ETA: Keep or donate: Citron cardi with gold buttons - YouLookFab Forum

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ETA: Keep or donate: Citron cardi with gold buttons

jussie

Veteran

Hello all,
Styling this cardi eluded me for over a year, for two reasons;
1) The sleeves are skin tight- it’s struggles to accommodate even a t-shirt sleeve underneath without bunching.
2) It has a copious amount of shiny gold buttons on it- adding another level of complexity to any outfit, especially since it’s such a bright colour.
However, at last today I think I’ve put something decent together. I have got circle shaped gold hardware on the sandals, and circle gold ear studs to subtly echo the vibe of the gold buttons. I think it works. The floral top is sleeveless, cotton voile, and I love it.
What do people think? Should I keep the cardi? Or is the colour just not flattering enough? So far this is the only outfit I’ve been able to create with it.

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38 replies

Latest reply was from lyn67

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I think that you have created a really nice outfit ,echoing the cardi s colour in your top has pulled the look together and I think that dark denim works well with that colour so on the basis of this outfit I would say keep but only you can decide whether it’s worth it or not on comfort issues.

Mainelady

Veteran

I love the color of the cardi and the blouse you paired it with. However, if it is tight in the arms and you are struggling to make it work in your wardrobe, maybe it is time to pass it on. Only you can decide. It is cute, but is it cute enough to earn closet space?

jussie

Veteran

Yes Cardiff girl and Mainelady.... does it deserve precious closet space.....That is the question. Just to clarify, physically the sleeves feel comfortable as the knit is very stretchy, just tricky to layer over another garment.

Aquamarine

Veteran

I quite like this outfit. The sweater adds a nice shot of brightness. However, I have struggled with cardigans with skin tight arms and almost never reached for them because of that. If you have a lot of sleeveless tops, you could save it for those.

ChrisM

Veteran

Very very cute outfit - but it is just one outfit. (Love the little foot peeking out in #3!)

Can you replace the gold buttons with something that aligns better with your style? Sometimes changing a little thing like that can open the door to better utilization with other items in your closet.

Can you wear it buttoned up as a top by itself? If the citron is too strong near your face, can you diffuse the color with a bandanna or some jewelry?

You said you’ve had it for a year. What is it that you wanted this sweater to give you that you think you needed? Color? Maybe you experimented with the color, and it doesn’t look like you thought? (Hello, my lucious tomato red. I’m talking to you.)

Too tight sleeves are a deal breaker for me, even over tanks. I have a couple of cardis that are being replaced as we speak because the sleeve thing drives me nuts.

You have an adorable look - super cute and color is charming on you IMHO. good luck!

Bijou

Veteran

I like this colour on you especially with your top. However, I have one cardigan that I bought because I loved the colour but the fit is not right - and I have decided to part ways with it. I am really over clothing that does not fit right, or is not comfortable to wear.

Your photo bomber has a cute foot!

unfrumped

Veteran

This particular outfit looks great so that’s no problem.
So, this is a bare- arms sweater. It’s kind of a statement- completer , or the sleeveless top is the completer for the sweater! It’s not VERSATILE but it might be very fun. That is what you would try to sort out, I guess. For me it might be worth it for a FAVORITE or HEWI color. Or be a placeholder until I found the better item. Conversely, some folks wear almost exclusively sleeveless shells with their toppers and so no other layering needs, or wear a lot of sleeveless things in summer.
I also try to ask whether the cardi will drive me to collect other items to go with IT that I wouldn’t need or use as much otherwise. Or whether I can just build a small functional capsule.
Also what ChrisM said— do you wear buttoned cards as tops ( I do or have been anyway. One reason is because cardis do come in such an array of colors and prints. )
This could also just be your year of “ wear the cardigan “ and see over a few months.

tanstaafl

I really like this outfit, but as you and others have said, it is just one outfit. Some things to consider: Why did you buy this cardigan? Whatever the reason, is it serving the purpose you thought it would? Do you have other sleeveless tops to wear it with? If not, do you like it enough to keep it for this one outfit? Do you have enough room in your closet for it?

Katerina

Veteran

I really like this outfit on you! It's a beautiful combination.

