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Orphans to Outfits Challenge Plus an Addition - Post Your Wednesday Outfits Here

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Post your Wednesday Orphans to Outfits here!

The "Orphans to Outfits" challenge, plus an addition:

Take one item that you like but have trouble wearing in an outfit, and create an outfit with that item. It can be an article of clothing or an accessory. Add why you don't tend to wear said orphans - fit, fabrication, level of dressiness, lack of occasions, etc.

Here's the addition:

Several of you commented that you had one or two orphans, but not a week's worth. How about taking an orphan you already posted, incorporating the suggestions you received and creating a new outfit?

I will post the thread for each day every morning around 7:00 a.m. eastern time. I won't be able to check in much during the day, and, as much as I'd like to, I definitely won't be able to respond to everyone's outfit. So I might need a little help from my friends - if you're not posting an outfit for the day, could you take a minute and comment on a post or two? Also, those that are posting, could you include a comment about the outfit posted directly before yours? That way, everyone will get some feedback on their orphans.

Have fun!

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28 replies

Latest reply was from Karie

Karie

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Here's mine for today, and the orphan is the ruffled top. This top was a gift, and my first reaction when I received it (my silent reaction, of course!) was "This is way too small." The thing is, once I have it on I don't think it looks too small, and it definitely doesn't feel too small - it doesn't pull or bunch up. I just can't seem to get it out of my mind how small this thing looks on the hanger!

It's a bit chilly out this morning so I originally paired it with my cropped black blazer. This blazer has a lace back panel, and looking at the rear view photo, I am not sure I like the pattern of the lace with the pattern of the ruffled top, so I am changing to a different blazer before I head out the door. No time to take more pictures, though!

So what do you say about this ruffled top orphan? I'm not sure if it fits my style, or even if it's in style at all! I couldn't decide if I liked it with or without the pearls, so the necklace is staying home this time!

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lyn67

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Karie: I'm also not sure this ruffled top matches your current style, but itidefinetellly isn't looking too small, or ill fitting at all. I like it best without the pearls, minimal aproach will roughen up a bit the sweetness of the ruffles, but maybe a longer steampunk pendant will also work. The lace back jacket is an iteresting piece, not sure if it's not too much for a daywear with this particullar top. So, I agree with you changing it before leaving the house. Otherwise this can be a very useful top for date nights or other special functions(maybe also funerals), as it has grown up colours/print, and perhaps ruffles camouflage nicely after a big dinner, too:-).

I learned so much from all your yesterday's orpahns and thanx y'all who commented on mine. I wore the coral shirt lose over the linen pants(with a grey cami under:-)), and felt quite good about it at work-as it was a warm and sunny day. Will also try to play more around the half tuck and blousing it over the pants on front-thanx for all the kind suggestions- but sorry to dissapoint, tucking all the way around (in pants), will never happen anymore:-).

My orphan today is one Marks and Spencer aztec print, faux wrap jersey dress, which I bought last year jumping on the midi trend wagon, but then i couldn't bare with it's mid calf length on me (see me in the picties 1-3 trying soooo hard). Not only cut me at an unflatering spot on my legs but i felt the dress was too bodycon(as was really tappered in towards the low hem) so also felt a bit restricted in my movings.

It bugged me so much-as I loved the print, the V neckline and the neutral colors, not to speak about the comfiness of a jersey dress, so last month I gave up on it's length and shortened it by myself a few inches (see the last pictie)-and now I find it works so much better for my lifestyle (office/running errands/driving the car).
It even has become an easy FFBO for work since.

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Anonymous

Karie, I like your top and it seems on trend as the pattern resembles lace from a distance. I like the shape of the cropped jacket. But would have to see the lace back with the top in real life. On the monitor it looks OK to me.
Lyn, the dress looks like a great little go-to piece. I like the length. Good save.

Anonymous

Lyn, that dress looks really versatile. The pattern is really nice.

Karie, I like the top also! I don't think it is too small at all.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Lyn, great save on the dress! I like it at the shorter length. You did a great job with hemming it. And Lyn, I think you hit the nail on the head with the style issue - I need to try and toughen the top up a bit. Humm....the wardrobe wheels are turning!

shedev

Veteran

Karie- I like the top under jackets.
Lyn- like your hemmed length for the dress.

Anonymous

Today's orphan is a jacket made and given to me by a dear aunt. I've had it for a few years but seldom wear it although it is fun and tickles my pattern mixing heart. I think it is because it is a bit big and boxy and may be dated now. With boxy styles coming back, can I wear this jacket?
Photos show it open and buttoned. I'd appreciate your thoughts.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Karie, you created a KILLER look with the ruffled top orphan! It doesn't look too small. Trust me - I would tell you if it was too snug

Oh no, Joy! What a beautifully patterned jacket - that just doesn't fit in the right boxy way. I can see why it's an orphan. Sentimental pile?

