What I Wore

Now that I have a place in the sewing room that I can take pictures, I have discovered that educational value of taking pictures of what I am wearing.  Having the camera always in the same place, on a tripod with a self timer, with the same background and approximately the same light, give or take, has been extremely helpful in determining what I actually look like, what looks good or doesn't, and where I want to go with my wardrobe.   I feel like I am very much in the process of finding my way.

Here are some of my wardrobe choices over the last week.  I've lost a little more weight in the waist and hips, more in the waist than the hips, but I'm still middle aged and a little on the pudgy side:  5'9, size 12, trying to figure out what I want to wear now.

Boot cut jeans, now a little too big and which will soon need replaced.

Brilla Boatneck Sweater.  I have been uncomfortable wearing this but I realize that my discomfort was because it hugs the shape, which I now realize might not be so bad.  The color is good.  I originally wore it with rather loose pants, and these jeans are too loose as well.  It needs to be worn with something properly fitted.

Ceramic necklace given to me by step-daughter 15 years ago.   Black sandals.

Red Engine Boyfriend Jeans.  Red Banana Republic Tee.  Donna Karan Sandals.  I changed the jewelry immediately after I saw the photographs.  

Note for the future:  crew necklines are not my friend.

I like the jeans worn at this length on me.  It might not be on-trend, but it is definitely "my look".

Same jeans, rolled up one turn higher to show the ankle.  This length is much more difficult for my proportions. This look is so-so.  It doesn't look bad, but it looks like I am trying too hard, at least to me.

I was about to donate the top to Salvation Army and was giving it one last try-on when G thought I should wear it.  As I said it is not bad, but I think it looks too young and frou-frou for me.  I think what bothers me is the combination of the gathers with the puffy cap sleeve.   The neckline is obviously more flattering than the crew neck. Top from Anthropologie.

Gladiator sandals from Sam Edelman.

Cord and glass necklace.  

Silver mesh bangles and horn bangle from Sundance.

This does show me that there is hope for turned up jeans, which I like in principle, if I get the pieces and proportions right.

Green sweater I knitted years ago.  I really knitted my sweaters too large back then as I was probably a size 8 when I knitted this and it is not tight now.  I used to love this sweater.  Perhaps it was more flattering then. Now it is the wrong length and too boxy.  The floppy sleeves and cowl don't help.

Grey tropical wool pants from Banana Republic.

Heavy silver chain inherited from my mother in law.  Pendant purchased in Arizona.

The same dark jeans as in the first picture.  The top was made a few years ago using Hot Patterns Weekender Renaissance Tops pattern in lightweight rayon jersey.  I didn't blog about this at the time, I don't know why.

I think I need more of these.

Red/Grey/Black pumps from Kenneth Cole.

The bracelet is made from antique bakelite and plastic buttons sewn on elastic. 

Current/Elliot "The Skinny Jean".  These are the same jeans I wore when I was modeling Mine.  I haven't hemmed them yet.  At that time they were a little snug in the waist.  They are not now.

Brown knit top from Soft Surroundings.  Now a bit too large.  The combination emphasizes the hips.  This may not be a bad thing.

Today I am wearing the gray tunic I showed you not long ago.  Without the belt the seam at the hip shows.  I am not sure how I feel about this but I probably obsess too much.  The belt was too much with the necklace which I wanted to wear.

The necklace is large,heavy, interlocking brass rings.  I don't remember who made it.

Gray tropical wool Banana Republic pants.  

Bronze cuff from Boston Proper Catalog.

Brown Suede Mules from Stuart Weitzman.

 

Comments

[Gina]

What a great idea to "journal" your outfits and really take a look at yourself from an angle other than the mirror.

Let me go on record as saying that the crew neck is a friend to very few. I think only the smallest of busts can wear that neckline without it looking to frowsy/frumpy or just plain "blah".

I do like the twist of the teal top, but I do agree that there's something that keeps it from being 100%. I'm not sure what it is, but I think that neckline and bust detailing would work better with long sleeves.

What a great spin on "what not to wear".

[materfamilias]

Your photography set-up is probably a great way to get to Une Femme's Cinderella wardrobe -- too systematic for me (I'm just not that organized) but it becomes so clear what works, what's ho-hum, what's fabulous (that dark brown v-neck is great on you!).

[Susan]

Very interesting. You might want to check out myshape.com, which helps you classify your body type and suggests flattering styles based on it.
I'd comment on what I think looks good, but since you're ignoring my advice about those cuffed jeans, well, never mind. They all look ok.

[K-Line]

These are some great looks. I actually think the red crew neck looks great on you. For your figure, I think fitted tops are terrific. They emphasise your narrow waist and long legs. The boxier tops really don't do that to the same extent. I like the grey reworked jersey top without the belt - though I probably prefer it with. And the brown knit top with the coral pendant at the chest is incredibly flattering. Doesn't emphasise hips at all.

[Laura]

Wow, I love that Hot Patterns top on you. Did you have any problems fitting it? I haven't had a lot of luck with HP as of yet.