R&B Gilet: Input, please! - YouLookFab Forum

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R&B Gilet: Input, please!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It's here, it's here, it's here!!

And I need your help.

FWIW, I would not call this "winter coat weight." Not for my climate. I would call it heavy indoor or light outdoor weight melton wool. It is plush and dense and non-drapey.

It seems impractical -- although on reflection, maybe not. See below for options.

It is crazy expensive. Having said that, I did the calculations and it is actually less than the straight 35% extra to the US sale price. In other words, it's a relative bargain in Canada.

And I totally, totally, totally love it.

But, should I keep it?

These are less "stylings" than "throwing ons." It is, I kid you not, the stickiest day of the summer here, and also one of the few cloudy days, so the light is artificial and not its best.

#1 and #2 --- over denim shirt and jeans.

#3 -- over a sleeveless turtleneck.

#4 -- showing the space I have here. This is the 2. I am wondering if I should try the 0 after all? I suspect I am between sizes.

#5 -- trying a higher contrast top.

#6 -- trying a higher contrast bottom.

#7 -- greater love hath no woman -- trying it LAYERED with a top and cashmere sweater. See that sweat dripping from my brow?

#8 -- with the Minkoff bag. Great bag but I fear the scale is wrong for me -- more on that later.

#9 -- layered over a shirt, cashmere sweater and leather jacket. Yup, this thing can layer!!

#10 -- with a sheath dress to try that idea.

It is just below knee length on me, so midi. I don't know if it would need hemming. I would always wear a bit of a heel with it.

Questions:

Does it look like it belongs with me?
Should I try the smaller size to compare?
If I keep, should I shorten?

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Anniversary Sale

90 replies

Latest reply was from Deanna

Chris987

Veteran

This looks so wonderful on you, but I find myself wishing it were a little shorter, especially since it will not be an outer layer for you except maybe during the short transitions between warm and cold seasons. My wish for shorter is especially prevalent when you pair it with a dress/skirt or slightly rolled pants/lighter more open footwear.

It does not however look too big overall but it's a little hard to tell. If you can easily get a hold of the smaller size I'd say go for it, you have nothing to lose.

I tried on a knee length open cardigan recently and thought it was totally impractical too, but then I started thinking about it as more of a "jacket" and the idea worked much better that way. The one I tried was a bit too bulky but I still like the idea. Maybe you should think of this as a jacket without sleeves that just happens to be a bit long. Does that change your view of how practical it is?

Anonymous

Well, I like it. I think it looks good on you - can't quite see it clearly enough on my screen to comment on fit . Only you can tell if it fits the way you want it to. I love the idea of layering over a leather jacket etc - but I wonder if you/anyone would actually wear it that way. Then it's an outdoor piece that's meant to be left on . And undressing with all of that going on say in a restaurant ( or wherever) could be a bit much. That said, it looks fantastic and "you". One benefit of a piece like this is that it will never go out of style. Nothing trendy about it - just very classy and classic. Could be very fun to own - and fun to wear. Just not the most practical thing - which we all know is OK!

As to looks here - the only one I don't love on you is with the white jeans and floral top. Just not quite right somehow - I think the blouse is throwing me of or something . How about white jeans and a Breton t?

Marilyn

Veteran

First off......It looks amazing on you!!

It does look wide in pic #4 but I suppose it depends on how you want to wear it. If you're going to do a lot of layering do you need the extra space? Or do you want it more form fitting?

Length.....Looks good to my eye but see what Angie says. I wouldn't bother shortening it.

Can't comment on whether you should keep it. Only you know how much wear it will get and if it's worth the cost.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Killer to the power of Killer ALL ROUND. WOW.

This is the right size. Don't size down. Mine fits just like this under the arms. You will feel constricted in a smaller size. Length is fine.

It BELONGS with you, Suz. We don't need to be practical all the time. That would be very boring, and not very fun. Remember my impractical and gorgeous blue jumpsuit that I bought at the NAS last year? WHY NOT!

This is a pièce de résistance. It has a very high longevity factor, (which is why I bought it). (Same with my jumpsuit). It will not date. It will also layer under a coat. It's impeccable, sharp and glorious. AND HAS POCKETS. And see how versatile the gillet is too.

You feel magical wearing this piece. That's sooo worth it.

