I don't wear much menswear-inspired clothing. I usually lean toward a more feminine, flowy vibe. But I had to try an outfit built around my new/thrifted vest. Because it's by Comme des Garcons! Yes, we faithful, slogging thrifters are occasionally rewarded with a fashion treat.
The vest is beautifully constructed and the wool fabric is divine. It's a bit too large for me, but hey, for $3, was I going to leave it on the rack??? (that's a rhetorical question : >). So I paired it with a feminine cotton blouse by Ralph Lauren (also thrifted) and a simple wool skirt from Tahari (yes, thrifted).
To avoid a too-corporate look, I added blue tights, booties, and my husband's tie as a belt. He has sworn off ties forever, so I have free rein of his collection. I like the resulting almost-suit -- not too stiff, but doing justice to the finely tailored vest. I'll wear the vest in the future with my jeans, and with more feminine, floral skirts in the spring.
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| A man's tie makes a cool belt, I think. |
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| Should one button or unbutton one's vest? |
I can't wait to see what you are wearing today!
The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!
- Any Monday, whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
- Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
- Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:
Patti, I love this whole look and the way you toned-down the corporate look...I am also so impressed that your husband's ties fit around your waist..I haven't ever tried it, but I am certain on me it would not work!! But it is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteWell you just look absolutely LOVELY! I like how you softened what could be a hard look. I'm thinking I may need to send you my booties...(see pic). I just CAN'T work them like you do! Hugs to you! ~Serene
ReplyDeleteI think both buttoned and unbuttoned look great!
ReplyDeleteYou look so lovely in this outfit. I like it with the vest open so you can see the top and tie belt. You do rock the booties!
ReplyDeleteHi Patti! Great minds...I LOVE menswear-inspired look! I'm actually posting it for this Monday's outfit. I love the vest...looks great both ways. What a cool way to use the tie for a belt. Very pretty!
ReplyDeletePatti--the vest was a great find. I have especially been drawn to vests this warm winter. As for the ties, DH would kill me. He has only a very small collection...
ReplyDeleteThanks as always for organizing this and getting your post up in time for the rest of us to link.
Looks like you have a new look! I love the whole outfit. I haven't had the nerve to try colored tights. Thinking this post has inspired me to do so.
ReplyDeleteI like this look unbuttoned best, as it lets the femininity of the blouse balance the more tailored pieces.
ReplyDeleteI love the tights ... I am still a pansy when it comes to wearing colored tights. I also like the idea of wearing a man's tie as a belt ... I have my dad's tie from his work suit, and I am dying to incorporate it into an outfit.
ReplyDeleteWhat a find!! I just started wearing vests myself and I love the many looks you can create.
ReplyDeleteSmart tip about the men's tie as a belt. I'll have to take a look at my husband's collection.
Great outfit, Patti! I'm intrigued by your using a man's tie as a belt...my hubby has tons of ties and I'd like to try this. How did you tie it? Inquiring minds want to know! :)
ReplyDeleteCindy at Notes in the Key of Life
Patti, I mentioned you in my newest post. Ties as a belt are the heights of old-school preppy.
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog all the time. Thanks so much for contributing to the community. For the first time I linked to Visible Monday. Great going !Anita @ embracingfrivolity.blogspot.com
ReplyDeletevery smart looking 3 piece skirt suit. The floral top breaks the monotony of the all black ensemble. The blue tights is a fun pop of color. Great way to start the week! Thanks for hosting Patti.
ReplyDeletemongs
mythriftycloset.blogspot.com
What a chic outfit! I love your 'tie as a belt' idea :)
ReplyDeleteVery nice - not at all masculine, the blouse and tights and the colours make sure of that. I like a waistcoat, they are very versatile. The tie belt looks great too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting your link up! Your blue tights are great!!
ReplyDeleteComme des Garcons! Wow! It doesn't look too big on you at all - it looks great over the blouse.
ReplyDeleteI love the floral with the vest! I used to wear ties as belts all the time in high school, I don't think it's a look I could really pull off anymore ;) But this is really cute.
ReplyDeleteSad to admit: I just tied it in a knot - but I am sure there are better ways : >
ReplyDeleteI love how authoritative this look is without being the least bit "corporate" -- the blue tights have much to do with that!
ReplyDeletegreat vest and loving those blue tights. just a perfect pop of color!
ReplyDeleteClaire
Hi Patti, thanks for hosting visible Monday. I am looking for a button to link my post back to your blog...but I can't seem to find it this week. I was hoping you could tell me where I can find it. Thank you....Tamera Beardsley
ReplyDeleteThat vest is a great find, and I am going to swipe that tie idea, since my husband has a bunch of them he seldom wears. I love the colour palette a lot, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting -- I really enjoy this a lot.
Hi Tamera - thanks for coming by! You can grab a button at:
ReplyDeletehttp://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.com/2011/07/simple-elegant-streamlined-not-just-me.html
-- or just mention my url somewhere in your blog post. I don't know how to do a link outside of Blogger, and I see you are not a Blogger-blog : >
I love the vest buttoned -- so sleek!
ReplyDeleteI like the buttoned and belted version. Good find, Patti!
ReplyDeleteI love menswear inspired! still thrift shopping, trying to find that perfect vest for the look. I like yours unbuttoned and showing off your shirt. The blue tights are great. I've just gotten into colored tights.
ReplyDeletePS: for some reason I could never leave a comment with GC. Thanks for stopping by my blog! http://giddysmodernvintage.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteHi Patti, you look lovely in your floral shirt and blue tights! And what a great idea to use a tie as a belt!
ReplyDeleteHope it's okay to have uploaded two links... I felt pretty visible in both!!!
Catherine x
What a great find! I like it buttoned because it picks up the collar detail more. You are such a great thrifter; I have no patience for it and always give up before I find anything worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a menswear person either, but with colored tights and that gorgeous print blouse--and whala! You have de-mensweared THIS outfit! Kudos to you--it looks fab~
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of using a tie as a belt!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting. I really like the long and lean effect created by buttoning the vest. (Well, you always look very lean actually.) I love the wonderful shape crated at the neckline when the vest is buttoned. In the photos the skirt and vest ensemble looks very much like a dress when the vest is buttoned. I'll bet you could create a smokin' date night outfit out of this combo.
ReplyDeleteHi Patti, I will try to link up with Visible Mondays today
ReplyDeleteI love your lilac blouse and blue tights
One should unbutton the vest:)
Ariane xx
I love you in blue tights...every time! My favorite is buttoned up---although I do love your tie belt. You look so fit and fashionable. I also ended up trying a look that I thought was just a little too masculine for me--here I think you've got just the right balance:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing off your style on Monday Mingle!
ReplyDelete