WIW: Inspired by Marley, Shannon, and & Sveta ETA: going to new lengths

Shannon's talk of silk shirts and blouses must have put a bee in my bonnet today. Because when I went to my closet, the first thing I pulled out was this Ann Taylor silk shell. 

I made this purchase out of desperation. I needed something to wear under my fuchsia silk suit and MNSara kindly helped facilitate the order. In the end, I chose another top for the event, but I couldn't return this one (final sale) and besides, I liked its simple, oversize look. 

Even so, it has been a bit of an orphan this summer. So today I challenged myself to wear it. Inspired by the gorgeous Marley, (and her beautiful, relaxed, mostly white look), I thought I'd try for something a bit like her outfit. 

I was going to wear my distressed slouchy skinnies, but instead I decided to pair it with another closet orphan -- these Gap slouchy khakis in sage green. I bought these originally for my daughter, who didn't like them enough to wear them. So I kept them myself. And wore them a grand total of twice. I just didn't reach for them for some reason. 

Still, I've been in love with some of Sveta's looks using these trousers in blush. And my daughter and I were actually on our way to shop for back-to-school at the GAP. What better occasion? 

Taking a cue from Marley, I added silver accents and a bit of a heel. The bag was all I had that would even remotely work for our purposes. I needed a tote. :-) 

Critiques and comments welcome. 

ETA: Mona suggested full length; Ceit suggested pushing them up on the calf. I like the look of BOTH of these much more than where I had them. Unfortunately, Ceit's solution won't work -- they won't stay pushed up like that on my leg and just fall down the minute I move. Suggestions welcome!

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30 Comments

  • replied 11 years ago

    I really like this look on you Suz! The sage is nice with your colouring and the drapey shell is nice too. The metallic accents really punch up the look.

    Just for fun, can you snug them up on your calf rolled? It makes a funky almost-harem knickerbocker look.

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    You mean pull them up rolled, Ceit? I'm not sure I can get them much higher, but I can try. That might be one of my problems with these. I'm not sure they really hit me in the right way to get the ideal taper. Hmmm. Off to ponder (and maybe take some more pics.)

  • amiable replied 11 years ago

    Ooh - this is a terrific relaxed but polished look!  The sage does look terrific on you (and so does the shell)

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    I love the soft and soothing color palette for you Suz - the sage green is a bit different from what you usually wear but it pairs so beautifully with the drapey white silk shell - which is sumptuous. I think the belt and sandals are the perfect accessories.

  • lyn* replied 11 years ago

    You do these drapey elegant looks so well - this shell is so pretty, and the sage is just grey enough to keep the orange bag from looking too halloweeny :p I was slightly afraid of that when I read the description, but I should have trusted you to pull it off! :)

  • cciele replied 11 years ago

    Simple, elegant, refreshing. I would say success -- great use of orphans! Let's hope they are no longer orphans; I like both pieces on you.

  • texstyle replied 11 years ago

    This looks great and makes me wonder too why I don't reach for these pants (I own the same ones in this color). I think dressing them up a little with the silk top and nice sandals is spot on as they look fab on you here.

    I have very few "dressier" tops and probably need to work on that as  I move forward. I always thought olive/sage type green was supposed to be such a neutral but I have a hard time pairing it with things aside from white for some reason. Red tones look extra bright next to it (to me). Navy/black seem so dark. It's odd and I can't quite put my finger on it. I think it's because they have this sort of sanded neutral tone to them that other colors feel loud by comparison. Maybe heather grey would work with them for me. Just thinking aloud here.

  • kellygirl replied 11 years ago

    Awesome look for you, Suz! It looks so fresh and stylish. It's the perfect spring/summer look. I kind of wish I didn't size up so much on my Gap straight khakis--yours fit you so perfectly! You probably aren't as lazy as me but sometimes I skip the silk because it requires more time consuming cleaning and pressing. 

  • Ingunn replied 11 years ago

    Marvellous, Suz! The colors suit you so well, and the draped top definitely deserves to see more air. I love the light accessories, too. You are right to be inspired by Marley, Sveta and Shannon - so am I!

  • Raisin replied 11 years ago

    It's a great shell, Suz!  I like the simple, chic look. 

  • Mona replied 11 years ago

    The silk shell is lovely on you and I agree with you on how brilliantly Sveta wore her blush khakis. Actually, I was wearing my khakis rolled up in the beginning but seeing Sveta's WIW's I realized they would look much better full length.

  • Lyn D. replied 11 years ago

    It looks relaxed yet polished Suz.
    I had the same reservations about a utility jacket in your pant colour. Only wore it a handful of times before passing on.
    As pants they are probably slightly easier to wear- in the warmer weather sans topper, so needing to blend in with fewer other pieces. 

