sparking joy
Or, Wearing All Of The Favorite Things
First…so yeah, I went there: cropped flare jeans (well, a slight flare). I’ve been experiencing a bit of skinny jean fatigue lately, and looking for an alternative to either a) cuffing my boyfriend and straight leg jeans to wear with my ankle boots, or b) switching to bootcuts, which tend to be heel-height-specific.
I was initially inspired by these images of cropped flare jeans I saw a while back…
and more recently:
I’ve never been the most fashion-forward knife in the drawer, but when I began seeing this slightly wider cropped silhouette showing up in street style photos and retailers’ websites, my immediate reaction was, “oh YEAH!” 😀 When I spotted a cropped, slightly flared version on the J.Crew website, I jumped. (Apparently so did many others, as they’re currently sold out of most sizes. But fear not, I have found some options, see below.)
It took a few weeks between inspiration and implementation. Sometimes the eye has to adjust even when the spirit is willing, but I’ve had time to experiment and I’m officially On Board. I like how this cut doesn’t fight with my ankle boots, and I think it would also look good with pumps or sandals. The Defense will stipulate that no, they are not particularly flattering in the sense of “making one appear taller and thinner.” But they’re not egregious offenders either, and Your Honors…I love them!
I didn’t consciously set out to wear all favorites in this outfit, but somehow it just happened. I’ve been reading Marie Kondo’s “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” and while I haven’t had time to do the Full Kondo, noticing how I feel about each of these pieces gives me a pretty good idea of the “sparking joy” bar that I want to set.
lip color: CHANEL Rouge Coco “Arthur”
scarf: Alexander McQueen from last year (similar here and here)
sweater: Vince
cuff: Hermès, vintage. More “collier de chien” cuffs here.
bag: Givenchy
jeans: J.Crew, limited availability (similar here and here)
boots: Tabitha Simmons from last year (on sale in limited sizes here, similar here)
As you can see, the flare on these is quite subtle.
Are there any current trends that you’re inspired to try? Have you read Kondo’s book and tried her methods?
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I think your new jeans look fab & are just flared enough. I do like a cropped jeans with ankle boots. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving x
That’s Not My Age, thanks so much! We had a quiet Thanksgiving, which was just what we needed. 😉
I like the jeans, but I love the way you accessorized the entire look. Very Nice!
Pam, thank you!
I love to wear my favorite items. And I think I may put the Kondo book on my Christmas List. Be sure to take a look at The New Yorker as there is currently an article about Kondo and how she shops. The article is online.
Susan, thank you. I’ve bookmarked it to read later today.
Simply lovely! I’ve read the book and need to re-read it! I pared down my things and somehow need to do it again. If I’m not feeling it when I put a piece of clothing on or don’t like a cluttered area it’s time to donate or ditch! Love your blog and your inspiration!
Jill, thank you very much!
Perhaps I’m a bit cynical, but to me it looks like the retailers have changed an old style, boot leg jeans, to cropped boot leg jeans so that we all have to buy new jeans instead of wearing one of the six pairs we already have in our closets. But it does make sense to show off those cute short boots that you are wearing. For that reason and for the novelty factor, I may join the trend eventually 😉
Completely agree…especially with denim…we all buy into “skinny” jeans and then “flares” are in…it’s exhausting…and expensive to stay “current”..
Northmoon, perhaps, but I’m glad to “freshen” my denim a bit. The good news I think is that there are cuts out there still for every preference; it’s not like a few decades ago when everything was this or that, never both.
I’ve been wearing the Point Sur Vintage cropped jeans in your link for awhile now. I love them and I love yours as well. They look great with ankle boots, and I wore them in the summer with sandal slides or flip flops. You’ve styled yours so well. I have read the Kondo book, well, sort of skimmed it, but I have done so many closet passes since then, and more to come as I wheedle down to just what I love.
KPL, thanks so much! Now that I’m comfortable with this silhouette, I might add a pair in a darker wash. I tend to go through my closet every few weeks and try to whittle down. I’m intrigued by the idea of doing in one big pass, but need to find the time.
Regarding Marie Kondo’s book – have had it since last Christmas…it IS life changing! Instead of constantly “tidying up” a little bit at a time, I overhauled the ENTIRE closet in one LONG weekend…it’s liberating and allows me to “shop my closet” with only things I love and that fit, don’t need mending, etc. Is every aspect of the book applicable to my life? Certainly not – but it’s a great system. Love this book!
Thea, if I ever have the free hours needed to do the “full Kondo,” I will definitely give it a try!
I too have enjoyed Marie Kondo’s book – and now everything I own gets the “does it spark joy” question. I’ve gone through my clothes (and could probably stand to do it again), and am just about ready to “kondo the books”. I like the different approach about tackling one subject matter of stuff at a time rather than going room by room (which obviously hasn’t worked for me before!). I LOVE all the posts from you- and look forward to each one- THEY really do spark joy, because it’s changed the way I dress (thank gawd)….as my bod has changed,,,,and it’s been a while since I’ve looked or felt like my 20 year old self. And now, I’m ok with that!! Thank you!! And I’m really enjoying your recent posts where you’ve posted similar items at various price points. I’ve been able to find some fabulous items in my budget range that make me feel great! 😀 Cheers and blessings to you!
roxannesteed, thank you very much! I’m glad to hear you enjoy the blog and find it helpful. I think books will be hard to part with.