Good job shortening that hem, Lyn67! Fab frock.

Liz A.

Veteran

I know this is off topic, but Joy I just drool over your flats collection. Each day you're wearing a different pair with fun little straps!

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Joy, I don't think the jacket fits in with your current style, and it does look too big in the shoulders and across the top - sorry! Like Angie said - sentimental pile, perhaps? I do love your flats collection, though. Where do you find such fabulous flats?

Anonymous

I knew this jacket just didn't fit. Sentimental box for now.
As for my flats, since I don't do high heels and not even low heels very often, I do have quite a few flats. My older ones are mostly from DSW. Lately they are from Nordstrom or The Rack. I wear flats with athletic engineering daily for almost everything. Those are the ones with the straps. Anne Klein Sport, DKNY, Cole Haan NikeAir are favorites right now. Clark's Privos would be great but don't fit my feet comfortably.

shedev

Veteran

I watched a lot of No Doubt videos yesterday so I'm channeling my inner Gwen Stefani. Todays orphans are the tartan pants and Doc Martin oxfords. The pants I bought last fall and just never got around to wearing. The oxfords are just a little too big, especially in the heels ( even with inserts)
pants- Royal Bones
shoes- Doc Martens
tank- boys Hanes undershirt
net top- Body Central
cuff- Juicy Couture

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pastrygirl

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I missed reading about the addition before I got ready. But, I wore my red shirt three ways on Monday, so maybe that counts? I put the tiered animal skirt in the donation pile.

Karie -- I love that shirt. I think it looks great on you! The back view with the lace looks fun to me, but maybe it looks different IRL.

Lyn -- my first thought was that it would look better shortened, and then it did! Love the shorter length!!

Joy -- The jacket looks OK to me but sounds like it'll go into the sentimental pile.

Shedev -- LOVE THOSE PANTS. Those would be in my fantasy life wardrobe. Do you think you'll wear them?

My outfit doesn't have a true orphan, but perhaps an orphan-in-the-making. I just bought these outrageously comfy pants (and posted about it a couple of weeks ago). Pleated, slouchy, tapered. I didn't like the way I tried to style them last time, so I went for a looser shirt today and a long necklace. I think it looks good but would welcome any criticism, because this style of pant is new to me!

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ElleH

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Karie I like the top & how youve styled it.

Everyone else. Will look later I have to run right now.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Karie, I love your ruffled top. It fits you perfectly and looks great with the black pants, jacket, and ballet flats. I like it with the lace pattern on the back of the jacket, too, though that look may be better suited for after-work. I feel the same way about the pearls--nice way to dress it up for after work. The bracelets are perfect for day. I hope you hang on to it and wear it!

Lyn, beautiful save on the dress. Congratulations! I like the way it looked as a midi, too, but comfort is so crucial. Trying "sooooo hard" is not fun with clothes!

Joy, the jacket is so fun and pretty, and it goes wonderfully with the outift you created. But have to agree, sadly, the shoulders are too big and dated.

Pastrygirl, those pants look fab on you, and I love how you've styled them, with the casual partial tuck.

Shedev, fun tartan pants! I like your layering of the tank and the mesh top, and very cool bracelet with the outfit. Not sure what to do about the shoes, if they are still too big with inserts! Sell on eBay or here on the style exchange and get another pair?

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Hi all--here's my orphan outfit for today.
The orphan is a taupe tank top with sequined circles on the front. The fit is loose, a little bit A-line in shape. I've worn it maybe once, since getting it a couple of years ago at Nordstrom. I liked the color and the sequins. This is my only piece with sequins--oh, except a dressier tunic--and I liked the idea of having something like this in my wardrobe. I figured it would be a fun, versatile layering piece for me (ha, ha--we see how that turned out.

I think there have been two problems that kept me from wearing it.
1) It requires a racer-back bra or layering another tank underneath, if I'm going to wear it without something over it. I just discovered that one of my good bras is convertible, so that problem is solved!
2) I didn't know how to wear the silhouette. The looseness just seemed kind of sloppy and not very flattering. Now that I've discovered the semi-tuck, that problem is solved!

1: top without layering over it, worn with straight/skinny jeans (Paige Skyline straight), long chocolate metal necklace and matching oblong hoop earrings (Nordstrom), metallic floral belt (Fossil), and new-this-season taupe tie-up sandals (P. Monjo)
2: with a sage boyfriend sweater added (Halogen)
3: with sweater AND a crinkled scarf in shades of strawberry (this is how I'm wearing it right now, along with socks and boiled wool slippers, because it's cold in my house at the moment!)
You can see in 1 the top needs pressing, as it's been in the drawer for so long! I'm not bothering with that, though, because I'll have the sweater on all day.

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shedev

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pastryg- I think I'll wear the pants, in my imaginary life I wear powersuits and heels. My real life only requires that I can chase my dogs if they get loose. I have a uniform for work so I dont have that restriction in my nonworking wardrobe. My punky side has been slowly working its way back into my wardrobe for a while now.
firecracker- I think I'm just gonna have to try to find shoes like these but a little smaller.

