Reverting To Type
Jeans? ✅ Jacket? ✅ Leopard print? ✅
Everything seems to be in order here. Carry on. 😉 I thought with Valentine’s Day coming up, I’d put together a casual date night look (because casual is how we roll these days).
Earrings | Jacket (c/o)| Top | Jeans (similar) | Ring | Bag | Boots (similar)
Plus options: Jacket | Top | Jeans
Truth be told, le Monsieur and I usually don’t make a fuss about Valentine’s Day. We don’t exchange gifts, or try to go out anywhere, as restaurants are usually overcrowded. We’ll often wait until the following weekend to enjoy a nice dinner out, and a more relaxed time together. We’re both quite happy with this arrangement!
A Lucky Find
The leopard jacket (gifted) is from the cabi Fall 2017 collection. When cabi invited me to their Spring fashion show, that included the opportunity to shop pieces from prior collections (and a gift card to use toward purchases). I didn’t have a lot of time to peruse the inventory, but did a quick pass through the racks and selected this jacket without trying it on. As it turned out, luck was on my side…it fit perfectly (except for the long sleeves which I’ll roll or push up anyway). And it’s a beautiful ponte knit, so comfortable to wear and perfect for our climate. Even le Monsieur loves it, and he’s not usually a fan of leopard print!
I was able to find a few of these jackets on ebay, and if you have a favorite second-hand source, you may want to try there, or ask a cabi stylist. I’ve also found a couple of pieces from the current Spring collection that are right in my wheelhouse; you’ll be seeing those soon.
Details…
I’ve had this Givenchy bag for five or six years. I love it even more now that it’s really soft and slouchy. Yes, it’s that ring again…I wear it often!
The boots (similar) are 15 years old or so, and I’ve (sadly) decided it’s time to pass them along, as they’re no longer comfortable. They’re from Stuart Weitzman, and at the time I purchased them, were the most expensive footwear I’d ever bought (aside from ski boots). But they’ve earned their keep and more over the years! And they lasted longer than the ski boots did…
I’m on the lookout for something similar but more comfortable to replace them. These are on my short list (and on sale!)
What’s the longest you’ve kept (and worn) any wardrobe item?
Images: Tannaz Telikany Photography.
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I have a black leather jacket that I bought 35 years ago, that still gets a lot of wear. It was by far, the most I’d ever spent on a clothing item. Your outfit looks great (my husband not a leopard fan either.)
Thanks, KSL!
Have you tried Tecovas? They have some really nice boots…http://www.tecovas.com
My mother bought me a brown Evan Picone velvet tunic vest in 1969 to take to college. Still wear it and still love it.
I love this look, Sue, The long silky top under the jacket is lovely. I’m a big fan of Stuart Weitzman shoes and boots since they actually fit me. I have a long, very narrow foot and most shoes just fall off my foot. My Stuart Weitzman knee-high suede and leather boots are ten years old, and I still get compliments on them. Of course I don’t wear them every day here in the winter… too much slush and salt on the streets and they’d be ruined pretty quickly.
Thanks so much, Sue! I’ve never been disappointed with the quality of Stuart Weitzman shoes.
I had a bright orange blazer with military patches for a dozen years and loved that jacket, On the subject of boots, Aquatalia is having a huge sale right now. I have fussy feet but their boots are comfortable for me. (Unfortunately their 70% off boots are not returnable but I already knew which size works for me.)
I have some items in my wardrobe which are over 15 years old. Two skirts that I can think of.
the jacket looks great on you. For me, I just cannot handle that much animal print on one item. I do have a nice leather animal print/black handbag which I bought many years ago. It has leather tassels, so it is still in style.
The jacket looks great on you, but I think a trip to the tailor is in order to take care of the sleeves.
I still wear a scarf that I received as a high school graduation gift over 50 years ago.
Honestly, my style has evolved so much over the years that only a just white Brooks Brothers has survived numerous wardrobe purges; and that only because it was one of those “should have” items some years back. I’m less of a should have person and more of a does it fit well, does it look good on me, and do I feel good wearing this kind of person these days. I have always been a jeans person and have noticed, both at home and abroad, that a good pair of jeans with great accessories are a universally acceptable look. Your casual look in today’s post rocks! Please keep ‘em coming.
