Gaylene, isn't it funny how timely this is, since I was just thinking about this "so you" X-factor?

When I slipped this on, before I looked in the mirror, I was kind of expecting/fearing/hoping that I would just look ridiculous in it. A friend of the SA had popped in (and we decided we were style twins because we were drawn to all the same things), and he had put the vest on too and looked terrific in it (in fact, my SA is tracking down another one for his friend :-). I thought surely if it looked that great on him, it would not work on me, but I was wrong. Just goes to show you, if an item intrigues you, no matter how unlikely it seems, just try it!

This is so you, and yes, I love it! Seeing your photos made me even more sure.

I also meant to add, thank you for all the nice comments about my work! I thought you all might like to see how much this vest evokes my "rust and patina" work.

Oh, I realized another one of those defining statements/moments when I try something on. If I feel like a bit of a badass in it, it probably means I should at least consider it!

Wow, Janet, I really liked the vest on you at first glance. Then I saw your artwork and WOW! I can't believe how perfect this is! Crazy! Really.really.really crazy. Love. Meant to be. Rock it! You look so cool. Yes, I totally agree that we should always just give things a try-on. If we feel "bad-ass", then.....

I LOVE THIS FOR YOU!!

Did you get it?

I did, Rachy! If I hadn't, there was at least one person waiting to jump on it!

So glad you brought this home Janet. Absolutely love it for you. It's like wearing art. And I do think there is room in our wardrobes to have a piece that doesn't make sense logically nor has the potential to reach low CPW. It's beautiful , looks stunning and speaks to you in some way.

I instantly thought of your old cars photos! Amazing jacket.

Your pictures are so stunning! I'd never really noticed how beautiful rust can be up close.

It sounds like the vest was meant to be yours.

I love your art, and I LOVE this on you! Wow. It does look like it was meant for you!

Almost as beautiful as your photographs.

You need pieces like this as an artist! it goes so well with your work, it is a career investment. Gorgeous on you and one of a kind.

Breathtaking and evocative! Definitely reminded me of your photos. So glad you got it.

LOVE IT!

Super cool and super you! Meant to be yours Janet!

I agree with what Greenglove said!

Fab and edgy. Could it take your style in a new direction? Can a single piece do that? If so, this is the piece.

This looks custom made on you, it is a stunning piece, so glad you found it.

No question about it - this is one of those wildcards that was just meant for you to find! And yes, it is so *you* even if I only know you from YLF online - I have seen your artwork and your style over the past couple of years -- this is so perfect and looks fantastic on you!

How much more perfect can perfection be?

It's like you made this for yourself! Amazing. Of course keep. It is just like your artwork. Off to read your spinoff.thread to mine now.

Quick thought- doesn't the color of this vest take a piece that isn't all that you to the "so you" level? And is that a way to find items out of your comfort zone? If one element is SO you, can it bring that item into your zone?

For me that would mean looking for styles outside my norm in citron/leather/distressed (etc) versions.

So glad you got it! It is so you, and I love the way you styled it. This is a perfect example of how true love for a piece will make it work for you. That deep emotional reaction will bring you happiness each time you wear it.

It's perfect!!!

Thanks, all! I've had a little fun this morning -- tried it with a chambray shirt, which is fun, and I still really like the sleek approach with slim dark top and pants or jeans. It can kind of go refined or rugged, which is interesting. I'm excited. Come on, fall!

Loved it on you even before seeing your amazing photographs. You were meant to own this. It's perfect for you.

Love your art and have been a bit patina obsessed for decades. Now I am trying to embrace my own. Those photographs are beautiful.

About the vest. Yes. Those things that feel so us when we put them on are what the whole journey is about. It is a work of art and meant for you. On a practical note, it will layer with heavier knits if next winter isn't good to you and add zing to a special pair of jeans, as well as your elegant black styling possibilities. I picture you at an exhibition opening in it. Beaming away and utterly Janet.

I think you have made up your mind. Pieces that make the heart sing do reduce the volume needed for a happy closest and can become the standard for shopping once the foundation is laid. I am working on this, as a closet full of "almosts" is the biggest waste of all.

Not just "you" but looks like it was designed just for you - a one off.
A simply amazing piece yet doesn't overwhelm *you*.

You MUST wear this when you have an art show opening!!! Now compare how you feel in this vs. how you feel in those *classic* blazers. Hmmmm.

Way, way, way cool. The stars were aligning!

And backatcha with the subject of the photos

Elizabeth, I love it! We definitely share an affinity for patina.