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WIW: a few outfits, less than inspired

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Here are some outfits from this week. None are making me super happy. I'm in kind of a style funk this week. Not to be confused with a funky style. It's about time to get my hair trimmed, and that may be why I'm feeling less inspired lately.

Monday's work outfit (1-3): gray-blue linen asymmetrical faux-wrap skirt (made by me); chambray blue ribbed tank (Eddie Bauer); gray-blue 3/4-sleeved cardigan (J.Jill); metallic cap-toe ballet flats (AGL); taupe hobo bag (Aunts & Uncles). This skirt was my tryout of a pattern; I do like it enough to make it again, in a fabric that I like better. I like the linen; I'm just not crazy about the color, which I find hard to style. I'm wearing it here with an old J.Jill cardi.

Tuesday's outfit for day off and piano lesson (4-6): taupe tee (Caslon); rolled cutoff shorts (Lucky); khaki web belt (Eddie Bauer); fuchsia-navy-olive on cream falling vines cardigan (Nic & Zoe); cream multi-strap cork-soled sandals (Haflinger); leather wrap bracelet with silver and brass beads (Lucky); brown stone necklace (gift). This outfit felt comfortable but lackluster. I wore it out shopping and thought I might look a little too effortless (i.e., without the chic part--LOL).

Wednesday's outfit for morning off and breakfast out (7-8): gray chino shorts (Eddie Bauer); black and aqua wallpaper print tee (made by me); silvery belt with rhinestones and studs (Calvin Klein); denim jacket (AG, Robyn); hobo bag (Aunts & Uncles); black ankle strap sandals (Dansko). These sandals are ancient and not in style, but I keep them because I love them. They seem a little less out of style lately than in the last few years, so I dragged them out for part of a day.

Wednesday's outfit for teaching sewing in the afternoon (9-10): green swing tank top with contrast yoke (made by me); denim skirt with layered front (Tribal); gray platform sandals (DV by Dolce Vita).

Thursday's outfit for a day off (11-13): gray chino shorts (Eddie Bauer); gray, blue, and white block print tee (Nally & Millie); light gray long cardigan (Halogen); footwear indecision: cream multi-strap cork-soled sandals (Haflinger); cream platform sandals (Naot); taupe lace-up sandals (P. Monjo); metallic suede high-top sneakers (Paul Green); gray low-top leather sneakers (Josef Seibel, Caspian).

Anyone else in a style funk lately? Is it an end of season thing? Or does my hair theory make sense--in need of a hair trim, so I can't get enthused about dressing either? In any case, I'm not exactly worried. I managed to get clothes on myself and I'm pretty sure my style spark will return.

Thanks for looking! I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.

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19 replies

Latest reply was from Firecracker (Sharan)

shedev

Veteran

I'm feeling a little end of season funk.

Neel

Veteran

What funk?! :). You look lovely and you have put together outfits that are probably my favorite ever that I have seen you in! 1, 5, 8,9 are my absolute favorites! 5 being super chic!

But I totally understand where you are coming from. Bad hair days can make me feel down no matter what I wear (you could read all about it in my Bunch of Blahs post!). So get that hair appointment soon. Although I see nothing wrong with it!

kellygirl

Veteran

Uh, I think your bar might be set too high! I think these are great casual looks. They may not be as "arty" but they all look fab. LOVE the asymmetric skirt. I really like the simplicity of that one--it lets the skirt be the focus. SO cool. I love how you can turn a basic outfit into something interesting just by adding one of your "fun" pieces--like the sweater in 5, water color top in 7, lace detailing in 9 or fun geometric print in the last outfit. You look fab in all of these. Great set!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I echo what Kelly said. Your bar is high for style funk. xo

#1 is absolutely gorgeous. WOW. Arty. Elegant. Understated.

#4 (and #5) is a great ultra casual Summer Seattle look - nice hot weather we've had.

#9 is divine. How fun to see you in that shade of green with a a pencil skirt and cage heels.

#7 (and #8) is a little more conservative for your style - but there is nothing wrong with the outfit.

I like #12 without the grandpa cardi, and with the high vamped sandals.

I don't think Seattleites are used to having a glorious warm to hot Summer - and most of us ran out of clothes because mild and cold weather rules around here. That might be part of it. So I guess - roll on Fall.

Your hair looks beautiful, Sharan. But I get that you desperately want a trim.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Shedev, good to hear I'm not the only one! Maybe we're ready for fall.

Neel, thanks for your kind words and letting me know these are some of your favorites! You never know. It must be more of a mindset with me right now.

Kelly, you are a gem. Thanks for pointing out the details that I might not think about!

Angie, it's so sweet of you to go down the list of outfits, too. I appreciate your eye and your wisdom. I do think I've run out of summer clothes--ha ha! I'm not used to repeating so much, or having laundry bottlenecks, in summer! Thanks for your thoughts on the gray outfit--I'll wear your version out of the house this afternoon.

Aida

Veteran

I'm 100% with you on the hair theory; bad hair, bad mood -_- Re funks otherwise, I think Angie's right that most of us ran out of summer clothing this year! I enjoyed it but did find this week that I was ready for a change. I'm giving my favorite summer items a wear or two more but pairing with more autumnal pieces, or at least styling in a darker/moodier way. It's a great way to stay cool with the last of the heat yet feel like I'm moving forward.

