This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this
post) says it best, "You know, that thing you
bought because you love it and you keep pulling it
out and then putting it away without wearing it?"Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.
Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)
Today's angst-filed query: leopard print.
ReplyDeleteI've away wanted to wear leopard print but could use some help on pairings/combinations.
I managed to pick up a number of pieces on pop back
1) Tippi sweater in leopard print F5342 and Jackie shell in leopard F4437 - What sort of "topper" can I wear beyond a black blazer, black cardigan, a denim jacket (on casual Fridays), and maybe even a pink cardigan (although what shade of pink?). I've rejected brown and camel coloured items as toppers because it's not that flattering on me. I'd especially appreciate color pairing suggestions. I've tried it with navy, but it doesn't seem quite right but perhaps I need the right shade of navy?
2) Jackie cardigan in leopard F4438 - I'm finding this actually even harder to work with than the Jackie shell and the Tippi. Maybe it's because it's the outer layer and the leopard is so much more prominent. I can wear a black and white striped shirt or turtleneck, maybe a paler blue button down. But what color Tippis can I wear underneath? I have an embarrassingly large collection of Tippis but the pairings all seem a little forced and not quite right. Could it possible be that I don't have enough Tippis and need to get more?! (By the way - if you're petite, the sleeves on this Jackie iteration are really long and stretchy - probably too long, necessitating that they be in constant rolled up mode)
3) Leopard tie waist skirt F5851 reg and F5852 petite - J Crew had a lovely "How it's Done" feature with this skirt https://hello.jcrew.com/2016-09-september/how-its-done-leopard-skirt but I'd like to wear it with some color on top. Perhaps the tips for items 1 and 2 above will lead me to some color inspiration. Any suggestions on shoes beyond a black heel? It looks great in How it's Done with the caged flats in pale bloom glossy leather. So am I looking at black, nude or pale pink, maybe a "warm sepia" for shoes?
They say in "how it's done" that leopard goes with everything - but I am finding it is not the case. Perhaps my point of view is too narrow? I'd like to break out of my comfort zone with the leopard but perhaps it's just not meant to be and I should just be returning the sweaters which were mercifully not final sale.
Thank you!
I'm not very good at styling leopard (I only have shoes), but I like leopard with red and camel.
DeleteI actually love leopard print but usually stick to accessories and shoes because of this very reason.
DeleteI prefer the classic black and denim/chambray combos... But I've seen leopard done well with bright colors like red, hot pink, bright green.
I'm the same...I do leopard shoes and belts, scarves. I used to have shirts too and totally have to stop myself because I love them, but...
DeleteI love leopard with gray, I think it makes it look more sophisticated and tones it down a bit. I think pink and pale blue work also. Doesn't need to be a pure pastel. but they show those silk wool collection pants in light blue with leopard shoes and it looks great.
I often see people mix leopard with blue and white stripe, so it works, but it depends if that's in your comfort zone.
I've also seen it work with florals. It all depends on the scale.
I love pairing leopard with red, burgundy, bright pink, emerald green, kelly green, & forest green. I've also paired it with black & white prints like stripes, dots, or gingham (with solids to break it up, I'm not that bold!). Today I'm wearing the calf-hair leopard print wedges from Factory with black ankle pants, a cinnamon-colored top, & a camel blazer.
DeleteI usually stay away from pairing leopard w lots of black and brown because it looks boring and dated to my eye. I love it w jewel tones - burgundy, darker greens, navy. Chambray under a leopard sweater breaks up the print and looks great.
DeleteI love with leopard with mustard and some sort of print mixing (b/w stripes or polka dots). I also wear both my Jackie cardi and short sleeve leopard pieces wth the navy lace skirt. If I'm wearing the cardi, I'll pair it with a blush tank and blush shoes. It feels very sophisticated and modern. I don't particularly like leopard with darker colors as that feels dated. I also like leopard with cream lace (lace tops or a skirt). I plan to wear my leopard Jackie with the new cream fringe dot midi with some neutral tank. I've worn my s/s sweater with the burnt orange clip dot midi (your shell works here too) with a denim jacket. I'm going to try emerald as Taylor suggests and gray and Suz suggests. Both great ideas!
