February 11, 2014

Finally managed to cross the border to pick up my packages today. Would you believe I ordered this stuff on December 31 when Angie suggested we refresh our knitwear -- and couldn't go (on account of weather, work, or both) until just now.

I ended up sending back a lot of what I had ordered. It just didn't appeal to me any more and/ or the fit was not great. That's okay. Money in the bank for spring! :)

Here's what I wore, and what I kept.

1-2: the cross border shopping outfit. Complete with puffer. On a sunny day like today, I love this colour. On a cloudy day, I think I need a brighter one. Next year's purchase!

Wearing my Kut plaid pants, a Theory merino t-neck (it is NAVY) layered over a knit top, Fossil belt, La Canadienne boots, and Lole puffer.

3. HEWI: taupe jeans!! I found these on ebay for a great low price. My first ebay purchase. Citizens of Humanity Racers in Nomad. I love this cut -- it is skinny but not calf sucking and full length on me. The fabric is 98% cotton and 2% elastane -- it's a very comfortable mix that feels like real denim. Not too thin and stretchy.

4-8 Pure Amici colourblock (neutral-block?) cashmere sweater. It's a copy of the Vince one from last year, I guess. Love this. Nice relaxed boxy fit with a hi-low hem - longer in back, and the trendy extra-long sleeve. It will replace my too-itchy oversize GAP sweater. I am sure I will be wearing it here for at least another 5 or 6 weeks.

7-9 Lucky mixed media Sabrina jacket with leather sleeves. I admired Angie's mixed media jacket so much that when I saw this at an excellent price, last one in my size at the Rack, I jumped. I really love the leather sleeves - the length is perfect, the leather is incredibly soft, and it's easy to scrunch. It's a bit longer than my other denim jacket, and a darker wash, so I feel justified in the purchase.

I'm not sure about the buttons or rather snaps. Mr. Suz found them a bit "fussy." They are a coppery bronze hue. I'm wondering if it might make sense to try Karymk's trick with a Sharpie on them. Thoughts?

Posted in the What I Wore category

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54 Comments

replied 10 years ago

Great haul! I don't mind the snaps, but blacking them out would look good.
Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

WOW Suz! Love it all.

The taupe jeans are absolutely fantastic - welcome to eBay :) These are going to be work horse jeans for you.

The colorblock sweater is beyond gorgeous. Love the soft drape of it.

And the denim/leather jacket - YES YES YES!!! Love the darker denim and the fit. I actually like the coppery snaps and how they give the jacket "jewelry". But that's just me.
deb replied 10 years ago

I do not think the snaps look bad. The rest of the order is great!
Susie replied 10 years ago

Very nice pieces! The jeans look like a great fit and I love the sweater on you, both the colors and the style. It's hard to see any details on the jacket but it looks good and I didn't notice the snaps in a bad way at all.
Ornella replied 10 years ago

I love your travel outfit.

You look like a vision in taupe! I bet you can do Angies "X,Y,Z and grey" formulas with these jeans instead of grey ones.

The sweater is amazing, two tone sleeves with dark body of the sweater look extra edgy.

Mixed media jacket with all those buttons, I think this must be my favourite of the lot! They look way too intentional to appear busy or overwhelming for the jacket. Amazing style in itself and on you.

Btw, I found it interesting how time between placing and collecting your order allowed you a new perspective about which of the items actually deserve a space in your wardrobe. You have definitely brought home true gems.
Elizabeth P replied 10 years ago

What great purchases! You must be happy... so what if a bunch went back. Esp love the mixed media jacket. I don't mind the snaps either.
sarah replied 10 years ago

Great finds, Suz! I especially love that sweater. I'm chuckling at #2 - that's what I look like every.single.day.
Helena replied 10 years ago

Love it all - including puffer, which generally speaking as an item I am sick to death of seeing by now. Great purchases!! You look awesome!
catgirl replied 10 years ago

All absolutely fantastic. Your travel outfit and puffer are lovely!
annagybe replied 10 years ago

I was hugely ambivalent about your search for taupe jeans, but as styled here I like them.
I think the brass buttons echo your hair color nicely.
E replied 10 years ago

Congrats on a successful shopping outing! :D
Suz replied 10 years ago

Anna, I remember that! And the ones that you and I both found for so long were so bad!! I really want to wear them mostly in tonal type outfits like this, and maybe with navy or black. And in warmer temps. with white, but that won't happen too often because if it's warm, it's usually too warm for jeans where I live.

