Monday, August 19, 2013

Out and About in a Dress AND Pants.


In the spirit of last week's decision to thoroughly explore combinations that are already in my closet, I decided to take a run at a look that I've seen a lot in blogs and in magazines, but never in my real life travels. Never at all. Not on anybody around here. (Which can be a risky experiment because, usually, there's a good reason why I haven't see it.)


In one dress shop, the clerk (a woman probably only a little younger than I am) said, " Oooh ... I like your ... ummm ... " waving a hand at my head, then down to my toes.
"Dress and pants?" I suggested.
"Yeah ... your outfit! " she said, happy to come up with a word for my odd look.


And at a department store, I walked past a middle-aged couple and I overheard part of what the man said.
" (Something inaudible, then ...) ... wear pants and a dress at the same time?"
The woman replied, "Oh, yeah ... it's kind of a thing."


So I guess it's a legitimate thing. I also noticed that I got a lot more attention from clerks in the better stores.
Not sure if they thought I looked like someone who might buy something, or if they just wanted to know if the monkey could talk.


But I'm choosing to take the above comments as generally positive.



This one is my favorite.  I love this peacock-feather print, but 
it's just a little short for my comfort levels just as a dress.




Same basic dress, but has always made me look a little like a pigeon with my 
chest all puffed out.  Same bra, same weight, three days later than the pic above. 
 It actually looks better with the pants and shoes than as just a dress.





There's a little personal jury that convenes in my head that makes the final decision about whether to wear an experiment a second time or not. So far, they're still undecided and out having a nice lunch. These two outfits are sort of fun, and comfortable. Sensible dressing really, and I don't find the silhouettes completely unflattering. Not ground-breaking, but new for me. I can see more possibilities in winter with a jacket as a third piece.


But there was some fun in taking just a tiny risk, and having something feel new (okay, new-to-me) at the end of a season instead of the very beginning. And all this without having to buy anything new to get that fizzy feeling.


Such a deal.



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~




I'm  thrilled to join  Patti, ( the Hostess who Really Knows Her Animal Prints and their Blood Alcohol Levels) at her wonderful, weekly bloggy-party, Visible Monday !

77 comments:

  1. I love this look! I have been putting long skirts under short dresses. It actually looks pretty good. :-)

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  2. Fun to try new things and get people talking isn't it! I'm all for not looking like the rest of the pack. My husband wears plaid pants and white accessories plus a pink shirt and young boys have yelled nasty things at him!


    blue hue wonderland

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  3. Jean at Dross into GoldAugust 19, 2013 at 9:25 PM

    The possibilities are endless! I can see you slipping on a vest or ruching the sides of the skirt to make the hem asymmetrical (ever tried large safety pins?) I especially love the top look with the double belt, narrow leg pants and simple pump. Plus I love the color. :-) I say go for it!!!!!

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  4. I really like the first look, the colors are go pretty on you. And how clever to use 2 belts to make the look even more standout! I am not a big fan of pants with dresses personally, I have not mastered the look and feel like I am wearing too much clothes. Sylvia at 40+ Styles is a master of wearing dresses with pants. You are too!


    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlfie.com

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  5. I LOVE a dress with pants. I do it all the time. In fact, I'm doing it right now. Escondido eh? Yes, it's nice around here. Not much of a fashion center, though. Flip flops and shorts and sunglasses. That's about it. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. Connie*

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  6. Well done Jan! The unexpected wins. I can imagine how exciting your experiment was.

    It's a good idea to wear pants under dresses. It gives us the chance to wear our beautiful summer dresses even in fall and early spring. I love both of yours, but my favorite also is the peacock-feather dress. The print is marvellous and turquoise with blue suits you very well. I'm looking forward to more experiences.

    Have a good time Jan!

    Sabine

    http://achtstundensindkeintag.blogspot.de/

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  7. He-he-he, you are a brave woman, Jan :) Actually, I've been in similar situation. My hometown in Belarus is small and kind of conservative and sometimes mom commented on something I was going to wear "nobody wears it here". But if you wear the thing with enough confidence then people really accept it. And some even follow your example.
    Love the first variant with peacock feather print more, such lovely colour. And I think the shorter length looks better with pants.

