WIW :: Columns Finale - Yesterday's Corrections and a Valentine Nod

Yesterday's outfit left me puzzled. It was comfortable to wear, it consisted of the ingredients I genuinely love, but... there was a "but".. then there was realisation - it was too much old me. Office O. or even parent's evening O. could wear that combination and feel happy, but not today's O.

So, today's O deconstructed the old outfit to create two new ones.

Outfit #1
I needed something easy to throw on for the visit to the building site and wandering around our unfinished house.
Notice how I did not do black base column, but navy+black. Still, the two are so close and I thought I played by the rules.
I threw the necklace on so I can look a bit more pulled together in case we have to sit down with someone and discuss any concerns as it may happen in the building site. Luckily, there were none.

Outfit #2
To meet Mr. O for the lunch break. Suz and Beth Ann said to wear this jacket with the jeans and I happily obeyed.
Navy base column consisting of the turtleneck and dark jeans, that's as close as it gets in this choice of column colour.

Outfit #3 / #4
Worn for the bus ride (hello my exciting life) to travel across town to pick up my son from school. Inspired by today's blog post - I felt like an explosion of Valentine colours and it was a good feeling. I actually noticed that people were noticing me and there were a lot of smiles from random people. Fun. Nice. Hopefully not in horror...
The base column is actually pink sweater (layered over the white button up) + red skirt (and even red hose), and it was finished with the black scarf with matching dots to bookend the black boots, and finally the calming effect of the bright puffer.

ETA:

I totally forgot to mention one detail and since every now and then someone travels to Ireland, you might be interested to know that St. Valentine's remains are actually kept in the Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin? It's an interesting old church tucked inside the inner city and well worth the visit, especially this time of the year. Just an idea for travel itinerary... and happy Vaneltine's day once again.

These outfits finish my go at Column of Colour experiments. Summary post is hopefully coming this weekend (ETA: It's here). I had a great time doing this challenge and your comments and observations were once again priceless. Thank you and I hope you'll keep them coming, at least to prevent future disasters...

11 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

You look great! I understand what you mean about the other outfit being the "old you". I've also had a lot of those lately, when I'm left a bit puzzled why I suddenly feel off in a combination I feel I should like. I think the navy and black in #1 works very well together, you look so long and lean in this! Love #2, the jacket is perfect to dress up the jeans. And what a fun colorful outfit, awesome that you got some smiles. There's not enough color out there!

Day Vies

I love your low-contrast pink and red. #2 is worth stealing -- so do not be surprised to see me wearing something similar. I adore #1 you look so lean! I'll be copying that one too! Marking as a fave ;-)!

April

I love that you deconstructed an outfit that felt like "old you" into several that reflect "new you!" Brilliant.

Gigi

I haven't been on YFL long enough to know the "old you," but I do see a difference in style between yesterday's outfit and today's. Yesterday's outfit is OK, maybe a little "safe"; today's outfits are exciting and fresh! I love them, esp. 1 and 2.

lyn*

(website)

Love the combo of the fuchsia with the red - I must try that now; a very sophisticated nod to V-day!

karymk

Love 3 and 4. You look great in pink and red and wear it well!

Gracie

Amazing "Valentine's explosion"... it looks so much fun with the puffer on too, just a tease of the colors underneath... I'm sure you brigthened many people's day! And I find the proportions of No 1 very pleasing.

Ornella

Thank you all.

Astrid :: I think you nailed it - some combinations we reach for because we know or think we should like them. They worked, but in a different time. I have to start paying attention to those shoulds.Yay for style evolution.

I loved your reflections *and* your outfits! I had that experience last month: I put on an outfit I'd worn last year quite happily & just didn't feel right. It was old me.

I love all of the neutrals (and light grey, hehe) in 1, that jacket is fabulous with jeans in 2, and your Valentine's Day outfit is beyond marvelous. I love seeing people who can rock bright colours wear them, and you do it with such panache. Your posts are always just a joy!

Lisa

Wonderful to mix up your old look into a new one that better fits the current leg of your style journey. The pink and red is so happy, I would smile too if I passed you on the street.

I noticed, a favorite outfit of mine from last year is starting to feel 'meh' all of a sudden. It had less contrast than some of my other looks. It seems it's time to take those pieces and remix them into new looks, thanks for the idea!

Neel

Love your vday outfit .... Lovely interpretation of Angie's formula!

Navy and black makes a nice column of colour in your first outfit. And the jacket in outfit 2 does look better with jeans Suz and Beth Ann can't be wrong

Suz

Fabulous, Ornella! LOVE #1 -- so simple, long and lean. And of course I also adore #2. Here, I can see that the proportion that was really bothering me was not about the collars, but rather, the jacket with the skirt. I love it with the jeans. Perfect look!

The Valentine's Day look is so cozy, so fresh, and so fun.

You have found the elements that feel like O today and made them work for you!

Beth Ann

I'm in Indiana helping my Mom, so I've been scarce on the Forum. I wanted to pop on and say......Woohoo!

Your analysis is spot on and so freeing. And the outfits? They're all full of style and completely "you!"

I may try #2 with an orphan of my own!

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