Softened with grey, night and day.

This week is the Vancouver Writers' Festival and that means I'm busy day and night with a wide variety of engagements. I'm not presenting, thank goodness, but I have meetings (with friends and colleagues), cocktail parties and receptions, readings, panel events to attend. I'm on the go from noon until late at night some days this week, and travelling by bus to and from the island where events are held. 

Our weather is absolutely stunningly glorious -- but that means warm days (and warm indoor receptions) along with cold crisp nights. I need to be prepared! 

Today I took inspiration from Angie's outfit formula and softened it a bit with silver and grey in deference to my own softer colouring. For daytime/ indoor reception, I'm going to be in silver foil tee, grey maxi cardigan, new high rise black denim, new booties, new belt, new bag. 

When it cools down, I'll pull this black ribbed cotton turtleneck (hand-me-down from a friend) and my leopard scarf out of my bag. One day, two outfits! 

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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.

38 Comments

  • Gretchen replied 5 years ago

    Lovely! I really like the tee with the grey sweater - brightens your whole look. I can see both outfits being really useful for you, especially on long busy days.

  • replied 5 years ago

    Both look great to me!

  • replied 5 years ago

    Super outfits. The grey and black are nice on you. I like the patterned scarf outfit best. The Mid tone pulls everything together.

  • The Cat replied 5 years ago

    You look gorgeous in these cool neutrals.

  • Karie replied 5 years ago

    Both outfits look great. Sounds like a busy but enjoyable week. Have fun!

  • Jane replied 5 years ago

    Perfect! That is a lovely bag!

  • Kathie replied 5 years ago

    Aren’t professional conferences the best? I always feel like it’s a bit of a reunion- so great to see people I’ve gotten to know over the years. Your outfits are wonderful- love both the shine of the silver top, and the leopard scarf. Both pull together the outfits beautifully, and reflect your hair color.

  • Scarlet replied 5 years ago

    I love it, Suz! What a great belt!

  • Sal replied 5 years ago

    Gorgeous looks for a busy day (and week).

    How exciting but I am sure full on!!

  • jussie replied 5 years ago

    Fantastic outfits! Black and grey together sure looks fab on you.

  • replied 5 years ago

    You’ll have a great time during Writers’ Fest week ! This outfit change- up is perfect ! Is this the same silver velour t we’ve been seeing - or another one ?

  • Sara L. replied 5 years ago

    Great looks!  I really like the silver tee on you.  Those new black boots are so sharp looking!

  • Cardiff girl replied 5 years ago

    Goodness you sound busy!Great layering to cope with the temperature fluctuations,love the silver top ,it really complements your hair.

  • Suz replied 5 years ago

    Thanks, all! LisaP, this is a different top -- in the Finds. A Zara tee with a foil pattern. 

  • Janet replied 5 years ago

    These cool shades are so perfect on you -- you look beautiful in both versions. Isn't it wonderful to pull together an outfit that spans events so seamlessly! Have a wonderful time at the festival.

  • krishnidoux replied 5 years ago

    You look so beautiful. This new style direction loves you Suz! 

    Yes, you are right about the West Coast nights being colder, I always thought that was a challenge that requires respect and thought. Break it down in elements: what makes it colder at night is also the strong winds coming from the ocean. You almost need a wool coat at that point. Except a wool coat wouldnt make sense in daytime. So I guess you need a new kind of accessory: a night wool coat. Oversized duffle coat? 

  • gryffin replied 5 years ago

    Gorgeous outfits!!  Exactly my color way and style so major swoons!!  I hope the conference is every bit as fabulous as your outfits!!  So wish I had bought that top!!  Jealous!  But it looks marvelous on you!

  • Windchime replied 5 years ago

    It sounds like an exhausting but wonderful week! I love both variations of your outfit. The silver foil tee looks stunning with your hair. Have you tried that tee with your animal print scarf, as another variant?

  • Suz replied 5 years ago

    Gryffin, thanks -- definitely your palette! You know, it is funny about Zara. I know it is supposedly "fast fashion" but some of my longer lasting pieces come from there! This tee is comfortable and unique and works well across seasons as a layering piece, but can also stand on its own in warmer weather. 

    Krish, you are so right about the ocean winds. This year is unseasonably warm, so cozy layers seem to be enough (for now). But that is soon going to change. 

  • JAileen replied 5 years ago

    The long sweater looks great on you. I like both versions. Your western belt is very cool. :)

  • Jaime replied 5 years ago

    You look fanastic - the first outfit is particularly outstanding. You need to collect as many silver tops as you possibly can!

