https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 04:35:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers/page/2#post-1837839 Sat, 19 Aug 2017 21:27:34 +0000 gryffin 1837839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Karen - thank you. &nbsp;Wise words. &nbsp;Optimizing and ameliorating sometimes the best we can do. &nbsp;We can fix everything, but that just never stops us from trying. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers/page/2#post-1837797 Sat, 19 Aug 2017 18:12:45 +0000 karen13 1837797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late to comment and I have nothing to add to the excellent suggestions for toppers, but I am sending you strength and support.</p> <p>The best advice I ever got when my parents were ailing was to recognize that I might not be able fix or solve the issues, but I needed to focus on the fact that I was making them better. I got hung up on optimizing and perfecting, when simply improving the situation was the best I could do. Take care of yourself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers/page/2#post-1837788 Sat, 19 Aug 2017 16:58:34 +0000 gryffin 1837788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling - thank you so much. &nbsp;You are a total sweetheart!!<br />Bijou - Thank you for chiming in. &nbsp;After much thought, I think my September purchase will be the VB scuba. &nbsp;I already own two dickeys which would swap that look up. &nbsp;So I appreciate your opinion. &nbsp;You are so right about the marathon (been there done that) it ain't pretty and it ain't fast and you're the worse for the wear and tear, but it you can just make it to the end in one piece then it's worth it!!<br />Jaileen - agreed. &nbsp;After the VB, I will be looking for a felted wool or "swacket" &nbsp;If I can find blazer like dressy pieces I think they would be really good choices. &nbsp;Thanks again for the input!! &nbsp;Appreciated!<br />Aquamarine - Hugging you right back and hoping we all get healthy, "boring" down time!! &nbsp;Glad all is good by you!!<br />Just wanted to say a huge thank you again to everyone for their help and most important for the support and good wishes. &nbsp;You are all angels, truly. &nbsp;I want you to know every suggestion was so appreciated. &nbsp;They were all so good I literally had to take a step back and clear my head. &nbsp;You ladies are all so amazing stylish while being totally practical that I was nodding along with every suggestion, "yes, that would be good" and I had to get back in touch with what my core style is. &nbsp;I've been trying for a small but very versatile wardrobe, and as much as I need things for hospital duty I want them to have a well loved useful existence. &nbsp;So many things I adore on all of you, &nbsp;Brooklyn's gorgeous motos, Angie's gorgeous drapey suggestions, even my two photos are more for a life I don't live. &nbsp;You all helped me reaffirm I am a blazer girl at heart. &nbsp;The Gibson Riding Jacket is probably my least expensive, most loved, lowest cost per wear, best purchase ever. &nbsp;You helped me see I need to really work the niche that that jacket fills. &nbsp;So I'm going to try the VB scuba first. &nbsp;Ummlila - that Tory Sport is on the watch list. &nbsp;I will be trying on the JCrew sweater jackets. &nbsp;Greyscale I will keep a watch on Rag and Bone and Unfrumped I will continue to scan JP because those are super for my purposed. &nbsp;Joy, we need to talk!! &nbsp;Again sorry so long but thank you all so much for everything!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers/page/2#post-1837757 Sat, 19 Aug 2017 15:27:02 +0000 Aquamarine 1837757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Creating order out of chaos"....yes, perfect phrase. All is well here. Your parents are very, very lucky to have a child who is a medical professional at their side. Hugs to you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers/page/2#post-1837752 Sat, 19 Aug 2017 15:09:16 +0000 JAileen 1837752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have any specific suggestions. I like the idea of boiled wool and double knits. Soft, warm, stretchy. These are good qualities. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers/page/2#post-1837751 Sat, 19 Aug 2017 15:04:16 +0000 Bijou 1837751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some great suggestions here. I have a scuba jacket and it does not crease at all, is soft to wear and robust, so I think it would be a good fabric for what you are looking for. Please look after yourself too. Looking after sick parents is a marathon, not a sprint and so you need to take care of you too. Sending a hug. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers/page/2#post-1837737 Sat, 19 Aug 2017 14:28:34 +0000 Anonymous 1837737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second <b>Janet</b>'s comment. &nbsp;I can offer nothing of use to you regarding toppers, but I can send you hugs and support. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers/page/2#post-1837735 Sat, 19 Aug 2017 14:24:57 +0000 gryffin 1837735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Janet, you are a sweetheart as always!! &nbsp;Hugs right back to you and wishes for all of us for health and smooth sailing!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers/page/2#post-1837723 Sat, 19 Aug 2017 13:44:01 +0000 Janet 1837723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm late to this, and my experience in dressing for such situations is quite different, so I'm afraid I have no useful suggestions for you. But I do want to tell you I am thinking of you and sending you hugs and support. I know how hard it is. Take care of yourself, and best wishes to your family! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers/page/2#post-1837720 Sat, 19 Aug 2017 13:32:47 +0000 gryffin 1837720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SW Ann - thank you for your beautiful message. &nbsp;So incredibly lovely of you and your support and kindness are deeply appreciated. &nbsp;I think many of us have reached the age where we are the caretakers. &nbsp;Not easy but when is life, the best of life, ever easy? &nbsp;When we love, support and care we are our best selves. &nbsp;I think that's why YLF is so special, so many extraordinarily warm, wonderful, empathetic and giving people coming together. &nbsp;Thank you again, and may life bring to you all the goodness you give to others!<br />Ummlila - thank you. &nbsp;I'm glad to know you liked that. &nbsp;You have such a polished, elegant and refined style. &nbsp;Many, many of your gorgeous pieces, I would be happy to steal right off your back!! &nbsp;So thank you again for all your input. &nbsp;It's incredibly helpful!<br />Brooklyn - you know if you lived closer I would attach myself to you as your shopping buddy!! &nbsp;You always look so elegant but edgy but unfussy while being relaxed and polished in equal parts. &nbsp;Plus no one pattern mixes like you do!! &nbsp;kudos!<br />Aquamarine - thank you so much for your support. &nbsp;I cannot imagine anything worse than sick child. &nbsp;Parents we expect, even friends and sibling but kids....there should be a karmic law against that. &nbsp;I hope all is healthy, happy, growing, calm and harmonious by you, and that illness is a thing of the past. &nbsp;Great outfits in those situations are like dressing your bed perfectly when you are renovating your house and it's all shambles and dust. &nbsp;Having that one perfect thing to hold on to gives you hope that you can make one other factor align in your favor, then another until all things become calm, stable, healthy. &nbsp;Creating order out of chaos, I think it's that rock in the storm to cling to. &nbsp;My best and hugs to you for good and healthy things.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers/page/2#post-1837713 Sat, 19 Aug 2017 12:49:46 +0000 Aquamarine 1837713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No suggestions but you have my sympathies. I have had to sleep on hospital cots many times for a very sick child and I always felt better and in control (an illusion, unfortunately) when I was put together than when I was not. </p> <p>I'm sure the ladies here will have some ideas that will work for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers/page/2#post-1837707 Sat, 19 Aug 2017 12:30:44 +0000 Brooklyn 1837707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No worries gryffin. And thanks for the kind words. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers/page/2#post-1837530 Fri, 18 Aug 2017 17:34:21 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1837530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>also this one, a knit sweater blazer from J Crew. I have last year's version in navy. It was necessary to size down. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers/page/2#post-1837519 Fri, 18 Aug 2017 17:07:23 +0000 SW Ann 1837519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No suggestions for specific items, but wanted to offer support, and understanding. When I dealt with similar situation I found "the worse things were going, the better I dressed" because it was like my armor in a difficult storm.....Your descriptions really hit home about dealing with med issues for loved ones.....Bless you for being there, and knowing how to care for yourself in difficult times.