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WIW: Same Same But Different (proportions)

ManidipaM

Veteran

Not exactly happy with what I put together today. I was trying to find a new partner from my closet for that same turquoise blouse from yesterday's post. But I don't think this was an entirely successful date. (Though, yay! I got out of the kaftan I slept in, by noon, after much indecision :-/ )

The skirt is a subtle checked cotton, cut on the bias, with a pair of flippy peplum-ish tiers at the hemline.

The ribbon, an attempt to rein in the volume of the top a little, is probably the wrong colour, but also maybe a bit much, on the whole --- bow at waist, tie at neckline, hair loop up top... I definitely need to put a narrow belt on my wishlist.

Without the tie, it seems to be a cleaner look, but a little sack-like I fear.

Couldn't decide on the earrings either --- too much? not enough? no need?

But for what it's worth, here I am, feeling a little blah ...

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29 replies

Latest reply was from ManidipaM

Astrid

Veteran

I'm not fan of the tie. I think #2 looks better and I like it much more with the skirt than your cargos! I don't think you need earrings, but I guess they would look nice if you want to wear them. A thin belt for accentuating the waist is a great idea! Make sure you get it in one of your neutrals if you don't have one already.
I'm feeling blah today too... I didn't want to wear any of my favourite things because I want them all clean for packing this evening and I have such a small wardrobe at the moment that there wasn't much left.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Astrid, that's challenging, preparing for a trip or a move with a minimalist wardrobe! Where are you headed?

I was 'saving' things for an imminent move myself, but that's been postponed by a fortnight and so I'm on the fence --- do I bring things out? do I leave them clean and ironed, and make do meanwhile with more loungey things or at least things that don't need an iron? This skirt was one I risked removing from my 'packing pile', in case it helped me cheer up.

rute

Veteran

The colors are ok! I think the problem is that the blouse has a lot of volume, maybe with skinny jeans..

Astrid

Veteran

Manidipa, it's just a trip home to my parents and I'm able to wash things as needed there, but somehow I don't like to start with worn clothes on a trip anyway. I did another closet purge not so long ago and still have quite a few things for spring on my list! But the good thing is that my wardrobe looks much better as a whole now.

Fruitful

Veteran

Wow, wow, wow, I love your low-side-ponytail!

Earrings: I like them. The colour goes with the outfit beautifully and I like the classic and feminine shape. I don't wear earrings myself and sometimes worry about the lack of them but it seems my glasses are enough business to have going on around my face, usually.

I'm belt illiterate, but I can see your dilemma. It is more streamlined without. I see that a belt is an attempt to reduce sacklikeness. But that's not a problem to my eye as the skirt is so shapely, tapering in and then out with the peplum (fishtail?). The blouse although loose is very feminine, with the floral print, the colours, the tie, the drape, the discreet showing of skin.

Altogether this is as I said a beautifully feminine look that is understated enough to pull off the romanticism it plays with.

I do hope you're enjoying your outfits, as your other ones I've looked at you had a dissatisfied mood about - I'm all for committing to what is worn despite reservations, and once committed, enjoying it - perhaps especially when you have reservations - after all, you might not wear the outfit again, so savour it like it was your last fling! And then you never know, you might actually fall in love...

ManidipaM

Veteran

Have a happy trip, Astrid!

Thanks, Rute! I don't have skinny jeans and it's too hot just to wear them through the day anyway (unless I have plans to be in arctic air-conditioning, which is extremely rare for me and at which point I'd not be wearing that blouse). But I should try this with my khaki skinnies sometime, perhaps.

Fruitful, thank you! I love the idea of savouring each outfit like a quick fling! I'm a bit of a stick-in-the-mud sometimes. I think if I'm entirely honest, my dissatisfaction with some of my outfits stems from lack of confidence in myself or negative associations with a look from the past. But ever since I committed to the *shopping* part of SYC (not buying is easy for me, active remixing to get something 'new' is harder), I *have* been enjoying myself more. It's like the FUN of dressing up is slowing coming back, which I have missed for a few years. It takes a little courage to take the camera out; but I think I can brave a few duds now!