Anyway, I am thrilled if these meet your exacting standards.

Thanks for the boosts, all, and the ideas!

And yes, what was I doing inflicting a puffer on you when you have to look at your own all day? Sheesh!!
Alassë replied 10 years ago

I'm so happy you found taupe jeans, Suz! They look great in that color pairing. I like the sound of the navy & black combos as well. I also like the low contrast look with your blackwatch plaid skinnies.
replied 10 years ago

Love the taupe jeans and color-block sweater. Wish I had the judgement (or guts!) to shop like that!
April replied 10 years ago

Never mind that I said I had too many leather jackets -- I love this one! Also the taupe jeans. Well done, Suz!
Alexandra replied 10 years ago

Congratulations on such successful shopping! I am really loving #3 on you - the color, the shapes, all of it. The snaps on the jacket don't bother me, I think they look fine with the style.
Aquamarine replied 10 years ago

Nice purchases! I like the buttons just the way they are, personally.
Suz replied 10 years ago

Okay, then - it sounds as if the snaps can stay as is for the time being. I was worried they might conflict with my mostly silver jewellery but it won't hurt to try them this way for a while and see how they feel. Thanks for the helpful feedback.
nancylee replied 10 years ago

These are all great finds, Suz. Each piece is both stylish AND useful, which is like finding fashion gold. The taupe jeans will be workhorses for sure. Ebay can really be a good source of fashion if you're careful about sizing. Absolutely love that Pure Amici color blocked sweater! It's very Suz and edgy at the same time. And the jacket is very on trend.

Nice work! You looked very fashionable for your border crossing. And I completely believe you weren't able to go until now. The terrible weather this winter alone would be reason enough!
goldenpig replied 10 years ago

Love it all. You look amazing in everything! The snaps look fine as is. We are colorblock sweater twins too...I bought the Vince on on sale over the BF holiday.
gryffin replied 10 years ago

Wow, Suz - first you looked fantastic for you outting and that's a great puffer. The jeans are fabulous on both fit and color!! Good things come to those that wait!! I would never have thought the sweater was not Vince. Beautiful and the colors just marvelous for you!! I really, really like the Lucky Jacket. I do like the buttons. Its hard to tell them from the snaps but it gives it almost a military vibe. If you sharpie the buttons it will make it a quieter piece. You might consider living with it and give it some time. If you think they are too much then you might feel more certain about doing the marker. Only you can tell. But fabulous jacket!! Jealous!!
Angie replied 10 years ago

A hundred thumbs up for it all.
ramya replied 10 years ago

Love every piece. Especially the taupe jeans. Love the copper buttons please let it stay. It matches your hair if not your jewellery
Sara L. replied 10 years ago

I love the color-blocked sweater. So perfect! And the taupe jeans look great on you.
Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

This makes me happy. You've found great, versatile pieces here to perk up the last bit of winter. The colorblock sweater is my favorite, but I love the them all. I like the denim jacket as it -- copper buttons and all. You aren't someone for lots of detail, but one expects metal hardware on denim jackets -- it reads as much "real" as "blingy" to my eyes.

