Mini-epiphany--stand-alone tops needed (in Canada)!

Ariadne

Wow. I had a little moment of realization today that is likely going to dictate the way I shop from now on. Or at least for the next year or two.

I went out to babysit at a friend's house today feeling happy with my outfit. Black skinnies (possibly not PPL, though, but that's a topic for another post when I have time to upload the photo!),. gold and lurex striped tee, faded denim, olive green fringe scarf shot with Lurex, blue bag, black flats, CZ studs, and my everyday white watch and armload of bangles. Color, texture, inteest, and comfort were all covered, plus the arty flare I always crave.

Then I got to the house and when I stripped off the external accoutrements, all that was left were my black skinnies, striped tee, tiny studs and bangles/watch. All of a sudden the outfit was past minimalist and into plain and boring territory--the dreaded "jeans and a tee". It's too warm to wear a scarf or jacket in the house, we don't wear shoes inside in Canada, and my darling baby's current grabby developmental stage nixes earrings (except studs) and necklaces. Belts at the waist ride up on me, and I haven't tried out the wide belt + tucking look yet.

Long story short, I realized I badly need to focus on dresses, and tops/tunics to wear with jeans and leggings, that can stand alone with interest and style sans accessories. Stuff that still looks good once the shoes, blazer, scarves, bags, etc. are removed.

This is new territory for me--almost all my closet items are geared towards creating a supporting act for layering, accessories, etc. Anything I add needs to be MOTG worthy in the extreme and able to stand up to hard wear, dirt and crayons and sharp kiddie nails, and heavy use. I want to try some machine-washable sturdy soft blouses, if such a thing exists (I don't think Equipment silk shirts, much as I'd love some, would stand up to my wee ones!), some asymmetrical tees which I have yet to find in stores or online at places that ship to Canada, and... I don't know what else? A lightweight super casual knit blazer for cooler weather, also a Holy Grail item I've been seeking for years, if such a thing exists? Help?!

13 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from anne

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Huh. You sound like me.

Without my jackets, I feel worse than naked.

I still haven't come up with the solution. In winter, I wear scarves a lot, so my layering Ts look okay once the jacket comes off (if it does). Sometimes I wear turtlenecks. For the other seasons, I draw a blank.

Also in Canada, and I find most tops that I see in stores and online here either horribly unflattering to my shape or downright ugly. I am fortunate in the sense that I can wear button downs, and do so, but there are times when a crisp woven shirt isn't the most practical or comfortable.

I wish I could help, and I'll be following this thread.

13 years ago

Glory

Veteran

I am totally with you on this one. Of all places I went to Marks and purchased an equipment shirt in burgundy and in creme (because I could not decide). They are so soft and completely machine washable. They also have it in black. And although I did not try it they had checked gauze chambray button downs. The other place I often take a look at is Joe Fresh. Once in a while they have some fantastic fun toppers there.

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13 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Very insightful!

How do you feel about sweaters?

13 years ago

Ariadne

Veteran

Suz, we will have to share ideas if and when we find them! This is definitely a tricky issue.

Glory, Marks as in Marks Work Wearhouse? They have Equipment shirts? The real ones?

I do love Joe Fresh and will try to get to a Superstore or the downtown one soon. Once in a while they hit it out of the park. I have snakeskin pants from there.

rachylou, I've worn cardigans a lot for the past few years but again they are geared towards layering/accessories and don't really stand alone. I'd like to change thatn and am also interested in finding a few great pullover type sweaters once it's cool enough for them. For the past few years I've had zero luck finding interesting ones that flatter my shape.

13 years ago

Sylvie

Veteran

I hear you. I am on the other side of the border. I do not need to worry about children. I have a desk job where I can safely indulge in delicate silk knits.

BUT

I run warm. Warmer than everyone else I know. I always need to be prepared to strip off any outer layers - cardigans, jackets, scarves.
I never wear shoes indoors (at mine or at friend's houses)
My social life is casual and I do a lot of walking. I need to be able to move, climb, etc.

Therefore I have the exact same wardrobe needs as you. I need to wear knits, even if they aren't as structured as wovens.

I have two well cut t-shirts that I'm really happy with. In the past, Ann Taylor, Loft and Banana Republic have been good sources for t-shirts that have some minimally interesting seaming. I also have one t-shirt from Armani Exchange which, while a bit blingy, was still fun and interesting.