I am in favour of you keeping the item that is the price of two Vince T-necks.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It is not difficult to shorten if I decide to keep and if we think it requires shortening. Just a little added expense, but what the heck, right? Ha.

Yes, Lisa, I agree -- it wasn't an "outfit" so much as just, let's see how it fits over a top. I think it would be much better with the Breton and white jeans or another white top and white jeans vs. this top. This top would be fine with blue denim or black bottoms.

Fit is tricky. I think I'm probably between sizes.

Joyce B

Veteran

I also think the gillet will be a piece that will make you feel happy every time you wear it. All the outfits you showed are fabulous and very different from each other. I think the length of the gillet is perfect.

Roxanna

Veteran

I do love it on you - and I love the way you have styled it with such versatility. I do question the practicality, but I am thinking of my lifestyle and climate, not yours - you might find it more useful. Could you layer a coat on top of this? Would you? Otherwise it might be fine with a jean jacket or leather jacket underneath. I have a faux fur vest I wear like this, and I don't get mind that it doesn't get worn much because I got a deal on it. So it's totally up to you and what you are comfortable with in terms of price and cost per wear.

Love it with all the looks (except, as Lisa said, with the floral - which still looks good, the others just look more stunning.)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ha, Angie, now that you put it that way, you are SOOOOOO right!! That's exactly the cost!!

Well, I think I am sorted.

If I lived in Ottawa I would try the 0 just to be sure...I suspect I am right in between sizes. But this size does allow me to layer very well and doesn't look oversized when I wear it open. I might ask Mr. Suz what he thinks.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Lol, I think Angie said what needed to be said

Marilyn

Veteran

A bit off topic but your hair is looking amazing Suz. Makes me wonder why so many of us are afraid of going gray.

Diana

Veteran

I think it's great! I would NOT shorten it - I think it's wonderfully dramatic as is and you would lose a lot of the drama by making it shorter. It's very unique at this length. I think the size is fine - I don't notice the excess room except in the one photo where you are holding it out to emphasize it.

I agree with Lisa that all the stylings work well except for the white jeans one. I feel like there's almost a distracting "grinning" effect with the super bright white bottoms in that one. Maybe a longer top would mitigate that effect if you wanted to keep wearing it with the white jeans.

Have you tried layering it UNDER a blazer or other jacket? Just out of curiosity ... I have layered my mid-thigh length vests under jackets for an interesting and different look. This may be too heavy to do that though.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, Marilyn. I am happy that I went the drastic route and cut off all the dye. It simplifies my life.

And, speaking of Girl Math....what I spent in hair colouring last year is more than twice the price of this lovely gilet!!!

There, I've just justified my splurge.

Amy.

Roxanna, yes I can layer a coat over it no problem, assuming the coat is the right length. I'll have to look into my coats. I have a trench that will definitely work over it. My winter coats are a bit shorter so won't work.

Lisa, I do think it's one of those pieces that won't date, and may become a kind of signature. It would be a fantastic piece to wear when giving readings, etc.

Joyce, thank you.

Chris, thanks. I think it may be more useful than I expect. Only way to know is to try it.

Sal

Veteran

I love it on you Suz, it is stunning. It provides that tailored edge that you suit so well, but is very modern. Perfect over blue denim and knit dresses, and I agree the white denim could work with a tweak. I see that if guy are working at home then heading out you could throw this on to elevate an outfit.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Diana, thank you! I think this one is too heavy to layer under a jacket but I might be wrong. I could try. It will definitely go under a trench coat, though, for added warmth (not a layered look).

Totally agree that the white jeans look is least good. I was also going completely nuts at that point wanting to get everything off -- I didn't even do up my shoes properly!!!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sally, I love your logic!! Oh, I'll just toss on my gilet here.....

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

SORTED

Mr. Suz is going to love it. I will guarantee it!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, Angie, for recommending it!!

I think you're right that Mr. Suz will love it.

Windchime

Veteran

You MUST keep it, Suz! It really couldn't look better on you or suit you more. It will complement your wardrobe brilliantly.

More love from me for your "new" hair; it looks fabulous in these pictures. I bet you're glad for shorter hair in the heat.

Colette

Veteran

Oh my goodness, I love this on you! It is perfect every way you styled it.