&nbsp; Sending calming and strengthening thoughts for you ..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers#post-1837473 Fri, 18 Aug 2017 14:30:12 +0000 Angie 1837473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If there is anything that we can do to support you, we are here sweet Gryffin. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers#post-1837472 Fri, 18 Aug 2017 14:27:53 +0000 gryffin 1837472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachy - thank you, right now we have everyone stabilized.&nbsp; So I have&nbsp;a moment for a deep cleansing breath and retrench.&nbsp; Just dodging bullets and hoping we can keep it up as long as possible.&nbsp; I will check out Guess.&nbsp; Bloomingdales always has lovely things.&nbsp; I will browse online.&nbsp; Thanks for the great suggestion!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers#post-1837454 Fri, 18 Aug 2017 13:41:15 +0000 rachylou 1837454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hope you're getting 'some' actual rest. That's an exhausting situation. </p> <p>Many years ago I got a Guess blazer at Bloomingdales. Ponte. Lines. Very warm. Maybe Guess still makes something like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers#post-1837451 Fri, 18 Aug 2017 13:31:33 +0000 gryffin 1837451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Susie - I know temptation right.&nbsp; Always have to filter through the "need" component and not give in to the wantsies.&nbsp; I'm trying hard to fill holes and not get distracted too.</p> <p>Anne - thank you.&nbsp; You're lovely.&nbsp; Your thoughts are very appreciated!!</p> <p>Joy - you are the sweetest ever.&nbsp; I will pm you and omg that's incredibly sweet.&nbsp; I'm trying hard to cull to a leaner but&nbsp;versatile wardrobe, so I'm trying to be super picky and practical with what will give the best crossover duty but not increase volume.&nbsp; But you are such a sweetheart to think of me!!</p> <p>Brooklyn - thank you so much.&nbsp; Both are very beautiful and I saw a photo of you in the leather sleeve moto,&nbsp;it does&nbsp;look amazing.&nbsp; I try and order local for ease of returns&nbsp;(but they are very reasonable on shipping I must say) because you just never know how something will look on and you have more height, so longer torso, but yes I think we are close in size and build.&nbsp; So I always try and follow your wiw, periodically when I can, to see what style tips I can glean from your gorgeous outfits!!&nbsp; But thanks so much for your offer to measure.&nbsp; That's super helpful!!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers#post-1837305 Fri, 18 Aug 2017 00:17:09 +0000 Brooklyn 1837305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you probably don't want to order from Australia, but I thought I would throw this ponte jacket from Witchery into the mix anyway (first find). I bought it for transitional wear (Spring/Autumn). It is medium weight, semi fitted. Could be layered under a coat. Nice silver hardware.<br />I have another ponte jacket from Witchery, heavier weight with pleather sleeves (second find), that I wear all the time and wash in the machine. So I think their jackets are tough.<br />International delivery is 10 AUD (about 8 USD), which is what they charge for domestic delivery, so pretty reasonable.<br />If you are interested, PM me, because I can give you the measurements from mine (as I think we are the same size). Keep in mind that a US size 6 is an AU size 10.<br />Hope things improve for you :)</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.witchery.com.au/shop/woman/clothing/jackets-and-coats/60212762/Ponte-Biker-Jacket.html">https://www.witchery.com.au/sh.....acket.html</a></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers#post-1837301 Fri, 18 Aug 2017 00:05:11 +0000 Anonymous 1837301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gryffin, what size do you wear? One of those AT felted jackets ( black) is a bit too big for me. I would be glad to send it to you. Pm me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers#post-1837299 Thu, 17 Aug 2017 23:55:50 +0000 anne 1837299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No advice, but you have my sympathy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers#post-1837294 Thu, 17 Aug 2017 23:41:07 +0000 Susie 1837294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my I need to slip away before I start looking at Angie's suggestions....good luck!