I have a feeling that a year or two hence, I will look back on the tops I’ve been showing over the last three months and wonder What was I thinking? But for now, I am thinking that novelty appeals — and that elaborate sleeves are charming.
I am so deep into elaborate sleeves, I’ve convinced myself that this sweater is versatile.
Note: Versatile, not timeless.
I could see this sweater worn on its own (as shown here), or worn over a patterned or striped t-shirt (see the video below), or over a blouse with epic sleeves (like this one).
Has the search for novelty taken a weird turn? Am I becoming weirder?
Yes, I may be becoming weirder
These sleeves are bifurcated (and only partially attached) at the elbow and then split from the elbow to cuff.
Very dramatic!
Dramatic, but not practical. A number of everyday activities are significantly less easy and graceful in this sweater — like washing one’s hands.
I think it goes without saying that I will not be operating any industrial machinery while wearing this sweater. For more dangerous clothes, see last week’s Big Shirt.
But that’s ok
The Photographer felt that a little video footage would be useful.
The end is supposed to make you laugh.
Observe tie closure
Come closer and witness to the details.
Note sleeve detail
And now, an interlude. I have a visitor.
Look who’s come calling
You know this only ends one way
I simply cannot resist a cat within arms’ range.
Must pick up
Sleeves are good for hoisting cat
Harper and I have been in this shame spiral for 16 years.
Today’s post includes visual references* to two icons of dance. The first person to identify both gets a Directrice mug.
* I have taken some license in these references. One is a person and the other is a work. They are not perfect reproductions, so go with your first instinct and don’t overthink the specifics.
17 thoughts on “A Rage for Novelty”
Good morning! Love the sweater. My guesses are La petite danseuse de quatorze ans and Martha Graham…
Toronto Modern is on top of her morning! I think that “ans” is supposed to be “swans”? One of your answers is spot-on, the other is close but not what I had in mind. This means (for the rest of you), the coffee mug is still up for grabs. Closest answer wins it at the end of the day!
Well, I immediately thought Martha Graham, but those dangling sleeves are much more Isadora Duncan before her scarf-induced demise…..Since the only dance piece I can think of right now is L’Apres Midi d’un Faun, I’m gonna go there. But you look NOTHING like Nijinksky.
Please do not wear that sweater while driving in an open-top jalopy. I enjoy your posts too much!
Totally impractical for me to wear as I use ASL to communicate all day at work… the fluttering would make people around me crazy! If there comes a time when you’re “done” you could always detach the bottoms and have a lovely (albeit plain) ivory sweater with the length of sleeve I adore. Love the entertainment! Thank you!
Actually it seems to me that Harper and the Directrice are doing a pretty good version of Ginger and Fred in the hoisting pic. Love this top but when ‘done’ I’d try stitching up the forearms, aiming for a long-sleeve wool t-shirt with the interesting detail of a bow at the split elbow, rather than excising them entirely.
I had had a thought along those lines, MC Bontemps! Wouldn’t it be fun if the seams were stitched up with contrasting yarn (hot pink or red) in a visible slip stitch?
And what a comment it is, Shopgrrrl. It made me laugh out loud. Despite outward appearances, I think Harper is Patrick Swayze in this scenario. Thank you for lurking and posting!
I saw the below or something similar in the window of a New York & Co. at my local mall two days ago and thought of this post. It seems your penchant for novel shirts isn’t necessarily out of the ordinary in the current fashion lamdscape.
Good morning! Love the sweater. My guesses are La petite danseuse de quatorze ans and Martha Graham…
Toronto Modern is on top of her morning! I think that “ans” is supposed to be “swans”? One of your answers is spot-on, the other is close but not what I had in mind. This means (for the rest of you), the coffee mug is still up for grabs. Closest answer wins it at the end of the day!
The weirder the better! Thank you for brightening another Monday morning.
I’m gonna go “Swan Lake” and Isadora Duncan…
Well, I immediately thought Martha Graham, but those dangling sleeves are much more Isadora Duncan before her scarf-induced demise…..Since the only dance piece I can think of right now is L’Apres Midi d’un Faun, I’m gonna go there. But you look NOTHING like Nijinksky.
Please do not wear that sweater while driving in an open-top jalopy. I enjoy your posts too much!
Totally impractical for me to wear as I use ASL to communicate all day at work… the fluttering would make people around me crazy! If there comes a time when you’re “done” you could always detach the bottoms and have a lovely (albeit plain) ivory sweater with the length of sleeve I adore. Love the entertainment! Thank you!
Actually it seems to me that Harper and the Directrice are doing a pretty good version of Ginger and Fred in the hoisting pic. Love this top but when ‘done’ I’d try stitching up the forearms, aiming for a long-sleeve wool t-shirt with the interesting detail of a bow at the split elbow, rather than excising them entirely.
I had had a thought along those lines, MC Bontemps! Wouldn’t it be fun if the seams were stitched up with contrasting yarn (hot pink or red) in a visible slip stitch?
Oh, yes!
& I really love the tie at the back, too.
Loved the whole presentation. Very gracefully done.
Martha Graham and Loie Fuller?
I had to look Loie Fuller up, PJ! I recognized the images, but had not known her name. Martha Graham, however, is correct.
Long time lurker, first time poster: Swan Lake and Dirty Dancing?
Okay, I guess “Dirty Dancing” isn’t a person or a work, but I thought perhaps you were Patrick Swayze to Harper’s Jennifer Grey.
And what a comment it is, Shopgrrrl. It made me laugh out loud. Despite outward appearances, I think Harper is Patrick Swayze in this scenario. Thank you for lurking and posting!
I saw the below or something similar in the window of a New York & Co. at my local mall two days ago and thought of this post. It seems your penchant for novel shirts isn’t necessarily out of the ordinary in the current fashion lamdscape.
http://www.nyandcompany.com/dramatic-wrap-poplin-shirt/A-prod10070005/?An=102782#An-102782
I haven’t commented on your blog in a while and I’m late seeing this post, but I just have to say…
KITTY!!!!