You might find Flylady more realistic and applicable than Ms. Kondo.
Hi Andy, yes, I’ve actually used some of Flylady’s methods. Especially the “15 minutes at a time” cleaning.
It’s a look I like, flattering to gals with curvy bottoms or tennis player thighs.
Good quality scarves do not leave my wardrobe. They aren’t that hard to store and colors come and go with predictable regularity in fashion.
The photos of Carolyn Bessette are a blast from the past. If only they’d flown commercial that dark and foggy night.
Ginger R, yes I think these provide a nicely balanced look. I rarely get rid of scarves either. Yes, it was such a tragedy, those young lives gone.
I’ve been mulling over whether to make to make the jump to cropped flares. Or at least try them on in a store. We’ll see. They look good on you. I think the long, flowing scarf (which is so beautiful, by the way) works to make the whole outfit look achieve that long and lean look. If you’ll excuse the unintended alliteration:)
Susan, thank you! I agree the scarf really is what makes this work.
Gorgeous scarf! And you’ll see me tomorrow in wide cropped jeans. I am still not sure about them, but I’m giving it a go (spent $8, what the heck!) Yours look fab. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Patti, thank you! Congrats on the WWW feature too!
i’ve been eyeing cropped flares for some time. you’ve inspired me, Sue! you look darling per usual. hope you are enjoying your long weekend.
xxoo beth
styleatacertainage, thanks so much! Hope you’re enjoying your weekend as well.
No Kon Do. Hahahahahha! I just made that up:). Get it? I’m so funny;). Nah, I just amuse myself. You look great – the cropped flares work I think because of proportion, and because the scarf and sweater also “flare” and create harmony.
Lisa, heh! We share a similar sense of humor I think. Thank you!
Oh •yes•, love this on you! If you can’t find cropped flares, just shorten bootcuts, new or old. (I too am tired of the tourniquet-tight skinny, but straight legs still look fine, I mean, eternal, no?)
And, I can’t resist: I Kondo’d our condo.
Duchesse, thank you! I have a pair of bootcuts that may get the chop soon…and yes, straight legs are always a good look. “Kondo’d the condo…” 😀
Oh dear, cropped jeans …. I’m not sure I’ll go there. They remind me of the ‘flood pants’ look I had back in the 80’s when I gained height so quickly my parents couldn’t keep me in clothes. To this day I’m still sensitive about the length of my trousers.
Hélène, I think we all have those “hot button” style issues. I believe in never forcing oneself to wear something that doesn’t feel right.
You are too cute! Garance Dore has been wearing slightly cropped jeans with ripped hems. I’m not sure that I’m On Board with cropped yet–at least not with the flare. The flare is quite subtle–which is nice. I think my days with flared jeans are over though. I don’t mind shorter jeans but think I still like the rolled up hem. Maybe you’ll inspire me!!
You look great in this outfit though–much more creative than I. I’m tired of the skinnies also but haven’t lived in jeans weather for over a year now so they’re ‘off my radar’.
I’ve Kondo’d kinda. Still lots of Kondoing to do.
Sally, thanks. I may try those let-out hems next. 😉
Cute scarf 🙂
Maria V.
I might try the cropped/flared thing, at least in the dressing room. Those pictures of Carolyn reminded me of when I saw her in person once just outside the door of her and JFK Jr.’s place in Tribeca. She was so gorgeous and what a smile! She and John were so glamorous, Manhattan has seemed a little less sparkly without them and I miss seeing their pooch too. Hope your T-day was wonderful. Swing by the blog if you get a chance, I put up pictures of the windows at Tiffany & Co. xx
Jill, yes, she was so stylish. That whole family suffered such losses, people taken too early. I loved the Tiffany’s windows you showed, truly spectacular!
I love the look and I also love not having my pant length dictate my choice of heel height and having to hem jeans. But living in the frigid midwest, how to style these for the dead of winter–tights underneath the jeans maybe? Also, how do they look while sitting, with the leg exposed above the boots?
pmarie, thanks! I imagine you could wear tights, maybe same or similar color as the boots. I don’t mind the bit of leg exposure when I sit, personally.
Love the scarf. A great touch of colour.
Chicatanyage, thanks so much!
Beautiful look and I agree with everyone on that scarf!! Having searched the web high and low for it to no avail…. I’d have to try the cropped flares on to see. Not sure I have the panache to pull those off but they look great on you.
Sharon, thank you! I keep hoping they’ll re-issue this scarf, maybe in additional colorways.
I like this look on you. I recently purchased the Current/Elliott cropped jeans with the let-out hem in your link and just love them, though at 5’3″ they reach the top of my ankles.