I love your whole casual outfit. You look so comfortable.
I tend to hang onto purses.
I have Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors and Coach purses I have had for years, I use them all the time.
Another great look on you.
On a related topic, have you considered bringing your favorite but no longer comfy heels to the cobbler? Some might be able to be modified, or shortened to a better heel height. Like those in the outfit pic – Maybe the heel could be replaced with a lower stacked wide heel. Obviously just for your favorite favorites
Thanks for posting. Suz from Vancouver
Hi Suz, thanks! I’ve actually looked into that in the past. The issue with these boots is that there’s almost no padding left underneath the ball of the foot, and the shoes are cut too close to add an insert.
This is one of my favorite outfits on you! I love that v-neckline and the flow of the top and the pointy toes:).
Thanks very much, Lisa. You know how I love the pointy toes… 😉
I have a pair of La Cannadienne kitten heel ankle suede boots I purchased 10-12 years ago. I was kind of browsing for some ankle boots and the sales woman suggested them. I keep thinking that I need to think about retiring them but they are flattering, comfortable and go with so much of my wardrobe. I wear them very often this time of year. I have other older pieces but I don’t wear them as much, such as a cashmere hounds tooth blazer which is just too nice to purge . I keep it but is is more structured than most of my current clothing choices.
I think the oldest item in my wardrobe is a pair of Old Navy orange ghost-print cotton pajama bottoms; they get pulled out every October 1st and put away every October 31st, to be worn again the following year. I’ve done this for ten years now and will continue until the pajamas fall apart (still going strong!). My daughter loves Halloween and even though she’s an adult now, she still appreciates my little ritual.
I do have a few items right now – a leather moto jacket that I bought in Paris and my Burberry trenches – that I think will be in my closet for a very long time. And maybe some cashmere sweaters…I have a grey cardigan from Eric Bompard that I imagine I’ll have until old age.
The shoes are lovely but I am right there with you; no more heels for me. I wore a pair of what I thought were reasonable heels to a wedding last October, and after a few hours I was literally hobbling around in pain. No more.
By the way, lovely outfit – and I love your hair!
Thanks, Debra!
Love your outfit!!! Aren’t we lucky to live in a time when casual dress is the norm?!
Thanks, Pearl! And yes, we are lucky…
This outfit is a winner! The most enduring item in my wardrobe is a black leather jacket I’m wearing right now. It’s maybe five years old. My style/taste is pretty fickle I’m afraid.
You rock this look! Love it. I’m tempted to purchase the jacket. Does it run TTS?
Thanks! I think it actually runs a little large. I’m a 6 in most jackets; I’m wearing a 4 here and the fit is perfect.
Thanks!
I have a red coach shoulder bag with a flap over the draw string…almost looks like a back pack….it has to be 25 years old but I “discovered” it my old 14 year old moving stuff….love it! The leather is so soft and buttery and I get comments galore.
I have a Burberry trench coat from the 1980s that still looks brand new and a couple of cashmere sweaters of the same vintage that I pull out every winter.
I’ve got some apre’ ski boots back from when I was in college that I would wear if I were ever to find some snow to frolic in again. Living near the beach in Southern California makes that unlikely, but I could go up to the nearby mountains, so you never know… I got them CHEAP at K-mart of all places–and I STILL like them, fake fur and all!
I have a raincoat that I purchased on a trip to London in 1985. I felt guilty at the time because it was the most expensive item of clothing that I’d ever bought. I still have it and love it, proving that quality and style do last!
I travel often to Europe and other places and always end up buying some really great clothing wherever I find myself. I have a hard time getting rid of some as they always remind me of the wonderful times I had visiting those places. Plus, the quality is such that even no longer fashionable, I’m having second thoughts every time I try to lighten the load. Bad for closet space. Bad for my adult children who will have to deal with this when gone! Need to snap out if it!!!
I love this — and I love that simple top. Would you say it’s pretty TTS?
The top? Yes, I think it runs pretty TTS. I’m wearing a Petite Small here.
Thanks so much! And it’s on sale now …
I just love your style… so chic and understated.