Meredith1953

Veteran

ManidipaM,
I think you have the right idea about defining the waist with the skirt. The sash isn't quite the right piece but a narrow belt would like great! I personally find myself wearng earrings less and less but I also tend to try to wear a scarf or a necklace instead. I really like the color of the top with the skirt and the texture of the skirt is very nice! Sorry you feel sort of blah but you get points for getting out of the caftan!

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

I actually like it unbelted, but it would also be nice to add a yellow or pink skinny belt instead of the sash? I understand the need to wear earrings - being Indian, I cannot go without! So when my outfits are very colourful/patterned, I just go with either tiny pearl danglers, silver hoops or just studs!

Anonymous

I do like the tunic and I bet it would look awesome with skinnies. I actually think the skirt and blouse combo is very much along the lines of Angie's recent post on de-bombing a pencil skirt. I think the ribbon or sash could work. You have it tied near your natural waist, perhaps lower, so it enhances your wider point. Try belting it at your narrowest point, below your bust line. I have never been able to make a belt work at my hip or natural waist, since I think I'm an 8 shape and I'm rather hippy.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Ha! 'You learn something new every day' --- and that's the way to be! Zap, I had never considered creating by own empire waist with a belt or sash or ribbon --- what an idea! I'd always assumed my natural waist *was* my narrowest point; but I see what you mean. Will try that soon.

Diana

Veteran

I love the textures/patterns of the two items together!
I think I am in the minority here, but I much prefer the look WITH the belt. (Although I agree with the other ladies, perhaps a contrasting rather than a matching belt might be better.) The belt draws the eye upward, accentuating your waist and creating a longer leg line. Without it, the eye is drawn to the place where the hem meets the skirt, which is a wide, low point. I think this length top is perfect to wear unbelted with slim pants, but is slightly too long/voluminous for a skirt without belting.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love the skirt with the free flowing top (sans belt). Great combo, Manidipa!

rae

(website)

Veteran

No tie needed IMO, The skirt is very slim, so it balances out the volume. I don't see the earrings, but I don't feel like you absolutely need more interest in the outfit. I think a little bit of heel and a bag would be great!

ManidipaM

Veteran

Thanks, Angie! I wasn't sure I wasn't swimming in fabric there!

Diana, I've not given up on the belting yet, though, minority or not. I just need to find one s-l-o-w-l-y, being on SYC

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

You don't need to define your waist here Manidipa as the slim fitting skirt works beautifully with the volume of the top unbelted. And I love the colour combo of that turqoise blue with the caramel of the skirt. Beautiful!

Anonymous

No problem I should clarify that I think the outfit works without the belt too. That's why I said it was along the lines of Angie's recent post.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Rae, I'd add heels and a bag if I were going somewhere!

It would probably have to be my basket-weave bag or green bag; and my animal-print or red ballet flats.

But today, like most days, I was only rattling about at home. In India, wearing 'real' shoes at home is taboo --- for good reason, given the state of our streets (and hence our soles). Flip-flops are the at-home norm, often with extras in each household for guests who drop in --- though I've been planning for a while to upgrade to something more stylish than rubbery plastic!

Shannon, thanks for the reassurance! I am a little out of my comfort zone here, but I'm treating WIWs and YKF generally as muscle-building exercise: ergo, no pain, no gain!

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Anonymous

I think this looks great both ways! I loved the parrot earrings too BTW. Too bad you can't sit on the floor cross-legged in that skirt, because it looks fabulous on you! I have a fabric tie like that that came with one of my tops and it has never gotten any love on the forum. I still like it though. I like the way it draws a line for my waist over an untucked top and it's so soft and breathable that it doesn't bother me in the heat. I have a "real" belt on my list too, but I can never find one as comfortable as the self-belt.

Ok, back to you! I love the colors of the top on you, it plays beautifully with the texture of the skirt. The side ponytail is genius, and I think it would be a good idea to try a new hair 'do everyday! You long-haired gals have SO many options. You look like a tall glass of water in this outfit Manidipa and you're doing such a good job of actively *shopping* your closet. You look fab!

ManidipaM

Veteran

Thanks, Claire! Good to see you back, despite the spill. Hope you're not in much pain?