Leslie K, thank you! I’ve had my eye on those CE’s too…
I guess I never noticed the new category of jeans that Caroline so elegantly displayed. It makes me wonder if it is a style borne out of leggy necessity and industry short-comings. What other style of jean can there possibly be! I’ve shopped with my best friend for decades who has put many a pant back that just was not long enough. I am intrigued by the look, maybe one day, when my proportions can comfortably sport denim again. A couple I know read Kondo’s book and delivered twenty-five bags of clothes to Goodwill as a result. Amazing how things like tee’s and old/odd socks can overtake space. I have the book now and I hope to read about the drama of a closet of multiple sizes. I like how ‘serendipitous’ this outfit looks, and I am happy to know that they are your favorites. They look like they suit you to a ‘t’. My favorite outfits are the ones that go together well and have an ease, where the style and ensemble factor is high yet doesn’t shout, it took me all morning to put this together. You nailed it!
Nicole, thank you very much! Yes, why do we keep those single socks month after month, in the hopes that the mates will eventually turn up?? 🙂
I’ve been thinking of shortening a pair of slightly flared cords and seeing you in those jeans has convinced me to give it a try. Love your look. I used some of Kondo’s methods on my closet (major post-retirement purge) and books; kitchen is next. I found her advice to focus on what you want to keep rather than what you want to give away really helpful.
Jojo, thanks, and I’m thinking about doing the same thing with one of my pairs of bootcuts. Yes, focusing on what to keep is a good approach.
This outfit really speaks my language. Especially the scarf and the boots. They make the outfit. I can see why it brings you joy.
bisous
Suzanne
Suzanne, thanks so much!
Someone gave me a copy of the Kondo book recently…not because I needed it, but because it reminded them of what I had already done. Twelve years ago, I sold my house in the Virginia suburbs (3 bedroom, family room, living room, dining room, office, 1200 sq ft attic) and moved to a 12’x20′ studio apartment in Manhattan with one tiny closet. It was a glorious, freeing experience. I pretty much kept only my rugs, my lamps, and my art.
I’ve since upgraded to a one-bedroom, but it’s still only 650 sq. ft. Everything I have is something I love. Clothes are actually the hardest thing for me because my weight fluctuates a couple of sizes every few years. And books…they have always been hard to part with.
Susa, it sounds as though you have a system that works for you and your space.
I love Marie Kondo’s book and have done some tidying… there is much more to do!
I love this outfit!
vicki, thank you!
They show the boots fabulously. I read the book and chucked it. I just found too many of her ideas, nuts. Who would throw all their clothes on the floor to weed through? Not me.
A Well Styled Life, thank you! Too funny about the book.
You wear this look so well! And what synchronicity–I went out this week determined to get a pair of cropped wide-legged or flares jeans. I’m really happy with what I brought home, although they’re not for everyone. Considerably wider but I think still versatile (Citizens’ Melanie)…. I’m still planning to wear my skinnies often, especially with boots–they’re really great for our wet climate.
Frances, thanks so much! Can’t wait to see those on you. I remember your were one of the first in our cohort to try boyfriend jeans and you really make them work for you.
I read your comments about your son. A dear friend has a daughter with CP and has moved her to “college” a lovely facility in Austin TX. They have had the best experience for their daughter. Not sure where you live. I would be glad to get you in contact with my friend. Until then, praying for you and your family.
Hi Kathy, thanks so much for your kind thoughts. I’m glad to hear your friend has found a good situation for her daughter. We’re in California actually, but if we start looking further afield, I’ll keep that in mind.
You look so nice and happy ,I really like this look on you,really sparkling joy! And great scarf and ankle boots! I’m thinking about similar ankle boots but my inner Kondo doesn’t approve!
I like the part in the book about saying thank you for your old or unwanted things
Dottoressa
Dottoressa, thanks so much! I did like that part of the book too, helps alleviate guilt about getting rid of things.
I love those shorter jeans on you. There’s something about them that feels rebellious to me – like the high-waters-wearers from my school age are trendy now. Hurrah! I enjoy these flip-flops of what’s in and what’s out, which keeps life interesting. This outfits looks fantastic. And love those accessories.
Melanie, thank you, and I know what you mean. I love fashion’s vagaries, and having a new silhouette to play with.
I like the jeans ! You look fantastic 🙂 I really love the shoes 🙂 x
Beata, thank you!
I love the pairing of that scarf with those shoes! And the bracelet, LOVE it! One of my all time favorite out fits of yours! I’m inspired. Anna
Anna, thanks so much!
Think I’m in the minority here…maybe it will take longer to educate my eye, but I can’t get into cropped flares. I’m not that crazy about skinny ankle pants either, although I like those better. I’m sticking with full length pants, especially if they are at all flared!
That said, you look great in the outfit, and happy!
You made these jeans work. I recently wore a pair of flare crop white pants with booties and it looked beyond awful on me. Maybe I am just too short for this look.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
One reader called Kondo’s methods nuts, and she’s right. But Kondo has many useful, practical suggestions which makes the purchase of the book worth it.
I found her system of rolling clothes and storing them vertically helpful. It takes some practice, but once you learn it, your clothing drawers become so easy to navigate.
I think you look absolutely great! And flattering or not, anything that shows off those fierce booties is a win in my book. 🙂
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
That scarf! Love it!!
Wore those pants in the late sixties. Never thought I”d see them again!