The other stuff

I hope you'll excuse my sudden rash of posts. I wanted to show you the rest of my "loot" from the other day. 

Note, this is not a K/R post. (I figured one skirt of controversy could last us at least a week....what IS it with me and skirts, people? First the butt-vest, now this!!) ;) 

Whether or not anybody likes this stuff, I am keeping it -- tags are off. I have really good uses for all of it and that's that.

And here's why:  

July is both the hottest and wettest month in [Beijing] with temperatures reaching up to 40C (104 F) during the day accompanied with a moderate rainfall of 185 mm (7 inches). Thunderstorms are frequent along with sudden torrential rain. Due to the high temperatures and humidity, this city has ‘sauna' days towards the end of July (when it is so hot, excessive perspiration leads to soaking wet clothes)

Showing first, the little Loft dress. It is borderline too short for me, I know. Might look a bit "juvenile" in style, as Sveta warned. It is hardly the most figure flattering cut in the world. And it's black and white, not navy and white (which would be more flattering to me). But you know what? I do not care. It is an inexpensive, easy to throw on piece that can be washed in a sink and (might) dry overnight (depending on humidity levels). It won't wrinkle. That is that. 

I can't imagine I will ever need that jacket where I'm going, but you get the idea. 

Next, the gauze gingham shirt -- 100% cotton and very light. Also I have on the sneakers of controversy in that photo. Are they horrid? Again, I don't care. They are cool, lightweight, they breathe, and they will walk me along the Great Wall. 

Finally, the blue and white cotton tee, a semi-replacement for my beloved, damaged linen tee from J. Crew with the blue and white pattern. Oh, I love my summer blue and whites. This one is a total no-brainer for me and I'm lucky they had it in the store. (The Toronto Loft rarely has anything I want -- I've been trying for 3 years to use up a gift card!!) 

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
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.

57 Comments

  • Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

    Well, good!  Cuz it's all fabulous.  Every pic, my "yes" got a bit louder :).  It appears you're amassing an amazingly cohesive wardrobe of blue and white.  Yum!

    Sigh... missing our Ecco store again..

  • replied 9 years ago

    All of this stuff is excellent! It will make a great summer capsule for you.

  • carter replied 9 years ago

    Love it all! Crazy about that dress on you. Are the sneaker comfy? They've been in my Finds for a bit, but I haven't pulled the trigger. Love the gingham blouse too. Will all the items be "wash and wear" for you in China, or will you not need to worry about that? Excited to see how your whole travel capsule comes together.

  • Tania replied 9 years ago

    I'm glad you are keeping all of these.  They are great!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Carter, the sneakers are super comfy for me, but Ecco's shoes typically fit my foot really well. I think they are a super hot weather sneaker -- the top is mesh and the fastener is adjustable for swelling feet.

    European sizing works well on me for some reason -- the sneakers are a 37 but the sandals run big and are a 36. They are also good if you have a narrow heel. But if you still need a rigid sole, these are not the shoes for you. One reason I love Eccos is that they tend to be very lightweight with flexible soles -- this is good for my particular foot issues. 

    This is all wash and wear, yes. The blouse can be washed in the sink and hung up to dry, the t-shirt would probably do better in a washer -- but I'm not sure we will have access to any laundry. 

  • carter replied 9 years ago

    Thanks for such a detailed review on the sneakers! They are crazy cute, but you are right about my need for a more rigid sole still. You just saved the UPSguy another delivery in this scorching heat;-)

  • Jeweled replied 9 years ago

    I love, love, LOVE the black and white dress with the white jean jacket!  Fabulous together, and a really great look on you.

  • CocoLion replied 9 years ago

    I think the sneakers are cute and if they are comfortable, all the better.  I am loving metallics as a bookend for my blonde hair.  I think both of the shoes look really pretty on you.  I tend to go with gold rather than silver, due to skin tone not really hair color.  But love the silver for you.

    I like all of your pieces and they look really wearable.  I love having new clothes for a trip.  It makes me feel put together.  I am glad you are keeping everything.

    I do think the swishy swingy skirt is dressier than these pieces.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Denise, that is it -- (on both counts). I do feel as if the silver/ pewter somewhat bookends my hair and also acts as a near nude. Light gold would do it better and I can also wear gold quite well (especially in summer) -- but the silver works seamlessly with all my blues and white. So there it is. 

    You're also right about the skirt being dressier. I have no idea if I might need a dressy item in China. This was one of the motivators to buy. The question in my mind, would I need something like that at a moment's notice? 

  • donnat replied 9 years ago

    Those sneakers look great on you. The gingham blouse is really cute too.
    gee, I love all this stuff.