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  8. I never worry about the "nobody wears it here" because nobody ever wears it like I do!
    I love the first photo and I think it's a very chic combo! You look edgy and youthful, but not "junior". The second dress is not a good shape for you, my friend. Because you (and me) are buxom and petite so that dress makes you look boxy. It's beautiful, just not on you. Consign it or sell it on ebay and buy yourself the perfect frock for your shape.
    But definitely wear that peacock dress/pants combo again!


    Alicia

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  9. The dress-over-trousers look gets the thumbs up from me, Jan! I really like the first outfit, the peacock print is beautiful. I have been trying to analyse why is it that I prefer the first version to the second (since as you say, the dresses are similar in shape)... I think it is partly that I prefer the colour, also the fact that the first dress is a little shorter, and the little border of camel at the hem of the second dress adds a visual cut-off somehow which breaks up the flow. The t-bar on the second shoes maybe has the same effect (though I love them, so very elegant.) Is that too nit-pickingly nerdy? Probably - sorry! Just trying to work it out!
    Anyhow, I say anything that makes people take a second look and steps out of the regimented norm is a GOOD thing!
    Btw, I have just read a book I think you would enjoy, might you email me your address so I can send it on to you? xxxxxx

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  10. I like your first dress and pants combo a looooot! It looks fun and modest and it also works really well as the pants are skinny and the dress looks kind of like a long tunic that way. Really nice! I am not sure about the second version, might be the longer hemline, but it still suits you nicely. The first combo, awesome!!

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  11. Pants with dresses definitely is a thing. I went to the National Gallery in Melbourne Australia in the late 90s and they had a clothes section including the first ever pants with dresses outfit. It was, if I recall correctly, by Comme de Garçons (a sort of evolution from the kimono) and was done much earlier than I expected, possibly even mid-1980s. I used to have a pair of pants and a dress that I thought looked great together, but I was never brave enough to wear them out. Now I regret it. So admire your bravery in sticking to your fashion guns and just doing it.

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  12. Patti_NotDeadYetStyleAugust 20, 2013 at 7:25 AM

    I love this - as a look and as a solution for short dresses (I have a few of those). I think your jury should come back with a "You go, Jan". Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday!

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  13. Highland FashionistaAugust 20, 2013 at 8:18 AM

    I really like the layering you have achieved with that first look. Love the blues and greens together.

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  14. Hey you! :-) Thanks for visiting my blog.
    S.Oliver is an 24 year old german brand. They ship for free. (I think it's available in the US to). The sell trousers for different, female figures.

    I like clothes worn over slim pants. In Germany you can't do that. This styl here is called ruins women look (after worldwar 1945)....

    Have a good time.
    Sunny

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  15. Wow! Very brave to wear a dress and a pant, but it looks amazing! You look gorgeous! Love both outfits. Very tastefully the colors and pattern. Can´t say which I would choose, if I must choose only one. The black shoes from the second outfit are SO wonderful. Very elegant. Have been looking for a while here in Germany to find some shoes like yours.

    Must look in my closet if I can find dresses which are too short to combine them with my pants. Thank your for the inspiration ;)

    Dana
    http://danalovesfashionandmusic.blogspot.de

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  16. Thumbs up here! I think it's fun and energizing to try new looks, and this one, on you, is a winner. The dresses are the perfect length for this silhouette and your shoe choices are stellar.


    I wear pants or leggings with dresses as a way to keep certain pieces in my closet. I don't wear short skirts, so this is my strategy and I'm sticking to it!

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  17. I am very fond of this look, too. I can't believe you pulled these out first time at bat- you look stylish and so put-together. I especially love the trousers and shoes you paired in the second combo. I'm not sure what it is about the second dress's bodice that looks a little bigger on you than the first.


    The dress + pants thing is not at all uncommon in SF because of the weather, but I realized when I went abroad that it is not A Thing in Asia. Taiwanese people would stop walking and stare, curiously but not unkindly at me as I passed. The Japanese I met said I must be wearing "West Coast fashion."

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  18. Renae of Simple SequinsAugust 20, 2013 at 8:40 PM

    hi Jan! Oh I so appreciate your fun comments to me. You are so nice and refreshing. You gave me a great idea for a post........ When I do the idea, I'll let you know.(it is a dress over a skirt).