Hope your trip have a little fun in it!
Debbie replied 10 years ago

Love it all!
Runcarla replied 10 years ago

Taupe is gold on you! That outfit is just super fab.
Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

Love it all - the fit of the jacket is stellar on you :)
carter replied 10 years ago

Wow! Love all of these. The soft neutrals in #3 are so gorgeous on you. You don't wear much pink, do you? Those jeans would look awesome with a mid-range pink imo, but maybe that's just me! Love the sweater and the jacket too. I like the snaps as they are.
Suz replied 10 years ago

Thank you all so much! I felt good about keeping what I kept and sending back the rest. (Lots!)

Carter, I like pink. I don't currently own anything except in deep raspberry/ fuchsia and blush, but I'd be happy to add a mid-toned or pastel pink to the wardrobe this spring! :)
carter replied 10 years ago

This is the shade that immediately came to mind.
http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg......e7fcc2.jpg
Suz replied 10 years ago

That's really pretty, Carter! Probably too warm a pink for me -- I need to skew cool toned. But I know there are cooler versions of that same mid-tone and they'd probably work. My blush sweater looks good with the pants.
unfrumped replied 10 years ago

Those all look like excellent finds!
The jeans are great. You wear white very well but the taupe (like the cream) just gives more options for "pale" colors but non-white.
The jacket seems to fit great--kinda dark photo. The buttons don't jump out at me, either, so agree with give it a trial before adding any more effort. Maybe when you combine it with other pieces, the truth will emerge!
The sweater looks very cozy and fun, and unusual to find neutral-blocks.
Thistle replied 10 years ago

Lovely haul! So glad you found the taupe jeans especially.
Aubergine replied 10 years ago

Nice pieces! They all look like they'll help make the dregs of winter much less boring, and the jeans especially look like they'll be perfect for spring too. I also love your WIW outfit, especially the silvery belt.
rachylou replied 10 years ago

Love that sweater. Is the brown top an item you picked up? I like that too. Also, super cute coat. I like the longer length. The snaps barely register on my monitor.
LACeleste replied 10 years ago

Wow Suz! Talk about strategic shopping! Very nice pieces--you look great!
Suz replied 10 years ago

Thank you all! Rachylou, the top is an older one. Celia gave it to me!! I love it. It gets the most wear in spring and fall in my climate, but I do occasionally pull it out in both summer and winter.
Sarah A replied 10 years ago

Late to the game but you had a fantastic shopping trip. Like Rachylou i was really struck by the top in the taupe jeans pic. The tonal outfit is very nice. My favs would have to be the colorblock sweater or mixed media jacket which does indeed justify itself as different enough from your other denim jacket.... ;)
Jaime replied 10 years ago

No reservations whatsoever - these are all perfect for you, including the crossing the border outfit. You picked extremely well, I love the jacket, jeans and sweater and not necessarily in that order!
Sveta replied 10 years ago

I think all of those are winners! Love the colorblock sweater, nice find. Too bad Gap sweater did not work out for you, I guess the grey has different fabrication because my cream one is not itchy at all. I reqally like it for comfort-craving cold days and hope you new one wikk serve you well.
Woo-hoo for HEWI toupe bottoms! I know how much you wanted to find them and they look terrific. One question though: why wait for summer to wear them with cream and white? Why not wear this combination now? I bet they will look great with "our" cream moto... :-0
Suz replied 10 years ago

Sveta, you are so right - - the jeans will look great with "our" moto -- I checked. :) They also look great with my darker taupe leather jacket.

To be honest, though, I have not worn my leather jackets since December. I worried this fall about being so short of toppers. Really, I have two leather jackets, and a denim jacket, and my blue jacquard from Zara. That's it.

