WIW - last chance for a lost cause? And lavender.

I loved this cardigan when I bought it (thrifted). I find it really cute in the mirror. And I am always underwhelmed when I see the photos. I am on the verge of purging it as a lost cause. What do you think? I'm including a picture from a while back with a pink tank, which again, I liked in the mirror, and disliked in the photos. (Although the pink of that tank is hitting my happy buttons.)

Last time I posted it, I wore it over my denim skirt with a tucked top and the comment was made that it kind of showcased the zipper on the skirt, which was not a winning look. So right. So I'm trying it now with a patterned tank, to camouflage the zipper.

The lavender scarf makes me happy. I didn't actually wear it either way in the end. It's looped around my neck and loosely tied, to provide a single line down the front.

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13 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

First off, that lavendar colour in the scarf is absolutely amazing on you JR - with your colouring, it is super gorgeous. Seriously.

Now to the cardigan - I have to completely honest here and say I'm not crazy about it. The colour is good, but there's something about the shape of the sleeve and the length of the cardigan that doesn't work for me. I don't care for the gather on the hem of the sleeve and the length of the cardi looks like it can't make up its mind whether it's long or cropped. Sorry

DonnaF

JR, the cardigan's silver color and white buttons are beautiful with your lovely hair color, and I think that is what you are seeing in the mirror. What I am seeing in the photos (except the one with your lavender scarf) are patch pockets and a length that are probably adding at least ten pounds to your frame. The sleeve length isn't helping either. I try to avoid patch pockets like the plague because they add so much weight. Do you have a longish top in a similar color to the cardigan. Wearing it underneath to visually lengthen the sweater might help it work.

I'm wondering if this sweater is cut for a really, really short person? Then, the pockets would hit at the hips rather than at the waist.

Lyn D.

Hi JR, I agree with Shannon on this one. The cardigan has pockets just where you don't want them and the sleeves are perhaps a little too full at the hip area too.

Thank you all so much. I think you've convinced me that this is indeed a lost cause. When the problem is in the proportions of the sweater itself, there really isn't much that can be done about it. I'm glad it was thrifted, so that the CPW won't have been excessively high.

And there is no need to apologize for not liking it. I mean, I asked. And I asked because I thought it wasn't working, and I needed to know if it was just me or if it was more objective.

This illustrates why it's a good idea to take photos. When we look in a mirror, we often see what we want to see, rather than what's there. I don't know why the same thing doesn't happen with photos, but the effect is different.

Glory

I love the scarf on you, and I love the colour of the cardigan. I think you can find a style that suits you much better. I think I recall you were looking at the drapy style ones awhile back- from Cleo?

Gaylene

I'm with all the others. The colors are gorgeous on you, but that cardigan isn't working for me. I think, at least in the pictures, it gives the illusion of flaring out over your midsection just below the bust. It also has a bit of a little-girl look that I don't associate with your style.

annagybe

(website)

It reminds me of the type of sweater Anthro was doing five years ago. A bit twee.

Out it goes. Not getting any love at all, and I think that is probably justified. Maybe DD would want it.

Kiwichik

I really like the lavender scarf as you have worn it in the first picture but not feeling the love for the cardigan although I see from your remark you have decided to retire it.

Deborah

I think I recall seeing the cardigan in a previous post! I think you are at a point in your style journey where you can confidently farewell this sweater:). I think it has served you for a period of time but you have moved on. To my eye it is simply dated and doesn't have a modern spunky vibe that I am starting to associate with your developing style.

Suz

I guess what you have gleaned from it is that the colour is great for you, and that is useful information!

modgrl

Can you wear it unbuttoned? I think that would look nice. I don't really like what it's doing around your middle. Perhaps I am a bit sensitive as I am an apple and this area is always my biggest concern.

Janet

I agree that the cardigan can go, even though the color is nice -- there are lots of soft grey cardigans out there! The lavender is really flattering on you.

Parsley

I think you're making the right choice to let it go. You deserve better!

I do like both the gray and the lavender colors on you.

Unbuttoned it hangs very strangely. No, it's being laundered and then going in the donate pile. I've tried to make it work several ways and it just doesn't, so bye-bye. It was something of an experiment anyway, trying something outside of my normal pattern to see if it would work. In this case, it didn't.

Thank you everyone for the feedback. It helped me to know that it wasn't just me.

Atlantia

Posting a bit late, but reading through the replies I'm happy to see you'll be donating it. Perhaps someone else will enjoy it more. I've seen other outfits suit you far better.
I really like the lavender and pink colors on you, and I'd love to see more of that.

Day Vies

I love the lavender on you. Especially as a hint of color in #2. I have a sweater just like that in blue (inspiration!) But I agree it does overwhelm your frame when it hangs loose.

Jenava

I think it would be worth it for you to seek out a different cardi in this shade. I like #2 except the shape of the sweater, has has been noted, isn't idea. But the colors and overall style are great!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

I agree, the colors are great but the shape is not the best for you. I have given up on flyaway cardigans; I feel like they just emphasize my tummy and I think the same is happening here. I think you probably could try wearing this open, or with it folded at the neckline to make "lapels" and it might work, but perhaps it's not worth the fuss.

I find a v-neck cardigan that buttons all the way down more flattering, and if I wear a crewneck cardigan it's over something with a collar or a low tank that provides a visual "v-neck" of decollette.

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