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  19. I absolutely love the first look. I've frequently layered dresses over pants or shorts. I dislike anything too short on me, I just don't feel comfortable, so pants under a dress makes an excellent solution! I think you should definitely try it again. I also love the double belting.

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  20. It looks like I'm the lone wolf here, though I can't think of animal I'm less like than a wolf, LOL. I love the colour combinations in both of these looks. I love the accessories in both of these looks. I love the lady in both of these looks. But...I don't really love the pants with the dress look. Leggings, or heavy tights...Yes! I don't hate the look, but it just isn't for me I guess. I hope I'm not turning out to be a boring, follow the fashion rules, kind of gal. I'm madly trying to think of something considered brave fashion-wise that I embrace, and I can't think of a thing...yet. I wear wellies with skirts...some may find that to be brave, or odd, or totally not worth a second look.


    Anyways, can't wait to hear what the jury decides!

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  21. I think you look great ~ the colors in the first outfit really flatter you! This isn't something I've tried ~ right now it's too hot!
    Laurie

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  22. I like both outfits, and I think you make that style look very polished. Good for you for experimenting and breaking out of your comfort zone!

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  23. Both combos look great! I love that second dress with the lacey pattern, and the cigarette pants and your choice of heel gives the outfit a very sophisicated spin. The dress with jeans outfit was my uniform for a couple of lacklustre summers in the mid 90s - I think the trend started because everyone got sick of not being able to wear their favourite dresses! Of course it morphed eventually into the dress over leggings which every UK woman still clings to as a uniform that allows them to get more mileage out of pretty dresses that are wholly impractical for our lacklustre summers and chilly winters. I still get the dress and jeans/trousers/leggings out when the weather is too cold and I want to wear a dress without the goosebumpy legs.

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  24. I thoroughly enjoyed this post. You made me laugh quite a few times. "See whether the monkey could talk" hahaha.
    And I agree with so many things in your post, up to the puffy feeling because of the chest.
    Let me tell you.... This dress over trousers works perfectly for you. I have seen it on the runways a million time, so the fancy stores see a woman in you who is "with it" (is that still an expression to use? Or am I conveying I am old?).
    Normally I do not like dresses over trousers, but you have chosen exactly the right kind of trousers. They make the whole outfit perfectly balanced. Well done!
    Please wear it again.
    Greetje

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  25. Hi Jan-you've really perfected this look and made it your own-both outfits are just so stylish and chic and it really is an inspiring look and idea too-great to try for summer and winter! Hope you're having a good week xxx

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  26. Tamera Ferguson WolfeAugust 21, 2013 at 10:35 AM

    Love this look on you!!
    The peacock dress is especially FABULOUS!!! gorgeous colors on you!!
    hope you're having a fantaSTIC WEEK!

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  27. Hi Jan I love that you challenge convention, I am quite at ease doing so, although one feels a little odd when you get remarks like that. However, I like the combination between dress and pants together as it gives you a signature look, and you certainly succeed it making it your own, nice look, worthy of copying! My mom commented on me wearing different prints that it seems one should just wear things that are otherwise mismatched, and voila -you set a new trend!
    FF

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  28. Might I say first off that your hair looks particularly gorgeous in these photos. Secondly, your dress and pants looks are spot on. This is how to pull off this look for sure! I wore a wrap dress with pants a few years ago into my office and got strange comments all day. It was kind of fun to be unconventional.

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  29. Hi Jan:
    I love both dresses. The patterns are really cool. They don't seem to be too short. But you paired them nicely with your pants. These outtits are perfect heading into FALL. Both colors look great on you.

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  30. Four Seasons One WardrobeAugust 22, 2013 at 12:22 AM

    Hi Jan, You look lovely and I also loooooooove you peacock feather patterned dress! I used to wear dress/skirt and pants about 10-15 years ago (it was in fashion then in Sweden,) and I found it really comfy and flattering. Thanks for letting me know that it is appropriate again (yes, I am not just behind with blogging but also with keeping up with fashion magazines and blogs).

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  31. If you like a fashion idea and you want to wear it, that's all that really matters! I love that you are having fun with fashion - that is what it is all about! I simply don't believe in fashion rules! I love gathering inspiration from others... and from the comments (yes, I read them ALL) you've inspired quite a few people to try something new in THEIR wardrobes... so you are a fashion leader :) Kudos to you, Jan!!!

