Working It Out
Or not, as the case may be
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| Yes, I know. |
Une femme may have many shortcomings, but the ability to continue to delude myself in the face of photographic evidence isn’t one of them. This is the Elizabeth and James “James” jacket I was raving about last week. In trying to capture a suitable image to show it off to best advantage, I first tried with several ensembles, and selected the one I thought looked best. I snapped a DIY photo (above).
Unsatisfied, I then corralled le monsieur to snap a few shots on the front porch. But no matter how I posed, it didn’t look right. Below, this is the best of them.
It’s a beautiful jacket, but just wrong for me. It’s too long, looks boxy, makes my legs look stumpy and swamps my 5’1″ frame. Not the desired effect. So I’ve returned it, and someone a few inches taller will probably rock it.
But hey, the shoes look great, don’t they?
~
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 United States License.
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I do think you are being too hard on yourself. But your Eileen Fisher jacket (the crepe one) looks a lot better, even though (as you pointed out) it doesn’t look all that thrilling on the EF site.
Under your jacket you have created one of those “columns” recommended for creating a slim and put-together look. Yes–it works!
I have to agree with your decision – it’s just too long on you. Hem length is everything for those of us under 5’2″. Some times an inch shorter changes the proportion completely.
Great find in the shoe dept though!
I, too, think you are way to hard on yourself! I happen to like the jacket on you — a lot!! Very “slimming.” I really liked the jacket when you posted it last week and now I want it even more.
I honestly can’t tell much from the perspective of this photo. Could we see one of the photos that your husband took?
I don’t think the jacket is bad at all on you, but if you don’t love it, you should return it.
I think it is sometimes hard to find a shorter jacket that is not boxy.
Ok, in the second photo, I can see it. It’s not right for you. Too square in the shoulders and too long.
I shudder at the though of seeing photos of myself in my clothes. Hmm….I guess I need to start photographing myself too. I used to do it with my computer’s camera while standing in a hall.
I like the jacket you were wearing several posts ago.
LuxeBytes – so true about the camera! I remember reading one stylist’s advice many years ago to shop with a friend and a Polaroid camera. Thanks, love these shoes!
Pam – thanks, I agree that pictures are helping me sort out why a certain piece or ensemble works or not. It’s sometimes hard when looking in the mirror to see the whole.
frugalscholar – actually, I’m not being hard on myself, but rather on the jacket, which is as it should be. The “column” was why I thought I could make this work, but because of the jacket length, it really doesn’t.
mathilda – thanks so much!
Northmoon – thanks. I’m really trying to be more discerning and critical when it comes to proportion and fit.
Anonymous – thanks! I’ve promised myself that I’m not going to buy/keep anything that doesn’t make me feel fabulous, and I’m afraid I’ve soured on this one. But it’s been returned, and I can keep looking for something fabulous. The hunt it half the fun!
Susan – It’s hard to get a good shot in our hall mirror. Length is SO important!!
kathy peck – thanks, and I’m sorry to hear that it didn’t work for you either. I think I really need to stick to knits.
That’s disappointing! I know what you mean about that photographic evidence, although I’m not convinced it’s always right — animation, perspective, etc., make such a difference. Still, it’s hard to shake that image, and I’ve given up on garments or combinations after seeing them from a camera’s perspective.
Love those shoes! So cute!
Oh I disagree! As soon as I saw the first photo (and before I read your text) I thought, oh now that is the kind of jacket I need! I have yet to find a good blazer silhouette on my pear frame. I liked this silhouette on you! But if you don’t like it, that’s all that matters.
Well, it’s returned so water/bridge. It’s not that I disagree per se, but as Materfamilias says movement and 3-D vs 2-D perspective can make a difference with some pieces.
While you are being rather hard on yourself, being pickier has helped me create a closet with clothes that get *worn* so I support your ruthlessness, ha.
I will say that IMO this so long/fareweller could probably have benefitted from a little nipping in the torso and a small chop to the hem (all things to be factored into price when buying, alas…as if there weren’t enough to consider!).
[And as much as I like your shoes, you are chopping the leg line by ending your dark column with a light color.]
Onward/upward to the next jacket that does what you want it to do (just don’t forget the possibility of tailoring to enhance *your* proportions!).
It really is too long for your figure. I am 5″ taller and I find that these loose, longer jackets are just not flattering.
