I’ve never been susceptible to seasonal affect disorder. I actually like winter as much as the other seasons. I like winter more than summer.
But even I feel the need to make an effort at dressing more cheerfully — to compensate — when the sun disappears in the afternoon.
I found this corduroy jacket on YOOX. For those who find YOOX overwhelming, here’s a tip. Use the color filters and search for things in uncommon colors: yellow, green, gold, purple. The universe will shrink considerably.*
The jacket may look striped, but what you are seeing is the textural pattern of a variegated corduroy. Interesting, isn’t it?
The jacket was too long, so I asked Fatima shorten it at the hem. I’ve never tried that before, but it worked because the jacket has no side or back vents and the pocket are on-seam. It was much less expensive than shortening from the shoulders — which I would almost never advise with a jacket.
I am thinking about a lengthy post on The Third Piece — explaining how and why two or three layers on top are best — but for now will only say that I felt this outfit needed more than a blouse and jacket to feel complete.
Enter the open cardigan, belted, over a dotted swiss blouse to add a little depth.
I’ve owned this cardigan for many years but had neglected it for the last two seasons because I wasn’t feeling the need for a drapey, open cardigan.
How foolish. WWMOD! A belt rejuvenates this cardigan, which has so many lovely details: a gently curved asymmetrical hem, a gathered lapel, buttoned sleeves.
I have many other ideas for this jacket.
You’ll have to keep coming back.
It will be worth the cost of admission.**
Have a fantastic weekend!
Jacket: Rose a Pois from YOOX; Blouse: JCrew; Sweater: Nanette Lepore; Jeans: JCrew; Shoes: Coach; Bag: Orla Kiely
* Admittedly, this tip only works if you actually want a yellow, green, gold, or purple garment. If you want something black or grey, you may have to sift through a lot of merchandise.
** Admission is free.
Perfectly charming cardigan. It works well alone and just fine under the attention grabbing jacket. Oh yes ! Brighten the winter!
My favorite winter coat ever was a red wide wale corduroy coat to the knee. Got it at 16 and had it for years; reluctantly parted with it due to a hood that was attached permanently and I grew tired of wrestling with it. Fatima could have removed that and finished it with facing from the unused hood material. Always such a good idea to alter favorites first before giving up. I’d still be wearing it . Your sunshine jacket is now just right Love the sweater underneath as well.
So lovely — the color reminds me of a Meyer lemon.
Like Kate, I have regrets about passing on loved items in the days before I understood the power of a good alteration. I now contemplating dying a pair of white pants (altered to fit me perfectly) that have become dingy.
A nice late winter pick me up.
What exactly did you do to the cardigan? Is the little flourish at the shoulder a folded up collar, or did it already have some kind of detail there? I don’t recall seeing it before but I like the re purpose.
I don’t think I’ve shown the cardigan before, but I’ve had it for years, Rose AG. My only modification is wearing it with a leather belt rather than wearing it open (as designed). The lapel was gathered on one side with a small tie, original to the design.
I never would have thought of belting a flowy cardigan! You are definitely opening my eyes to the Power of Belting. Also, great tip for surviving a YOOX experience. I tried it just now, and life was considerably simplified. (I love how “azure” is separate from both “blue” and “green.”)
Great specs!