WIW 1/12 and 1/13: Old Lady and Librarian

Yesterday I wore my Anthro purple tweed coat with faux fur collar (which I call my "old lady coat" in my mind because it just has that vibe for me). And today I wore my "librarian" outfit (BTW when I was little, I always said I wanted to be a librarian and an ice cream truck driver when I grew up). And of course, sensible shoes (bronze Born ballet flats) both days. What do you think, frumpy or fabulous? Or maybe a little of both--frumpalicious? And is the pattern mixing in the first outfit veering toward crazy cat lady territory?

1-3. Anthro Tiny purple tweed coat with faux fur collar
Splendid cranberry cowl neck shirt
Halogen lace cami
Anthro floral skirt
Bronze Born flats
Ann Taylor necklace
Fossil floral bag

4-6. H&M grey textured cardigan
Anne Fontaine cream dotted blouse
H&M rose and plum plaid skirt
Anthro Moss Mills leaf belt
Bronze Born flats
Kate Spade grey croc bag

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12 years ago

Vildy

Veteran

I like the lines and energy of outfit #4 on you. I'm not liking the effects of the drapey
top.

JennyAnne

(website)

I LOVE your "old lady" coat. Ha! It's really fun. I also love all of the second outfit - the swishy midi with the fitted blouse is great!

I love 4/5 so much that I'm now thinking about hemming my plaid maxi skirt.

Anonymous

I am not too good with pattern mixing so I can't comment, but don't you love those Kate Spade "tote" bags? I have the Knightsbridge Helena in patent. It is my favorite bag!

I'm crazy for your librarian look! Librarians are some of my favorite people.

Astrid

Like Alicat I love your librarian look! Unfortunately most librarians in real life don't follow the cliché, or we would be one stylish crowd.

Isis

GP--LOVE the librarian outfit! EVERYTHING about it is divine!

I also like the "old lady" look, but only without the coat (#3). For me, too much is going on in #1, with regard to textures, shape and pattern. BUT, I'm a simple person.

Amy

Hurrah for old lady and librarian chic! You look great in both outfits. The pattern mixing in outfit #1 works for me. I really love #2--perhaps because it's a little simpler?

I've come to the conclusion that frumpy has to do with attitude more than what you wear. If you feel frumpy, people are more likely to perceive you that way.

Don "frumpy" elements with deliberation and add a cheeky grin and you'll be knocking people's socks off. In that case, you're wearing frump with irony.

I haven't had my coffee yet, though, so this could all be nonsense.

Anyway, I love to see you experiment with different styles. You're so creative!

Refugee

I would echo what Isis said. I think the drapey neckline of the blouse is competing with the fur collar of the very cool old lady coat. And the librarian outfit is simple without being dull, which is awesome in my book.

rae

I'm wondering if #1 violates the coat-skirt-length rule? Something is a little off, so that may be it. Otherwise, I love all the colors. Old ladies are awesome, because they still like to bring the fashion!

The librarian outfit is awesome all around - love the AF blouse to pieces!

Diana

I love all the pattern mixing in the first look... you are one stylish old lady! I do agree with some of the other ladies that something about the neckline proportions seems a little off, but I wouldn't worry about it too much - my hunch is that if you just wear the coat closed that will fix the problem.

And I love the librarian look! It reminded me that I actually have a plaid wool midi that's been neglected lately, so maybe I'll try copying you sometime soon.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Natalie, you are *really* honing in on your style. It's becoming very focused and pulled together - and I love it

Both outfits here are KILLER. I adore your old lady coat. It's a 10!

OT, is your b-day on 9th July?

mrseccentric

Natalie, i just love both of these looks! I smile even thinking about them!

As Angie says, they really reflect your own unique style. Many flattering outfits you see out there would work very well for another person of similar shape and coloring. And that's great! But outfits like these ones - it's hard to imagine them having the same life and verve on anyone besides YOU, because of how very personal they are. It includes line, color, and so on but goes beyond that to reflect individual choice.

Hope that makes sense - i just love it! steph

CocoLion

Love the midi skirt with the Anne Fontaine blouse, which has perfect fit. The structured bag is such a great way to offset the softness of the look.

Transcona Shannon

You are rockin' old lady and librarian Natalie! I adore your plaid midi in the second outfit.

HelenInCanada

So daintily chic - on the verge of arty geek fantasy! How can I follow a Killer rating?! Your midis are simply ladylike perfection - and I love the cranberry drapey shirt and Anne Fontaine blouse! Not frumpalicious at all - quite true to your Demure Bombshell persona, but this time much further on the demure side of the spectrum...lol. I think these are tasteful but very interesting outfits! Your posts are so enjoyable and fun to learn from!

Kappy

These are all *so* "you"! And I'm crazy about that croc handbag.

goldenpig

Thanks so much everyone for the boost! I was surprised, I didn't think you guys would like these looks as much as you did, but I agree, they are very "me".

And yes, Angie, we share a birthday!

When outfits are "you" - they are best, Natalie. It REALLY shines through and we can see that a mile off. Well done!

Hah! You are the first forum member who shares my b-day! But I think you are younger than me - no? I'm 41.

Only by a few years, Angie! I am 38. Let's have a party together to celebrate next July!

A YLF party sounds like a KILLER idea! You turn 39 and I turn 42. Such a great place to be in life.

heeheehee! now we know why Natalie's such a phenomenally quick style study !!! steph

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