This J Crew top (edited to add: it’s actually a blouse, not a sweater, made of a heavy-ish polyester woven crepe, quite nice for a synthetic) is one of those my-sister-made-me-buy it purchases, an impulse buy on an unscheduled but fun pop-into-the-shops with my Mom and one of my sisters. As desirable as it seemed in the store back in September, that somehow hadn’t translated into ripping the tags off, until just this last week when I decided I’d better fit it into the mix. And after all that waiting, it seems that the impulse may have been justified after all. I see this being a practical, comfortable, smart-looking addition to my closet.
Either alone, or covered up by a jacket or, as below, a long cashmere cardigan.
Some variety to the posing? Okay. . . .
And then time to head out the door. My trusty grey cashmere Banana Republic coat, a real trooper that’s still earning its keep 4 or 5 years after I bought it on sale. Ditto my zebra fine-weight cashmere scarf, bought 3 or so years ago at the now defunct local boutique, A to Zebra, gone but not forgotten . . .
Besides the J Crew top, the skirt is Club Monaco (black-denim look in a knit); the cardi is Bompard; coat BR; and the booties are my beloved old faithful Fluevog Giulias. . . .
I’m linking up to Visible Monday. . . do check out the other Visible Women, always a fun mix of Bloggers drawn together by the lovely Patti of NotDeadYetStyle.
So glad you un-tagged this sweater, Frances — it looks terrific. The whole look is great, it resembles my ideal Fall uniform. Love your classic coat! And thanks for sharing with Visible Monday.
Thanks, Patti — It seems to be my default uniform as well. Skirt, tights, boots, blouse/cardi/sweater. . .
Oh, I had my eye on that sweater too, but think I missed the boat! I'm so glad you grabbed one. It looks great on you, and is a really eye-catching design.
Thanks, Sue. It's actually a blouse/top, so more versatile than a sweater for layering.
I like the sweater. Art-referent, if you will, i.e. Op Art. Fun.
Yep, not quite Bridget Riley, but it makes the eyes dance a bit.
The dots add a spot of fun (couldn't resist) to your outfit. I really like the cardigan as a third piece.
The cardigan tones it down a bit, doesn't it? (and never resist a pun!)
Very nice sweater.
Thanks Marla!
I know you are a trim woman, and the way the design gets lighter, drawing the eye to the hip, one has to be confident to do that- so I like it best with the sweater. I can see why you let it sit there for awhile and for me it would be one of those maybe things.
(Off topic): Sometimes those things another person talks you into are a wonderful departure and sometimes not. For me, it almost never works, which is why I finally got rid of two expensive sweaters a blonde friend talked me into. Her colours, not mine. Unfortunately they are not her size, either.
The hip attention doesn't bother me so much as the potential of getting chopped shorter.
I'm not keen on shopping with others much at all, actually, except with one daughter who's really good at knowing when and how much to offer. The sister I was shopping with when I bought this top had actually just thought of it for herself, then left it, and to be fair, she didn't urge me to it at all. Sympathies re your beautiful expensive sweaters! But it does feel better when we finally admit the wearing's just not making us happy and we move the pieces along, right?
Love the dots. It's amazing how many layers are needed in this stormy weather. I'm finding that a light silk undershirt is close to my heart 😉 Elle
Yes, what I find tricky at this time of year is dressing to be comfortable outside, but that I can also stand when I'm stuck in the classroom heating up in front of my students. . .
I was just contemplating pulling the silk underwear of the cedar chest. . . it's that time. . .
Love that top although it is something I would find had to grow on me a bit before I worked it into my wardrobe. I particularly like it with the cardigan as it seems the soft blue color softens the look of the whole and ties it together nicely.
It's a shape and weight that I really find wearable, but I found the design a bit daunting, despite the neutral colour (neutral, but then high-contrast, so. . . ). I feel much happier with the cardigan. Have another cardi (taupe) that I will also try this with.
Great top, and you're wearing my favourite boot/skirt combo. Funny how sometimes new things can be released into the wilds (on our backs) until the time is right.
It is funny — some items can strike our fancy at certain times and then not quite appeal at others.
Oh Frances, you look smashing in this outfit. I love your polka dot top. And may I say that all the running you do has given you some fantastic legs! Wowza.
Thanks, Debbi! (blushing . . . )