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WIW: white is the new black and salvaging my shopping mistakes

Suz

(website)

Veteran

As Jackie so elegantly illustrates, white really IS the new black. At least for blondes.

Today I am trying to salvage another of my NAS shopping mistakes. Yes, I confess. Not only did I cut those tags too early on the Kenneth Cole drapey sweater (now worn to perfection by LisaP) but I also got a bit too enthusiastic about this overly drapey Pleione mixed media top.

I'd been eyeing it on forum members for years in various colours. I really, really loved the idea of a drapey, soft, knit shirt for transitional weather work-at-home days. I loved the colour. And it was to replace a less-fab (but also less voluminous) version that I wore the heck out of last year. So, ignoring Angie's gentle advice and my own better judgement, I pulled the trigger.

And...reader....I bought TWO of these!!

Only to realize that all this volume really is too much for me.

I gave the white version to my daughter. She can wear it. Phew!!

But the magenta one I am keeping for its colour and trying my best to salvage. I'll never look as great as N-Marie does in hers, but semi-tucking and layering over a white jacquard knit shell does help a bit.

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Pleione Mixed Media Tunic (Regular & Petite)

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44 replies

Latest reply was from Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

LadyLilac

Love the color on you, I can see why you were tempted! It is a lovely fall option, IMO.

Neel

Veteran

I wish I had some kind of a clue about what you are talking about O_O. This looks beautiful on you! Atleast from where I sit! Gorgeous with the white shell IMO.

Anonymous

Now THAT is a great idea, and really cute. In fact, that white at the neck really pops and ties the whole look together. You're right, white is indeed your colour - and makes this top sing. Way to go!

lyn67

Veteran

Sorry for the shopping mistakes, it happens to all! But what a blast for LiasP and DD:-)). The magenta shirt looks so great here, love all the adjustments you did for salvaging it, as coor is trully beautifull and suits you as the fallish version of the fuchsia! YLF Suz and I always love me a notch neckline. In fact, I do have a simillar color and neck mixmedia shirt go with my white jeans, too:-).

Late to the party, but am finally agree: white is the new black-at least regarding my jeans for fall! I love them, too much! Now, if only the brands I am familiar with would keep up with my outsandig needs. I do have only one BF jeans in white, and wanted another one, for change. But, there is no way to find oe here, in fall:-(. It seems, white jeans are ony a spring item for the EU retalers, or what! Are the white jeans an all year long item overseas?

Joyce B

Veteran

I think it looks fab on you and I love your outfit.
I agree that white is the new black for blondes.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I think it looks great Suz but of course the most important thing is how it feels to you. The color is gorgeous and I don't think there is more volume than in JCrew linen tee or cashmere sweater you bought in summer. Maybe the neckline and the tab sleeve affect how you feel in it?
In any case great job on salvaging and love youe "new black" with it!
I am not blond but white is a new black for me too but I still have to find those HEWI of white jeans...

Mona

Veteran

Really fab look on you! The top does not look voluminous at all when styled this way. What size did you order?
And white is totall the new black for brunettes like me too. I was never ever into black.

shemarie

If that's wrong, I never want to be right!! It's a beautiful color and I'm so with you on the "saving grace" properties of white! So, so thankful the "no white after Labor Day" rule has become a thing of the past!! I especially like your addition of the animal print to the mix. As another work-from-home mom, I love your chic style!

Peri

Veteran

I wish my favorite clothes looked as good as your mistakes.

You do set an incredibly high bar. But I would say, yes, you salvaged this "mistake".

Sara L.

Veteran

The shirt looks really good on you here. I wouldn't call it a mistake but I didn't see your previous attempts with it. Pretty color!

Alassë

Veteran

The colour combo is great!

merwoman

Veteran

Gorgeous colour on you Suz - and what a fresh way to wear it with the high necked white shell underneath. Love the touch of leopard as well. And don't get me started on 'mistakes' - these are our style lessons. As we up our PPP quotient we are highly attuned to every 'perceived' imperfection.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

It is a lovely color. Is it that it is a bit stronger than the fuchsia that you love so well? I do like the addition of the white under it and it lightens and brightens the top. Are you going to add boots/booties to carry the look further into the fall/winter season?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well, thank you all for salvaging my ego, LOL.

The colour is one aspect that absolutely drew me to this top. I really love these purply pinks and berries.

Mona, it's an XS. Maybe I should have tried the petite version. Not sure it would have made a difference, though.

Sveta, you're right -- it is not the volume per se -- the top drapes really well, and I have no issue with waist (or any other) surrendering. It's the combination of the volume with a too-open (for me) neckline, and the loosey-goosey tab sleeves (which don't always stay nicely rolled). Put all that together and it is not quite enough structure. But a semi-tuck helps rein it in and the underlayer prevents me from feeling as if I am flashing my distinct lack of assets to the assembled populace!

Lyn, it can be pretty difficult to find white jeans in fall/ winter here as well, although some are on sale, I guess. These are my three year old Kut from the Kloth skinnies. Definitely not a new item. I rolled them like BFs here.

Lisa, Ladylilac, Alasse, Sara, Shemarie, Joyce -- thank you!

Peri, you crack me up. This top would be brilliant on you, by the way. Do you have it?

Neel, I think it looks better in photos than IRL, although Mr. Suz liked it enough to beg me to keep. So I may be too hard on myself.

