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WIW - kitchen sink light?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I have been trying to get better outfit shots with mixed success, but would love some feedback and advice on these two outfits.

1 - This was a lot of layers for me. I pulled the JCrew ruffle cardigan from the donation pile after my DDs rejected it. I think if I wore this again I would drop the ruffle sweater and wear cropped jeans without the big fold. (All second hand: J Crew cardigan, Equipment tank, Zara moto, Daniella Lehavi crossbody bag, Levi jeans, Italian woven booties.) Not sure what I think about this outfit, apart from the color of the jacket and boots, which I like. Tinkering advice welcome.

2. - And this was a lot of black for me. I overexposed this so you can see the textures on the coat, which is one of my favorites. (All second hand: Vintage cashmere sweater, vintage Claude Montana coat, Miu Miu ruffle bag, R13 jeans, AGL booties.) I really don't wear so much black anymore. Do the texture and v-neck make this work?

Thank you for looking and any comments, constructive criticism and thoughts are always welcome.

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23 replies

Latest reply was from Lynn

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

Lots of texture in your black outfit. It's interesting and I really like it! On your first outfit, I like the color of the jacket and the boots together and I think the color of the jeans complements them very well I am in awe of the thrifted treasures you find.

Anonymous

You look great in both outfits, but #2 seems more your style. I do think it works with the texture and V neck. Could you roll the coat sleeves for even more skin and texture ( sleeve roll or push up)?
I want to add a scarf (maybe faux fur) or chunky necklace to the first outfit, but admire how the boots and jacket look together.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I agree that the boots and jacket work well in #1 as you said. I would lose the cardi and add a scarf in navy and tan if you have one ,big earrings as well?The second outfit suits you well but I don’t think all black outfits photograph so well as they seem to suck up all the light so could you play on the cream triangles in your jumper and perhaps add a touch more cream for contrast.It s not that you don’t look well in each photo but it’s about finding what photographs well isn’t it?

Katerina

Veteran

You have such beautiful and unique pieces, Shevia! Best vintage collection ever! I LOVE the black outfit - it is interesting and cohesive and the fit is amazing on you. The second outfit is great, too. The colour palette is very interesting and artsy. I like the ruffled cardigan with the leather jacket - it is such an interesting contrast. Have you considered adding a scarf? It might add a further dimension.

Sisi

Veteran

You look fab in both outfits ! That said, I would remove the ruffle cardigan in outfit 1. I don't know why, but it seems to "disturb" the look. I do think that the texture, the v-neck and the little dose of white make the second outfit work. I have never shopped second-hand but you make me want to try.

Aquamarine

Veteran

You always have the most interesting outfits. It’s unbelievable how well you thrift. I LOVE the first one. Cognac really works for you. Great bag...love the color. Agree the cardigan is optional. In the second one, the textures save it from being too harsh, as does the v-neck. I suspect in real life it’s super interesting too.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, I appreciate all of your thoughts and suggestions!
Emily K the jacket and boots were the starting point, and I am going to keep the combination and try with other things. Thank you for the lovely comment - I enjoy combining cognac and blue.
Joy You are right, the black outfit is more my style and the brown outfit more of an experiment. I like your idea of adding a scarf!
Cardiff Girl - Black is really difficult to photograph. I am actually wearing light hoops but they don't show up at all in the photo.
Katerina - Thanks for appreciating my experiment with the ruffled cardigan. You have inspired me to pull out and evaluate my scarves, and I need to use them more often.
Sisi - Thanks, I agree about the ruffles and was hoping the skin and white would help the black as you said. Always glad to inspire a little second hand shopping too!

eta Aquamarine Thank you! I am very attracted to cognac and cannot resist a blue bag!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You and your gorgeous coats -- which you get so little chance to wear. That black outfit is outstanding. The argyle of the sweater lightens it up just enough with your hair and the textures are fantastic. You glow!

#1 is also great (and probably worked better in person) but it feels a bit more towards the "tomboy" (despite the ruffles) than your usual looks of late. I love the cognac jacket and boots...you truly do have a great collection of vintage items!

Beth Ann

Veteran

You are the queen of texture. Even argyles and plaids often seem like textural, in addition to graphic, elements to me.

I love the warmth of the cognac on you, and the relaxed retro-tomboy fit of the jeans. I imagine the cardigan is for warmth ---- which matters! If the weather turns a bit warmer, I think it would be lovely with just the cool amethyst of the tee underneath.