I've been enjoying wearing a long sleeved, diagonal striped knit top from NAS with a semi tuck and a belt in the waist. I always wear belts with my jeans now, even if I'm wearing t-shirts. They help me feel more polished.

In the summer, I wear a lot of knit machine washable dresses - it gives me the maximum interest for the least effort and maximum comfort. I just bought this one. I mostly stalk Macy's for them (as a petite) but it looks like a lot of Canadians have had good look with Cleo.

I have experimented with the tunics + leggings looks as well. My favorite tunic is by Desigual - if you crave color like I do, this brand might be a good one for you too.

Good luck! (and if you come across the holy grail of interesting knit t-shirts, do share)

13 years ago

celia

Veteran

How I understand you.I love my coats and jackets but in winter if you go to another person house it doesn't feel right to wear them, and it is dificult to feel dressed up when you are showing your socks.

I still haven't found a good way to deal with this,besides the scarf or a t-shirt and a cardigan.

I do have some replacements to do in my sweater section and will share what I find.

13 years ago

Veteran

Ariadne, You might want to check out Cleo's for an assortment of interesting tops. Just off the top of my head, the criss-cross top looks family and fashion friendly.

On the other hand, you could also consider coloured jeans and patterned skirts to add more interest to a minimalist wardrobe. They aren't in style that often, so it's a great time to take advantage of the trend.

http://www.cleo.ca/shop-catego.....Cat=c_tops

13 years ago

Makrame

Veteran

I totally agree, it's challenging to find tops that work without jackets or other add-ons (for me personally, the issue is also that the less than flat belly or other "body issues" are easier to conceal when wearing a t-shirt+jacket than when wearing a knit top alone). One option that I like are machine-washable polyester blouses, such as some Pleione or Bellatrix tops from Nordstrom (not the best option for Canadian shoppers, though).

Like this http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/be.....tback=2512
or this
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/pl.....tback=2518

I second Sylvie suggestion of Desigual - they make similar style blouses/tunics. They are expensive so I only look at them at flash sale sites like Ideeli etc.

The only downside to polyester and similar tops is that they tend to get clingy in the winter with dry air. So I end up wearing them a lot in the fall and spring but not so much in winter.

Also, dolman-sleeve tops or other interesting knit tops (draped etc.) might be good.

I also was able to find a really good (and cheap and sturdy) silk shirt at Landsend Canvas but I don't see anything similar there right now.

13 years ago

Ariadne

Veteran

Sylvie, those are great thoughts. Thank you! We don't have AT/ATL here but we do have BR and recently got an Express. There is also Zara, which I always forget about because I find it overwhelming. I'll check into Cleo and Desigual (not familiar with them).

Celia, I hate showing my socks! So many of my outfits look great with boots but once the boots are off, it's black socks + slightly short skinnies that are meant for tucking. Blah! Would love to see your sweaters as you find them.

LOVE the colorblock dress.

ETA JR, thanks fo the link! I like that top. I am really falling hard for patterned and colored bottoms but are trying to resist for the most part because my bottoms wardrobe is adequate. I'm also actively losing weight right now and pants/skirts are the things that will be too big the most quickly. I really want some black-based floral jeans like the H&M ones, and some skirts. But am trying to resist.

Makrame, great links. I need to check what the shipping + duty costs to Canada end up being on those. I have two dolman tops that I have a love-hate relationship with. I often feel they make me and my broad shoulders look big, but other times I don't feel that way.

13 years ago

rholmes27

Active Member

I see a similarity in this thread & the one I started yesterday--need interesting tops for one reason or another. I'll be watching this with interest. Maybe it will help me, & you both.

13 years ago

Ariadne

Veteran

I was just reading your thread, rholmes. Good advice in there. We're in opposite climates but some of the issues are the same, aren't they?

13 years ago

Anonymous

This is my life too, and I live in the desert southwest. Our winter is like your fall. It starts out cold in the morning, but by noon, you are down to your first layers. Super boring if it's a plain layering T and jeans. Striped T's are a little better. They have some interest without fighting with my scarves. Also like Suz, I'm a new fan of the button front shirt. They are pretty indestructible, but mine are cotton so I end up ironing the ones that aren't wrinkle resistant. You should look into some cute bootie slippers that you could take with you to a friend's house.

13 years ago

anne

Veteran

This is very much what our summers are like too. I tend to cope by wearing dresses for most of the time.

Have to say that a "gold and lurex striped tee" sounds pretty good for a stand alone layer!

13 years ago

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