Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Tart Tartan

Tabitha of Bourbon & Pearls explained that what North Americans think of as plaid is actually tartan. In Scotland, a plaid is a tartan cloth slung over the shoulder, or a blanket. Spirited discussion ensued about plaids and tartans, including whether the cafe capri in wool "plaid" to the left should be a must-have or must-miss. The debate continued (coincidentally) the next day on DaniBP's post. Like Dani, I too became inexplicably drawn to them. Never shying away from loud clothing, I managed to order the last pair of size 00 available online.        

Believe it or not, when I received them, I thought the pattern more muted than what I was expecting. But! They are not muted pants and you will be noticed wearing these pantaloonies. The light color background is a pale tan rather than ivory. I see how they can give the grandpa vibe some have mentioned, but I kind of like that. There are times when I want the dorkier the better. I'm weird that way. ;)

They are nicely constructed of a soft wool flannel, more substantial and heavier (but not heavy) than what I'd expect with the online description of lightweight wool. There are belt loops and front slant pockets as shown, and two back welt pockets that are buttoned. They are fully lined. I don't know if other sizes would be longer, the size 00 I received measures exactly 27" for the inseam. I'd differ with the description of a skinny leg. The pant legs are slim but not skinny.

The pattern is more runny IRL than what's captured here.
If that makes any sense to you ...
I love the look above, and would love to get the Mona oxford pumps to complete it. However, showing rare restraint, I decided to do it with things I already own and plan to wear them like this tomorrow with an important meeting on the agenda. It's a bold move. Since it will be attended by my boss, my boss's boss and my boss's boss's boss.

13 comments:

  1. Mirror pic, mirror pic, go on, go on, go on!

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  2. Definitely a completely different plaid AND colorway than I would have expected by their photo. I thought they were more orangey-red and the scale of the pattern even appears different to me. Wouldn't be the first time they fooled me;)

    I love the outfit you have planned. And I think the pants are fun but I just know I wouldn't wear them enough. Enjoy!

    word verification: pholen (as in, their fool-in me again:)

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  3. I have these pants and I love them!I've worn them many different ways-black turtleneck and black mid-heel pumps, hair in messy bun to ruffled white blouse, black jacket, black patent KS oxfords and discreet pearls. They really remind me of something my mom would have worn in the late fifties/early sixties.

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  4. hello, you've gotten 2 Liebster awards - check my blog!

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  5. Yeah, where is the pic?

    I am awarding you the 'Liebster Blog' award. Congrats! Read more about it on my blog.

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  6. Tabitha - would you believe I don't have a full-length mirror at home?! Hubs has agreed to help take pics but I was running 15 minutes late this morning when I ran out the door ...

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  7. sweetsy - pholen indeed! I can't quite put my finger on what's different except for the background color IRL. I THINK it looks different because the pattern has more details than what appears in the image. See my post about the Silk Tartan Parlour Skirt ... see how much more is in the close up of the fabric as opposed to the online pic?

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  8. David - love your ideas and a little envious of your messy bun! I have heavy, slippery hair that won't stay up no matter how many clips and pins are trying to hold, so I'll just settle for messy hair. Looks from the 50s are so much fun!

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  9. WFF - OMgosh! Really?! Thanks so much and I'll skip right over to check your post!

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  10. Rose - and thank YOU for the award too!! Visiting shortly :)

    OK, OK ... guess I shoulda solved the IRL pics. It'll be a few days but coming shortly. Pinky promise!

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  11. How did I miss those post when it came out?
    I have those shoes too and now I am regretting returning those pants!

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  12. Dani, :) on this! I hope you're not regretting too much. I loved them on you with the red pumps but if you had doubts and returned them, it was for good reason. If meant to be, they'll come back to you and for a nice low price too. ;)

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