A Girl And Her Wardrobe

Hi Fabbers,

Please note none of these are 'styled' , I have just popped them on to show you how they fit and look in general :)

I have completed my september fast and I will report on that soon. Here are a couple of things that I got today from Metalicus which I would love your thoughts on and the other is a dress I got a couple of months back for the warmer weather (it's a keeper).

#1 Metalicus Marlini Drape Skirt
This skirt feels so lovely. It is a slinky fabric and while the fit is firm it is
comfortable and I can move :) I probably cannot take long strides in this
skirt but I don't think that's going to be an issue as I am no longer running
after a little one (he's bigger and I can catch him now if he runs lol).
Based on wearing it around the house, it doesn't seem to ride up and
does stay in place.

I have tried it with a couple of different tops:

#1 & #2 With the Marlini Drape Top. I particularly like this combo, which is no
suprise a they are part of the same style story and are designed to be
worn together.

#3 Is just a close up of the skirt.

#4 With a contrasting white blouse and sleeveless vest / jacket

#5 With Ink tunic at full length. Is has an asymetric hemline so covers
most of the skirt on one side but reveals it on the other.

#6 Same tunic but semi tucked to reveal more of the skirt.

My assessment of the skirt is that I *think* I will keep it. Looking at the photos I don't think it is too short, but do tell me if it is:) Do my knees look ok?? I prefer it with lower contrast tops or if a higher contrast top like the white I think the top needs to be shorter.

#7 Kahlo Draped Jacket (also from Metalicus) in Navy:) Please note this
does need a good press. Front view

#8 Kahlo Draped Jacket back view.

#9 The Draped Jacket has a loop on the inside back and you can pull the
back hem though, arrange it and then just tuck the "tail" into your skirt or
pants to create a short, blouson look at the back. I did this quickly while
I had it on... it can be done with more panache :) but you get the idea.

I am a little in love with the jacket, and unless you see anything I can't see I plan to keep it. I am very open to your critique. I do think the back drape looks amazing on the models who are not as wide as moi but I am hoping the back view doesn't look too awful.

#10 Metalicus Gene Tank Dress that I bought in July for the warmer weather.
It is a Merino Wool blend and is so comfortable you could sleep in it! I
wear this layered under other pieces but wanted to show you the dress.
Some fabbers have enquired about the fit of the one size fits all pieces
and how they stretch. This is a one size garment and there is loads of
stretch in it, it can be washed in the machine in a lingerie bag and retains
it's shape beautifully. I am hoping the close up pic shows just a how
lovely the fabric is.

#11 Close up of the Gene Tank Dress.

Thanks for reading and looking and I would appreciate your feedback on the new items.

xxx Deborah

Hi Fabbers,

Some free time this afternoon, and I rescued my culottes from the donate bag:)  They were in the donate pile because they have been a little tight.  Well I tried them on and they are fitting better so I might just hang on to them until I can find a replacement.  

I had an idea of what I want to put together not many of my tops work.  I tried it with the top in the pictures worn backwards and then with the front to the front.  I was attempting to style the culottes for Spring.  I might need to look for a top that works better but generally what do you think of the proportions here?  

#1 High low top with low worn to the back. & 
 Low hem worn to the front (this is actually the front of the top)

The pants are still a firm fit across my tummy and I think in movement they will be too firm in the area of one's lady bits!! That is why I think I need to replace these.

I am thinking I would like a jersey pair.  

#2 Jersey culottes I am interested in from Asos (more budget friendly)
#3 Rick Owens pants that are not so budget friendly :)

Would love to know if you think this styling idea works, keeping in mind the items are not quite perfect.

Thanks for taking a look
xxx Deborah

I spotted this look on Pinterest and rather liked it! Are socks a no no with Birks? Educate me:)

HI Lovely Ones,

My normally decisive self is struggling a little! I need your input. I have a few things that I am not sure about keeping, in fact these are the only remaining items in my wardrobe that I don't have 100% certainty about.

SHOES

#1/#2 Two tone Ballet Flats by New Look. They are approx 7 years old and they have never really be worn that much. I cannot recall the last time I wore them. I do love this Chanel-eque look.. but!

Animal print Ballet Flats by Sandler. I wore them quite a bit when I first bought them approx 3 years ago, but I don't wear those brown tones at all and again, I cannot recall when they were last worn.

Here is the thing...
- I don't really like ballet flats (for me)
- I have never liked shoes with bows on them!

I am pretty confident it is time to let them go. The two tone are too "classic" and I have black and white animal print booties that can easily fill any hole left by the animal print flats.

SKIRTS

#3 is a striped tube skirt (gorgeous Caro has the same one). I love a tube skirt but as much as I try I am really not into stripes. It is comfy, and easy to wear. It's more suited to the warmer weather and I am wondering if I should wait and see how I feel when it's warmer. I think it can be edged up with an interesting drape top and edgy footwear? Keep and see, or should it go?

#4 is a Bailey 44-esque skirt from Target. I have enjoyed wearing it but again it's the stripe thing:) It does look good with a slightly oversized/asymmetric hem top. Another skirt more suited to the warm weather. Keep and see, or go?

#5 Cobalt pencil skirt from Katies. I adore the colour but I haven't been wearing it.