HA! Sometimes I think that jackets are just not the right article of clothing for MANY figure types. I sometimes envy the very slim tall woman as she is the perfect clothes hanger. The rest of us need to find the right thing–and it’s just not easy.
I seem to remember that you had decided that short jackets were not not right for you either. I guess that means you will be looking for the in between length. So frustrating.
Love the shoes!
I love their jackets but yes it is a tad long. Oh I hate posing in the mirror, some folk are confident and can pull it off, not me. Taking pics for the blog has really helped me with purchases, things I never spotted stand out a mile in pics.
Lovely shoes!
Marguerite – thanks! I’m feeling good about the decision to return it.
la fourchette – thank you! I was SO thrilled to find those shoes.
materfamilias – I agree with you about 3D vs. 2D in general, but this time I think the camera revealed the truth.
Amber – thanks! For me, it was a difference of looking in the mirror (where I focused on the jacket itself) vs. the whole seen with the camera. When I look at the jacket, it looks flattering; however when I look at the entire ensemble, realize it wasn’t working for me.
Vix – for me being pickier about how something looks on me is a good step, as I’d had way too many “it’ll do” pieces in my closet in the past. I didn’t see it as being hard on myself at all, but rather saying, the garment needs to work with my body, not the other way around. As far as alterations go, this jacket was very spendy for me, and alterations would’ve added a good bit to the cost with no guarantee that I’d achieve the desired result. I’d rather save the money and look for something better for my proportions. And you’re probably right about the shoes, but I just wanted to give them an outing.
NancyK – I think the longer jackets can be flattering, but they need to be softer. My knit jacket is about the same length, but looks worlds better.
Susan – jackets are tricky, I think. The combination of cut, length, styling and fabric has to be just right, or they can look either too boxy or mannish.
Pearl – thanks!
metscan – you’ve helped inspire me to be more discerning and to listen to those little doubts. I only shop in stores that have good return policies!
Tabitha – I agree about pictures helping to see things that aren’t obvious in the mirror. Once the weather warms up a bit, those shoes are going to get some regular wear! All of my other shoes will be jealous.
I find if the item doesn’t immediately blend into the wardrobe (if one must try too hard to find a way to “make it work”) then it must go back. I saw the first photo and thought, “Oh dear, that isn’t her most fabulous.” and then read the rest where you come to the same conclusion. I’m glad you returned it rather than having it sit in the closet, shaking its finger at you, unworn. 🙂
For me jackets/ blazers are just the toughest things to find in a style that compliments my body type. Being short and busty like you (though not as slim) I found that I just can’t wear anything with lapels, nor can I wear the Chanel style boxy jacket. Both of those just make my chest look like a tank. Not a good look. I’ve had to go very soft and draped, like the Eileen Fisher piece you have.
While many of us of a certain age are not used to thinking of a draped silhouette as ‘professional,’ I think it’s just fine currently. Do you feel comfortable in a lush, open cardigan? I have found that to be another workable final layer.
Vraiment! The shoes are lovely, the jacket is doing nothing for you. Good eye, Miss Pseu. Kathy Peck nailed it re: the drape.
No doubt Miss J would benefit from photographing some of her items.
Agreed. But you are modeling something more important than jackets. Intelligence, self-understanding, sense of humor, pragmatism. Thank you.
The camera cannot tell a lie, it’s so true!
Those shoes are so pretty and feminine; they’re absolutely perfect!
Marsi
Since I started blogging, pictures have made me realize just how much I have that doesn’t look good! Sometimes I look at the picture, and grieve how many times I wore something just not flattering…you are not the only one to realize this…but I love your humility and honesty to blog about it!!
Shoes are little beauties. Great colour, sooo nude and pale. Tres chic!
Love your blog:)
I don’t think it’s you, I think it’s the jacket. It doesn’t drape well. The hem is wiggly and just doesn’t have enough weight. I’m 5’7″, tried it on and found that it was cut or made well.
wasn’t cut or made well, I meant.
When I put my finger on the photo and mask it so it looks only as long as just above the pockets, it is totally different. So it’s the proportion, it looks like somebody else’s clothing, compared to your EF jacket.
Good for you for refusing “tainted love” and returning it.
Pseu, I agree that the jacket is too boxy.
But you definitely scored with the shoes. They are so cute. I love the bow detail.
Sooo disappointing when our hopes are dashed! You should revel in the fact that you have the knowledge and confidence to know what works on your figure. On to the next lovely jacket, Femme.
Good call. *Love* the shoes! Also a good call – and a great deal!
