Favorite things challenge: animal print and brocade

Here are two of my favorite things: a waterfall-style animal print cardigan, and a green brocade dress. I see now that my favorite things are not the things I wear most, but the things with the biggest impact. And on that note, though I'm a minimal owner of Things in general, leading me to stick with the practical, I really enjoy clothing with a definite point of view.

For instance--this sweater reminds me of the obnoxious Lacroix-style clothes on Absolutely Fabulous...the TV show about two women having too much to drink too early in the day...

and the dress reminds me of something from a made-for-TV Agatha Christie mystery. The sweater is from Chicos, the dress from a yard sale.

1. the clothes
2. the sweater, belted with a dress underneath
3. the green dress
4. a maximalist version of the green dress
5. close up
6. green dress with Elvis shirt
7. close up of pearl collar
8. vintage buttons on green dress

I really enjoyed this challenge, Mary Beth, thank you. I'm not sure I followed the directions quite right. But I do plan on wearing some version of these outfits out. The look with the hat, while fun, I'm not so sure about. If anyone has any advice on how to improve the look with the hat, let me know.

5/26
P.S. I just noticed that some of these outfits have a Dakota Johnson vibe...she is one of my style icons. A long brocade dress with stompy ska shoes is something she might try. Not so sure if I'm channeling it...what do you think?

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4 months ago

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Omg I love how fun and imaginative these looks are! That green dress layered with the scarf and striped top… I feel like you should be in Paris, playing that janky old piano at Shakespeare Bookstore, while you wait for the rain to stop long enough to make it to the Metro station near Notre Dame Cathedral. Your outfit is an occasion.

Also love the belted sweater look, that’s happy hour cocktails and dinner at a patio restaurant, listening to live music with your best friend, in a strange city.

There were no real rules in the challenge, just ideas, and yours are fabulous!

Star

Fun! Love the cardi especially.

Sal

I love the dress Carol and the styling with the hat is cute. I think you could wear as is but here are some ideas

- take off the scarf and swap in white sneakers
- take off the stripes and wear as is or swap in a sandal
- for cooler weather I might add hosiery and take off the cap?

I love the shape of the dress on you.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

The dress in #3 is gorgeous on you, Carol! I can see it work well with just the scarf and no underlayer too. No wonder it's a favourite. Lovely with your eyes!

#4 would definitely get you photographed at NY Fashion Week! Creative!

The animal print topper is great with your hair! Its pearl collar is a lovely unexpected touch.

Dee

These are such fun and unique pieces, no wonder they are favourites even if you dont wear them constantly. Love your creativity and the inspirations you used in putting these outfits together. Pic#4 is especially good.

ChristelJ

Wonderful pieces! I love that dress on you, enjoy the unique combos you have here, and I think outfit #6 is especially fab.

Jaime

Love Absolutely Fabulous and any attempt to channel it !

The Cat

Love your beautiful dress. Your cardigan also look great. In my humble opinion, neither of these statement items need much styling, as they are so gorgeous in themselves.

Carol

Mary Beth--I have been to the Shakespeare Bookstore, a couple of times. What a great image! I can also see myself in a "strange city..." I'm thinking somewhere in Eastern Europe or Africa.
Star--thanks!
Sal--great ideas. I never was a white sneaker person, but this might be the perfect occasion to wear them--juxtaposed with a moody brocade dress.
Angie--well, thank you so much about fashion week! One can only aspire. And what you said about my hair makes sense...I hadn't really put together why that shirt worked.
Dee--thank you. I'm glad you also liked pic 4. That outfit I wasn't sure about, and it's nice some people liked my creativity.
ChristieJ--thank you. I also like outfit 6. As much as I love maximalism, I will always be a sucker for simple, loose outfits like this.
Jaime--thanks! I used to watch that show in the nineties. It is perhaps time for a revisit...just don't want those girls to be a bad influence on my life choices--ha!
The Cat--that is a great point. The first sweater drapes effortlessly, and does tend to look right with simple black clothes underneath. The dress is also strong enough on its own, and that's how I like to wear it. But both have been in my closet so long they are casual enough to be mixed around.

Joy

I love the dark green brocade with the animal print. The photo #5 is a favorite with the scarf. I agree with Angie. The scarf with the dress would be a good look if it is warm enough.

BlueJay

I really LOVE pics #4 and #5 for how creative, fun and interesting this outfit is and you look SO fantastic! Yes to Fashion Week!

3 months ago

Joy--the brocade/animal print combo might be my favorite, too. Maybe a tie with the first outfit. I will consider the dress with the scarf.
BlueJay--wow! thank you! I was pretty self-conscious about that outfit, but I'm glad I tried it.

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