Twisting the Mix

J’adore this Suva Wear top I bought a while back (on a recommendation by Duchesse) but when worn alone the pattern makes my bust look HUGE.  Inspired by Karen’s post a few days ago featuring a lovely D and G printed top, I was determined to work this into an outfit that could go to my business casual office. Here I paired with a Talbot’s leather jacket to break up the pattern a bit (the weather here has turned cool again), black jeans and more traditional jewelry (pearls, faux and gold bangle). My Arche boots are worn underneath the jeans.  Think this could also work with my J.Crew tuxedo jacket, purchased on deep discount at the end of the year, and some pumps.

Have you been experimenting with new looks lately?  Any revelations?
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29 Comments

  1. Pseu, you’ve nailed it! What a fabulous look you’ve put together expressing much more of your liveliness than I’ve seen in earlier outfits — there’s more than a hint of “bad girl”here, a big element of fun!

  2. I like that with the jacket. And I’m scared of prints, sort of, so that’s a calibration for you. I also like your jacket. And am coveting one like it…

  3. I love that you’re adding pattern and color to your wardrobe. I would wear larger pearls or very large black beads. The necklace looks too small and middle of the road for this look. I really identify with your desire to “twist” your wardrobe. Keep these experiments coming.

  4. I so want a SUVA shirt, too! Did you get sleeves or sleeveless? What did you think about their sizing? And btw, you look fantastic, like the person who writes to us with thought and humor and sensitivity. Go go go!

  5. Agree with lots of prior comments: nice to see you letting a bit of your wilder side out; the jacket does tone things down nicely; and I think I’d ditch the small pearls in favor of “more” or nothing.

    Must add that given your comments about your bust/torso and the pattern–which I totally get–you could look into having the neckline altered to a scoop or V. Even a lowish boatneck would help.

    That might allow you to wear the shirt on its own without it overwhelming you or creating a block o’ bust.

    [And allow you to draw the focus to your face/a fabulous piece of jewelry if so desired.]

  6. materfamilias – thanks! I really felt “myself” in this, you know?

    Sal – thanks!

    Belle – yes, it is a lot of print, but it’s a fun piece, and so different. I like just the bit of print peeking out from the jacket.

  7. LPC – thank you! I usually don’t tolerate a lot of most prints either, but love these photo prints from Suva. Talbot’s sometimes has some really nice leather jackets in the fall. This one was from a few years back.

    Anonymous – thanks! Yes, I’d agree that the necklace needs more oomph. I was trying to figure out how to work in some classic elements, and will keep tweaking until I get it right.

    dana – this one has 3/4 sleeves, my default setting. This is a size L, think their sizing runs small for US sizing. Thank you so much!

  8. Vix – thanks, and yes I think I’m going to try “more” next time out. I thought of altering the neckline, but then I’d lose some of the elements of the pattern. I haven’t ruled that idea out completely, though.

    Anonymous 2 – thank you so much!

  9. Love, love, love this top + jacket combo.

    Don’t love so much the pearls — a little too ladylike. They and your bangles are getting lost in the mix.

    I think this would work better with a bigger, “tougher” bracelet (and no necklace). You know, something to keep that “biker chick with a day job” vibe going. 😉

    I just got hold of a couple of pieces — lineny tweed jacket and silky print shell — that may count as a twist for me, but I’m not convinced yet… Stay tuned!

  10. My bangs are about as new as I have managed lately. The jacket really makes the outfit. The print on its own would scare me—but with the jacket it is great.

  11. Fashion is art too. The colors are just great. As being a synesthesian artist I live a life in colors. Synesthesia means that I see colors when I see words and numbers.I transform this in paintings of names and birthdays.

  12. I really like the colourful top and jacket arangement- you look like Annna Wintour you need to dress like her and say what you will about Anna she LOVES colour.

  13. LPC – I like the pearls too. Wore the shirt last night with my bigger and more irregular set, which also worked. I think the smaller strand here shows up better IRL than in the pic.

    Maravonda – thank you! I’m really liking the hair too, if that’s OK to admit.

    Rubiatonta – thanks! The intent to mix classic and edgy elements, will keep tweaking the mix and experimenting.

  14. Wendy B – sure, why not?

    LBR – I’m dying to see your bangs, bet they look great!

    Artist – yes, fashion is art. Your perspective and art sound fascinating!

  15. Faux Fuschia – thanks! La Wintour does love her color. I think her overall style is a bit more straightforward than mine, but she does always look great.

    Metscan – thank you!

    Mardel – thanks so much! Head-to-toe classic is feeling too serious for me these days; adding some fun, edgy pieces is a real mood lifter!

  16. Wow, you got a Suva top- was wearing the same one yesterday (Espresso), must be telepathy. They are so wonderful. Not a repeating print, but a photo, and not just ‘any’ photo. Tim Showalter of Suva is a fine photographer.

  17. Vix,altering that neckline will not work- I have the same shirt- b/c will disturb the photo in an unpleasing way. (I am busty and have at least 2 dozen Suva tops)

    I would wear an arm of bangles or interesting earrings, preferring to present the design uninterrupted.

    The arms are black. Wearing a Suva top like this with dark bottoms gives a nice line (hard to see in photo.)