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! :)
I was going through my closet and thought about this top that I've never worn—it's the classic silk shirt in stripe, and the stripes are maybe 1/2 inch thick, slate gray and off white. It's a bit long, 30" but not quite tunic length.
ReplyDeleteIronically I bought a silk tank/sleeveless top in the same stripe that I've worn a bunch. It looks great with slouchy distressed jeans and sandals.
It's a pretty bold vertical stripe. Obviously I loved it because I paid a lot for it.
Another item that sits unloved is a short sleeve button down in Oxford shirting material, light blue, with a pearl crest. It may have been a collection item. It's boxy and has a straight hem, if memory serves. It doesn't really tuck in well. Now that I'm thinking about it, tying my Cabernet skinny silk scarf around my neck may add a little punch I think it needs without competing with the pearl embellishment, but I'm stuck on bottoms. When I bought it I was thinking it would look cute with a white eyelet mini I had but it didn't work out.
This is all coming from someone who feels most comfortable in black and minimal pattern...
Can I ask a stupid question? I know you sell on Poshmark - why haven't you sold these yet, if you haven't worn them? Especially the striped top since you have one so similar. I am prone to holding onto items as well so I really don't have any right to talk! But I have been making a concerted effort to weed out (or not buy) similar items to what I already own & wear...
DeleteI just sold my same striped shirt - I have a weakness for stripes but never ever wore this top. I sold it in no time on Posh. I think we all are drawn to pretty things but I find that if I naturally don't pick it to style it with my wardrobe and have to force myself to wear it, then it's not getting worn. Does that make sense?
DeleteI've been taking a much more critical eye to my closet now that I'm needing to replace sizes, etc. A lot of items I like but can't style are just getting moved out.
But for styling - have you tried the oxford shirt with a skinny pant? Maybe a navy skinny pant and flats to balance out the blousiness of the top could work with the bandana
Great thought, Anne! Do you have navy pants, Suz? (I know you're into black. :) ) I love a combo of french blue + navy + burgundy, it's one of my faves.
DeleteI listed the thicker striped top recently. Some likes but not sold yet. I ask about styling because I realize I was drawn to the linen stripes that are in the end releases, then I saw what I already own, and realized, if I don't wear what I have, why would I wear that?
DeleteI was thinking of trying the Oxford shirt with the paperbag waist pants. I think I may have tried it with the slouchy jeans I wear often and it was ok. I guess it's just not my usual style and we know I'm a creature of habit.
@taylor I don't have navy. Only black and charcoal! (Well, olive green but I don't think that would work due to the styles.)
DeleteSuz, the charcoal might work!
DeleteReporting back. Since I was wearing my favorite jeans, I tried both shirts. The Oxford actually fits really well, not boxy. Looks good untucked or tucked with the right rise, as it doesn't blouse at all, the Oxford cloth is stiff. I think the the color throws me a little, but it's nice and I'll try to wear it.
DeleteThe stripe looks fine, it's just a weird color blue gray, that's ok with denim but not quite black, blue or gray, maybe it will look cute with a red skirt, or loose and tied over light wash jeans.
Anne, im also trying really hard to not make closet mistakes. I try and try and try clothes on. I'm just so critical I can love something on me one day and just not feel right the next.
OT, email announcement - 30% off purchase of "select items" in stores starting tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThank you! A decent promo, I think I'll try to visit a store. :)
DeleteOT for those trying to be more strategic and less impulsive about wardrobe decisions ... Youlookfab has a great post today about determining your "wardrobe essentials" ... The items that are workhorse basics that make the rest of your wardrobe work, including statement-type pieces. Everyone has a different set of essentials.
ReplyDeleteI tend to buy too many non-essentials and statement items. I'm going to make a good list of my own essentials because it seems like many of my impulsive J Crew purchases are exactly what I don't need more of.
So, I have a question. Where should crop Teddie pants hit on your legs? My first Teddie pants arrived, and while I love the fit, my husband absolutely hates it. I realize it does not work with boots of any kind, will have to wear flat or sandals. It hit about 1/3 above the ankle (between ankle and knee), if that make sense. How do you wear this?
ReplyDeleteI think they're meant to be slightly above the ankle. It's about a 25 inch inseam. I have a love hate relationship with the length. What I've read, and I'm not saying this necessary works for me, is that when you wear a crop flare with ankle boots you should see a sliver of ankle. I've seen them worn longer as well, but since they're short on you try them with some ankle boots and see. I kind of like them with laceups, either sandals or flats. Truth be told I just got my first pair. I went back and forth and finally decided since the price was too good to pass up. There's always a need for black pants in my life so I'm sure I'll figure out a decent way to wear them.
DeleteI also like to take a full length pic with a self timer. (Probably a feature on your phone or iPad.) I find it's much more objective than looking in the mirror.
@suz Has, so I think it is showing about 5~6 inch of skin on me. If it has a smaller leg, maybe it would work better. That wide leg sort of throw it off. Because this is black pant, the color really throw off the balance. I will definitely try the take a picture method, and see how I like that. I am expecting the green color pair tomorrow, and see how the lighter color will work.
DeleteI'm planning to wear mine with wedges. I'm not home right now to check the fit, but 5-6 inches of leg sounds familiar. (I'm 5'9). I can't picture wearing them with ankle boots, but would love to see pics I anyone tries it.
DeleteI have both Teddie pants, size 00 and size 0. I thought they are the same length, but the size 00 is actually 1 inch shorter :) , and the shorter length is more flattering, but it is too tight, thought I think it would stretch out with normal wear. Will return both. At least now I know what does not work for me.
Delete@zchin09, i know you're returning the Teddies, but i just wanted to share a visual about them with you, in case you're curious about where they should hit on your leg. Check out how JCA Gigi wears them in the link below. I have two Teddie pants myself - I'm 4'11", with short legs so I wear a Regular, rather than the Petite version since I don't care for the cropped look on me (they make me look even shorter, IMO.)
Deletehttp://gigisgoneshopping.com/gigis-gear-off-shoulder
@TM93 thanks for the link. I also did go google about it and see what else is out there. I'm 5'7" , and I would love to work a Capri or crop. I think a proper ankle inseam would be about 30" or 31" for me. I have never get a ankle jeans because they were too short for me. I was hopeful as I have some thick calf and I thought the flare would work, and unfortunately for me, do not.
DeleteI love this pant and wear them with flats ( if they aren't too bulky- need to show some foot). Sandals, wedges, pointed toe flats and booties if some sin shoes ( suz has you are right). Check out the "outfits" on Net-a-Porter- this will give you some good visuals and ideas
ReplyDeleteHow do you search outfits on net-a-porter? I've only looked at clothes on the site, not specifically to look for outfits. I tried to search "crop flare" but the function wasn't working.
Delete