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  32. Thank you, Gabriala. Yes, you're the master (mistress?) of that technique. I can always depend on excellent treatment tips from your blog and what I think of as your adventureous-classic style. Perhaps Romantic-classic, also. You defy classification, and I'm guessing that's just how you want it.
    I still haven't gotten over that yellow 20s fur trimmed coat. One of the best pieces in a real woman's wardrobe I ever saw. And the other thing about that piece is that I can't imagine it worn as well by anyone else!

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  33. I had more fun than I thought, but here ... I don't look like anyone else. If I had to classify my style, it would be Overdressed! Sad to say, but it always reminds me who I am.
    Thanks for dropping by, Ann. Always a pleasure.

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  34. After looking at the black lace print, I have a "Jean project" slated for it. I like it too much to jettison it, but I have a way to make it better. Will wear it with pants this winter ... and a jacket will be an addition.
    So happy, always, to hear anything you have to say, Jean. You're the best.

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  35. Thanks for the nice words, Adorable Alice! Sylvia's enviable style and figure are watchable and teachable, aren't they. I appreciate the comparison, but I don't do anything with as much ease as she does.
    Always so tickled when you stop by ... hope you're having a great week.

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  36. Thank you, Connie, for stopping by as well. Kind of you. I am especially missing California these days! So glad to know I'm not alone!
    Look forward to seeing what you come up with next. I very much enjoyed prowling around your blog! You are welcome here anytime.

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  37. Ah, hello Sabine! Always glad to hear from you. Glad you liked my experiment ... thought you might. I enjoyed wearing the blue especially.
    Still thinking about what to recombine in my summer wardrobe.
    Stay tuned!
    Have a great week, Sabine.

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  38. Thanks, Olga ... for stopping by, and with nice comments, too. You're very good at this kind of thing, and we all have a lot to learn from your very specific sensibilities. And you don't lack confidence! That is part of it, isn't it?
    Have a great week, and I'm glad you're back from holiday safely and all settled back in!

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  39. Hey, Alicia! Glad you liked the first effort ... so do I. You're right about the second having it's issues, but I don't think it's as bad as all that! I've keep it, as I have some alterations in mind that will allow it to work better for me. Stay tuned for improvements!
    So glad to hear from you, always ... and am really interested in your new project! Will be in touch ...

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  40. I was thinking about your outfit this morning. I could see it with a short leather jacket and boot shoe for fall, probably winter for you? Have to mention how lovely your hair looks, such a great color and classic cut!


    blue hue wonderland

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  41. Nope ... never too nerdy for me, Curtise. That's me, too -- Jan Nerdy Graham-McMillen. I think you're right about the hem on the black. I'm working on what I think will be a good and fairly cool solution. I need a slightly slimmer pant, but wanted something other than jeans. A project in the works. I like the tee strap as it seems to me that it sends the eye upward, especially since the straps are very thin. They do call attention to themselves, these shoes. They were not my first choice. That pair was in the shoe hospital, getting minor surgury, poor darlings. More about those, later, too.
    Thanks, lovely girl, for stopping by to chime in. I love it when you do.

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  42. Yeah! Me too.
    Great minds, channels, all that!
    Thanks for thinking of me ... so nice of you to say, Oh Woman with the Perfect Bob ...!

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  43. Oh, thank you! So glad you stopped by. Working on two, plan to wear one again sometime!
    Have a great week, and come back anytime!

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  44. I can't wait to see what you have done to it, Jan! You do know that I meant no offense, right? You're one of my favorite bloggers and it's because your beauty shines through no matter what you're wearing. I also love that you don't play it safe. That counts for a lot in my book ;-)


    Alicia

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  45. Of course I know that! None taken! All is well. Your always kind intentions are not in question, sweet Alicia. I can't mind critique when I put it out there. I just don't think I look so bad in it (or that it looks so bad on me) that I need to get rid of it when alterations are possible. A matter of degree only.
    We all have pieces that may not flatter completely but we wear them anyway. "Love is blind " applies to clothes, too, and surely in my case.
    Thanks for checking back ... you're the best!