I think it’s a bit large, actually. Isn’t that the best reason to return something?
spacegeek33 – that’s really a good rule of thumb. I really thought this jacket was going to play well with my black slim pants and denim, but it didn’t.
laurieann – I agree that jackets are some of the hardest pieces to get right. I think those of us of a certain age can harbor a mental image of more structured, tailored pieces when we think of workwear, when that’s really not the case any more. I’m looking for that Goldilocks Zone with regard to jackets: not to stiff, not too soft, Just Right. I think a draped cardigan can work for the office, again it’s about balance within the whole look. Working on this for next week…
Kalee – thanks! Yes, too long for sure, at least in this cut/fabric! But I’m already on the hunt and may bag a trophy or two over the weekend…
Miss Janey – yes, the drape, or lack of it. I’m still pinching myself over finding those shoes, though.
LPC – thank you so very much. You are very sweet to say so.
Tiffany – I think part of the problem is that when you look at the jacket exactly head on (how I viewed first time in the store) it does have some shape. But as soon as one turns at an angle, the effect is lost. No follow-through! The shoes, however still make me smile every time I see them, from whatever angle.
Susan Tiner – you were right! Seeing photos really helps me to nail down what’s working or not, and why.
Duchesse – “somebody else’s clothing” describes my initial response to the pictures perfectly! I’ve had enough of wearing somebody else’s clothing, want to feel like myself now!
Belle – it had so much going for it detail-wise, but the length and boxiness outweighed the positives. I’m seeing a lot of bows on shoes coming out for spring, so Miuccia was ahead of the curve!
Rose AG – yes, Prada! The first time I’ve ever tried on a pair of Pradas, as was so amazed at how comfortable they were. Yeah, the sleeves on that jacket were one of its charms that initially seduced me. I’m a sleeve-pusher too. It’s hard to see from the pictures, but the jacket actually hits me more like mid-thigh, not good for something of this cut and fabric.
K-Line – that’s a great reason to return something, but actually it wasn’t large. Just looks that way because of the length and shape.
So I am not the only one returning purchases. Good. I have to keep in mind, that when even a small doubt, don´t.
Loose jackets are not my ” thing ” at all. I have learned this now. It does not help being 5´10 and slimmish.
Being of the certain age, I need something light and lifting or something structured and textured. The cut must be perfect. I don´t wish to ” pop ” out, nor do I want to wear baggy, dropping clothes.
Yes, the shoes look amazing!
What about the jacket with a thin belt? I love the colour. But when in doubt – return it. Life is too short and you need to feel as great as you look!
I’ve never tried on Prada shoes but have my eye on some woven flats for summer. I may go and try them.
L’age moyen – even if there weren’t so much fabric here, I have such a nonexistent waist that belting tends to make me look like a sack of potatoes with a rope tied around the middle. Glad at least the shoes are working!
Susan – I think I know which ones you mean, and they’re really comfortable too (tried but didn’t buy).
elena – those Prada shoes were the best deal ever. On the sale rack at Sak’s and ultimately marked down by a little over 60%! They had me at hello and the price was just icing on the cake. I love them to pieces.
I really do think it’s a stunning jacket….but it is too long on you. However, as you said in a comment the fun is in the hunt and you shouldn’t accept anything less than fabulous. Can’t wait to see what you do eventually find!
For those who might be interested, here are the Prada flats I mentioned:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod123930001&parentId=cat13030787&masterId=cat13030769&index=32&cmCat=cat000000cat000141cat13030734cat13030769cat13030787
It’s great that you’ve got such a clear eye/head. It’s a beautiful jacket, but I agree that it’s too long, and not shaped enough to flatter. But those shoes are just perfect!
I was a little worried about that jacket. Good for you not minding returning things that don’t work.
I love the shoes.
I’m still getting used to looking at photographic evidence!
Those are the Prada shoes? They are great.
I will say that I like the length of the sleeves on the jacket. I’m always pushing sleeves up.
The top-of-thigh length of the jacket would not be a winner for me either.
what about the shoes? is right! i’m looking at the pictures…and i keep focusing on the shoes…love!
