From high to low ; which garnered the most comments at work? - YouLookFab Forum

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From high to low ; which garnered the most comments at work?

Anonymous

I work a lot in a place that has an all-black business casual dress code. No one, including me, knows what that really means (and no-one likes it because even our footwear is supposed to be black - UGH) , so I do what I want ...within reason . I get deathly bored with all black , and when I find something , anything, that I think I can get away with, I buy it. So, in this little outfit, the least expensive real clothing item I own - period - got at least 5 compliments from random members today at work, and our CEO (female) . One man blushingly and haltingly said it was incredibly " chic, yes, that's the word!". I picked this jacket up for $40 at Dynamite ( a mall store carrying "career and evening wear for young women between 20 and 30" -hahaha) when shopping with my daughter recently, because the pattern, fabric and construction (with the major exception of the pattern not matching on the centre back seam, which kills me but I try my best to not think about it ) were so good! Fits like a dream, wears well, and I love, love, love the unexpected colour way. I just have to laugh at how the cheapest little fun thing gets all the comments. Just goes to show you....

high: scarf - McQueen; (which I really love in this pattern mix but appreciate that others won't ) shell: Eileen Fisher (new favourite essential - had it for just over a week now and have worn it to work 4 times) loafers: Wishbone/Browns

low: cuffed ponte pants - Tribal (mid-range end Canadian brand - picked up by lots of indies and garden centre fashion boutiques ); jacket - Dynamite (the name even makes me smile) earrings- Banana Republic ; selfie location - bathroom/locker room at work

new favourite scent - ok to wear to work - Clarins Eau Dynamisante

As always, your comments always appreciated!

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Saks Fifth Avenue

Alexander McQueen Classic Skull Silk Chiffon Scarf

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49 replies

Latest reply was from Christina F.

Sal

Veteran

It is a great outfit and with the exception of the McQueen Scarf, I don't know if I could pick the high and the low.

Maybe if I touched the fabric, looked at the construction etc.. I would not back myself.

There are no guarantees at any price point - or very few. My second most expensive purchase last year (I think $260 NZD) was my biggest mistake.... My thrifted shell top for $15 has been well well worn.

So great score.

And could this be a forum challenge - pick the high and the low? Might be hard in a photo and some people would be quite savvy about it.

Joy

Veteran

So interesting. The jacket does make a statement.

Jane

Veteran

Fab! I like the pattern mix. I like the scarf especially and I love that perfume too. Good to stretch the dress code!

Sisi

Veteran

It is a beautiful jacket, no wonder it received compliments, and the pattern mix with the scarf is very interesting. Eau Dynamisante? Oh I like it. I wore it for years. I could not tell the high and the low, if I met you in person I would think that you dress exclusively in chic boutiques.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Looks good Lisa. I like the pattern mix.

Anonymous

Although not a fan of pattern mixing, I loved this outfit on you. It worked perfectly to frame your face. The size of the patterns exactly match and are pleasing to the eye.

It is great to hear the the EF shell is working so well for you.

lyn67

Veteran

Love me a patterned blazer with all blacks-it looks fab no matter the price! I have had a white(&bl)animal print years ago which I loved but I have only a houndstooth and some bouclé at the moment.

ETA: Your hair is gorgeous, too! :-))

jussie

Veteran

Love it, perfect for you. I have some cheap clothing that is wonderful, surprisingly so.

kkards

Veteran

it's funny how sometimes the most unexpected item gets the most noticed and the most compliments! love the mix of patterns and the stretching of the all black dress code...

Style Fan

Veteran

You look very chic. I love the pattern mixing of the jacket and scarf. You have a good eye for picking up pieces and putting them together. Your hair looks fantastic.

I like Sal's idea for a challenge. Mixing high and low in an outfit.

Helena

Veteran

Gorgeous. I absolutely love Dynamite hah - honestly, there are some real gems in there, and it does a good job of being on trend but a bit unique too. Great find!

Elizabeth P

Veteran

This looks great, Lisa! Interesting that "all black" includes patterns with colour... or is that your loose interpretation of the rules?

My denim jacket ended up coming from Dynamite - I looked everywhere, and not only did it fit the best, it was the cheapest. I haven't shopped there otherwise.

FWIW, I am a stickler for patterns matching at the seams, but a floral like this wouldn't bother me. Way too hard.

What is the EF shell? Do you remember it's description? And where did you find it? I may put it on my ponder/wish list... I love the neckline on it, and it looks like a great shape.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

You're killing it--you look really good. Wish we could have a full-length shot, but assume yhe mirrors at work don't allow that. Fun to see that scarf in action. I think the first post from that I can recall is when it was missing. I can see why you wanted it back--it really works for you.

I agree with others that price is not an indicator of value or quality, and with Sal that a forum challenge to guess which items in an outfit are "high" and which are "low" would be hard.

I've never heard of that perfume. Does being OK to wear to work mean that it is somehow formulated not to trigger people's allergies/asthma?

Aquamarine

Veteran

Agree you have a good eye...the blazer looks really good from here. Fun find! I would never think to pattern mix like that. I always learn a lot from you, Lisa.

Bijou

Veteran

This outfit is thoroughly beautiful and I prefer the blazer on you to the stock model. The mixing of the scarf and blazer is genius - and makes the whole outfit.

I am so glad you have that scarf. Your hair and makeup are as always SOOOO FAB!

The garments that get the most comments for me have not been the most expensive items in my wardrobe, mid range items some bought on deep discount - so lilac bag (Kate Spade) and JCrew Lady Day coat. Of my summer purchases, my mauve dress and white boots are regularly commented on, also mid range items.

