Embrace or break up? - YouLookFab Forum

I have two, beloved pieces of clothing. I need objectivity, because I see them with eyes of love, and love can be blind.

The first: an a-line skirt (Loft) that I got at a terrific bargain at least 8 years ago, and rescued. It was missing about 6 inches of the squiggle trim, and I replicated it with hand embroidery so well that I have to struggle now to find the place. It was like hand raising a tiny puppy and there is a deep emotional bond. Not only do I love the skirt, I love the job I did on it.

I haven't worn it for several years, because pencil skirts seemed more current, but of course, I couldn't bear to donate it. I used to wear it with tall boots and a relaxed black cowl neck sweater. I have a black sweater with lace sleeves that would probably look nice with it, the lace is a similar weight and feeling to the squiggles, without being excessive match-y. If you tell me that it is time for us to part, it may become a Christmas tree skirt. Or, a pillow.

The second is long (below mid-thigh on me, almost like a frock coat) velvet jacket from Coldwater Creek, not a place that I ever had much luck, expect for this jacket. On, it has sort of an a-line shape. I bought it when I was bigger, so it is agreeably loose on me now. Again, I have had this jacket for many years, but is it current? I bought it to have something luxe but casual to wear with jeans to a particular holiday party, but have loved having it, and have worn it with black pants and jeans, and have totally recovered my investment long ago. I didn't wear it much last year because I had reservations about the length, and currentness. Thought?

(Both pictures have the lightness adjusted so you can see detail, so both garments are actually not the color pictured, they are a rich black (jacket) and medium gray (skirt) with black trim.)

Be brutally honest about my love children. I'm braced.

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11 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

I love the skirt and would totally wear it.

I think I would keep the coat and use it for an evening wrap. If the sleeves were too long I'd get them shortened to fit rather than roll them up.

rachylou

I vote pass on. But this is because they're "cheerful", and I'm feeling "sophisticated" at the moment.

Diana

I would definitely keep the skirt. I think that style is pretty classic, and the tonal embroidery is interesting without being over the top. Even if you only wear it once or twice a season, it sounds like it still makes you happy!

I'm not sure about the coat. I think I'd have to see it on. It does have a bit of that retro style that was popular a few years ago (the swing shape, rounded collar, velvet fabric), which doesn't seem as current to me these days, but retro is still definitely a thing and is by definition "not current", so it may just be that I personally have moved on from it.

kkards

are they keeping you from wearing something more current? if they are then i say let them go...if they are not, then keep, but maybe don't wear....but i'm a sentimental fool and keep lots of stuff i'm not currently wearing. sometimes something will get a star turn back into the rotation, and sometimes not.

Thistle

I would keep the skirt for sure. It looks timeless to me, and I would most certainly pair it with the lace top and boots. Would be easier if I could see the outfit on

I like the jacket. It looks warm, and I love the lux feel and look of velvet. If the fit is still spot on, why not pair it with some skinnies, tall boots, and simple top to let the velvet shine.

catgirl

These pieces remind me of Boden, and if you can style them in a way that you like, I don't see why they would be out of style.

Sal

I like the skirt, I do not see it as dated. I like the sound of the outfit too.

I am not sure on the coat, if it was me I would probably keep wearing it but maybe keep an eye out for a replacement piece.

Staysfit

I'm in the "if you doubt, don't" mood recently. However, what works for me is likely to be very different for you. These pieces have a classic appeal and could look very funky and cool depending on how you wear them. I'm a fan of the velvet coat. The skirt is harder for me to judge without a picture of you wearing it. I understand how hard it would be to give away something you put so much effort into - the hand embroidered squiggles look great! You might want to look at this post from Inside out Style Blog where they talk about what dates and what stays stylish. It was interesting and may help you make a decision.

http://www.insideoutstyleblog......eless.html

Anonymous

The skirt seems like the sort of thing that hasn't dated. One of the things that makes it easy to date a garment is when the stores were over run with them, everyone had one and can remember exactly what year it was. Then they all show up in thrift stores. Your skirt seems unusual enough to earn it a pass IMO.

You'd better hide that long jacket from gryffin! I don't know if she has ever posted pictures, but from her description, it sounds like the kind of coat she adores. I'd have to see this styled, but like Diana said, it looks retro enough that, if combined with modern pieces, might look nice in a holiday evening outfit.

I'm taking into account that you love both of these items. That goes a long way toward being able to make them work for your style.

Caro in Oz

I'd love to see them styled before making a decision
I think they could both work, but if you are not wearing them then maybe it's time to move them on to make room for something you will wear.

Echo

Hmm, I am of the opposite opinion from almost everyone else. The skirt says dated to me, but the velvet jacket is fab. IMO, it is a piece that is much like a leather jacket. It is either something you love and would wear regardless of current fashion, or it isn't. If you truly love it, keep it and wear it. If you main concern is looking current or trendy, then neither of these pieces are right for you. But I can think of a million ways to style that coat!

Firecracker (Sharan)

I wouldn't pass them on based on the items alone. It would depend on how they look on you and whether you want to wear them. I agree with others that they are classic enough that they don't look dated to me. Personally, I would pair them with super fab footwear to banish any nagging thoughts of datedness. The skirt could be worn with a short boxy top to look very on-trend. I like Mary's idea of the coat as an evening wrap and Thistle's idea of wearing it with skinnies (or leggings, perhaps) and tall boots.

Deb

I'm the odd one out......and am encouraging a break up. I echo Echo....the skirt looks dated.... re-fashion it into a pillow as you suggested....and you can enjoy the fabric daily. You said the jacket is too big for you, so it probably needs to go too. Poorly fitted clothes don't make the grade with me. You could store them if they are deeply sentimental. I'd say get yourself something new that is truly current, that you love and will WEAR.

rute

I vote pass! The jacket is big, it has many years and it looks a bit dated. The skirt it seems that has little to do with your current style.. I vote pass too!

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