As for the black --- you've softened it and made it interesting with texture and pattern. And the coat is lovely. I'm searching diligently for some grey jeans for my own wardrobe -- I could see grey jeans working brilliantly with this outfit, too!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Jaime, #2 is one of the "all black" casual outfits I've seen. Texture-rich with a hint of other neutrals. KILLER to the POWER of KILLER.

And look at you all trendy with your lilac in #1. Another Killer look. The cognac accents look super fresh.

Anonymous

They're both excellent, nothing remotely overdone about either, and the "texturing" really does make all the difference in making both outfits look complete and finished, especially the second, because in the first you've also combined a lot of color.

Not to detract in any way from the all black but I especially love the first and think you applied an artistic eye for harmonizing texture, beautiful color, and the fundamental practicality of the jeans and neutral leather items.

Zibbets

Veteran

Gosh, I love the colors in that first outfit. The jacket and booties are such a great match and the bright blue of your jeans is lovely. I like the ruffle sweater and the big fold.
Outfit #2 has a totally different, fab vibe! I love the textures and the pop of white on your sweater...and yes, the v-neck gives this outfit just the right amount of breathing room. Well done!

kkards

Veteran

love #2...the textures make the outfit so interesting.

I love the big cuff in #1...there's something interesting and fresh about it...

Helena

Veteran

I could only wish to be such a knock-out in all black ... you wear it so well; looks amazing on you! The neutral outfit is edgy-sophisticated.

Sal

Veteran

More love for outfit 2 - interesting, unique, flattering!!

I think outfit 1 is fine - and I think your suggestions for improving it would be great. I am not much of a layerer so my preferences always lie to more simple looks. I think the jacket, bags and boots are the stars here so would keep the jeans and tops quite simple underneath.

The Cat

Veteran

My favourite is the black outfit. Elegant casual. It IS a lot of black, but the V-neck, your beautiful skin colour, the various textures and the white and grey parts of your sweater absolutely make it work. You look stunning. And I love how the white and grey echo your hair.

Anonymous

You have a very infectious and genuine smile and I love it. It’s always what I notice first. I echo the compliments on your leather items and I like the ruffled cardigan. I think each outfit strikes a different chord and I like that variety!

karen13

Veteran

I love the black - the touches of grey in the argyle pick up your hair so beautifully, and the textures make it. For 1, may be a solid color tank or lower contrast print would look nice? The print competes a bit with the ruffle to my eye.

JAileen

Veteran

With #1, I’d like a blue or white top, and no sweater. The jacket and boots look great with denim.

Mainelady

Veteran

Your thrifting finds are amazing! I really like outfit #1 and think switching out the cardigan for a scarf might be a nice try. The lavender looks great on you! Your black outfit is gorgeous. The textures are great and I think the fit is perfect!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Suz Thanks! The black outfit is definitely more in my comfort zone, but I do love the cognac in the first outfit.
Beth Ann Thank you! Exactly right about the cardigan - the leather jacket was not quite warm enough (even post menopause I still run cold) and the cardigan was in sight so I thought I would give it a go. Great idea about trying grey jeans - I have a favorite pair already.
Angie - I'm blushing! I totally agree that cognac looks fresh after so many years of grey and black - not that I am giving those up obviously!
Isabel Thank you for the sweet words. I am tickled pink to be told I have an artistic eye!
Zibbets - Thank you! I love putting blues and browns together.
kkards - I have seen the big cuff here and there and decided to give a shot, thanks for noticing!
torontogirl - Thanks you! You wear black with the best of them!
Thanks Sal! I am not a big layerer either, and will retry when it gets a bit warmer.
The Cat - Thanks! The black outfit is going on repeat.
jlpp What a lovely compliment! Thank you!
karen13 Interesting idea, maybe I will try the ruffle with a white tank.
Jaileen The jacket and boots are the key, I completely agree.
Mainelady Thank you! I should wear the first one every week with another variation.
Thanks again everyone for your encouragement and great ideas!

eta Janet and Lyn I will definitely try again without the ruffled cardigan -thanks!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

This is great — #2 makes me want to put together an all-black outfit! I love the colors in #1 but agree that the ruffled cardio is fighting a little with the other layers. Love the color of the shoes and jacket!

Lynn

Veteran

You look great in black with your lovely hair. I really like all the textures you used. I like the first outfit also but agree that the ruffled cardi fights the other layers as Janet said.
You are a master thrifter I must say!