I understand what you are saying about the impracticality/expense. This is an early fall/late spring item for me and I think you too. If I could have justified it, I would have gone for it but my life is more way more casual than yours and I could not. But it is definitely a statement piece so if you look at it like that, perhaps the CPW should be considered in a different way. Especially because you love it. And yes, it belongs with you!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

YES!!!!!

rachylou

Veteran

Don't size down! This is perfect. Don't shorten! It's KILLER. Listen to Angie. Lol.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

*WAVING TO MY GILLET TWIN WITH A HAPPY DANCE*

Suz, when I modeled the gillet for Greg, he said that there was no way I was not getting it. He was mesmerized by it. I think it's one of his favourite items in my wardrobe. (He likes me in tailored clothing). And I like wearing it with white jeans too - like you did in #6.

ENJOY. (We wouldn't have bought it in black, so we lucked out).

And laughing @Amy.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I think you could wear this pretty much any time you walk out of the house this fall and it would be sensational - truly a statement piece that goes with nearly everything you wear. Can't wait to see what DH says.

Sal

Veteran

And couldn't you wear this inside the house in winter too - or say to the theatre, out to dinner, a writers event? I can see it is not winter outdoor, nor a high summer piece I agree.

claire

I think it's simple. When you say you Totally Totally Totally Love something, you keep it.

skylurker

Veteran

It looks good, it also looks superfluous, I mean I'd like the outfits as well without it.
I just can't grasp the use of it - I admit I have very little imagination and creativity though. And you will have Angie as model for outfit creation.

Column

Veteran

Your body double here, Suz. I have been admiring and weighing pros/cons of the gilet from afar.

So what Angie said (bc of course she is always right, yes)? I was waiting for her eye on size and length, bc like others, I couldn't tell from the photos. But I love the look and UBER LOVE the color on you.

I will likely NOT be getting it, not based on cost alone (bc as Angie points out, it is the price of two good pieces, on which many of us havve aalreaddy sppent mooney).. But bc in my workpllace, peeoplle aare judged by clothing. Too faashiionabble can meaan not serious enouggh (as in, iss this hoow youu spend you monney annd frree timme instead of feeding the hngry)? And in part, I ssubscriibe to thoose polittics orr I woouldn't workk theere. But I do love ffashhion (guilty plleasuure) aand I WOULDD feel fab in tthis, so if yoou can weaar it,, ddo it!!
Veerdict: Just mmake cconsciouus ddecisions to wear it weeekly oor more. (And aapologies for my keybooard, which isacting up bc loow on bbattery--but I wanted to support you)!!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Skylurker, now that is so interesting. I immediately saw at least 20 ways I could wear this piece. I can see it with:

Sheath dresses, sleeved or unsleeved (I have a few of these)
Shirtdresses
Jeans, both cropped and full length.
Culottes (I have denim culottes on the way, and already own a pair of sequinned culottes)
White denim (but probably with a different top as others have said)
Sleeved shirts, and sleeveless tops.
Turtlenecks, sleeved and sleeveless.
Crewneck sweaters, both plain and patterned.
Black or ink trousers, or grey, or patterned.
Scarves of various types or shawls
Denim skirt
Tube skirt or pencil skirt...

...this is only a start!!

To me the outfits would lack something without it. Well, not the outfit with the leather jacket under -- that would be fine without it. But most of the others.

I like the word superfluous, though. Isn't that what an extravagance is supposed to be?

Crackers, that's it, right. Hopeless love.

Sally, absolutely - that's how I see myself wearing it most of the time. In winter, indoors --to writers' events, to dinner, to the theatre -- whatever.

Tex, I think I might need to wear it every day to get that CPW down!

Angie, did you try it with a lace item? I think the juxtaposition could be a lot of fun if the weights of the items were good together.

Colette, Windchime, thank you. Windchime, you're a hair inspiration. And Colette, I am still thinking of you in the TT coat, so you know you picked the best piece for you at the sale!!

Susie

Veteran

THIS. This is the kind of piece that I think is the most exciting to find at this sale...a true statement-making, outfit-elevating, modern classic! It's always great to get good deals on our essentials and to fill our wardrobe needs, but even better to find the thing you love, love, love!

It's gorgeous on you and you MUST keep it.

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