FRAME Le Garcon jeans | made in the US
KAREN KANE drapey top | made in the US (old, gift from Karen Kane, newer version – sort of similar)
ZARA cardigan | old
EVERLANE loafers | gift from Everlane
PROENZA SCHOULER ps1 satchel in dark olive* | via Forzieri, sold out, also available at Luisa Viaroma
I don’t know what possessed me to pull these two things (Karen Kane shirt & Zara sweater) out to wear together. Except maybe it’s my way of trying to appease my desire for a sweater cape/poncho? I REALLY REALLY want a heavier weight poncho/cape to “throw” on when it’s cool. How cozy would that be? Of course this one by Vince is a top contender, but I’m also drawn to this way cheaper one by Glamorous.
But I know that while I love the look on others, I wouldn’t like it so much on me. I would wear it anyway, but ponchos/capes tend to be too long, covering my body up completely, just leaving my thicker, shorter legs sticking out beneath. Wearing this top and an open cardigan, on the other hand, at least shows that I have a waist, and showing some arm/slender wrists always helps balance out an oversized silhouette. Or so I tell myself…I think it works. And probably looks better than a heavy poncho.
I have succeeded in quenching my thirst for a sweater poncho/cape, for now. And with a couple of pieces I’ve had in my wardrobe for more than a year. Score!
Wow. That means I haven’t purchased anything new since the new year. One month. Can I make it through February??
*I have a relationship with Forzieri in which I earn store credit in exchange for displaying their graphic ads and posting coupon codes.
I’m curious how comfy the everlane loafers are. They look kinda stiff 🙂
I love capes and have several, but I rarely wear them because I always carry bags on my shoulder (and for work, where I am most days, I’m taking a tote and a purse, so….) I do have a gorgeous purple Irish wool full length cloak I wear on formal occasions. Again – not much use for that. But I don’t mind storing it for its once every few years use!
I won’r try a poncho because of my chest. That just seems to be a bad look (at least, when I look in the mirror). But for some reason a wrap cape seems to be ok. No clue why I make that differentiation, but there you have it 😉
I think your shirt/sweater combo looks great!
Hi Grechen,
did you get the PS 1 bag for credits only, didn’t pay anything for it? you mentioned you haven’t purchased anything since the new year, I just wondered. if so, that is amazing!
yes, it was only with credits…
but you’re right, i did ADD something to my wardrobe, and that’s what i’m trying to keep track of. thanks for keeping me honest 😉
they’re comfortable. not THE MOST COMFORTABLE SHOES EVER, but still easy to walk in, no blisters or rubbing, or issues at all. i defer to my sneakers most days, but when i want to wear black shoes, i wear the loafers.
I love this look! You look impeccable, yet very comfortable.
My loafers just arrived. Totally unsuitable for wearing now in the freezing cold with so much snow and ice and slush, but I didn’t want to miss out on this restock. I’ve so far just tried them on for a brief moment and found them VERY stiff. Gorgeous and beautifully made but I worry that they may be too unwielding and not right for my feet. The right one in particular hits at a bad place on the inside just below my ankle. I’ll have to try wearing them around the house this weekend if I can figure out how not to scuff up the leather soles.
That purple cloak sounds amazing! 🙂
when i first got mine, i thought I’d have to send them back, or size up, they just didn’t seem like they would work, but after a few days, they softened up ( a little) and broke in so they fit better. i did get a few blisters, and couldn’t wear them all day everyday, but now, they’re great. i wouldn’t say they’re soft and supple, but they’re not as stiff as they were at first. overall, i think dieppa restrepo is a better loafer, but more expensive, and not pointy 😉
i have heard a couple of other people complain that they hit on a place inside near their ankle though…mine do not, but it seems to be a common problem?
yes, i always have problems with ponchos and shoulder bags. they just don’t seem to work well unless you carry a bag by its handles.
i think a wrap cape makes more sense because it’s open – or at least it can be – creating a line there in the middle, where with a poncho, you have just solid fabric from the neck down. not generally a great look for anyone with a chest i suppose…that’s why i think this particular look works for me, in my shortness; it’s open, and creates a longer line.
Really cute outfit Grechen! I have a similar-shape cardigan – bought dirt-cheap at a Barneys warehouse sale (house brand, in black). I love it but wear it rarely because it slides off my shoulders. It’s more like a shrug or shawl in that sense – interesting and even pretty, but annoying. I wish it fit more like your Zara one.
In the poncho department, I have a yummy merino and cashmere one that sits in a drawer. I don’t wear for the same reasons Kelly avoids ponchos (shoulder bag and boobage interference). Also there are probably only two days out of the year when a poncho works as outerwear in the Northeast. For cooler days, getting a coat over it is impossible, and it’s too warm to wear as part of an outfit anyway. Other that, I love it! 😉 Seriously, I know I should rehome it …
Thanks Grechen! I was thinking that might be the deal breaker – the ankle part. My heels are very narrow so I’m getting slippage. And the 8.5 I purchased is a bit too long on my smaller foot, so I wouldn’t even think about sizing up. I think I just talked myself into packing them up for return, but I’ll give them until the end of the weekend …
Grechen, your outfit is so much better than a poncho or a cape! You see that look everywhere, and to my eye, it is kind of tired. Your take is fresh, and somehow unexpected. You are an original!
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Cute outfit! I’d like to see it with your R&B booties, too. I love love love the VINCE poncho, but anything by VINCE is a weakness of mine.
On a positive note, I’m taking baby steps, but I’ve done VERY well with not shopping, other than 2 needs that I disussed with my husband, since this is a joint venture: snow boots by Panjar, for my trip to Chicago….and the general YUCK we’re living in now. Plus, I had $25 off to use at GAP, so I bought my husband a cotton shawl-neck cardi for only $28 and he loves it! Yay, me!!!
thank you mary beth – i do tend to agree with you. about ponchos/capes being a little tired lately. especially among fashion bloggers 😉
yay for you!! uh..definitely needed snow boots, i have to say. i don’t know how you do it….
Christine, you speak the truth! I bought a cute poncho by Minnie Rose and it has gone unworn. Ugh! It is definitely getting a new home.
It’s called, “Stay inside”!
The DIYer in me wonders if some sort of non-slip something might help your cardigan/shrub stay put? I don’t sew, so in my head, I have the rubberized shelf covers. Perhaps an actual sewing or craft store might have something more appropriate though? Double sided fabric tape might work but might be a pain to have to use some every time you want to wear the sweater….
I think you are succeeding very well in quenching your thirst for a sweater poncho/cape and I love the result.
I hope you make it through February and continue showing us combinations of what you already have 🙂