The skirt in #1-3 is really cool! Perfectly styled here. What about pairing with black and rust for a really moody look? #4/5 looks great for a casual day, I particularly like it with the cardigan for the added lightness. Agree with Angie that #7/8 looks a little more classic and a little less arty than what I'm used to seeing on you. LOVE #9/10 on you! For the last gray, I vote no cardigan (we've got plenty of time for those coming soon ) and the light sandals in the second photo.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Thanks, Aida! I'll try black with that skirt--good idea. (I don' t have anything rust. Maybe a wine red. . . .)
I did go out of the house in the last gray shorts and top outfit with the cream sandals with the rings on them, and I left off the cardigan. But I took a stone colored hemp jacket with a hood, and I'm glad I did--the A/C was frrrrreezing in the store I went into!
Now, off to make a hair appointment!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Now obviously I love your hair but I do think your feeling is hair related - or at least I get that way when I feel I need a trim even if no one else is paying attention! Regardless these outfits look terrific. My favorites are #4,#8 or #9 on first impression.

LAR101

Personally, I LOVE, really love, really really love the style of all these outfits, but then again right now I am particularly drawn to the elegance of simple and understated. Perhaps your mood this week is wanting more drama. In general, I think understated outfits make a great background for fantastic/trendy/arty/strong/beautiful+subtle accessories: bags, shoes, jewelry, glasses, scarves, belt etc. I might play there to see if you can find an effect more to your liking. Do share if you do play.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Aida and Sharan - did you welcome our Fall weather this morning? Booties and jackets here we come.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Oh yes! I'm thinking about how I might wear red and orange today. I have dark red shoes.

jackiec

Veteran

I hear you on the funk. And I desperately need a hair trim too (not say you look like you need it - but it sure can put a damper on things right?). I like all of your outfits, as usual I especially love how when you throw on that cardigan in #5 it absolutely lights up your face. Really - that's all I noticed! Fab!

Sara L.

Veteran

I think being in need of a hair cut can definitely contribute to some style funk. Also the end of the season can be a problem too. I start getting sick of my clothes at the end of every season. I think these are great outfits though. I really like that skirt in #1 but I have to admit I have trouble with that color also. I also really like #9/10 and the last outfit without the cardigan and with sandals.

Anonymous

Sharan - in no particular order:

I too am going crazy waiting for my hair appointment next Wednesday- to the point where I feel like not even bothering to style it, or me, because it doesn't do anything. I get it

The asymmetrical skirt is fantastic - unique, very flattering, and perfectly fitted.I'd definitely make it again if I were you. I like this colour - but try something else - this is a dandy. (btw - do you make your own patterns or use commercial ones?)

I don't think you look like you are uninspired in your dressing at all here - these outfits are all well thought out and beautifully presented, as always. Maybe it's just the repeat of certain colours too, that's bringing on the funk.

I'm in a style funk too - but for different reasons: I'm totally uninterested in my summer wardrobe - never really had a cohesive one- and wish fall would happen - but it still keeps vacillating between hot and chilly here. Crazy time of year. Hang in there - fall is coming soon enough

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Wow, you all are so understanding about the bit of funk at this time of season--and how much our hair can impact our feelings about style.

Jackie, thanks! I've had that cardigan for a while, and I do love the colors.

Sara, I appreciate your thoughts and your admiration of the outfit with the new tank top.

Lisa, I think my summer wardrobe is a little haphazard right now. It's usually not much of a season here! Which makes me think: I could congratulate myself for not overbuying for summer. I had to make a conscious effort not to keep buying shorts when I moved here. And sandals! Thanks for your compliments. The skirt is from a pattern; I usually don't make my own, though I do often make some style variations.

Day Vies

Veteran

I think it might be an end of the season deal. Needing a trim can't be helpful either. I like all of these outfits -- each is strong on its own and is worthy of repeating (#1 and #12 are my favorites).
When I consider your outfits in light of your admission that you're feeling less than inspired I can't help but notice that none of the prints are memorable in a distinctive way, and the shine factor is pretty low. It seems that you are choosing outfits that reflect your state of mind. I think you need design inspiration. I usually find it on my pinterest board, looking at the latest and greatest looks, or reviewing some of my old favorites.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Thanks for the ideas, Day Vies! You're right, these outfits don't feature my usual prints and bit of metallic. I just picked up some inspiration from Angie's ensemble post yesterday, but I should go try to use Pinterest and my past outfits, too!

misapb

LOVE the skirt, but I think and more contracting topper (black? white?) would allow the structure of the skirt stand out. And I'm jealous how fab you look in knee-length shorts. #3 sends a cool vibe (would like to see it with the shoes in #9). Love 9-10 as well - nice movement of fabric while still highlighting your shape. All of the the outfits are understated but nicely curated and flattering.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

misapb, thank you for your thoughts and ideas. I hadn't thought of the platform sandals for the gray-blue outfit. Great idea! I held up dark and light tops with the skirt and couldn't land on a color to pair with it, so ended up going the tonal route.