I've compromised by sitting with legs outstretched today
*Had* to try the skirt! It's actually more comfy in the heat, except for needing a cushion or wall --- I can sit upright cross-legged, balanced on my tailbone, but not so with legs out in front.

Oh, and GOOD catch! This ribbon belt is from an old discarded button-down shirt that looked *ridiculous* with it! And necessity was the mother of inventing the ponytail too --- high of 97 degrees today and we're promised 99 for Sunday, yay! :-/

missvee

Veteran

I think it's all been said, but let me add my 2cents worth for wearing the top unbelted. It looks like a lovely swishy top and, like Fruitful, I think there's enough structure in the skirt. You look super in this outfit - I hope you enjoy wearing it!

Anonymous

I'm feeling much better, thank you! The first really dark scabs came off last night and my arms/back are finally not as sore. I felt like I had been hit by a truck for the first few days!

I totally get the WIW's for around the house. I congratulate myself if I wear earrings or that tie around my waist, as this is a real step up from the usual. I'd be thrilled if I looked as good as you do right now. As it is, I'm still in my PJs. :/

Sarah A

Veteran

these colors are gorgeous on you! You have gotten more great advice than I could give regarding the belting... I also really like the earrings. I think the green bag, and red ballet flats or animal print shoes would both be awesome, should you decide to go out! If I am at home sitting on the floor in a fitted skirt I often just pull it up a bit to sit crosslegged since I am usually the only one around in these instances anyway!

Aida

Veteran

Love #2! I really like loose tops over slim skirts, and if you went out I like the giraffe (?) flats and lime purse ^^ This shirt seems like it would pair well with long walk shorts (slim shorts that end right above the knee), but goodness if it's going to be almost 100 those may be too warm eh? Above 90 is when I melt into a puddle of uselessness

Vix

Veteran

Hi Manidipa --

Minority here, but I too prefer it belted for the reasons Diana mentioned (though agree with Zap you could play around with belt placement -- and/or color and width down the line if you wanted to find your preferences).

Does the neckline tie serve a function -- is it a drawstring neck you can alter, or a split (keyhole) neckline? If it's decorative, maybe you could cut the ties off since you feel they are competing a bit.

If it's a drawstring neck with enough length, I have a suggestion for another way you could wear the blouse. [It involves some gymnastics, ha.]

ManidipaM

Veteran

Aida, I just got my linen shorts out of storage yesterday in prep, ha!

Vix, you *must* to tell me this gymnastics trick! It is indeed a drawstring top.

Vix

Veteran

OK, Ms M --

(apologies for pic quality...I will likely be dumping better ones on my blog in the future, but these grainy ones were to remind me of variations!)

I think this is worth a try for you...I have a lot of volume and thus a long drawstring in mine (which is a drapey silk, but if your cotton is fine enough the effect should be similar).

Pic/step 1: start with normal tie at neck, but make gathers loose e.g. drawstring longer vs shorter

Pic/step 2: hold tie/knot and pull up and over head to sit at back of neck, which creates a "split neckline" but bra-friendly style

(the 2 drawstrings create a V-neck halter look while you still have shoulder coverage)

2a. Potentially fuss with tightness of tie...this lets you create a higher or lower V neck

***

Pics 3-4 (new variation): try wearing top with tie/keyhole in the back -- adjust drawstring to make front and/or back higher or lower -- or keyhole back more or less open

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ManidipaM

Veteran

Vix, that is outright brilliance! Sadly, this top of mine doesn't have a slit in the neckline, so I wouldn't end up with a vee --- but I'm going to be plotting with a couple of other tops I seem to remember I have languishing somewhere... Thanks so much for the tutorial!

Vix

Veteran

O DRAT

You know, I didn't even think to ask about the slit/keyhole as it looked as if your top had one. Well, see what that magic closet of yours gives up.

Non-existent keyhole aside, is there any chance you can flip the top around and have the tie in the back to address your "fussiness" concerns? Not sure if your top's cut or seaming allows for that....

ManidipaM

Veteran

Vix, it's actually a slight hi-lo hemline, and certainly might work back to front as the raglan sleeves and general voluminousness (no darts) make it otherwise identical in front and back. Will try!