Heading to that family wedding yesterday, I snapped a few quick shots in the mirror. Not all of you will love this daytime pyjama look, but I’m here to tell you that it’s very comfortable to wear, that I received many compliments (my gorgeous 18-year-old nieces professed envy, saying they’d ogled the outfit at Aritzia (it’s by Little Moon, a line my daughter-in-law was also wearing — hers was a sweet navy-print in a below-knee vintage-style dress, très élégante). The SA at Aritzia had counselled white sneakers, but I was happy to wear my pink oxfords (although I’ve also tried it with sandals-with-a-heel and that’s a good look as well).
I rarely buy something new for a particular event, and I could have dressed well enough from my closet. This wedding, though, was something special. I won’t say much about it because although there were close to 200 of us, the ceremony and reception felt very intimate and private. But I will say that the afternoon was a testament to the best of the human spirit, the way we can come together as a community to celebrate joy and love and hope, live in the moment, even in the shadow of adversity. A moving and beautiful day in so many ways.
Sometimes my sister-in-law reads my blog, and if she reads this one, let me just say that the Mother-of-the-Groom dressed that role to perfection, from her beautiful eyes and smile, outward. She wore a lovely dress, the best, soft shade of grey with cream polka dots, fairly fitted on top, fuller in the skirt which had the right amount of swish/movement (official Fashion Term, no?). And then I’d better hurry to say that my handsome brother gave a toast that made me laugh and made me cry, gave me food for thought, and inspired me.
And that is all, this Monday morning, except that you might help me decide if it would be foolish to bring this along in my carry-on, for two months in Europe. The pants pair well with my navy pullover and my navy cardi, over a white T, and the top is good with my jeans. The fabric (a viscose/rayon blend) is hand-washable and it’s all very light. . . But it’s so much print. . . . Thoughts? (those shoes are definitely coming along. . . )
I love it. I'm going to look up Little Moon. Take it on the trip! It sure won't take up much room and, as you say, goes with lots. I'm a print lover, especially in summer.
Thanks! It's in the case. . .
I agree. Take the outfit. So many options when you split up the pieces. Love it. Happy that the day went well. Hope you had enough kleenex with you. Happy packing. xo
😘
Love this post and I can only imagine that your family weddings are epic, just by sheer number of fabulous siblings! And I know how popular you would have been with your nieces given what I know of my daughter, who just turned 19 last week. She is NUTS about Aritzia and is constantly trying to convince me that she really "needs" something new from there. This seems like a slender packing item, IMO. Why not bring it? If you are traveling to different places, no one will know that you've worn it before.
thank you — and epic it was!
I really like it, and yes you could easily break these up and wear separately. The family wedding sounds wonderful. Mazel tov to the newlyweds!!
Thanks Sue!
I love your outfit…the jacket especially. That would go with almost everything in my closet. I think I might venture into the world of prints, baby steps.
Happy packing, if there is such a thing.
Ali
Baby steps are fun. . . . And I'm as skeptical as you about the possibility of "happy packing" but it's almost done now.
Take it! It is lovely.You could wear it separately any day ( even try it with the leggings beneath if it were a sunny but colder day. The same applies -with the t shirt or the turtleneck-to the top) and together for evenings
It must have been a wonderful wedding!
Dottoressa
I wore it with tights underneath the other day — it's still a bit cool here — and you're right, a T-shirt or t-neck underneath could work as well.
It was lovely, and very emotional.
Dress it up, dress it down, light and pretty, bit eye-catching. The perfect outfit for a stay in Europe, early summer. And being comfortable at a wedding as well as suitably dressed is the best. When I think of some of the stuff I have worn in decades past…it sounds like a great day was had by all.
Thanks. We did have a great day, one to be remembered. . .
I think it looks great. Personally, I would find a long silky scarf and use it as a belt, just to really break with the pajama silhouette, but it might be too much competition with the double row of trim.
As for so much print, it isn't like you're going to see the same people over and over while traveling. Definitely take it!
BTW, I just did a post on street style in my neck of the south of France, if you want to see what people are wearing here. But the weather is warming up fast.
I can see that some might wear it belted, but it would be tricky — the top's a bit too short for a belt to capture the fabric for long. My reason for avoiding the belt is different — my very short waist isn't flattered by a belt. At all 😉
I loved your street-style post. You captured so much diversity.
Definitely a travel worthy outfit with a variety of optional looks with the other items you are taking. Looks great on you and it won't take much space.
I'm following your advice
I concur with the others, bring it. To borrow Susan’s term from “une femme”, it can be your “wildcard piece”.
Looks like we are heading off to Europe at the same time, we depart YVR on Tuesday. Have a wonderful trip!
Suz from Vancouver
I like that — a good way not to have to justify it, but just to enjoy it.
You'll have a head start on Europe — have a fabulous visit!
O my G….. I would never and for nothing leave the house looking as I have jumped out of bed the very last minute!
And I would never and for nothing leave an anonymous nasty comment on someone's blog. Proving once again that we're all different, right? Lovely to have choices.
Ha. Frances you crack me up. xoxoxoxoxoxo
Owned…
Lovely outfit. I echo the others' advice; take it!
Done and done 😉
You look chic and elegant to me. I think it would be worth bringing. I think the pants would look good with a striped 3/4 sleeve sailor's shirt, too 🙂
You know, that thought crossed my mind, but I wasn't sure — with your encouragement, I might try that eventually. . . what fun, right?!
Of course I do not know your alternatives, but taking a piece as versatile, leightweight and easy to wash as this suit on a trip looks like a very good idea to me. Can't wait to see all the new combinations you are going to wear it with.
I'm going to try — and if it does turn out to be that versatile and easy to wash, it might get to travel with me often! (When are you off to Puglia? We're in Rome mid-May)
I'll be in Lecce from May 7th to 14th. To my great dismay, I have to take a direct flight to and from Brindisi. I'll wave to you from above on my way home. Have a safe trip.
I'd take it. And my thoughts to the wedding people, the bride, the groom, and the entire family.
You look fabulous in this outfit Frances, I'm not surprised that your nieces were so impressed. Also, the shoes add pizzazz! A suit, which can also be worn as separates, is a great choice for a holiday in Europe. Have a wonderful trip. Wilma D
Say "yes" to the joyous 2 piece! For sure it is wedding appropriate, depending on the wedding style. Separates always are flexible, you'll get more use out of them than some stiff party frock which languishes in the cupboard, only taken out once or twice a year.