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    Thank you everybody - glad you like this. I must say I was somewhat out of my own personal comfort zone. Mona,  you might have hit on something. I'm not sure I like these so much rolled. Hmmm. May try it without the roll next time. 

    Texstyle, it's so interesting that you feel similarly about your pants. I can imagine this colour would look fantastic on you! For me, it's not so much that I don't have anything to pair them with (I don't think)..but something about the fit doesn't make me happy. It might be those pockets. I noticed that the fabric felt lovely and soft and not too hot today, so it's not the fabric itself. I will have to ponder some alongside you, I guess! 

  • Lisa replied 11 years ago

    I like both cuffed options, but of course prefer the one that stays put!  Pretty soft colored outfit here, I hope shopping went well today!

  • Caro in Oz replied 11 years ago

    Love this mix for summer, the top is great. I've been pulling my little worn items out to wear too - without your success - mine are in the donate bag :) It will be interesting to see what you decide about the pants Suz. I really like them but  understand a photo is only a small part of the story.

  • Marley replied 11 years ago

    Oooh - I like!  You did good Suz!  The colors are so soothing and the sparkle of the belt and necklace, along with the silk blouse brings a touch of elegance to the outfit.  So many times (to me) khaki pants remind me of camping or grunge (I dont' know why?) or Indiana Jones -  but this outfit didn't take me there one single bit!  I just saw a sophisticated, attractive women, wearing those khakis "her way!"  Lovely!

  • Karie replied 11 years ago

    Fantastic look, relaxed but polished! That pretty top deserves to see more daylight!

  • Lyn D. replied 11 years ago

    Yes, I like them more fitted and full length too!
    Maybe you will get some wear full length in the cooler weather?

  • suzyq replied 11 years ago

    Seriously woman you can do no wrong however you modify.  May I pin?

  • Beth Ann replied 11 years ago

    I like them pushed up, Ceitl-like, for Summer, and full length for cooler weather combinations.  I love the fit of these on you, Suz, and, while these aren't your typical colors, you look vibrant and sophisticated.  Sometimes neutrals make me feel simple and strong, in a good way.  This was a very successful experiment!

    P.S.  What does this color look like with your berries?

  • Vickie KY replied 11 years ago

    You look great - but only you know if something is really you. If there is something about thoses pants that isn't right do you want to continue to try and work with them. I go through that with my wardrobe all the time.
    Vickie

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    Thanks, all! SuzyQ I am flattered you want to pin. Of course you may. 

    Beth Ann -- that's a good suggestion about berry colours. In fact I hardly have any in my summer wardrobe this year -- I tend to wear those colours fall and winter. 

    And these pants just don't feel right for cool weather. They're soft cotton that feels quite summery to me. I would wear them to the end of September, but probably not a lot further, given our weather. So maybe next year the solution is to hack them off as shorts or clams. I suspect I'd wear them lots more that way. 

    I actually love this sage green and would wear more of it if I could find it. The dress Shevia sent me is similar and it works well. 

  • Angie replied 11 years ago

    I love all length renditions. I like the short and full length a little more, but the in-between length shows off your ankle straps - which is the point. The proportions work because the pants, your skin tone and the sandals are low contrast to each other. At least that's so to my very fussy cropped pants eye.

    Stunning Casual Elegance, Suz.

  • JulieJohn replied 11 years ago

    Really pretty, Suz. I love the colors together, and your necklace is the crowning touch. I like them best at the length you originally had, no fuss. A little skin is always welcome, and this top shows your lovely arms to their best advantage. I bet your daughter was proud to be seen with you.

  • cobaltblue replied 11 years ago

    Really pretty, Suz. I hope you sort out what's bugging you about the pants. Maybe your daughter was on to something when she wouldn't wear them! (But they look great, so that's not the problem.)

  • Day Vies replied 11 years ago

    I love this look! You look gorgeous in this top. I am so glad you pulled it out and paired it up the way you did. This is definitely a DO! I even love the snakeskin belt detail. This outfit simply works on many levels and I appreciate the understated details in the top and the overall silhouette. I'm going to play around in my closet to see if I can copy. I won't let my beliefs about my body tell me I can't do it.

  • Mona replied 11 years ago

    I much prefer them in shorter length. Hope you can get much more wear out of them next summer. 

  • krishnidoux replied 11 years ago

    Love this look on you! Let's you shine, let's YOU take center stage. Yet elegant, yet relaxed, yet practical. 

  • Jaime replied 11 years ago

    Love this! I like full length and #4 but only if they stay up!

  • Peri replied 11 years ago

    Even dressed down you look fantastic!

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