K/R: Is this linen tunic top simpy? - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R: Is this linen tunic top simpy?

Sarah A

Veteran

I did Angie's recommended check out the spring trends shopping but not buying trip. Then I went back a few days later and picked up this shirt and dress. The dress (#3) is love, and I thought the linen shirt was too until Shannon's floral jacket opened the simpy discussion. http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ral-blazer

Thoughts? Is simpy a lurking danger here? Or perhaps Im overanalyzing? I would likely style with white denim bottoms, or perhaps belt over black skirt.

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18 replies

Latest reply was from Lyn D.

Mochi

Veteran

I'm not sure what you mean. Do you mean skimpy?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

The colours are really pretty on you, Sarah, but I would be wary of this for myself. Why? I can't say, really...I'm not entirely sure I understand my own reaction. It might be the pattern or maybe it is the smock-like cut I'm reacting to. Bumping for other opinions.

Sarah A

Veteran

@ Mochi, thanks. Ill clarify, not skimpy, simpy was a word Rachy used:

mean "simpy" as a derivative of "simpering," picking up on its connotations of "weak" and "overly safe."

I have a tendency to pick "safe" clothes, and thought i was branching out here, but when you look at the Belk website at this top:

http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/B.....1076397352

i thought oh dear... they've picked the conservative middle aged model for this top. I love that it is linen and not a solid, but i dont want to add 10 or 15 years to my age!

ETA: Perhaps its not the age, I think since i love so many fabbers style that are probably 10 or 15 years older than myself. It is maybe this is on the borderline for frump if not styled just right?

dizzys

Sarah...my choices many times fit into the safe cothing category. This is a cute blouse but does fall into that. I think it is the pattern.

CK

I'm not sure if it qualifies as simpy, Sarah, but I'm not crazy about it. Perhaps it's the combination of the small print and the smock style, which can tend towards frumpy. Which you are not! The dress is fabulous.

carolbee

Veteran

I'm a bit like Suz, its doesn't seem quite right, but not sure why. Sorry, not a lot of help.

Anonymous

I must go read what this "simpy" is of which you speak! Back in a moment.

Okay, wow. Well first lest me say that the dress is amazing! I'll bet it looks good on you, pics? Regarding the whole simpy thing, IDK. But I'll add that there is something about linen + tunic + print that = danger zone for me. I have yet to put my finger on what it is. Maybe it is that there are some real doozies out there and I don't want to look like the typical woman who would wear one. So many perfectly good clothes are ruined by a regional stereotype, and we have our own here in *our* valley.

In the past year, there has been a real turning point for me where I really look at the "style" of something, HARD, and not just the fabric content, the modesty/comfort factor and whether or not the colors look good on me/I like the print. Your blouse ticks all of the boxes but only you can decide if it's your "style" or not.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Sorry, I don't like it either. Too boxy, not enough waist definition... not enough definition period. This illusion pattern belongs to either a puffed out, boho line or something very structured and detailed, with darts and defined shoulders etc. The way it is now, it just looks like you are trying to hide something, which you aren't.

Sleeves do look a bit bouffant,though, which is good. You could have alterations done to it to really upgrade it: darts to cinch the waist and then wear it with one button more undone to create more of a v-neck. (try to grab material from the back and undo one button to see it). I think it would go from simpy to simply fab.

Jjsloane

Veteran

Outlier here. I like the top and would like to see how you intended to style it before a full return. I love the colors and the print (graphic not floral so keeps it more modern) It can certainly be styled both frumpily (my new favorite word) or not. You choose. I have several tops like this for spring and summer when I want them to float away and be the total color statement. Paired with smart white jeans or denim bermudas and some neon accessories to pull that out from the print I think you have a nice piece. If you have to work too hard to make it something you feel comfortable in then pass.
I love the dress and can't wait to see that on.

Krista

Veteran

What Jeanne said! ^^ Style it and see. If you're still not sure, let it go because the doubt will always be there.
The dress is amazing, btw

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yeah - I agree. Do some styling with pics and see how you feel. There is potential either way.

But overall I am with Claire - it was a big moment for me when I finally recognized that the STYLE of the item mattered even more than whether it ticked my colour/ fabric etc. boxes.

Sarah A

Veteran

Thanks ladies! I tried styling it this AM quickly (no photos sorry will try for a few tomorrow) and..... It works easily with almost all my summer clothes. Super with my white, dark wash, and black denim shorts. It belts well over my black summer skirt and it even works tied over my black summer dress. I think the key is that it is boxy but it drapes back against my body when I move so it will be cool in heat but when I move you will see I have a figure under there. It is certainly not edgy, but I am coming to the conclusion that I want/need some more traditional things to wear in certain social settings and this would be a very versitile item in that regard.

I think i will be watching/purchasing this trouve mixed media tunic for my edgy item and keeping this safe linen for it's role in my closet. Key for me is acknowledging these are two different parts of my eclectic style persona.

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Scarlet

Veteran

Without knowing more about your personal style (I can't be on the forum as much lately) I would say objectively it is a nice top and it looks good on you. The quesiton then is how it fits with the direction you want to go in. I really like that tunic you showed but it's definitely a different vibe.

ClaraT

Veteran

Late to the conversation but I adore the print. It is not tough or avant garde but it is really pretty and would go with black, white or denim. Great over slim pants (or belted if you are a belter). Plus I can tell you like it which is really the most important thing.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Sarah: I second Scarlet! This top would work really well in your "preppy" looks. I do think the fit is a bit box, without being deliberately oversized, and the sleeve seems a little odd, particularly in the cuff, but I can't see this too well from the pic. I think styling with items already in your wardrobe would give you clarity. I adore print woven tops, as you probably already know, and I often take several days to decide whether this is the best and most beautiful print in my closet or the most hideous! Style and See!

BTW - The dress is smashing and you are definitely in a style breakthrough moment!

Thistle

Veteran

I think I would return the top. Pretty colors and a pretty pattern, but mixed with the shape of the house it could so easily fall into frumpy territory!

The dress is beyond amazing. I can't wait to see you in it!

Sarah A

Veteran

I agree the top is pretty I think it would fit into my preppy southern lady capsule very well. However that capsule is already very well covered by other items. I have quite a while to decide to take the tags off the tunic. I mean it is snowing out after all! I'm not going pressure myself to decide right away as I feel like breakthrough is precisely the word Beth Ann. I think 1 day about a month ago i woke up and felt most of my clothes werent sleek, graphic or avant garde enough to suit my suddenly changed taste. I must note that a fairly graphic minimal taste in home decor can be seen in my art notebooks from 20 years ago so i get the feeling this wardrobe breakthrough isnt a fluke, but i am trying to carefully consider and not break the budget. I continue to appreciate each of you taking the time to provide your thoughtful input.

Lyn D.

Veteran

Sarah, when I saw this blouse I recognised it as being very similar to one I own but have not yet worn.
I actually got it out yesterday whilst thinking about the cooler weather ahead in the Southern hemisphere, and decided that it should be quite a versatile top given the different colours in the pattern. I think it would be good with black pants and shoes that echo any of the brighter colours featured in the design.
I am going to wear with a burgundy bootie I think.
The only difference in the shape of mine to yours is that mine has ties at the hem, and I think yours will benefit from tucking, semi-tucking or belting to show off your shape.
Long story short- I say keep!!