AG The Tomboy crop jeans
Everlane Ryan tank
Tienda Ho fannon open shirt | in gray at Urban Outfitters
Robert Clergerie Pepo sandals | old…
MM6 fabric tote bag | purchased with credits from Forzieri
I spend entirely too much time thinking about what I’m wearing. Also, what I’m going to wear, what I’m going to pack, and what I’d like to wear. Even what I don’t want to wear. And then, I deconstruct every outfit, before I wear it, after I wear it, while I’m wearing it. It’s exhausting sometimes, and this week specifically, I’ve been consumed (you might have noticed from my outfit posts…).
Of course, when I’m stressed, and not paying as much attention as I should, I still think I can fix my wardrobe problems by adding more things. The Right things – the things I’ve always wanted. Like this Tienda Ho cardigan/top. I’ve been quietly obsessed with Tienda Ho for a couple years, but never got around to adding anything to my wardrobe until this top. I really wanted the Jodi top more, but decided to go with this one because I thought it more practical for me, in general, and it was a bit cheaper.
I love it, and it’s something I’ve wanted for a while; a black open cardigan with short sleeves that I can wear with nearly everything, anytime. Finally, I can get it, after selling some things, and I thought, how wonderful this would be over any of my fitted James Perse dresses in the air conditioning, and I’d love it with my Raquel Allegra skirt and tank top, or with jeans and a t-shirt. It’s a great shape, and open enough that it doesn’t completely engulf me (the relatively open sides help that also), although it’s hard to tell that in photos.
But as I wear it, of course I realize that it is not the panacea I thought it would be. Of course it isn’t! I could have told myself that LOL. I’m glad I have it though, and I know that when I’m in the right mindset (i.e. NOT scattered, stressed, and overly-emotional), I will appreciate it for what it is: just a comfortable, drapey, easy layer, and I will not expect it to shield me, or act as a cloak that disguises me, making me look different, with thinner legs and smaller hips…
Ah! What a fascinating journey this is.
Have a wonderful weekend!! We’ll be in Atlanta next week and a bit of the week after, so probably no outfit posts, but I will have some good shopping posts going up every day, and there’s a BIG SALE COMING you will want to keep your eyes out for, so don’t go anywhere 🙂
The paragraph about your new top not being the panacea you’d hoped it would be really resonated with me. I often place that same expectation on items of clothing. But clothing can never be the solution to insecurities re: social status or physical “flaws.” Yet at the same time, clothing can appreciated for beauty and practicality. There’s something so refreshing (though I should expect nothing less from your writing) about a blogger being open and honest about that. Most are too busy trying to get their readers to purchase the same items so they earn commission.
thanks brooke – i’ve written so much about my “issues” with that – having such high expectations for my clothes – that you’d think i’d have it all sorted out by now! ha! it’s better, but still so much a work in progress..
Love this look! My Nation LTD drapey open- cardi top is cut similarly to this and I love it. I don’t wear it often enough, though. But I will!
I don’t expect to ever really be “done” with my wardrobe…I mean, what fun would that be? Plus, my eye is always drawn toward new silhouettes, brands and I love to shop. I’m just getting better at it and hopefully, smarter!
Tienda Ho, yes pls!!!