  • replied 9 years ago

    I think all three pieces are perfect!  I see nothing wrong at all with the dress - we really must have scared you yesterday ;(  and would absolutely wear it myself. A cool, easy dress cannot be beat - and we don't all have to look fitted and flared and tucked and perfect and whatever else every minute of every day, right??  I want the gingham top - really nice!  And no, the metallic sneakers are not horrid at all. I think I was having a cranky day and taking it out on everyone (including you ) . This is a pretty darn good collection of pieces to travel with.  With which to travel. Whatever .

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    You know what I love best of all? Your attitude! Ha! The guess what I don't care attitude! Love it all. Boy, those sneakers look fab on. Much different than the photo. Truly. Perfect pieces for the heat. So glad you found a tshirt replacement. You'll wear the heck out of it.

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    These are great travel pieces and look wonderful on you. I love those earrings. I have those ECCO pewter sneakers and hsve to force myself not to wear them every day. They are comfortable without any no show peds although I have been wearing them with some Smart Wool ones. They also slip on and off easily enough when shoe removal is required. Then the peds become my footwear.

  • lyn67 replied 9 years ago

    The dress is so easy and cute on you &I love both the  tops! The gingham one is a very special cut (collarless, notch neckline, rounded hems and boxy)en it's a gingham blouse and NOT a shirt, I guess, wow! Did you keep the midi skirt?:-)  

  • Sadie replied 9 years ago

    We were in China two years ago and I can attest to the heat and humidity. You might consider some hiking sandals (Teva has some reasonably stylish ones) to avoid sweaty feet--blisters and a hiking shirt (SPF impregnated like this one http://www.rei.com/product/879.....irt-womens I always take at least one with me- they really do wash out in sink and dry overnight- plus have collar and sleeves to keep sun off)- I also got an SPF dress a few weeks ago from St James http://www.saintjamesboutique......no-ii.html that I am taking to Japan next month (where I expect similarly warm humid weather). 

  • texstyle replied 9 years ago

    104F with humidity? Oh my, I can't say that I envy that. I hope they have good AC in Beijing. These pieces are great, melting temps or not. I especially love that gingham top on you! The shoes look great too, I have a feeling the sneakers might get a lot of use with the high heat and humidity -- in my experience sandals can get a bit slippery feeling in the foot bed in those conditions.

  • Peri replied 9 years ago

    I love the dress and I think it is perfect for the weather! Which is only 4 degrees higher than we had yesterday, with matching humidity, so I support the view that what matters most is how something feels, not how it looks. But...that looks delightful! You will come home with a new sympathy towards us struggling fabulous southerners.

  • Sara L. replied 9 years ago

    These are all great!  I like the fun swingy shape of the dress, which doesn't look too short to me (but I generally find the forum to be a bit conservative with dress/skirt lengths - there are always posts about lengths that look perfectly fine to me).  I must have missed the sneaker post.  They look good here.  The metallic is fun and different and they go with all the outfits you've posted.

  • pil replied 9 years ago

    You really hit it out of the park with these pieces!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    Not only are these choices fabulous to mix with your current wardrobe pieces, they are flattering and are perfect choices for your time in Beijing. And for the record, I do not find the Loft dress juvenile or too short - I think it's perfect :)

  • Meredith replied 9 years ago

    Hi Suz, I don't want to crowd your thread with more opinions but did want to say how nice it is to see your fab style again!

  • MsMaven replied 9 years ago

    Love the dress on you. It not only looks great but will be perfect for the hot, humid weather. The shoes look interesting--I haven't tried Ecco for several years. 

  • shedev replied 9 years ago

    I love all of them and think they will fit nicely into your closet.

  • Marilyn replied 9 years ago

    Everything looks great, Suz!  The dress is super cute on you.  I'm a big fan of black/white prints.  It doesn't look too short at all.  I don't go for what is appropriate length for "our age" banter.  If it looks good and I feel good in it then I'll wear it.  I think we all know when we look in the mirror if it's right or not.

  • kellygirl replied 9 years ago

    Love everything! You look summery and cool. I think they are perfect additions for your summer capsule!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Phew, what a relief! Glad these meet some approval. Not that it mattered to me. ;) 

    With the dress -- the SA at Loft was wearing it with leggings. You know ME and leggings....but hey. It's worth a thought. I did think maybe gym shorts would be good for modesty, but frankly, in that heat, I won't be bothered. 

    Thanks for the suggestions, Sadie. I do have a top of that kind to bring along (or two) from my workout capsule. A dress would have been a smart addition in that kind of fabric. Sandals I also have -- the new Eccos. They are basically hiking sandals but in silver. 

