it is keeping you from loving it. That may also change the color one sees though. I also loved this with denim.
    The white kimono: as a poly piece, you could wear this daily for a light coverup. Think how easy and wrinklefree it would be to pack for summer trips. You could even wear it as a gown or beach coverup. Keep.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Joy, why do I get the distinct impression that you are a big fan of this Kimono- Asian print trend?  :-)  (And no wonder, Ms. Elegant Eclectic!) 

    Mona, thank you! It seems people either adore or hate that blue jacket. That's pretty interesting information. 

  • Peri replied 10 years ago

    Okay Suz, basically you drive me nuts. Is there anything you look bad in??! I like all of them, can't believe how many ways you can wear them, and I'm not going to choose favorites.

    I don't care how encouraging you are,I will never look this good ever, even if I keep shopping for three more years.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Peri, I swear, if you went back to my first threads....you would not believe the change. I can hardly believe it, myself. Just last year I was whining and moaning that I would never figure out my style. 

    Well, I still haven't got it sorted completely and I do make poor choices (or choices I'm not sure of, or I wouldn't even bother to post K/R threads) but I am so much closer than I ever thought I'd be.

    The thing is, it took me two years of pretty constant fashion obsession, a lot of trips back and forth to the consignment store (where I did my first round of wardrobe shopping, in order to save money while I was experimenting). And more dollars than I'd like to admit, despite the consignment shopping. 

    You know what else it took? Making mistakes. Allowing myself to fail, and move on. Learning from the mistakes. Learning from the successes. Paying attention to that all important happiness factor. Thinking really hard about my lifestyle. 

    Want to know what I look bad in? There is quite a long list: 

    Low necklines of any shape, but especially wide Us and Vs. 
    Anything yellow, orange, beige, or any truly warm colour. Any colour at full intensity. Any pastel (except pale blue in summer only.) 
    Very large bold patterns. 
    Very small detailed patterns. 
    Too much small detail, period. 
    Too much detail, period. 
    Oversized tops that do not have bands or some other means of volume control. 
    Ankle straps unless they are very cunningly designed. 
    Booties unless they are toned to my outfit and even then it's more about fashion than figure flattery. 
    Wide leg jeans.
    "Sexy" outfits of almost any description.

    Well, I could go on (and on). But that's the point -- it's been a long process of really looking and judging impartially, seeing that much as I might LIKE xyz, it doesn't really work well on me. 

    So then, when I try on, I have already ruled out a ton of things. 

    And also, by posting pics here, I've benefitted enormously from the help of the forum and Angie. Angie knows my developing style and can make savvy suggestions. So...I was kind of clueless, to start. But I am a Really. Good. Listener.  :-)

  • ElleH replied 10 years ago

    They are all great but I love the blue chinoiserie jacket & the cream kimono the best.

  • Nicole D replied 10 years ago

    Love the blue jacket and that cream kimono is FABULOUS!!  SO so so so (as my five year old would say) so so so so so wonderful.

  • Peri replied 10 years ago

    Well, I bet any of those things would just be described as "okay" instead of fantastic...and none of them described as horrible!

    But I will keep trying.

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    I vote the Chinoiserie and the Cream kimono. The dark kimono jacket feels soooo arty eclectic to me; I don't know how much you'd enjoy wearing it in the long run. However, you look absolutely fantastic in it.

  • Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

    I think you are right Suz #5 does seem to overwhelm you slightly (if one can be slightly overwhelmed). It looks best in #9 - maybe because it's a more tonal look? 

    I love the others on you :)

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Okay. Well, I am strongly leaning toward keeping the cream one. I'm still on the fence about the blue jacket. But overall, I think it's a yes. I just hope it doesn't look too prissy or over the top feminine for me. 

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    *WOW*

    Blue floral jacket and blue kimono were made for you!!!

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Ha, Angie - you don't think that blue kimono swamps me a bit? It feels a little fussier to wear because of the sleeve length. Somehow I do not think I can justify THREE kimonos in my wardrobe plus a Chinoiserie jacket (ahem...). That is more than following a trend, it's swallowing it whole and having no money left for any other fun trend that might come along!  