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  46. Thank you so much, Isabella. I'm always happier knowing the history of a design, and I see the relationship to Asian traditional dress. I always am reminded of a South Asian - "shalwar kameez" which is a dress over pants with a little different proportion ... picture at:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Women_of_Puducherry.jpg

    I have a navy and white summer dress that, with white ankle pants, has a little of this look and I may show that just for fun sometime ...
    Kind of you to credit me with bravery, but I don't risk much down here in Mid Nowhere! Never too late, is it?
    I appreciate your notes, and you're always welcome to drop by, anytime!

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  47. Of course I know that! None taken! All is well. Your always kind intentions are not in question, sweet Alicia. I can't mind critique when I put it out there. I just don't think I look so bad in it (or that it looks so bad on me) that I need to get rid of it when alterations are possible. A matter of degree only.
    We all have pieces that may not flatter completely but we wear them anyway. "Love is blind " applies to clothes, too, and surely in my case.
    Thanks for checking back ... you're the best!

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  48. Awww, thanks Patti. Jury came back after lunch and said "Figure it out for yourself." So much for their help. I had fun, and may play a bit more, a bit later, with more changes. I'm glad you liked my response to an idea I was wary to try ... you guys all inspire me to try.
    Thanks for taking the time to chat! You're always welcome.

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  49. Oh, thanks! So glad you dropped by. I think the general consensus is with you. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and know you're welcome any time.

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  50. Yikes! Thanks, Sunny, for the information! I'll keep my pants and dresses separate if I'm ever so lucky as to make it to Germany!
    Thanks, too, for the information about S. Oliver. Always good to know about a great company.
    So happy you came by for a chat! Come again soon.

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  51. Thank you, Dana! I appreciate your nice comments ... and I do love this pair of shoes a lot. Will wear them into winter, I think, as usually our winter is fairly moderate. I'm always happy when you can drop by. Come again soon.

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  52. You were a big part of my inspiration, Judith. I'm not willowy enough to style myself as sleekly as you manage so beautifully, but there is more than one way to skin a cat or adapt a look, isn't there! This is as bold as I've been playing with proportions. And for me, that's a critical issue as a short one! Learning all the time, and I'm so glad you understand how great that is to do all one's life!
    So glad to see you here ... come back whenever you wish!

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  53. Thanks, Aya! High praise from you. I'm working on balancing the lace dress, and I'll play with this during the winter, I think. As small as the world seems these days, there are still differences ... and we can be glad for that! The more diversity the better! By the same token, I can't think of a large urban area in the world where a woman in jeans and a tee shirt would look completely out of place.
    So glad for your thoughtful replies ... come back any time!

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  54. Hey, Renae. Back at you, kid. All of it! I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with. I'm so happy you dropped in with nice things to say! You're welcome always!

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  55. Megan! Glad to see you, and I'm pleased you think I did okay. May not do it often, but will absolutely do it again, come layer-y winter dressing time. So nice of you to pop in ... hope you're having a great week and feeling better than you have lately so you can enjoy the rest of the summer.

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  56. Colourful Sue, you're more of a "one in a million" kind of girl than a lone wolf! If I were you, I'd never worry about being boring ... your color sense is pitch perfect and you're way out of the ordinary creatively. What's brave is to exercise your taste in the way that makes you happiest. And I don't know anyone who looks better, EVER. You're a beauty, and so is your gleeful and sophisticated style.
    So there.
    Thrilled that you stepped up, and glad you stopped by.

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  57. So sweet, Laurie. I know ... the heat is still ugly some days. But we are starting to see a bit of mildness late at night. I'll do more of this during fall and winter, when layering makes more sense.
    Thanks for taking the time to come by for a chat!

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  58. So nice of you, Val. I like the idea of polish with a slightly unconventional look. (I'm a little proud of myself for trying something new-for-me ... don't tell anyone!) Happy to see you here, as always.

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  59. Love it, you brave little fashionista! I'm intrigued by the idea, but haven't tried it yet myself...
    Debbie :)
    www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com

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  60. I just love that first look! The colours are fabulous on you. Ditto for the 2 skinny belts.


    I am so into exploring combinations from what I already have.