  • Sveta replied 9 years ago

    I like it all including the dress. It does not look juvenile as I feared - not at all. I think the fact that it is longer on you than on the model and has longer length in the bask saves the day :-) Wear and enjoy!
    Love your new sneakers, they do lookbetter on you in action than in the online picture. And the sandals are perfect!
    ...but the description of Bejing in July makes me shudder... :-(
    ...and I now want the shirt and tee for myself too, you temptress!

  • SW Ann replied 9 years ago

    Love love love it all, and espec the dress....I think this will come to be one of the best for your travels....and it is not at all too short. 

  • Diana replied 9 years ago

    They all look great, Suz.  I especially love the dress.  Super cute and not too short IMO.  I think the leggings would only be necessary if it was very windy and you are afraid of pulling a Marilyn.  Now I want to go try it on too.

    Loft has tons of super cute stuff this season.  Like you I haven't shopped there for years but have started again this season. 

    Ugh, the weather in Beijing sounds dreadful.  I think I might die in that kind of humidity.  (Seriously it took me years to get used to the humidity in Boston (I used to get nauseous when I went outside), and it's not even that bad compared to other places.)

  • tulle replied 9 years ago

    When traveling in high heat and humidity, too much concern for fashion leads only to misery!  Comfort is what counts, and if you can find a couple of pretty things that are cool and light, you're golden.  I think you've done really well with this collection.  I love the swing dress (and I think that this shape, though potentially juvenile-looking on taller, womanly figures, actually looks quite nice on gamine shapes.)  I know you'll be glad you brought it.  The Loft tee is beautiful, and the white pants & shorts look cool & crisp.  Are you at all concerned, thought, that the highly pollluted atmosphere of Beijing might be hard on those whites? I would try to include a pair of dark, thin, loose pants if possible. Air pollution leaves a layer of grime on every surface, and it's no fun to be afraid of sitting down! Hope you have a wonderful trip.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Tulle, good point. I'm actually only bringing the white shorts (which wash and dry in the sink). I probably won't bring the white pants but the identical navy pair. Those were in the wash when I was modelling! I would like to bring the pants but fear it would be a lost cause....

  • replied 9 years ago

    You look cool and refreshing in all of these, no surprise there, and while dark blue does suit you, I am not convinced that it's better than black.
    I still think you looked especially well dressed in the skirt and top from Club Monaco, and I can't say I agree that the Jones New York skirt was comparable for polish and style.

  • AviaMariah replied 9 years ago

    I've been hit & miss lately on the forum so I missed your others posts.  But I love all these items.  The dress does not look twee or too short to me.  And I especially love it with the jacket which might make it more versatile for at wear when you're not on your hot/humid trip.  And I love the sneakers and am going to go investigate them now because I think I need them too!  How exciting about your trip.  

  • Maneera replied 9 years ago

    I absolutely love that dress on you. Super cute!

    Love both the tops and how well they pair with white pants n shorts. Everything looks light, breezy and comfortable, with just the right amount of cute thrown in.

    You'll be comfortable in these clothes for sure. And I agree with Tulle, in such extreme heat and humidity, comfort reigns supreme. I know....I live in India and we do have freaking hot temperatures with humidity so high you prespire all the time....unless when you're in the AC

  • Alassë replied 9 years ago

    I'm glad you finally were able to use up that gift card, Suz. The blue/white print top contrasts so well with your tan  in #9 - the perfect summer look.

  • Style Fan replied 9 years ago

    Love it all.  I especially like the dress with the jean jacket.  But I like anything with a jean jacket.

  • replied 9 years ago

    Love each and every one of these items and I love how you styled them!

  • kerlyn replied 9 years ago

    Every piece looks great, but I especially love the dress on you!

  • J.J. replied 9 years ago

    Jockey Skimmies are where it's at for short-ish dresses, and to avoid thigh rub.  I worried about showing too much, but now I wear dresses all the time- they are easy, and if the Skimmies show, no big deal!  Plus no thigh-chafing, which in the past has killed me.  I think I first read about them on YLF, but people talk about them in plenty of places.  They have a 'wicking' version, but I use the regular ones here in Texas and it is nothing like Beijing, thankfully (well, maybe in Houston- but I'm in Austin!) but it does get hot.  

    (Diana you mentioned that Boston feels horrible to you... I agree! I'm from there originally and the humidity -- or something-- there makes 90 degrees intolerable, whereas I'm okay in Austin until it gets to 101.)

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    What a great idea, J.J. Thank you! I'm going to see if the Bay has some of those. 

  • Thistle replied 9 years ago

    Fab choices, all!!  China is HOT in the summer! And the air is not, well, invisible, either. 