And I like how you “recycle” the items… so that it’s not so much the quantity of different outfits , it’s reconfiguring your elegant and tasteful pieces in different ways (with the occasional new purchase added in for variety).
Thank you, Lynne.
For many, many years I wore a red v neck cashmere sweater that my Mom had worn in college. I loved that sweater. It is retired now but I’m pretty sure its in a box somewhere.
Great outfit on you! I don’t think I could carry that much of that print. And – I’m in love with that bag! I have a green Coach bucket bag my now deceased brother bought me as a gift thirty years ago; no way I can get rid of it. And a jacket of my mothers that actually fits and works for me colorwise; that one’s got to be thirty years old at least. Pair of black boots like the one’s in the photo that I bought 15 years ago in Paris….I must have tried on forty pair that day – along with the red suede pumps that I only JUST gifted to someone.
Thanks, Bernice!
A pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes, black silk heels, are my oldest item too. My daughter regularly wears her grandfather’s wool watch shirt from WWII as a fall jacket, and her dad’s winter jacket, issued by the US army in 1972, as a winter coat.
Nothing noteworthy left in my wardrobe since I retired and now wear almost exclusively casual style. That combined with weight fluctuations has seen a regular purge, even with shoes. This week saw all my T shirts donated since I cannot bear to see my age softened middle on show. When I try on tops now I deliberately relax the middle area so as not to be fooled. Too old for that nonsense now!
I have some Chicos black travelers pieces that are over 15 years old….straight black pants, a sleeveless tank, basic straight jacket, long sleeve top, straight pencil skirt. Wear them frequently, with some of the artistic pieces that I have knit. Added a tunic a couple of years ago.
I have a few things from high school (in the 80s) I still wear. Or hold on to because I might. LLBean duck boots & mocs, an amazingly gorgeous Polo black watch plaid wool duffle coat. Scarves from high school as well. My style isn’t quite as preppy as it was back then, but the pieces I’ve kept have easily been incorporated to my current style (which is still pretty traditional).
Love this outfit! The silky blouse and the jacket work well with the jeans and boots.
I have and wear a much loved Eileen Fisher tunic top that is over 20 years old. Still looks great.
Thanks very much, Lynne!
Today, after 21 + years, I packed up my vintage suede car coat and sent it off to the charity shop. I bought it in a vintage shop in Bath and have worn it every spring and autumn ever since. It must be 50 years old and it has more than done its bit. Someone else might love it now.
You look wonderful in this outfit. Relaxed, modern, confident and sexy. Love everything you have on.
Your hair is really growing long, isn’t it?
The longest I wore something is my cropped cotton black and white summer jumper. 25 years. I don’t wear it often but I still like it.
Greetje
Thanks so much, Greetje!
I know you don’t care for it, but I think the grey leopard would look wonderful with some red jeggings or your red shoes? But you look fabulous!!!
Thanks! I actually have another outfit in mind that includes my red bag…
Awesome outfit! I would not have thought about putting that flowing blouse with the jacket but will give it a try. I have a pair of snow boots that I’ve had since 1974. My parents bought them when my feet were still growing so they started out a little big and have been perfect through adult hood. They are Italian with sueded leather and lace up the front to the knee. The front, tops and insides are faux fur. The soles are totally slip free with a 1 1/2″ chunky heel. My whole life people made fun of me for wearing them. I was called “Nanuook of the North” and “Heidi.” I persisted because they are awesome, functional and beautiful snow boots. I still wear them today. Who’s laughing now? 🙂
Thanks, Heather!
Susan, you looked so darned YOU in that outfit. And your hair grow-out has turned out just great.
#DoinItRite!
Hi!
I have a bright red wool pea coat with black buttons that I purchased 30 years ago at Stern’s Dept. store. It is classic and never seems to go out of style. However, the shouldersbecame too wide for my frame. I had it tailored and properly fitted to my shoulders. Now it’s just a gorgeous as it was 30 years ago. I love wearing it!
Im smiling at so many of us who have items from the 80’s I have a beautiful black label polo wool cashmere coat that is long and lovely and timeless from the 80s and then I also have many of my grandmas hermes scarves that come from the 50’s !