ElleH

Veteran

Lyn I love the new dress length, very flattering.

Joy i don't understand what is good boxy vs bad blxy so I'd be interested to hear others opinions.

Shedev I love the pants bit if the shoes are too big you could sell them & get some that fit better.

Pastrygirl I love the pants with the half tuck top. I would love to see them woth a bootie or oxford.

Firecracker I love that tank & how you've styled it.

shedev

Veteran

Firecracker, I forgot to say that I really like the top, glad you found a proper bra to wear with it. I have a couple racerbacks that are in heavy rotation in summer.

pastrygirl

(website)

Veteran

Firecracker -- that is a great top! I think it looks great on you in all the pics. I have several tanks/shells that require another layer because of undergarment issues. I keep thinking I should just ditch them, but I really like them and just commit to wearing them with another layer. Sometimes I wish I could wear them as-is in the summer, but it's not going to happen. I might have to look for another bra option... or slowly add the patterns/styles to a wishlist for suitable replacements.

Sara L.

Veteran

Here's my orphan, which I also wrote a post about. I wanted to post it here on the official Wednesday page also.

I've had this grey dress for several years and I've never worn it. It's survived several closet purges for some reason. The problems are that it's too short, too shapeless, and grey isn't the most flattering color for me. I layered it over white skinnies and I like how this outfit came out.

Firecracker - I love that tank and I'm glad you found undergarments that make it work.

lyn67 - I love the new shorter length and I'm glad you're finding the dress more versatile this way.

Karie - I like the ruffled top and think you made the right decision to change the blazer from the lace back one.

shedev - Love the plaid pants although I'm not sure what you can do about the shoes. Maybe it's time for them to find a new home?

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Karie

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Shedev, those tartan pants look like fun! I would wear them for a night out. Have you tried wearing an extra pair of socks with the shoes? Maybe that would help them fit better.

Pastryg, I like your new pants and the way you've styled them. I have the Leith pants, which have a new-to-me slouchy fit, and oddly enough I like them with my slightly loose, not form fitting tops. I thought the opposite would be true. I think Angie's posts on structured-unstructured outfits will help us both figure out how to style this type of pant.

FIrecracker, I love your tank top! My fav is #1 without anything over it. The semi-tuck has indeed saved the day! And that Fossil metallic floral belt, oh that Fossil metallic floral belt! Love, love, love.

Sara, I'm glad your gray dress survived several closet purges. I really like it with the white skinnies. I hope you continue to wear it, it looks like it will be nice and cool for summer.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I feel very embarrassed about not joining in this week, after having said that I would try to. I've just had a lot going on at work and have found it too complicated to try to wear orphans, too, especially since I'm such a regular closet purger that I don't keep my orphans for very long!

I am really enjoying these posts, though.

Karie, you did a brilliant job of styling the top and it looks really nice on you!

Lyn, I love that dress - so glad you saved it!! Gorgeous pattern.

Joy, I wonder if the fabric in the jacket could be repurposed (without hurting your aunt's feelings). As in a scarf or something like that...or a vest?

Shedev, love the tartan pants!!

PastryGirl - those pants look SO amazing on your newly svelte self that if you don't wear them I am going to spank your bottom!!

Firecracker, that is a lovely sequined top - so glad you have rescued it! I think it would be really useful.

Sara, in the photo you look lovely in the grey and this is a gorgeous summer outfit!!

pastrygirl

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the feedback, everyone! I just want to live in these pants. They don't pull, tug, squeeze, slip, or anything, anywhere. I don't even know how that's possible!

Suz -- I'm usually pretty cutthroat about what to keep and get rid of, so this challenge has made me justify or relinquish what I've kept -- it's been surprisingly helpful! And don't you mean my *little* bottom?

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Thanks, everyone!

Sara, that tank dress is sublime over your white skinnies. What a fab outfit! I'm glad you kept the dress, aren't you?

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Suz, you have been joining in this week - if not with outfits, with your kind, insightful, helpful, and supportive comments!

Since this is my first spring/summer season since joining YLF, I have a lot of closet purging to do. Every season I always have a donate pile, but this year I am being particularly fussy. Refining your style goals isn't always easy, but I am loving every minute of it!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I'm never quite sure if this skirt looks too dowdy or not. Plus the cat peed on it and while the smell washed out, I still can't forget and am a little skeeved out. Nevertheless, I think this outfit worked fairly well, and the skirt stays for now (but hung up away from the cat!). Do you prefer the shirt tucked or untucked?

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Karie

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Veteran

Well, the cat definitely has strong feelings about your skirt -he's even going after it again in pic #2! I can't tell if it's yellow and gray or yellow and blue, but either combination is pretty. I like it better tucked.