#6 Sussan ponte knit red midi length pencil skirt. New and never worn:( I got a bee in my bonnet about buying a red pencil skirt. I finally found this and it has languished in my closet. Is there any chance of making this work with my style?

Do you think there is hope for any of these in my wardrobe?

Thanks for taking the time:)
xxx Deborah

Hi Ladies,

It might be difficult to see the difference but my new dress here http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ized-dress has been worn twice and both times I felt it was too oversized. Took it to my lady who has taken the dress in. It still looks oversized but I think it has a nice slimmer line and not so much fabric in the front now. I am hoping this now reads as intentionally oversized where before I think it just looked too big.

If you have time it would great if you could take a look and let me know if you think this is better. I am really looking forward to getting this into regular rotation but I want it to be right.

Thanks so much.

#1 is the altered version. (Popped it on over my jeans and the closest pair of heels:) ) This is not how I will wear it.

xxxDeborah

Happy Weekend Ladies,

Busy weekend and am feeling a bit faded this Sunday afternoon, so after taking some pics of some clothing to go on Ebay, I decided to have a play with a new tunic and intentionally create an unstructured structured look. My jackets are not getting enough outings and I would really like to work them into less "corporate" or conservative looks.

Forgive me for not actually putting this on (I'm too tired:() but I have a willing model in Miss Singer 150 :)

The outfit is a sleeveless grey self patterned draped tunic over a pencil skirt with a collarless jacket. Haven't quite worked out footwear.

I'm going for grown up, tailored with a twist. I do realize that I need to pop this on myself to be sure it works, but in theory what do you think?

I have been thinking a lot lately about this blend of structured and unstructured pieces as this really resonates for me, and am looking forward to playing with other elements in my closet.

And Shannon's post here

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....me-in-this

has me rethinking my sheath dresses which haven't been out much lately. Perhaps adding unstructured jackets/topper would bring them new life?

Rambling a bit now..sorry.

Thanks for looking.
xxxDeborah

Hi Ladies,

I have been so excited to post on the new YLF,  so here is my celebratory outfit!

I have a function coming up soon and this was the end result of a little play in closet.
What do you think.?  

Blouse : Suzanne Grae 
Skirt : Suzanne Grae
Booties:  Django & Juliette

I added the polka dot clutch to add some softness and fun.

Thanks for looking:)

xxx Deborah

Hello All,

We have a weddinging in about 5 weeks and I do like to be organised:) So having this lovely Sunday afternoon free and at home, I thought I would try out two options I have been considering.

This is my DH's side of the family and they are very relaxed and not sophisiticated people at all, so I can really wear whatever I feel like without it being a problem. I wont be suprised if I spot the odd pair of jeans there!

Both dresses have been in my closet for quite some time and I am not feeling the need to purchase anything new.

#1 - #3
This is a lovely black velvet & sheer dress. The photos don't really do the fabric justice. It's just so lush and lovely. I have tried it in a couple of variations, bare legs (but I would wear nude hose on the day), micro fishnet hose and ponte skinny leg pants. All are worn with my new Django & Juliette booties. The booties are leather and suede, which kind of reflects the velvet in the dress and a subtle trim detail that also works nicely with the dress.

For the record, I am not crazy about the pants with this but did like the idea of it.

#4 is a sheath dress, with my red pumps, skinny red belt and new black and white abstract blazer.

Can I ask you what you think? I am leaning quite heavily towards one of these but won't say which one :)

BTW the wedding is at 1.30 p.m. and followed by a late lunch reception.

Really appreciate your thoughts here.

Thank you
xxx Deborah

Hi Ladies.

I bought a pair of cullottes and these are my first styling efforts... note I have not worn them out of the house yet.

#1 With Ink Blue blouse (semi tuck), yellow slim belt and high heeled boots

# 2 Same with a jacket

This combination is my preferred one so far.

#3 with a patterned jacket

#4 with my new black and white abstract jacket - not convinced of the proportions here.

I have approached this like I might a fit and flare dress. The cullottes in some respects mimic a midi skirt and I have tried to keep the top half fitted rather then voluminous.

A more slimline boot would be better but my boots are flats and really wanted to try with a high heel. I am still considering footwear options but I think heels are a must as otherwise the cullottes are going to make me look squat.

So what do you think?

Appreciate you taking the time to look.

xxx Deborah

Hi Ladies,

Hope you are enjoying the start to the week.

I have to start by saying how much I love houndstooth and particularly older garments in this pattern. I am also aware that this pattern can be a bit much for petite me... but I found this dress in my fave vintage store. It appears to be hand/home made as it has no labels. It is wool and really beautifully made.

The shoulders straps are too long so I will need to have them taken up a bit by my dressmaker.

However what I am trying to decide is do I have the skirt tapered, or do I leave it as an A line??

I rarley wear Aline skirts as I am concerned that they look frumpy on me. But I think this looks kind of fun.? What do you think??

I have popped one of my striped tops underneath as this is most likely how I envisage wearing the dress. I like the idea of my red stiped top with it also. Alternatively I have a couple of polka dot blouses that could be good also. And I am seeing a crop jacket over it as well.

When I was younger I wore a more alternate and quirky style and I would like to revisit that in a way that looks good but is still appropriate for my age and I think that's why this dress appealed to .

Would really appreciate your feedback.

xxx Deborah