shape shift

cardigan | top | scarf (similar) | pants (similar) \ bracelet | shoes (similar)
cardigan | top | scarf (similar) | pants | bracelet | shoes (similar)

Lately, I’ve been drawn to soft shapes with a lot of movement, floaty bits that dance along when I walk. I’d purchased these jersey slouchy knit pants a few months ago, thinking they might be good for my Hong Kong travel wardrobe, but they ultimately didn’t make the cut. They’re so comfortable, and when combined with the right pieces, flattering even. Just for grins I tried them with my long cardigan, and loved the result.

Alexander McQueen scarf, French Kande bracelet
Bracelet: French Kande

Of course, the sheer silk scarf really makes the outfit. I spied this scarf on a rack at Neiman Marcus last spring, and it was as they say, un coup de foudre. I may have gasped out loud when I saw that print. I was surprised to find out it was an Alexander McQueen piece, as there were no obvious skulls. (Turns out there are skulls, but they are subtle and only visible when the scarf is laid out flat.) Sadly I’ve not been able to find it online anywhere, but perhaps an intrepid Sales Associate could help you track it down.

Clarks open toe shoes
These are Clark’s from last year; I’ve included some similar styles in the widget below.

Le Monsieur and I are planning a long weekend getaway next month for our 20th anniversary, and I thought this would be a good outfit for one of our evenings out. But I’ve also styled (and worn!) these pants for the office, and will show you that soon.

Eileen Fisher long cardigan, Alexander McQueen scarf
Wearing the Chanel Rouge Coco “Arthur” on lips, Chanel “Tentation” on toes. This polish wears like iron.

A few people have asked me about my photo process. I don’t have a photographer, or any special lighting setup. During the winter months, I’m limited to taking outfit photos on weekends and have to rely on “good” natural light, so probably have about an hour to 90 minutes total per week in which to shoot. I use a DSLR on a tripod, and a remote shutter trigger (which you can sometimes catch a glimpse of in one of my hands) set for a 2-second delay.

Have you tried any new clothing shapes recently?

Linked up with Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style.

SHIFT THE PARADIGM…



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Susan B. sits on a wooden bench wearing a brown knit jacket, blue jeans and colorful bracelets.

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68 Comments

  1. Totally love it! You look wonderfully sleek and chic. The scarf is just fantastic on you – what a great find – the colours and print are prefect. I’ve got back to the A line silhouette this Winter and I am going to try the flared jeans to see how they look – for laughs! I think it’s so important to keep an open mind and try new things from time to time.

    1. silkpathdiary, thanks so much! I do think our eye becomes accustomed to new silhouettes too over time, and it’s fun to experiment.

  2. Love the whole outfit. I almost bought the scarf last year from Net-A-Porter and didn’t, now I’m sorry as it’s gorgeous.

    1. KPL, thank you. Yes, they must have made this scarf in very limited quantities. I’d never seen it before or since (remember now it was on Net-a-Porter for a sneeze’s time).

  3. Love your pants…and that amazing scarf! I am all about trying new shapes right now since I am at a 24 pound loss. For the first time in a while, the clothes which fit closer are looking good and i am having fun with it! I will always love the flowy ones though. This is a perfect look for your celebration time.

  4. The light that you have just now is brighter than our summer, you are so so lucky to live with that sort of light, it’s so uplifting.
    The scarf and lipstick combination are wonderful, really ‘happy’

    1. Badinage, thank you! But the light in Scotland was so pretty, even with just my little phone camera I got so many great images and effects.

  5. The light in Your photos almost always looks sunny and I am very impressed by your photo shoots…the camera on a tripod is a fabulous idea! I thought you might have your husband taking those pictures!
    The scarf is really beautiful and adds such a lovely punch of colour, perfect for Spring….
    I ‘d like to see how it looks with a dress.

  6. Wow! That scarf is amazing–unusual. Very pretty. I love the long sweater paired with it and the jersey pants are perfect. Really a pretty outfit. You’re photography is excellent too–you really have good natural light in that spot and you pose so nicely.
    Well done! Have a great anniversary!

  7. Beautiful scarf! But, I put long sweaters in the same category as cropped pants and flares – they look fresh at first, but don’t stay looking fresh very long. And I’ll always think of Bea Arthur’s “Maude” character.

    1. Rita, thanks! I don’t know, I loved “Maude” and thought she was one of the strongest female characters on TV at the time.

  8. I think that look is so romantic and dreamy because of the lovely drape of the long sweater and scarf. Very appropriate for a 20th anniversary celebration! Many congrats on that milestone by the way. I do shape shifting a lot when I choose to wear Issey Miyake Pleats Please items (which I often find in consignment shops at very reduced prices). The way the garments are constructed you can wear jackets upside down or pants that puff out or not and when you move the shape of the garments constantly changes.