    Thanks for the comforting thoughts on my blog BTW. I really take them to heart.


    bisous
    Suzanne

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  61. Thanks for your invitation. I've got only ten years school english.... and a refresh of grammar with my sons..... this kind of english is not the right one to discuss about fashion or? ;-)
    Have a good time
    Sunny

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  62. It looks like the 90s are back ... it was here, too, but in a slightly different treatment. The polished, more modern pant seems to be what's different ... but there are all kinds of approaches. You have such a great eye, that if you care to try it again, it's bound to be a hit.
    So happy you stopped by ... glad to see you anytime!

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  63. Thanks, Sunny for dropping by ... your English is fine, and feel free to practice on us. It's so much better than my German!
    Enjoy your week!

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  64. I'm so happy you dropped by, and that you're feeling well enough to do so! Glad you liked my experiment ... but for me, that happens every time I get dressed. Always an adventure.
    I appreciate your sweet comments. Thinking of ya .... looking forward to having you back in action!

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  65. I'll bet you have some seriously cute little dresses to hook up with capris or ankle pants, or skinnies. It bears thinking about for winter!
    Thanks for your sweet comments .... looking forward to seeing if you try it. Let me know!

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  66. Thank you, V. (Sorry to be so slow getting back! Crazy week ...) I didn't try this in the 90s, but might have if I had been paying attention. I may try harder to use this here in what are our mostly moderate winters. It doesn't get boot-and-coat wintry here until December or January, and I'm seeing possiblitlies for the long, strange transition from fall.
    I get there eventually.
    You know I'm always delighted when you stop by ... I always appreciate your kind remarks.

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  67. Hello, Greetje ! Wow, thank you for your very kind comments. I'm always impressed with your approach to dressing, and that makes your remarks extra pleasing.
    I've learned a great deal about adjusting proportions while trying this idea. Since I'm such a shortie, there's never much margin for error, and I'm not as careful as I should be. As I said to Veshoevius, I learn slowly but I do learn eventually.
    I'd always be happy be described by "with it" ... the phrase marks our decades, but the phrase comes from an era that I'm proud to have been a part of!
    (Sorry to be slow with a reply ... been a long, busy week!)

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  68. Thank you, Sharon. I'm pleased you liked my experiment ... and I'm sure I'll use it this winter, at least a time or two. This week has been nuts, so I especially thank you for your wish. I'm behind in my replies like everything else, but I appreciate your patience and your nice thoughts!

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  69. So nice of you, Tamera! Thank your for your nice comment, and I'm so glad you stopped by. I'm going to hope your wish applies to this coming week, 'cause I'm ready for a fantastic one.
    Right back at 'ya!

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  70. Hello, Nicolene! I'm always a bit behind the times, it seems, and am slow to adopt new silhouettes. So I'm happy you think it turned out well ... you have a thorough understanding of what it takes to curate a personalized wardrobe, and I always learn from your presentation.
    Come back any time ... I always look forward to what you have to say.

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  71. Nice of you to drop in, Alison ... and thank you for your very nice remarks. ( I'm SO in need of a haircut!) Other women bloggers like you, of all ages and often with very different shapes and tastes; you guys are my community as much as women I meet out in the world "IRL." That diversity makes it easier to be unconventional in the very non-diverse concrete world I walk around in.
    Always glad to hear from you!

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  72. Thanks, Zalina ... you're one of those women who wear clothes so effortlessly and so well. I'm extra happy that you like my experiment.
    I'll probably wear them more when it cools off here, with blazers.
    Extra thanks for stopping by!

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  73. Hi, you guys! Such a nice thing to say, but I'm always the one who picks up on stuff late in the game! As I said above, it's the inspiration from this community that allows me to try the occasional scary thing.
    Very nice of you to drop by, as always.

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  74. It is fun to ge people out of the comfort zone, lol
    Both outfits are wonderful.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  75. This looks great - I agree with you and the first is my favourite. Such beautiful colours.For the second, could you try narrower-leg trousers too?

    It's funny that you heard comments. I had a full head-sweep the other day from another female. She may have been thinking I looked wondrous, but it didn't feel overly friendly. I said 'yes?' expectantly. Hee hee.

    Re; your comment days ago about bloat - I had daily stomach bloat - 4 months pregnant-style - but is has gone (as have IBS symptoms) after cutting out dairy and unneccessary additives. Completely gone! After 8 years of it :-)

    Xxx

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  76. Hooray for experiments! And I seriously love your lightheartedness and wit as you write about it. You carry the "thing" off pretty darn well.

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