</p> <p>(I hadn't shopped there in years but stopped in to try Angies olive utility pants but I had jeans and pants in the past and they wore well.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers#post-1837292 Thu, 17 Aug 2017 23:35:21 +0000 gryffin 1837292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unfrumped - I actually saw the JP black double breasted jacket on the site and it was on sale no less. But it was sold out in my size. Probably better. I did enough damage this month at NAS. But that was an awesome thought. I will check up on what comes in from JP in the fall selection.<br /> Angie - thank you so much dear girl. You are such a sweetheart. Thank you for all the suggestions but most of all for all the healing thoughts and prayers. Nothing is more appreciated. Hugging you back!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers#post-1837282 Thu, 17 Aug 2017 22:30:40 +0000 Angie 1837282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(((HUGS)))</p> <p>I know what it's like to care for parents who are poorly. My heart goes out to you, sweet Gryffin. Sending healing thoughts and much love.&nbsp;</p> <p>Some suggestions:</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers#post-1837272 Thu, 17 Aug 2017 22:03:04 +0000 unfrumped 1837272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some are sold out, but the James Perse knit jackets are cozy and interesting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers#post-1837268 Thu, 17 Aug 2017 21:49:30 +0000 gryffin 1837268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Greyscale - thanks so much. &nbsp;Those are both really good ideas. &nbsp;The rag &amp; bone is really nice, I do like my blazers long through the body, so I think it's probably too short but the material is a perfect choice. &nbsp;I will definitely look and see what else they have. &nbsp;The JCrew is also a good idea. &nbsp;I think that's one of those you need to try on, but it looks pretty structured although reviews say it runs big and might be too boxy. &nbsp;But both super ideas!!<br />Joy - I had totally forgotten. &nbsp;I used to have an AT boiled wool cropped jacket with lovely silver embossed buttons and I wore it to a pilled and holey rag. &nbsp;I didn't know they even made them any more. &nbsp;I will definitely go check it out. &nbsp;Yes, much dressier than a cardi but very warm and comfy. &nbsp;Thanks for the great idea!!<br />Susie - thank you. &nbsp;I will check that out. &nbsp;I have only bought one or 2 things from WHBM and I returned due to quality, but that was long ago. &nbsp;Do you own anything by them? &nbsp;Thoughts?<br />Jane - thanks so much for chiming in. &nbsp;That's really helpful. &nbsp;Thank you so much for the support and good wishes!! &nbsp;They are very appreciated!!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers#post-1837258 Thu, 17 Aug 2017 21:24:56 +0000 Jane 1837258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On Boden, I agree with Tanya on sizing. </p> <p>I hope that you find something that works and I wish your parents well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers#post-1837252 Thu, 17 Aug 2017 21:05:00 +0000 Susie 1837252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't see it in person, gryffin, but WHBM has a long ponte blazer in black with a bit of military trim that looks nice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers#post-1837246 Thu, 17 Aug 2017 20:29:47 +0000 Anonymous 1837246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a couple of thrifted AT boiled wool jackets and they have good structure, although not lined. They are quite warm, warmer than a cardigan and as warm as a lined wool fabric blazer.<br /> I had to spend 2 weeks in the hospital when DH had a cardiac arrest and in a comma. It is cold! Even in August. Longer culottes were good bottoms. Be sure that you are keeping a notebook of what doctors come and go to compare to the bills that will come later. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/suggestions-for-elegant-casual-toppers#post-1837234 Thu, 17 Aug 2017 19:45:53 +0000 Greyscale 1837234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>J Crew just released this merino sweater blazer. Sweater blazers can be more cardigan-like (thus too casual for what you want) but this one might be a bit sharper? I can't tell from photos.</p> <p>I also remember Rag &amp; Bone having a very nice thick knit blazer recently. </p> <p>Edit: found the R&amp;B blazer and added a find. It looks much sharper than the J Crew one, which on inspection does look more sweater-like.</p>