    Accidental Icon
    http://www.accidentalicon.com

  9. Those slouchy trousers really work, perhaps because they aren’t too full. Surprised they didn’t make the cut for your long flight, as they’d be so comfy on a plane without looking like trackpants.

    1. lagatta, it was close, but I took a different pair of knit pants that I ultimately thought would be cooler in the sub-tropical climate. But these are definitely going with me to Europe in late spring!

  10. Funny…I tried having my husband shoot me for the “How I Wear” series (thought I would submit the booties) but we only got three images finished. He couldn’t stand it! and neither could I!!! I have a really good tripod, but no remote control. Very hard to get both the placement and the lighting correct with the timer on the camera. Well, I’ll keep trying! btw: love the pants and the entire outfit, just my style!

    1. An Eye For Detail, thanks! I’m trying out some alternate locations/backgrounds, and it takes some trial and error to get the composition, lighting and angle just right. The best photographers make it look easy but it’s not.

  11. I hadn’t thought about long scarves being Maude scarves, but I have felt like I likened them to the stoles that clergy wear over their robes. It’s a nice way to put something between my itchy neck and a sweater .. The one in the carousal is nice. I love that fatigue green color and it picks that up.

    1. Ginger, hadn’t thought of that. Sometimes I’ll tie the ends to make a DIY infiniti scarf and wear to the office like that.

  12. Yes indeed, I join the chorus – this is a great look. I’m drawn to the soft colours from your scarf (wow!) near your face and your lipstick couldn’t be a better shade. The slouchy knit pants with the long cardigan go well when you wear that shorter, soft-blue top underneath. I’ve been hit and miss with long-over-loose but your combo is a winner.
    Thanks for the photo info. I’ve been trying to find a remote for my camera. I’ll try harder.

  13. Wow, I can only echo everyone else’s superlatives. You look sensational, confident and ‘old-Hollywood’ stylish. There’s definitely an overtone of Marlene Dietrich at her most glamorous! You glow in the colors of your scarf. And that bracelet is super.

  14. C’est magnifique! I love the line of that long cardi, and it really looks fantastic with the slouchy pants. That scarf takes it from cool to uber cool, although the outfit looks good even on its own. And you wore just the right shoes, too!

    1. I love this look too, but tell me, would the looking card still look good after sitting on it? Seriously. Everywhere I might wear it requires an hour of car travel and I wonder if it would keep its shape.

      1. Hi Marjory, thanks. I’ve worn this cardi to the office, where I sit at a desk all day and it still looks fine. I have not seen that it stretches out or becomes mis-shapen.

  15. I particularly like the color, intricacy, and detail of the scarf and bracelet juxtaposed against the simplicity of the underlying garments and the bright flash of your hair and lipstick. And looks comfortable and slimming to boot!

  16. Pseu, I did also love Maude. I just meant the long sweater is making a comeback from that era. Although, come to think of it, that was a good era, much more progressive than we live in now! Remember the episode where Maude gets an abortion? Can you imagine that happening on a sitcom today? The world would collapse! (Or, some might think it had).

  17. I agree with everybody-Great outfit. It seems that you lost a couple of pounds and look very fresh. Have a nice weekend

  18. I really like this look on you. So very flattering. The pops of bright pink are perfect…even on the toes:) I too have been gravitating toward more fluid looks. I have my eyes on a great comfy pair of pants from Lou & Grey. BTW, adore the bracelet!

  19. I too am into baggy pants lately but more towards the harem pants or Aladin pants they called it. I saw my yogi friends wearing them and went to get a few for myself. Man, they are so comfortable and fall beautifully. I think I am hooked! Anyway, the scarf is pretty and this pairing has that modern bohemian flair to it of which I like. And as always, you accessorize really well

  20. I am a big fan of slouchy pants because of the comfort factor.Your scarf is wonderful,such brilliant colours,perfect with the bright lipstick.I am a fan of Chanel lipsticks too,must check that colour out.

  21. Your bright colourful scarf is beautiful, stands out a mile against the neutral outfit. I love the comfy slouchy trousers and your long cardi is so classy. You look great.

  22. As a scarf lover, I’m lusting after this beauty. I love the colors, the length and how it plays with your long cardigan and slouchy pants.

  23. Great look! I love the long cardigan ,the looser fit pants, and the beautiful colors of the scarf> Almost like a blank canvas that you painted with color with your scarf. Love it. I have tried some shapes like the swing jacket and I have and an asymetrical sweater. The coral lipcolor is very lovely too!
    from the link up,
    please stop by, jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com/

  24. I love flowy and soft fabric but never tried until today. I plan to explore the soft fabric land soon. The scarf gives a youthful, playful note to your basic outfit.