I’m Back, Re-invented

 
Hello, Dear Ones! I’m back after a three-week break.

 
 
Did you think I’d r-u-n-n-o-f-t?
 
Non, non. I’ve been right here, thinking of fresh ideas, the first of which is a spring version of an outfit that I pieced together from my old clothes last fall: grey jersey with a denim jacket.
 
Last fall, I wore a merino wool sleeveless shell and skirt. But for spring, this jersey (a cotton, linen, modal mix) is lighter and more seasonally appropriate.
Back!
Marl, baby, marl

Super cool version
Or is it space-dyed? Sometimes it’s hard to know . . .
 
 
I bought this denim jacket earlier this year and love it so much that I have decided that it’s completely appropriate for work which is absurd. But the human capacity for delusion is powerful. If it’s powerful enough to turn a short-fingered vulgarian into a presidential nominee, it’s certainly powerful enough to turn denim into Business Casual.

This dress is draped and ruched cleverly. It’s quite form fitting, yet doesn’t look too tight. “It doesn’t look too tight, does it?” she asked in a small voice.

 
 
We should take a moment to consider the Ruching Paradox: Ruching adds bulk and yet makes you look slimmer. How? The answer must lie in quantum physics and we don’t have time to unravel that here.
Come closer
Ruche, baby, ruche

 
 
For those of you who are clamoring to get under the top layer, here is the dress in full.
 
Every woman should have at least one dress like this in her closet. Why? Let’s count the ways: (1) ideal for layering; (2) perfect for packing; (3) can be made dressy enough to go to work or a nice restaurant with jewelry and proper shoes but is also perfect for a movie on the weekend with fun sneakers (Converse); (4) easy to care for.
 
 
 
 
To finish things off, my dainty Sianos . . .
Under my jacket
Utilitarian dress

 
 
and a distinctive brooch.
Remember me?
Remember me?

 
For the next few weeks, I’ll only be posting twice weekly — Mondays and Thursdays. That’s right, I’m rationing The Directrice.
 
Dress: Isabel Marant Etoile Warrick Jersey Midi Dress (on sale at Matches; buy at least one size up from your regular size; I am wearing a full length slip underneath because the dress is not totally opaque); Jacket: Marques’Almeida; Shoes: Doc Martens Siano; Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha Cross-body; Brooch: Mirjam Hiller from Galerie Noel Guyomarc’h; Sunglasses: Illesteva Marco in Blonde

8 thoughts on “I’m Back, Re-invented”

  1. I might have to agree with the delusional comment—-denim for work, in that style, with ripped hemline? Now you may sway me if you add a belt to it? I’m not sure—try it, show us, I’ll let you know 🙂
    But I will agree with needing a dress like that….the possibilities seem endless (how is it that I don’t already have one, then?—-craziness!!)
    Oh…and welcome back!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    Reply
  2. The collarless denim shirt/jacket is definitely a thing this season.
    I like the fringed ends around the neckline they add a decorative note. Had you paid $39.99 for it at at H&M I’d be thinking, “trim the fringe at the hemline.” However, since it didn’t come from H&M I would not change anything. It is the way it’s supposed to be.

    I have several ruched dresses like that and in my experience they shouldn’t have too much ease because as you wear them they will droop and then the ruching isn’t in the right place. If you feel like it’s a little tight then wiggle into your spandex slip-shorts and all will be smooth. They are an example of something that doesn’t always look so good on a hanger as it does when you try it on.

    Reply
  3. I truly love the fringed jacket. In my opinion the softness of the fringing, the collarless look and the close fit allow it elegance beyond its due. The dress is pretty and sculpted so that the whole looks very together and right for many things. Another great look. Welcome back, Tori. Poldark was a beautiful series. Thanks for the suggestion.

    Reply
  4. So nice to have you back! And I do like the ensemble very much. Had you described the outfit with words alone, I would not have been persuaded it was appropriate for the office. But seeing the photos, I think it does work for a casual day at the office. Quite stylish.

    Reply
  5. Hello,
    I like you so much. Thank you for sharing your style & wit. The released hem denim jacket is fantastic. I like the raggedy hem jeans, but they didn’t suit me. Never thought to try the look as a jacket. Inspired!

    Reply

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