DeleteYou need to go back a bit in my Instagram jcrewmycrew but I paired the tie waist leopard skirt with black suede boots and an older bright yellow ribbed jcrew sweater. Hope that helps!
Delete+1 on leopard with jewel tones. I also love it with pink and often wear bright pink with leopard shoes. I did leopard accents with navy and camel last week (navy pants, navy/white top with leopard belt and shoes and a camel colored blazer. I also love it with black/white stripes.
DeleteAnyone else own the collection tuxedo blazer with satin lapel (F8611)? Thinking about how to rock it without pairing with blue jeans.
ReplyDeleteI don't have it but I considered getting it, aside from the fact that I have the black Ludlow collection blazer and a black Rhodes blazer...among others...I'd wear it the same way I would wear any other black blazer. If not blue jeans, black, white, jeans/pants, or over a dress...I love a more masculine blazer over a flirty dress or skirt. It's GORGEOUS, (at least from pics!)
DeleteIt would totally look amazing over skinny black pants, leather pants or even pixies, or printed pajama type or silk pants.
DeleteIt's super pretty, but longer than I would normally wear. I got it for a steal (around $60) and may get rid of my black schoolboy blazer that I haven't worn in a year.
DeleteWhen I put an outfit together I like, I'll post it on my insta. Maybe next week! :-)
Wow! How did you get it so cheap?! That's amazing!
DeletePatience and just the right promo, I guess ^_^
DeleteHow did you find it runs? Now I need to stalk...
DeleteI ordered a 0 (my normal blazer size), and it fits nicely. Could maybe have done 00, but the 0 is comfortable. Sizing down would probably be uncomfortable in the shoulders.
DeleteThanks everyone for the thoughts on leopard print. Please keep the suggestions coming!
ReplyDeleteNext topic: quilted lady jacket in stewart plaid F8503.
I initially said no to the jacket because I couldn't wrap my mind around the polyester feel, but when it got marked down and then there was the additional 50% promo code, so I caved. The tag says that it is machine washable. Yes, it's polyester, but I am a bit sceptical. Has anyone been brave enough to machine wash this jacket. (I thought it was really funny but I guess it makes sense because of the quilting - there was an upholstery tag inside the jacket - the kind that says only to be removed by consumer, affixed pursuant to applicable laws, etc.)
I believe TheDirectrice styled this jacket on her blog last month, you could ask there.
DeletePersonally, if I were going to machine wash it I'd place it in a large mesh laundry bag to prevent anything snagging it, and do it on a short gentle cycle.
whats up with the promos these days ?....retail is getting like factory. have to check your prices every second day. time wasting.
ReplyDeleteThey need the promos to stimulate sales. The company needs $$$ as they have a whole lot of debt coming due and the bonds are trading well below par.
DeleteNeed help styling the j crew paper bag waist pants. Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a thin, slim-fitting top to tuck in. A high-quality second-skin fitting t-shirt, or perhaps the lightweight cashmere bodysuit (I saw it in store and there are buttons at the crotch so you can get it on and off!)
DeleteHi Katherine, Suz Has just posted some outfits with these pants on her IG (wearthislikethis). They looked really good with a fitted button down shirt (like the perfect shirt). I agree with Cass that it needs to be pretty fitted and tucked in (obviously).
DeleteThanks Lauren! @katherine I posted them twice on IG @wearthislikethis.
DeleteI feel like they work with all kinds of shoes (I've tried flat loafers, slingbacks and heels) but shirts are trickier. I thought I'd really like them with a gray sweater (similar to how they styled the red tie waist skirt with the red pom pom cable knit) and it felt too bulky. My favorite option is a gray and white striped favorite shirt that's pretty fitted. I tend to dress monochromatic but any type of fitted button down would work. I'm sure a tee would too, I just liked those materials together. I have a light blue short sleeve Oxford from a few seasons ago, it's got a pearl embellishment on the left or right side, I was thinking of trying that one too.
My daughter would really love those outfits especially the dress. That kimono would be very versatile. UpdateLand
ReplyDeleteAh this dress has officially gotten me ready for spring!! It’s gorgeous, and i love those earrings!!
ReplyDeleteHarold Burton
So many cute looks! I especially love your outfit for family pics, your earrings are adorable!
ReplyDeleteKelly Hubbard