Well, I did not need to worry. First, I've travelled slightly less often this winter and the trips have been mostly more casual. And secondly, it's been so, so cold and snowy that I just don't wear my jackets. Instead, I layer knits on knits!! So I really don't think about my cream moto with these jeans. I know in March I will wear that combination, but not until temps rise a bit, I suspect -- and I have a non work-at-home day.
Sveta replied 10 years ago

Suz, I was thinking that you can make the reverse copy of that stunning bottom picture from Angie's yesterday post - taupe bottoms and top and white topper...I know what you mean about the cold and wanting to cuddle up in knits but hey - the winter is going to be over soon! Just 2 more months you know :-)
Suz replied 10 years ago

So true. ONLY two more months!!! :)

But yes, wouldn't that be a fab outfit? I have plans, believe me... the jeans also work with quite a few other items in the wardrobe. :)
Sveta replied 10 years ago

Well, they are taupe after all which means they are going to fit seamlessly into your wardrobe...
Karie replied 10 years ago

The mixed media jacket is my favorite! I would not alter the buttons. I think the coppery color adds a nice little "pop." The drapey sweater is also gorgeous. And those pants look like they fit you perfectly. You did well with your purchases!
Elly replied 10 years ago

Love the taupe pants and Vince knock--off sweater on you (I loved the original on Angie)-- looking good!
Gigi replied 10 years ago

Congratulations on the taupe jeans! You were looking for those for a long time. And they are an excellent color on you. I just recently bought some Citizens of Humanity Racers too, but mine are the black coated (they mimic leather). I couldn't believe how comfy they were and how stretchy the fabric was. And the fabric was quite thick too. I hope yours feel just as good as mine!

I like the buttons on the denim jacket too, FWIW. They're not too shiny, so maybe they won't be too distracting?
Neel replied 10 years ago

That jacket is drool worthy. I wish I could find one here! I would grab it in a heartbeat! I am not sure about the buttons. I don't dislike them. So guess its your call.

I can't wait to see you style those taupe jeans. I have one too and I am not sure why I don't reach for them very often. You might inspire me to pull them out again. I love the relaxed fit of the jeans on you.

The color blocked sweater is fab too. Love the sleeve length. And your travel outfit is just perfect! Especially the puffer! Love the fit and the furry collar!
Lyn D. replied 10 years ago

This all looks fantastic Suz, and I especially love the jacket with leather sleeves- very cool!
kellygirl replied 10 years ago

Adore the taupe jeans on you, Suz! All of these are so fab. I love the black watch pants in all iterations and your new denim jacket is beyond awesome. How can someone look so sleek in a puffer? I'm a little jealous!
CocoLion replied 10 years ago

You truly scored Suz. All of these items fit you PERFECTLY. How unusual is that. I don't see anything fussy about the buttons of the jacket.

BTW I also think you look good in black. If we wear some eye and lip make up, I think black can look good on blondes. Not our best color, but not all bad. Also (ducking really, really low here) I actually think black can look better on blondes than say, brown hair. Someone take me out and beat me if necessary.
Suz replied 10 years ago

Denise, I think the same thing!!!! I mean...I know it looks great on women with black hair. (Or quite often does.) Because it bookends. But on blondes it can provide a great contrast. And sometimes on women with brown hair it just looks...bleah. Not on all of them, of course.

I have often been told by hairdressers and various "style related" people that I wear black really well. And I could tell by the way they said it that this wasn't flattery. They were genuinely a bit puzzled and trying to figure it out. How come this paleface can wear black?

I think in my case it's because I'm not truly a "light" blonde. My hair is coloured now, of course. But it's close to my natural colour. And that colour includes a lot of charcoal undertones. Plus, my irises are rimmed with a sort of charcoal grey.

I find I'm best in either a true charcoal OR a very rich black. Not a faded black. I think that is because faded blacks look warmer, browner. A rich deep black is usually more blue-undertoned.

Anyway. It's definitely not my best colour. The intensity is too strong for me. But it's not my worst colour, either, and I look a whole heck of a lot better in black than in khaki, beige, or yellow.

As for the fit of these items -- yup - these ones worked, but all the stuff I sent back, now that is a different story, LOL!!
viva replied 10 years ago

That colorblock sweater is gorgeous - love it!

Pix-Elated

WIW and What I bought: HEWI, Mixed Media, and (shhhh) BLACK

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