Sarah A

Veteran

I think this looks fantastic Suz! Salvaging the neckline with the white layer is really creative

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Cheryl, yes -- I'll definitely add booties later in the season, and unroll the pants, too.

Sue - thank you. You're so right. Without mistakes we never learn.

Sarah - thank you!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I'm not sure why this is a shopping mistake, I think it looks great on you. It has a flattering neckline and color. I see it as an alternative to a t-shirt; it's more refined so perfect for your style, yet looks super comfy. What is it that doesn't work for you, is it the untucked look?

(There are many tops I cannot wear untucked. Because they are usually the wrong length. They would come above the crotch on a normal sized person but on me they hit me below crotch at the most unflattering point, the top of my thighs which is also my widest point. So I am very, very used to semi-tucking, rather than getting everything altered.)

abc

Veteran

You look so great in the pic, but I understand when something is not quite right. It's great you are trying to salvage the "mistakes" - and to be really honest, it is nice to know even veterans like you make mistakes now and again. Sometimes I think we (incorrectly) believe the more experienced forum members have a 100% success rate when it's not true. Shopping smart takes a lot of practice and trial and error. Thanks for reminding me of that.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

ETA I see it's the deep neckline that bugs you. My solutions are: wear plunge bras and flash away. Or, put a cami on underneath for no flashing. I have come accept that flash happens and 90% of the time there are only 2 people who see it -- my Mom and my boyfriend. I actually think it's more exciting for my Mom as she, at age 81, thinks I have the smoothest firmest skin!! BF is a butt guy so he could care less.

OK, totally TMI for a Monday!!!

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Haha Denise, that is too funny! Thanks for brightening my day:)

Suz, I actually love this on you, but I know your attention to detail and can see why you're not quite sold on the top. You do look fab in it anyway!

jackiec

Veteran

ACK! This is a mistake!? I love it. Yes isn't white the new black!??! This is a fab outfit, Suz! The colour is gorgeous on you. Hmmm, fantastic idea to layer the t underneath. Now I'm wondering if I've been looking horrid in my pleoine mixed medias. We are style/body cousins aren't we? I'm going to have to play with mine. I have the black & white but haven't felt too bad I them. Mind you, I never felt too bad in deep Vnecks until Angie pointed out that boatnecks would be better

Glad you salvaged your NAS stuff. I have a confession,,, I wonder if i shouldn't have bought the Munro black booties.....I feel like I need something "tougher".... Aaaaahhhhhhhhhh

Sal

Veteran

I also think this is a great combination. The colour will be lovely in fall and winter with dark denims and greys as well.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Kiwigal, you're right -- it's a really versatile colour, which is one reason I was attracted to it.

Jackie, you make me smile. You probably look better in your Pleione tops because you are taller. Also, you have the wrap one, right? It's a bit different than this one and less voluminous. And the V on it is nice an narrow. So I'm sure it works on you and it might possibly even work on me.

Thanks, Ingunn.

Denise, that's a hoot. If I had something to flash I wouldn't mind flashing. It's more the bony expanse that worries me. If I could transfer some flesh from the butt to that area I might look great in this neckline, LOL. Your boyfriend and I would both be happy.

abc, glad if my errors help others!

In truth, it was not an expensive mistake, so at least I don't have to feel too bad about that. I haven't wasted my money because I've already worn the thing 4 or 5 times. CPW is rapidly decreasing.

Isabel

Veteran

Author, this is a fabulous color on you and you have edited it beautifully.

Why did Angie not thing this was right for you ( just so that I can learn ).

Staysfit

Veteran

Suz, it's good to see someone be resourceful and trying to make something that is less than perfect work rather than just toss it out or give it away.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Suz, this makes sense. I have ditched a couple of dresses yesterday exactly because their neckline was too deep for me and I don't feel fab in them (a tear was shed over my beloved Tahari black sheath with origami neckline which I LOVE but cannot pull off the deep V now after my weight loss).
I also hear you on the voluminous sleeves. I was trying several cropped sweaters in Aritzia this weekend and that was exactly what I did not like about them: the body was great but the sleeves were too wide and overwhelmed me - even though I am quite an opposite of tiny!

Anonymous

Well this is a jolly good save! You are making the best of that top with the underlayer, which is probably starting to feel necessary with the dropping temps. Could you layer the top over a turtle neck as well? That color is just stunning on you, and I love the leopard accents. Of course I love the white jeans, too. That goes without saying!

I hear you on the "bony expanse" (on Denise, it's the "bonnie expanse", lol). I have tried on so many tops like that. It's a combination of the collarless feature, combined with the V, added to the volume that makes them so hard for me to wear. If I had shoulder-length hair, I think that would help a lot. Your underlayer takes care of the first two issues, and the semi-tuck takes care of the third. And if we're handing out medals for shopping mistakes, I win first prize.

Anonymous

@Sveta, I wonder if your recent weight loss has played a part in your recent realization. Were you able to wear more volume before?

N-Marie

Veteran

Suz- so nice of you to mention my WIW, but I disagree that this top doesn't work for you! I think you have found a way to wear it that is very "you", and will transition well into fall. And that top is hard to photograph- when I take inside pics it looks like a burgundy but in daylight it is clearly magenta- I bet the color looks stunning on you in real life.
And FWIW, I did have to size down to when I bought it (I got the PXS). Pleione sizing seems a bit wonky - I have the wrap top in PXS as well, but I tried the sleeveless top in the same size and it was huge and billowy on me. I think it's another example of finding the "fluid" fit and tucking style that works for your frame.

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