WIB and a Small Epiphany - YouLookFab Forum

Work has been crazy the past three weeks due to a serious issue we're dealing with at the hospital so I haven't been as active on the forum as I'd like to be - but when popping in I have really enjoyed seeing your spring styles...well...spring to life!

I had some time after work today (worked the past 14 days straight) for a little retail therapy and decided to explore items keeping my new moniker "Sophisticated Fun" in mind.

Pics 1-3 show a lovely taupe-mauve 100% silk blouse by Italian brand Keysha. The body is sheer silk attached to a cotton blend under layer and sheer silk sleeves. There's a lovely Monet-esque floral print at the bottom in lavender and white.

Pics 4-6 show a cotton floral top by Nine West Vintage American Jeans. It has kimono style sleeves that are attached at the gathered waist and an embroidery-like detail at the neck and placket.

Pic 7 is a pair of nude pointy toe kitten heel pumps to replace the patent pair I used to have. These are Clarks in wide and are oh so comfy. Good support and no bunion rubbing.

Pics 8-9 show a bold black and white wide striped knit open sweater coat from Reitmans. Great for in between weather and will work well over dresses/skirts and jeans with a tee. And it has pockets!

I couldn't be more pleased with my new items and look forward to showing them to you styled. These speak to my new desire for light colours, patterned blouses, boho lite and a hint of Parisian chic.

Now just waiting for Spring to arrive and stay!

Forgot to add my epiphany - because my clothing size hasn't been stable for a few years now, I'm not going to purchase anything considered an investment piece. It would make me feel bad to spend a lot on something to have it not fit in six months.

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10 years ago

Anonymous

These are fantastic finds, Shannon. I love your two new floral tops, they are perfect fits for your new softer boho chic aesthetic. I can't wait to see these on you. Glad you had a successful spot of retail therapy.

I'm very intrigued by the first top - the Keysha one. I'm not familiar with that brand at all - where did you find this? It's very, very pretty - and I look forward to seeing you in it.

I can relate to your epiphany or decision regarding investment pieces when one's body isn't a consistent shape or size. I am in this same position and have made that same decision.....although because this has been my reality for the past , say, 18 months now, my closet is full of things bought under the influence of doubt and disappointment .At what point do we determine when it's ok to start buying with more permanency in mind ? I'm asking this of myself, more than anything .

cheryl

Veteran

Beautiful additions! especially that first top, simply gorgeous.

Jenn

(website)

Looking forward to seeing these styled! I was thinking today that California boho and Parisian chic are, in many ways, two sides of the same coin. They both have that slightly undone, imperfect je ne sais quois factor.

Transcona Shannon

Thank you for the lovely comments ladies

Lisa - I got the Keysha blouse at Winner's. It's a brand i was unfamiliar with. As for when to start buying with more permanence in mind? Not sure. But I don't think I'm looking for major longevity in my closet anymore - my style feels more fluid these days.

Suz

That first blouse is just beautiful! And add to that the natural fibres!! Wow. Good buy. Sometimes Winners really is a winning option! When I get lucky there (usually when in TO, rarely in Kingston) it's such a thrill.

Really glad you have a replacement for the well-used Clark's pumps. Those were workhorses for you.

I hear you on looking for some lower priced alternatives for style shifts and body changes! Makes a lot of sense.

They are beautiful.

Debbie

The tops are beautiful but I live the sweater. The stripes are wonderful!

catgirl

I'm interested in seeing these on you, Shannon! They are definitely a change and I want to see it in action so I can get familiar with where you're heading.

Jaime

They all look like excellent picks and I look forward to seeing them Shannon style!

I like them all and want to see them on you.

Deborah

I like them:) I am pretty sure my friend carries those beautiful silk blouses in her boutique.. I must check. If not they are very similar and incredibly beautiful. Of the three, I find the second top the most different for you, but I definitely see it working and I look forward to seeing them all in action.

Interesting thought about not buying for longevity. There is nothing more disappointing than beautiful clothes in our closet that don't fit I suspect that is why i favour fabrics with stretch lol.

chirico (Chiara)

I love them all. Very spring-y. The last sweater is so chic, I envision it paired with Red or cobalt blue shoes.

Sally

Those a very pretty tops, especially the first 2. The black and white one will also be very versatile.

I also have had body size changes and understand how frustrating it is to have to keep changing clothes sizes It is a good idea to buy the investment stuff when your size is stable.

You have some beautiful new pieces there Shannon. Can't wait to see them styled.

Helen11

The top in 1-3 is beautiful. Looking forward to seeing it in action, and seeing your style shift.

kerry

I wish I could find that Keysha top! Love it. Great find. TBH, I think there are lots of reasons not to invest in wardrobe - weight fluctuations, fickleness, desire for frequent "new and shiny", the fun of shopping, a casual lifestyle. These are all of my reasons. My only real investments (and not always) are footwear, outerwear and gear.

El Cee

You deserved a little retail therapy after that busy work schedule. (Hope it slows down for you soon.) I love your new pieces and can see them fitting in so well with your "Sophisticated Fun" style direction. The Keysha blouse is absolutely gorgeous… such a soft, feminine print. The Nine West top is also very lovely -- a nice nod to boho. A sweater coat with pockets is a big "Yay" -- nice piece. I join you in your love of Clark's shoes. They are sooooooo comfortable and are great for those of us with "foot issues".

Tanya

That first top is absolutely stunning. Love the rest as well and can't wait to see them styled.

Ack...at work again today so just getting back to this now.

Thanks so much for your replies and thoughts - it seems there's agreement on the first blouse being lovely. And some interest in seeing how these new items will work for me. I realize these don't necessarily seem like "Shannon" items but I think I'm on a journey to figure out who Shannon is now. It may sound corny but I don't feel like the same person I used to be.

And maybe in the end one or two of these items won't get much wear as I figure things out - but that's part of the journey. Wanna come along for the ride?

deb

#1 is to die for but they all look good.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I like it all, Shannon. And hope to see you model some of the loot. (Great shopping strategy too).

Sheila

I like them all! Each piece is a real mood-lifter and I can see why you purchased every one of them.

Maneera

I really like both tops as well as the topper. Fab finds! I simply love #1! My weight fluctuates all the time, so I never buy clothes for longevity either. It works for me.

rabbit

Really love #1 and it will be great to see you style these. I'm the same about being cautious with an investment in clothes where size changes (footwear, coats and bags are safer bets), and especially when trying a new trend or style direction. Also I have a hard time predicting ahead of time what will be a workhorse, and what will be a brief fling.

lyn67

Wow, eager to see them styled, Shannon, beautiful items:-)

Ginger

What lovely pieces! That was a GREAT shopping trip.

Sara L.

Great pieces and I'm really curious to see where your style has evolved to. The first two blouses are so pretty and have the boho vibe, while the striped piece has the parisian chic vibe.

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