I think these get commented on because the colours are pretty and also unexpected at my workplace where the default uniform is dark colours.

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RobinF

Veteran

Great jacket and look! All black would get boring but in a way it's easier too.

Anonymous

Thank you all! I know it wasn't the best selfie shot, but it's what I had to work with yesterday.

Elizabeth P - I totally play loose with the dress code , and when the CEO commented on the jacket about 3 times yesterday, I figured I was ok I find it difficult to stick to rules
The EF shell - couldn't get a link that worked - is from the EF website and called a stretch silk jersey short cami (I think?) . It was an idea given to me two weeks ago or so on the forum when I was whinging about not being able to find a really good underpinning for jackets. It is PERFECT because it's a shorter length, which looks better on me. It was pricey by the time it got here , but well worth it.

Bijou - that outfit of yours is making me drool in anticipating of Spring, where I will be required to wear yet more black . Grrrr.

Ginger

Veteran

Ooh! I love how you're pushing the envelope, and how successful it was! So fun to get compliments like that at work, too. I think maybe the lighter color in the roses picks up your hair. And the McQueen scarf - I think of you whenever I see that pattern. It's a great mix, both with a black ground and motifs in not dissimilar sizes.

Sara L.

Veteran

Looks great on you! I had the same question about whether patterns were allowed but it sounds like it's a grey area. Wearing all black every day (and I love black) would definitely get boring but being able to break it up with patterns would help a lot.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Thanks Lisa. There is a store near(ish) to me that stocks a ton of EF, and given that is part of the "system", they may well have it, so will check it out next time I'm there.

I forgot to comment on Tribal. I used to love and wear a lot of tribal, they seem to be a good fit for me. I think the boutiques I got it at, closed, because I haven't seen it in a while. Tks for the reminder!

Anonymous

I'm glad the EF has become a workhorse so quickly-duplicate when you can! Great jacket too, and unexpected with the McQueen. I have some floral sandals that are also compliment magnets, that cost somewhere around $30.
Are you allowed to wear black printed shoes at all, or only solid black?

gryffin

Veteran

Lisa - this is a divine outfit! The pattern mixing of the lovely jacket with the McQ scarf, to my eye really launches it into chic and I do think it was the perfect use of the word from your colleague. Even men know it when they see it!! love the dark floral on you, reminds me of the allsaints flora mortis which I never could find the right piece. Moody, interesting, soft and looks amazing with your coloring. EF makes the best tops for suits. Is the middle one the one you bought or the cami? I have them both. I did not buy the vee neck but looked at it. The two cropped shells are perfect for untucked or faux tuck for me. Also I would recommend looking out for the identical pieces in cotton jersey - they are less expensive but I love them for the sweaty summer. I agree due to their perfection they are worth the price point, they do go on sale so I would stalk consistently until you have a little pile of them for ever day.
Bijou - such an elegant capsule and yes the color is so unexpected. You and Lisa look wonderful in lighter shades it really resonates with your hair color and works brilliantly!

Eileen Fisher Eileen Fisher V-Neck Sleeveless Silk Shell | Nordstrom

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Eileen Fisher Eileen Fisher Silk Shell (Regular & Petite) | Nordstrom

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Eileen Fisher Eileen Fisher Scoop Neck Silk Camisole (Regular & Petite) | Nordstrom

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Katerina

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Lisa, this is AWESOME! Flowers and sculls. And you don’t do quirky ? This outfit is sooo good and sooo quirky, love it. The jacket is fabulous, how fun it was such a find. No stone unturned....

Anonymous

Good morning gryffin ! Yes, the middle one is the piece I bought. I had always gravitated toward longer tops because I hate exposing "that" area (I'm not the slimmest chick on the block any more and get a little puffy in that area , ha) , but longer tops are so dreary and shapeless on me, I've discovered. I will most certainly duplicate this when I can - although it came in at close to $200 by the time the exchange and duties were paid. Damn Canadian dollar. That V neck looks good too - not too low.

Anonymous

Katerina - our ideas of quirky clearly differ

sun tiger - I suppose printed shoes are ok , but I've never considered it. I'm not really drawn to them - with the exception of a leopard/animal type print. I do wear sneakers with fur trim, patent sneakers with huge grosgrain laces, and all other sorts of odd shoes, including studded and silver chain trim combat boots. I think the young ones don't know what to make of me sometimes . This is all for my own entertainment , of course.

Runcarla

Veteran

Unfortunately I missed your selfie post (you took it down ?). I like the combined finds though, and can sort of visualize what it might look like.

Have you found a perfect pair of black pants yet? Tribal runs short on me. I tried the Lulu 'On the Fly' after you wrote about them and have a feeling they are going to be favourites for 2019. They are just a little lightweight for winter. (So thanks for the recommendation.)

Anonymous

Sorry Carla - I clicked on something inadvertently. It's back there now. I have 15 million pair of black pants now, and none of them is perfect, really, except for the On the Fly ...which are pretty casual. And yes, they are a little lightweight for winter , but are ok for work #2 . That althetic vibe etc. I think I'll wear them today in fact!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I can see why the jacket got so many compliments — it’s evident you have a good eye for things that look more expensive than they are. I love finds like that! It’s always fun when my husband plays “guess the price” and he’s way, way off, in awe of my bargain-finding ways.

I may have to investigate that tank — I had an EF one a few years ago but it was too long for me and always felt a little sloppy and overwhelming.

viva

Veteran

Looking beautiful as ever, Lisa. That jacket is so interesting, and the colors are gorgeous and unexpected.

I went and took a look at the "On the Fly" pants you and Carla mention: they look comfortable and maybe a good choice for me, given my midsection issues .... but I worry about feeling blah. How do you rev them up?

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