    So I am torn...I could probably keep two at most. 

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    Suz your style is so developed that you make everything look just right on you. Which is wonderful but makes it darn difficult to ever tell you to return anything. I absolutely love #13 and that shell is well worth the price. I also like the blue jacket. I also love the blue kimono but it is the most intentionally artsy looking and that might not be the right vibe for you. I think your happiness factor will have to step in here and make the decision!

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    It's hard when you look INCREDIBLE in all three pieces! I don't think the blue kimono swamps you at all. The white sleeve lining that peeks through adds structure.

    Suz, go with your heart. Our heads are no good here.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    It's interesting...I guess what I feel is...

    1. The jacket is easy to wear and a fabulous colour; I'd probably wear the heck out of it this summer and next spring, and then tire of it and pass it along. Which is fine with me. I look at it as a "fling" item. 

    2. The cream kimono is similarly easy to imagine working into my summer wardrobe. It's one layer (not lined) so simple to throw on over a tank or sleeveless t-shirt, feels casual yet dresses up a bit, too, is not too weighty. Etc. Again, I can see myself wearing the heck out of it for a season or maybe two, and passing along. 

    3. The blue kimono, while hardly high end, is a much more distinguished kind of piece -- more arty, as people have said, more of a deliberate statement. Which would make it great for specific events -- parties, some select appearances (not many, because most are in more casual venues/ situations). And it is the one that I think would have longevity in the closet. Unlike the others, I probably wouldn't wear it very often. But I would have it for years, long after the trend is over, and it would still work for certain outfits and situations. 

    Does that make sense? 

  • replied 10 years ago

    Suz - your answer to Peri was awesome! Thanks so much for taking the time to write that.

    I would keep the blue kimono for your "special" capsule and either the cream kimono OR the jacket and then happily pass it along when you tire of it.

  • sarah replied 10 years ago

    Suz, I'm so glad I caught this post (things are busy). I love them all on you - you can't go wrong. The blue jacket is PERFECT for you. I really love the summery vibe of the cream kimono, and the blue kimono is lovely too. Well done!

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Blue jacket goes without saying, just keep it, OK?
    I can see what you are saying about the shape of the white kimono but something in the color scheme and pattern just does not cut it for me  -sorry!
    I loved the blue kimono with the dress and I like it now. I don't find it overwhelming on you at all. It is more striking than others though so it may be harder to style casually...
    BTW, it was a surprise to learn that some of these kimonos come in one size - I thought that size M is the only one remaining and sadly turned away :-)

  • Parsley replied 10 years ago

    Tough decisions!
    I LOVE the blue kimono on you!
    (and I have to confess to having ordered it, too. It's supposed to arrive tomorrow- I'm afraid it won't look half as good on me.)
    The jacket and the cream kimono look great on you, too, but it's the blue kimono that's the drop dead piece to my eye.

  • goldenpig replied 10 years ago

    Love the blue kimono! So special! And I love it with the blue sheath especially! Keep for sure. As for the other two, you look great in both, so that's a tough decision, but I think the blue floral jacket would be more versatile so I'd keep that. Hard to decide when you look stellar in everything!

  • nancylee replied 10 years ago

    Suz, I'm late to the party but I really love them ALL on you!  Seriously, I don't think you can go wrong with any of these.  They would each have a special role to play in your wardrobe, methinks.

    You've gotten a lot of great advice and also done a lot of good thinking through of the pros and cons of each.  I know you'll make a wise decision.  Like Angie says, go with your gut.  You know best what works for your lifestyle.

    That said, I do love the idea of the bird kimono for special occasions like readings.  You look great in it....so great that I *ahem* ordered one for myself to try.  (Imitation is the sincerest form...right?)  ;)

  • Ariadne replied 10 years ago

    I vote blue kimono and  blue jacket.

    What did you decide?  I'm dying to know!

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