I am probably the worse person to give advice on keeping items v. donating - have a tendency too keep everything
I might also be biased because I LOVE this colour and I like metallic buttons. BUT I think the cardi looks great on you. If the sleeves are not uncomfortable, you could wear the cardi with sleeveless tops, tanks or, as ChrisM said, maybe buttoned as a top. So, FWIW, I would say give it one more chance!
Greetings to the little cute foot :-)!

bridgie

Veteran

I like the sweater. I like those buttons and I like the details on the cuff, buttons and split sleeve, and the color looks good on you. It is difficult for most of us to find a yellow that we can wear, but I do like to keep something yellow in my wardrobe. Did I mention that I like the sweater? lol However, as others have said, only you can determine your comfort level.

JAileen

Veteran

Your outfit is fab! One option, mention above, is to replace the buttons. I’ve done that before. I thrifted a pink JCrew tweed blazer with gold buttons. I replaced the gold buttons with pink ones. They look nice but don’t stick out as much.

Anonymous

I really like citron and I think the top and cardigan go really well together. I wouldn’t fret to much about the buttons—I think some gold jewelry solves that problem.

I also think tight arms is not that big a deal per se if they are not too tight, which they don’t appear to be. I find even with looser arms., sleeves tops still get bunchy.

I think one reason to keep this cardigan might be that the cardigan+top combo is the BEST possible combination for the top (which you already really like).

Otherwise I would pass it on because of its limited usefulness.

Love your top!

LaPed

Veteran

I love the colour, the whole outfit looks great. The gold buttons don't seem over the top to me, but you could always swap them out as others have mentioned. But only keep the cardi if you're happy with a topper that can only be layered over sleeveless tops. If that limits its utility too much, maybe it's best to pass it on.

Anonymous

Cute sweater, but I'm a firm believer in NOT having to work to style or use something . Tight in the sleeves - strike one. Too hard to style - skip right to 3 strikes - and it's out .

Anonymous

Voting keep. It's perfect with what you're wearing and looks great on you.

It has almost a "neutral" wildcard quality on you, maybe because of your blond hair? I think you could wear it easily with a grey, blue or white top.

organza

Love it! See if you wear it again this season...bet you will. The sweater would also look great with a navy striped tee for a nautical vibe as well as over a grey tee.

rachylou

Veteran

I LOVE this colour for you. That said, I vote Out. I agree the sleeves are too skinny and also the buttons too shiny for your style. I feel it’s not enough sweater and too much button...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love the cardi. You have plenty of sleeveless tops it should work with - no? It's fab with this one. I vote outfit creation session. This is an adorable look.

As for the shiny buttons - I like a bit of glitz

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Oh yay Angie said keep. I'm with Katerina, I even keep and try to wear some items I think I made a mistake on. I'm still quite wedded to not "wasting" money even though I understand about sunk cost.
But in this case, I think it's a stunning cardi and stunning outfit. You really shine in it, suits you so well. Perfect for a young Mum-on-the-go. I wouldn't care that there is only one outfit so far. I have a few things that are only worn one favourite way.

The Cat

Veteran

I vote keep. Cheerful colour. Looks great on you. It's a pity that the arms are so tight. But wear it with sleeveless tops. Your floral one with a little yellow looks perfect. I bet your yellow ardI would also look perfect with solid blue/navy or olive items.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It beautiful on you! I love it with this exceptionally pretty top.

Here are my thoughts. Look into changing the buttons. But...as someone who is struggling to change out gold buttons on a jacket and has not found the right alternates for over a year, I know that can be easier said than done.

Meanwhile, keep it and wear it like this and in any other combination you can, and don't feel guilty if that is not often. Be on the look out for the next great topper you can find in this colour -- one that won't have all these issues -- and then pass this one on.

Anonymous

WOW. That floral top is beautiful.

I have not read all the comments and I apologize for that. My first thought is that the cardigan is gorgeous with that floral top. But I am all about comfort. I could not stand a cardigan that was too tight in the arms. I suggest passing it on and finding something that better suits you.

I should also say I am in a "cull ruthlessly" phase and that might be influencing my opinion. However, I am finding as I cull, I also feel a sense of relief.

