Denim and khaki! Fabrics created for manual labor and outdoor activities that have been appropriated by white collar workers who are tired of dressing up for their soft office jobs. That seems . . . wrong, doesn’t it?
But I can’t resist. I love khaki. I love denim.
I wear them, however, respectfully.
Like this:
This top, to borrow from Holden Caufield, really knocks me out.
Do you remember the first time you read The Catcher in the Rye?
It was kind of devastating to realize that Holden, for all his intelligence and humor, is not going to be ok.
I think Catcher in the Rye marks the first time I had to lie down after finishing a book. But not the last. See, e.g., A Thousand Acres, Corelli’s Mandolin (although there I feel I was manipulated), Atonement. And don’t even get me started on Brokeback Mountain (here, I am speaking of the film, not the story); I almost have to lie down now, just thinking of it.
Back to lighter topics!
This cowl has a lot of life in it. Because the fabric is fairly stiff, it holds the most wonderful, abstract shapes.
In case you are looking for a new pair of khakis, I did a little scouting last week at the usual sources: Ann Taylor, Talbots, Brooks Brothers, Gap, and Banana Republic.
I wanted a pair with slash pockets and perfectly straight legs. Not tapered, not cropped. I only found one pair that fit these specifications: Banana Republic’s Straight-Fit Chino.
I bought this bag several weeks ago and have been using it almost every day. It’s a little funny to think that I have a number of very worky bags and yet keep reaching for this little nylon rucksack.
The Photographer and I were in such a rush to get outside and catch the natural light at 5:45 p.m. that I didn’t pause to consider jewelry. Fortunately, my shoes were loaded with charms.
Top: Marques’Almeida; Pants: Banana Republic Straight-Fit Chino; Bag: Marc by Marc Jacob Natasha Cross-body; Shoes: Coach Noella flat
The top – absolutely fantastic. 10/10
Lovely top. I can imagine it dressed up with non-khaki pants for a more business casual outfit.
What a cool shirt!
Love the shirt and a big YES on the shoes. Kate
What a unique top, the construction, the fringe, so on trend. I was just wondering what adjectives you used to find these unusual pieces of clothing in your search engine! 🙂
I love the literary references and just added two of the books mentioned to my Goodreads to-read list: A Thousand Acres and Corelli’s Mandolin (Louis de Bernières’ Birds Without Wings is one of my next audiobooks as I purchased it quite recently on Audible.com). I agree on the others you referenced, especially Brokeback Mountain. Rarely has a film had the emotional impact on me as this one. An absolute masterpiece in my eyes!
Maybe every now and then you could post about what you are reading and viewing? Would be fun!
I think you like to push that envelope for business casual! Bravo!
That top… you wouldn’t easily use beneath another layer, but you could layer underneath!
Love the outfit, in its entirety! Perfect for casual Friday. And for me, the book (and film) that made me want to lie down after reading (seeing) it was The Unbearable Lightness of Being. Even now, when it comes to mind, I have to pause and contemplate, well, pretty much everything! And then rest.
Love the denim origami top. And for a book that equally took my breath away, I recommend The Woman Upstairs by Claire Messud. Don’t read reviews or excerpts — be as surprised as I was!
I love Bette’s term for the top—“origami.” And CORELLI’S MANDOLIN was unquestionably manipulative. CATCHER IN THE RYE, on the other hand. . . And speaking of J.D. Salinger, “For Esme, With Love and Squalor.” Breathtaking.
Love the proportions and look of this outfit — somehow really sets off the neck and haircut too. But as always, it is your captions that make me LOL.
Books I had to lie down after? Jane Eyre (way back in my early teens), and more recently, Middlesex and Life of Pi. All, I guess in their own way, coming of age stories.
I’m a fan of nylon bags. They’re light, they do well in the rain, they are less likely to inspire some thug to grab your stuff on the Metro.
Oh my goodness, _Atonement_ ruined me.
Your top is brilliant!