Visibly Practical . . .

I wore this to campus one day last week as I began to get back into the rhythm of work after being bogged down by illness. The Gap dress has become a stalwart in my wardrobe — yes, it’s short, but the proportions work for me, and I always feel cheerfully sturdy and smart at once in the crisp stripes. Feeling the need for a bit of colour and some warmth against the near-freezing fog, I grabbedthis wool-silk cardigan I knit a few years ago . And then wanting some more warmth, I was at a bit of a loss for a scarf that would work with both green and stripes . . . .’til I remembered this handsomely striped fine wool wrap I’d bought in Banana Republic menswear several years ago. As for boots, there was no question. Given the slipperiness of the docks at this time of year, I’ve been wanting to be well grounded. Flat boots [edited to add that these boots are Fluevogs; the style is Malcolm] with newly applied Topy soles to keep me upright and comfortable.

There we go. Visible and Practical all at once. I’m joining the crowd at Patti’s Visible Monday. Do click on the link and see what inspiration you might find there — there’s always such a range!

20 Comments

  1. Susan B
    29 January 2013 / 3:19 pm

    That green and navy is a dynamite combination!!! You're certainly getting a great CPW from that dress, and I love the boots too. The ruching sort of picks up the stripe theme.

    • materfamilias
      30 January 2013 / 3:10 pm

      Never caught that with the boot rumpling! And yes, the dress is giving me unbeatable CPW!

  2. Patti
    29 January 2013 / 4:36 pm

    You made that sweater? Lovely! Wonderful harmonizing with the scarf too. Thanks for linking up and have a wonderful week ahead, Mater.

    • materfamilias
      30 January 2013 / 3:11 pm

      Thanks, Patti — we were stripe twins this link-up. 😉

  3. Sue @ A Colourful Canvas
    29 January 2013 / 6:23 pm

    Love, love, love the colour combination and that cute Gap dress! Wow! You have major talent with the knitting needles. Your sweater is beautiful.

    • materfamilias
      30 January 2013 / 3:11 pm

      Thanks, Sue. I really like that green with navy myself!

  4. Melanie
    29 January 2013 / 7:10 pm

    Your wonderful knitting talent leaves me speechless! Your cardigan and the mittens in a recent post as well are so beautiful. I like that short length on you. And I am so glad you are feeling better. Good idea to get new soles.

    • materfamilias
      30 January 2013 / 3:13 pm

      Thanks, Melanie — there are much more talented knitters than I, but I get much enjoyment from it.

  5. LPC
    30 January 2013 / 2:22 am

    Perfectly nautical. And a great color combination. Cute!

    • materfamilias
      30 January 2013 / 3:14 pm

      Well, I did wear it for my daily boat commute, so nautical works. . . .

  6. Tiffany
    30 January 2013 / 3:25 am

    Excellent outfit – I love how the scarf ties it all together (pun not entirely unintended).

    I think short skirts and dresses are great with tights – winter is the only time of year I wear them!

    • materfamilias
      30 January 2013 / 3:14 pm

      Yes, same for me — couldn't live without tights!

  7. Pondside
    30 January 2013 / 5:26 am

    No doubt – perfect proportions. I'll bet your students love it.

    • materfamilias
      30 January 2013 / 3:15 pm

      Oh, I'd never really want to know. . . I try not to think of their opinion, all those young eyes . . . 😉

  8. Lorrie
    30 January 2013 / 5:45 am

    I love that Gap dress on you. With the sweater (so impressive that you knit it!) it's an outfit perfect for school. I'm glad that you are feeling better.

    • materfamilias
      30 January 2013 / 3:15 pm

      Thanks Lorrie. It's great to have my health back (although this cold has GOT to go!)

  9. Anonymous
    30 January 2013 / 3:32 pm

    Gorgeous sweater! And I love the look — it seems cozy, and it's a nod to the warmer weather ahead. Hope you're feeling perkier soon!

    • materfamilias
      31 January 2013 / 4:50 am

      Thanks! I'm looking forward to that warmer weather and yes, feeling much better.

  10. Hadilly
    31 January 2013 / 6:33 am

    Who makes the boots? My short flat boots are on the way out so I need a replacement.

    Thank you and love the outfit.

    • materfamilias
      31 January 2013 / 2:42 pm

      Sorry, I should have said — they're Fluevogs, a style called Malcolm. Very comfortable!

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