Anonymous

I have to agree the sleeveless print looks great with the cardi. Style wise I think you have a hit on your hands and I am sure other sleeveless and/or cami options will present themselves when you "creatively shop your closet".
Since you have paired it with gold jewelry, the buttons do not present a problem. But if it did.... there are great unique buttons out there at places like M& J trimming or shop buttons .com or etsy that have buttons that are jewelry and works of art on their own. I have changed out buttons on jackets, dresses and blouses when I felt it just needed something different.
As far as the sleeves being a little tight- what fiber is the sweater made of and what does the care label say? If it is washable- follow care instructions then put on a bathing suit and "wear it wet" for a little while -just long enough so the fibers of the sleeve will relax and mold to your arms (sort of like blocking knitting or crocheting on your person). May sound strange but it works better than just pulling on it causing it to lose its shape.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Yellow is up and coming, if you care about that (I don't think color trends are important if you don't like the color!) and I think this looks great on you. I wouldn't bother to change the buttons and if it is too tight I wouldn't wear it, so there's that.

krishnidoux

Veteran

It's a very cute combination!
You could try to change all the buttons to white or citron ones.
But since you mention the sleeves being tight, I would say donate.

Gigi

Veteran

When I have cardigans that are tight in the sleeves, I wear them with camis, buttoned up except for a button or two at the top and bottom. So they are considered an integral part of the outfit. Do you have any camis you could try it with?

jussie

Veteran

What an incredible range of wise, insightful replies. Thank you to each and every one of you. It's interesting, we seem to be divided into two camps:
1) Those who want every single garment to work HARD.
2) Those who will make room for garments with limited usefulness.

I know being in the first camp would make ones wardrobe more functional. However at the moment I think I am in category 2. Although this cardi does none of the work I expected it to when I bought it, I do especially like it as a completer piece for the voile top. Because I love that top and don't have many toppers for it, I am willing to allow this cardi a bit more leniency than it deserves on its own merit. People's suggestion of changing the buttons makes great sense, however I think the tightness of sleeve, and mediocre quality of the piece precludes it from having any money spent on it. If it were a higher natural fibre content I would be willing to spend on altering buttons.
I will try the following excellent suggestions:

1) Using it buttoned up as a top in itself.
2) Testing it with the other sleeveless blouse I have that I think may work with it.
3) Stretching it out a little next time its wet ('Sizing/blocking' the knit).

....and my own two ideas:
1) wearing it open over a white cami with a statement necklace.
2) Trying it over my two sleeveless dresses... just in case.

Thanks everyone, you have really helped me out with my thought process, and the insights will be applicable to other wardrobe dilemmas.

SarahD8

Veteran

Jussie, I also struggle with that dilemma of everything should work hard vs it’s ok to have items with limited usefulness.

I notice that my workhorses tend to fit squarely in the center of “my uniform” territory. The limited usefulness items do not - they tend to represent a different silhouette or outfit formula.

If I were to ruthlessly cull to have only workhorse items, I would basically always be wearing my “uniform.” On the one hand, that’s a very reliable way for me to feel put together and physically comfortable (which is how/why it became my uniform!). On the other hand, I feel a little self conscious about always dressing the exact same way. But, trying to wear those limited usefulness items often feels like a struggle (which then diminishes the happiness factor of the outfit).

As I’m typing this out, I think that my strategy going forward will be to focus on limited usefulness items that are *exactly right* for the handful of outfits they work in, and on “wildcard” items that are different from my usual in some way but unexpectedly turn out to be more versatile/useful than I had anticipated.

I hope this is not too much of a hijack. I just wanted to say that I share your dilemma. I hope you will update us with other outfits you create using this sweater! I think that would be very informative for my own process.

jussie

Veteran

SarahD8: not a hijack at all . I hear what you’re saying totally. I don’t have a uniform or silhouette that I stick to, but I do think I need some kind of system in place to prevent myself from becoming overloaded with closet orphans!
In this day and age there’s just such a massive availability of different and beautiful clothing that we need some way of reducing purchases down to a reasonable level too, and having some kind of uniform must help with that too.
At the moment I am trying to restrict myself to only filling wardrobe holes, as opposed to buying things just because they’re aesthetically striking. It’s definitely helping so far.
The citron cardi is a case in point- aesthetically interesting, however has become a wardrobe orphan as it doesn’t fill a hole and isn’t a basic/essential.
A couple of these items is ok, but too many and my wardrobe becomes less and less functional.

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