Ask Angie: this would need to be killer. Is it?

Hi, Angie and everyone. As soon as I saw this Lafayette 148 vest at the NAS sale (online, in my case), I jumped on it, because I had previously been in love with this look as worn by the lovely Meredith:

http://www.google.com/imgres?i.....g&img

It's so romantic, dandy and swashbuckly. And happens to be a useful item!

I got it yesterday and the quality is great. However, it's just spendy, so it would have to be outstanding. Or else, Angie, is there a similar but more affordable vest like this?

As I mentioned, it's practical for me, who tends to run warm and won't need full sleeves. Also, having an open construction and with belting possible, it would adapt to size changes if I lose weight.

Sorry I haven't styled it well. Would definitely wear it as Meredith is doing, with a low-contrast belt (probably a skinny black belt, which I need to buy).

Thanks for your feedback.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/la.....=category-

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12 years ago

Helena

Veteran

Hi, well for what my opinion is worth I can think of a trillion times I would wear a vest like that. I think it's a good buy!

MsMary

I love it! Big thumbs up from here!

Sara L.

It looks great and seems very versatile. I vote keep (unless you can find the same thing but less spendy).

Thistle

I am being a spanner here. It doesn't get a "killer" in my book. I would keep looking.

deb

It is not a 10 to me. How do you feel in it?

ManidipaM

Mmm. Difficult question. Deceptively simple piece you see that depends entirely on styling to avoid scratching of the head in confusion. I for one am eager to hear from Angie.

Mochi

On Meredith, it looks like Robin Hood, or Ninja Dandy (which I mean in a good way). It could look kimono-esque. I am not sure how I feel about it. It has potential. If I could look as great as Meredith, I would by this or a version of this in a hot second. She has a tiny waist, though.

Sveta

(website)

I am not sure...I feel it has to be a slightly looser fit and longer too - have you tried to size up?

There are two basic sizes. I bought the larger one.

Suz

What happens if you belt a bit higher, Mochi?

I see...I quite like it unbelted but belted version gives me pause. For me would pass if you want to wear it belted.

Here it is belted higher, Suz. (I'd forgotten I own this skinny black belt.)

I have a feeling it's going back, but will await Angie's verdict. I think she would say stay away from something too close-fitting that also emphasizes my short-waistedness (because of the belting). Oh well, that's a fair chunk of change back in my pocket for now!

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AviaMariah

I think suz has a good idea that you should try belting it higher. It's not a 10 to me from these pics.

Anonymous

I like the idea of it, but I think it needs to be bigger to get the full swashbuckly effect. I think a better one is out there!

I went and found a brighter, more detailed pic of Meredith's vest.

http://youlookfab.com/2011/10/.....ful-style/

You can see her version is more tailored, which makes it a much more shapely, flattering item in my book. It might still not be the best look for me, but the current one isn't even as nice. I usually don't like excess structure, but in this case the Lafayette one isn't helping me out.

I decided this isn't the one. Thanks for your input.

Diana

I'm not loving it. It looks somehow too soft to me. I think the difference with Meredith's is that it has more structure, or the implication of structure because the lines and angles are sharper and the shoulder is more defined. Also, hers has lapels which helps a lot to sharpen the look.

rachylou

I really like it open. I think it's good belted. I don't know about killer, but I don't think you can dress to kill with this one because the nature of the sweater is casual. If you know what I mean.

catgirl

I bet Eileen fisher makes a flowing version of this that would be right for you. I think for those of us with apple tendencies this look can be tough. I include myself in that category!

Mochi, Meredith has a similar vest on, it seems. You have to stretch the vest's edges in, like you would a wrap dress, at the area where you will belt. You also need a belt with an elastic portion. That's how she got the sharp edges. I can't seem to be able to find the right words to explain it. hopefully Angie chimes in and will explain better. To keep it in perspective, a belted sweater is a very hard look to pull off, very hard. don't be disappointed if this one ends up not working out.

I do like it and besides, you cannot have an entire wardrobe made up of 11's. You need pieces in supportive roles. Sometimes they need to be pricey too. Good knits can be expensive and is good to splurge on them IMO.

It looks as if Meredith's has different armholes that might also help to create shape. I wonder if Angie can point you to a similar piece at a lower price point so you can experiment a bit with the look.

Thanks, Zap. Good points. Well, I don't want another virtual spanking, so I'll be waiting for my WWAD.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

When I saw #1, I loved it! When I saw #2 I loved it! Was not fond of the higher belt rendition, or un-belted option. I much prefer the style belted, and low slung looks best.

I think it's a solid 9! Not quite a 10.

Deborah

Mochi I would like to see a better picture of the vest styled and open:) I think it is lovely but I am not convined it is the right one for you.

Thanks, Deborah. I'm just feeling that especially now, I have to prioritize some other things I'm ending up getting, and I will probably forego this until I find a better version. But I will keep the general style in mind. I think it could work and be a workhorse.

Lisa

I like this a lot, but I'd love it more if it had a tad more drape/swing to it. I know AT often comes out with styles like this one in the fall. Maybe they will have something?

Firecracker (Sharan)

Just to add to your justification for passing it up and continuing to look, I think Meredith's vest looks like it has a different neckline. Hers has two points, suggesting it's a round-necked vest, worn open and folded back. The one you've got has a long v-neck or straight shawl-type opening, which does not create the same visual interest near the face.

I agree Mochi, the right one would be a workhorse and they can be worn across the seasons too. I have a couple of different vests similar to this and they amazingly seem to go over everything from dresses to pants to tunics. My wardrobe wouldn't function without them, so I say jeep your eye open for one that is a 10:)

Ornella

Any decisions?

I love what Deborah said, I could see her as well in this one instantly. As a fan of asymmetry in cuts, and owner of one cardigan that it worth its weigh in gold, I see the potential of this one and therefore also vote to keep looking. The right thing will sing to you (and us) straight away.

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