This was a test drive. Disregard the Liberty print shirt and cambridge cable crewneck and Bellamy booties. The things I wanted to try out were the jacket and skirt.The lovely DaniBP talked of a Chanel-type suiting in this post. Much discussion followed on whether the jacket and skirt would be worn together (to look like the title of this post) and practical or if the outfit only belonged in wardrobe daydreams.
I didn't dream of a Chanel suit. However, in my mostly business casual world, there are business dress occasions where a matching skirt and jacket would be appropriate or I'd feel like I've worn denim to the symphony.
These pieces were purchased separately. The jacket was justified because first of all, you can describe it as purple tweed. Husby's favorite color and my second favorite. In addition, it's not a heavier wool tweed like most of my Chanel-type jackets. And it's tweed! So perfect for travel because it won't crease easily. Though the jacket is called Rialta, the skirt is the Bellflower. I had to have the skirt too because it's purple and besides, it could be worn with the jacket for a formal business event in the spring or even summer when wool would be too heavy. That's what I told myself when these things went to season close-out pricing last year.
That business dress occasion was two weeks ago and I was ready with my purple tweed suit. But before then, I wore them together just to be sure (and that trial run is pictured). That is so unlike me because I'm typically trusting things will work out as imagined in my mind. Sometimes they do. But it's not a pretty picture when they don't, especially when you are thousands of miles away from your closet.
For the real thing, I ditched the shirt and crewneck for a soft cashmere cowlneck in lavender.
Lavender ... isn't that a favorite of you know who?
That's a lovely look, I like skirts with bootees, Rose has some great ones too, I've yet to find that style. I think the boots work really well with the suit, it makes it a much younger less formal look.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tabitha! I got the booties mostly because I needed grey shoes and I've been very happy with how they change up a look.
DeleteI love it on you but I would!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Tabs, really like it with the booties. They work because they are delicate and fitted, big clomping boots wouldn't have the same effect I think.
I love a cashmere sweater with suits like this, that's a really versatile outfit!
I think you are exactly right about these booties, their effect is slightly edgy but still ladylike. It's a good thing I wore the sweater at the conference, it was freezing cold they must've had the AC full blast.
DeleteThank you. I think you'd wear this suit well!
Thanks too for the mention you are kind.
ReplyDeleteYou're most welcome, Dani. Your posts are wonderful and we are coincidentally on similar topics at times.
DeleteOh and this jacket and skirt are lined in different colors too. I'd not have noticed had you not pointed that out in your post. The lining doesn't seem to affect the appearance of the tweed. The best I can figure is the jacket is lined in cotton for comfort while the skirt is lined in polyster so the skirt won't stick.
DeleteI like the look and I don't find the jacket and skirt together "old lady" because they are nice and fitted. The contrasting waistband and zip pockets on the jacket also give it a bit of a motorcycle vibe. You have lots of options with those pieces and the matched up suit is great.
ReplyDeleteThanks, xoxo. I never thought about the zip pockets and they do have a ;ittle bit of motorcycle vibe. I think there are many ways to wear the jacket and skirt and I love that I can pack them in a suitcase without having to iron or steam them before wearing.
DeleteLove this 'matchy' look on you (classy) and I don't think it looks any bit of an old lady.... The booties do give the suit an edgy look as Tabitha and Dani have mentioned. AND both pieces can definitely be worn separately, I love the look of a tweed jacket with boyfriend or straight leg jeans.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you lisabfashion! I'd like to wear the jacket next time with a striped tee and jeans and the skirt with a pretty cardi.
DeleteSounds really cute... please post a pic when you wear the striped tee and tweed! This look on Wendy is great too...chambray with tweed! http://www.wendyslookbook.com/2012/04/flowers-for-precious-blue-denim-daisy-love/
DeleteI saw Wendy's look, very cute! Maybe I'll wear the jacket with jeans next Friday since I can get away with denim on Fridays at work. I'll be sure to post. :)
DeleteLove this outfit on you!
ReplyDeletethanks very much, Rose! I felt a little dweebie in the shirt and crewneck (thought I'd be cold with just the shirt and was in a hurry), the cashmere cowlneck was much better.
Delete