Oh how I sympathize and applaud your resolve! The lure of the long, slouchy jacket is so hard to resist, but for those of us who are not tall, it just never works–unless the jacket is quite long (almost to the knee) and somewhat fitted, over narrow pants, or very narrow and draped over a short skirt (like that fantastic EF ensemble a few posts back.) Why do we keep trying on those long blazers? Mostly because that’s what’s out there! There is, I believe, in the minds of many designer/manufacturers, an American Shape: 5’8″, boyishly broad in the shoulders, trim through the waist and hips–an ideal which ignores at least 75% of their potential customers. It’s a cheap, lazy design decision to keep on turning out the same big boxy shape year after year. I fantasize about short, curvy jackets in exquisite fabrics, with clever seams and beautifully bound buttonholes, and once in a blue moon I find one–usually in a thrift shop, made in the 1950s by an anonymous dressmaker.
C.
It is best to know. YOu have a keen eye and a brilliant sense of what works for you. I have made mistakes that I didn’t know mistakes until I had worn them to death. I admire your quick spotting of what works and what doesn’t.
Isn’t it amazing what a photo reveals vs just looking at our reflection in a mirror? I agree with your decision. Also, in the photo, I am not sure that the color does anything for you. But still loving that shorter hair cut!
I agree; the jacket is just a tad too boxy.
Don’t know if you like to read sewing sites, but check Claire Kennedy…she has some amazing posts on fit for women of all sizes. She has the eye, as she teaches fitting and sews custom designs (mostly high-end stuff like wedding gowns). Her posts on Judi Dench were terrific.
Your sense of humor and honesty continue to delight. I agree that unless I absolutely love an item at this point, it’s out the door! And I love the shoes!
LBR – the “eye” is still a work in progress. I must credit Imogen and Karen with helping me develop what understanding of proportion and shape I do have. And from metscan I’ve learned the “if in doubt, back it goes” mantra.
Susan – cute!!
C. – for the longest while, it seemed that everything was cropped, cropped, cropped! Which also can be hard for many of us to wear. I think it’s just cyclical, and about getting us to buy the next New Thing.™ Knits seem to be my best bet these days. I once had a 50’s vintage jacket that was just incredible…lightweight wool, cut for a woman’s body, and so flattering. I wore that one until it was in tatters.
Mary – thanks! I really do need to snap a photo when unsure of an item.
Jean S – I do read a few sewing sites intermittently. Will check out the ones you’ve mentioned.
Style Crone – you are too kind, thank you! I’m so glad I pounced on these shoes.
I agree that it was right to return it.
I’m having second thoughts myself about that boxy grey/black tweed jacket I posted a photo of — it just doesn’t show off the part of me I want to show off. So even though I got it on massive sale, I’m going to return it.
(P.S. My verification word is “wedgeous.” The 7th grade boy in me is having a field day!)
Hey There Carole! – thank you so much!
Rubiatonta – I think the jacket looked great on you, but if it isn’t living up to your hopes and expectations, then by all means return it.
Ms. Pseu, you are so right…the jacket just looks “meh”… Not terrible, just unexciting. It’s more difficult when an item has a lot of nice features, but the proportions are just off, to take something back, so I salute you for your strength of purpose. Now you are free to find something worthy of those devastating shoes!
I do love those shoes. I just found your blog… you are doing a wonderful job with it. 🙂
Katriona – you’re right, and at that price point I want a lot more than “meh.” It gets easier to be more persnickety and return what doesn’t wow me the more I practice.
😉
Leslie Thompson Scott – you know I’ve often wished I had space for one of those three-angle mirrors. Love your computer idea! Miss Hathaway, HAH! Yes, that’s a look to be avoided.
Your photos prompt me to share a story—
Last summer I was sharing cocktails with friends on a restaurant’s patio that was adjacent to an entrance to Beachwood Place, an upscale mall east of Cleveland. People watching can be both delightful and appalling and we were losing our appetites. My friend commented that it would be helpful if these folks would take a picture of themselves before they left the house.
This prompted a discussion of the fantasy house of the future. Imagine having a camera and computer screen built in at the door of one’s dressing room that would automatically take several photos of your outfit (front and REAR view!) for your immediate review. Taken a step further, what if the computer was able to lock the door of the house if you looked truly awful?
On another note, I’m 5’11” and that jacket is tough for me to pull off. I’ve always had to be careful not to look too mannish. If I look in the mirror and see any semblance of Miss Hathaway from the Beverly Hillbillies…..off it comes!
I agree with commenters before: the jacket itself seems to be the problem, not your legs or size. I was surprised, how casual/wide the jacket looked on you, I simply expected something more “sharp”, to the edge. Having the price on mind I am happy to read you returned it. On to the next round. 🙂