    A lot of women in Shanghai when I was there in July wore swingy dresses like yours. Everywhere we were was air conditioned, but man, oh man, I can't imagine pants if it wasn't!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Yeah, Thistle, I know. The pants are linen, but even so....

    I do have shorts to put in the suitcase, but I honestly think a couple of swingy skirts would be best. 

  • Marilyn replied 9 years ago

    Suz.....I was just going to chime in regarding undies as well.  I often wear a  pair of Elita boy shorts under summer dresses.  I like the coverage and you don't get any lines with knit dresses.
    Just did a quick search of The Bay for Jockey Skimmies and they have them.....so, you're in business!

  • abc replied 9 years ago

    Haven't read any replies but wanted to chime in and say I love these pieces. For your travel trip as well as "real life."

    As usual I wanna duplicate some items. I blame you and Angie both for my lemming ways!

  • Rubygirl replied 9 years ago

    Win Win ..

  • viva replied 9 years ago

    Somewhere I missed the memo that you are headed to China! Weather aside I am sure it will be a glorious adventure. All of these clothes are perfect for it. I love the dress; it is young but it's not juvenile. And I'm with Lisa; I want that Gingham top too. You look wonderful, Suz.

  • Joyce B replied 9 years ago

    You got some very nice stuff and I love the way you styled it. For number 8, would you consider leaving the top untucked or just a side tuck?
    I think that if you will not have access to a clothes dryer your laundry will not dry in that humidity. Maybe take a few extra things just in case.
    Your trip sounds very interesting and fun. Enjoy and have safe travels.

  • Staysfit replied 9 years ago

    The DH just returned from Beijing two days ago. It's already getting hot and humid so your thinking is right on target! Your wardrobe looks comfortable and travel friendly. Skirts are tough for me also Suz. I somehow missed the butt vest (skirted leggings?) but I liked the recent skirt you posted. It looked swishy and fun.

  • Runcarla replied 9 years ago

    Great travel capsule, and the dress is fine. Although they might be too much for your trip, the white pants are fantastic. I love the slouchy insouciance!

  • Karie replied 9 years ago

    Wow, that description of Beijing's weather sounds positively awful! I like all of these outfits, especially the dress. It looks cool and comfortable.

  • Roxanna replied 9 years ago

    Sun, where did you get today fabulous sandals? They seem to be just the thing I need. In your finds they're from Nordstrom, but not available to ship to Canada...
    And I love it all - your attitude more than anything else!

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    We occasionally have days with that sort of weather and it takes things to a whole other level. I think your picks look great and the key is washable. Dress doesn't look too short and I tend to be conservative with that.

  • dakotacheryl replied 9 years ago

    No controversy here...totally fabulous and comfortable. Love that dress!

    My grey EF sandals you commented on today, though really cute, would be a lot more comfy if the heel was 2" instead of 3" high. I can just wear them for a work day if I don' t have too much walking to do.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Well, Cheryl, you just made me feel a lot better, LOL. At least I don't have to pine for those! ;)

    Shevia, look out -- the Zara sale is about to start!! But I am embroiled in a dispute with them re a delivery that never arrived and fear I can't do business with them in the meantime. Woe is me! ;)

    Roxanne, i got the sandals at an Ecco store in Toronto. Anyplace in Canada that sells Ecco will probably have them, but not necessarily in silver. My local store had only pale blue and taupe, which were also quite nice, but not what I wanted. 

  • cheryl replied 9 years ago

    You look amazing in all of these items. Great pieces and even better attitude. :) I would happily add all of these items to my closet. :)

  • Eliza replied 9 years ago

    Susan- I love your looks and comfort counts. Those Ecco sandals look so good on - I am very tempted, as Ecco is usually just right for my feet. I am consistently a 39 in their shoes, wondering if a 38 is better for the sandals as you and reviews suggest.

    For your wonderful trip, do you have a lightweight jacket? Something almost like linen? I bought a super light weight Kut from the Kloth moto jacket this year and throw it on often because it breathes and is a barely there third piece. Washes and air dries quickly. Nordstrom no longer shows it; otherwise I'd try to link it. I have found a light, slightly structured topper helpful in heat and humidity.

    Very excited for your trip! Your capsule is fresh, good looking and functional. Just perfect!

  • Janet replied 9 years ago

    I'm so glad you're keeping these, especially the dress! This is the kind of thing I would love so much to wear, but they look AWFUL on me. I think it's the bust, even more than the hips, that trip me up. The dresses just billow out from my bustline and make me look huge and hide everything that is appealing about my figure. Not the case with you! I think it looks exactly like it's supposed to look. I don't see juvenile at all. The length is sufficient to offset that look, and the simple pattern and b&w color scheme keep the vibe in the casual-sophisticated category.

You need to be logged in to comment