  • Joy replied 5 years ago

    What Shevia said. The first outfit is especially stunning on you. Your hair! You look gamine you have never looked better.

  • anne replied 5 years ago

    Great outfit. Now I want a silver tee as I could almost replicate your outfit with things I already have. Your hair makes all the difference though, of course. Enjoy your conference!

  • Brooklyn replied 5 years ago

    Those colours are fantastic on you. And you look like you will be really comfortable too for an all day - into the evening event. Have fun!

  • Staysfit replied 5 years ago

    Suz, the grey and silver look great on you! I have found that I gravitate towards these same tones because they echo the silvery color of my hair and form a lower contrast than other neutrals. I never thought I would like wearing grey, charcoal or silver,because they are not traditionally warm and happy tones, and I want a warm and happy looking wardrobe. Too much color looks clownish on me, and like you I need to soften my look and grey seems like the best neutral to make this happen. I am toying around with the idea of blush as another option, but I think it would need to be harder to get it right in my wardrobe. I have tried to form positive grey associations to help me along, for example I love the varying shapes of puffy light grey clouds floating in a clear blue sky; abalone mixes varying shades of grey with pinks, blues and greens and is beautiful when used in jewelry, grey pearls come in varying shades and glow and look as lovely as their white counterparts. I also love the real silver silverware and candlesticks that belonged to my great grandmother when it’s polished and set on the table for holiday meals,

    I may copy that tee shirt. I have been adding some silver metallic items to my wardrobe as part of my style update, but more on that another time. You really look lovely. I like your recent haircut, and it looks like you are thriving in your new Northwestern home. Cheers!

  • nemosmom replied 5 years ago

    Gorgeous! I love how your metallic tee adds to your look! I never would have thought to put leopard with black and silver, but you wear it so beautifully :)

  • Bijou replied 5 years ago

    I love these looks - your metallic tee is stunning on you. No one does casually elegant as well as you! Well Angie and Katerina come to mind, but you are in a very exclusive club!

    I hope you enjoy your writers festival. 

  • lyn67 replied 5 years ago

    Love the metalic tee and soft grey cardi with the black bottom part, all cohesive and picks up the silver in your hair! Great ideea to change up with the black top and leo scarf for another vibe! Easy, chic and fab!

  • Elizabeth P replied 5 years ago

    Fantastic set of outfits Suz.  What a clever way to deal with the change in temperature and feel of moving from day to night.

    I haven't worn that tee this year!  I think mine is just a bit big.  But guess what outfit I've just noted for future copying :)


  • Christina F. replied 5 years ago

    You look wonderful. Your commitment to your color palette pays off. I don't know if I told you I like your new hair yet, but I do :)

  • Helena replied 5 years ago

    So sophisticated.

  • Angie replied 5 years ago

    KILLER to the Power of KILLER x2. The silver is SUBLIME with your hair. Pretty textures too. 

    You have NEVER looked better, sweet Suz. The West Coast agrees with you. Stay :)

  • Suz replied 5 years ago

    Awww! Thanks, Angie. The west coast does agree with me!! Having fun so far! It was an awfully tough year last year and I am feeling much better for being here. 

    Elizabeth, can't wait to see your version!! 

    I am happy to report that the outfits worked brilliantly. I was warm and cozy on the way home in my turtleneck and scarf. 

    Christina, yes, a commitment to a colour palette makes everything cohesive. 

    Staysfit, thank you. I also struggled to embrace grey at first because Kingston is such a grey town and grey can bring me down. (Vancouver as we all know can also be extremely grey!) I have found that I prefer very light greys and dark charcoals to the mid-toned ones, although in fact I use them all. And brightening with a lot of silver metallics makes it seem much happier to me somehow. I love your idea of associating the colour with natural features you love. I do find that brightening it with some colour is really helpful. 

    I also like blush and thought I might add a blush complement. Joy does blush so well!! But so far, this is eluding me. Many blush tones are too peachy for me. I need a cool pink, really. 

  • MsMaven replied 5 years ago

    Adding to the chorus of praise for these gorgeous looks. Wow! 

    And whine: scarf is sold out. 

  • Angie replied 5 years ago

    Suz, bless your heart. I can't think of anyone more deserving of a better year than you. Milk it! 

  • replied 5 years ago

    Thanks - couldn't quite tell as the link in the find doesn't work ;)  

  • kkards replied 5 years ago

    must have missed this post earlier....both outfits are great, but #1 is awesome!

  • Mainelady replied 5 years ago

    Your gray sweater is fabulous and I think is destined to be a work horse. You look amazing in the black turtle neck and leopard scarf, but Suz.....the silver tee! Exquisite with your hair!

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