Amiable's Blog

WIW: Maximal mess (now including a couple of suggestions)

November 19, 2013

MaryK's outfit the other day reminded me that I have this look pinned (#2 below), and now have all the pieces to try it. 

So I did.

And it's a mess.  I think the biggest problem is that three lengths of sleeves don't work.  I think this would have a chance if my utility jacket was full length sleeves, and hid the other two.  But it's cold and I want the length.

I'm guessing that I'll change before I go anywhere, but since I took the pic, I figure you can all chuckle at my attempt with me :)

Are there other problems with this look that I'm not noticing?  Is there a way to make this idea work on not-so-maximal me?  Please do enjoy the chuckle...

(ETA look after taking a few of the suggestions.  I'll be trying again sometime soon to make this look work, and make it mine.  I love a good challenge, you know.  And this seems like a good one :) )

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Posted in the What I Wore category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

25 Comments

  • Marmee replied 10 years ago

    I agree that the sleeve length is an issue.  Could you scrunch?  Other than that, I kind of like the mess!  It looks intentional to me.

  • MsMary replied 10 years ago

    Try tucking the striped sleeves up under the plaid sleeves.  I think it might work if you only had the plaid sleeves and the olive sleees showing.

    And add a whole bunch of jewelry!  ;)

  • replied 10 years ago

    Cute look! I think full-length olive sleeves would be best, but I like Mary's suggestion of tucking the stripey sleeves under. And I think the big mess of jewellery is what makes that first look.

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    I was just going to say what Mary K and Ceit said - the jewelry is what keeps it from looking like you and the pinned person are going to work the fields.  It's an adorable look to my eye, but one where the tiny details have surprising impact. 

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    What Mary K said! So fun that we both copied her the same day. 

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    Okay, sleeves are tucked so that it's just green and plaid there - I'll take more pics over lunch.  And I'll look to see if I have an appropriate pile of necklaces to add (most of my necklaces are either dainty or bright colored).

    Thanks for the suggestions.  Even though I look like a hot mess, I feel like a happy hot mess :)  I guess I feel like this look, though maximal, is at least intentional looking.  The jewelry will make it more so, if I find some :)

  • annagybe replied 10 years ago

    Not just the jewelry the clothes are much more fitted in the pin.

  • Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

    I agree with Anna - the clothes you are wearing are much looser. 

  • Emily replied 10 years ago

    Dude, you picked an advanced pin to copy!  And props to you for going all out.  Definitely this one is all about the details, as has been pointed out.  It looks like the plaid shirt is quite crisp, with the collar popped - maybe a quick touch with the iron on your collar?

  • keruchina replied 10 years ago

    I admire your courage both in trying new outfits and in sharing your less successful ones! 

    I think that it's hard to wear two oversized shirts/jackets. I have a hard time not feeling like a lumberjack if I wear one boxy top or jacket, but two seems especially challenging. 

    I also think that throwing on some bling and wearing it with a super feminine shoe could make a huge difference. 

  • Deborah replied 10 years ago

    Darling.... where are your pearls? :)  I like the idea of this.  There is a lot going here and I wonder if that is 'you'.  I would be interested to see you modify this look perhaps to give it more of an amilable vibe.

  • carter replied 10 years ago

    You are so much fun. I just love anyone who doesn't take themselves too seriously. You get an A+ for effort in my book!

    If you didn't find any necklaces, you must go get some. A girl's gotta have bling!

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    I did add on some necklaces - I'll post another pic yet tonight.  

    I really just tried this for fun - I don't think it's very "me" at all, but I like to play in my wardrobe, and I knew I wasn't seeing anyone today, so I figured it's a good day to experiment :)  And I'm glad I did - you all taught me why it doesn't work (probably the most valuable reason to post the not-working outfits).

    And I didn't think about a more feminine shoe keruchina - great idea!

  • Debora replied 10 years ago

    Great job, Amiable! A happy look, for sure. Now I am going to go up and peek in DS's closet to see if he left any flannel shirts behind. :)

  • Windchime replied 10 years ago

    Here are a few tweaks you could do.

    I'm not laughing here; I'm thinking that with a few super easy tweaks, you can nail this!

    First, more of your plaid shirt shows on your left side than your right. The model has just a bit of hers showing on both sides. Can you adjust your jacket so it evenly covers your plaid shirt on both sides?

    Second, try popping the collars of your flannel shirt and your jacket.

    Third, tuck the ends of your striped shirt sleeves under your flannel shirt sleeves.

    Finally, add a blingy necklace.

  • karymk replied 10 years ago

    Amy, Looks like the plaid in your inspiration photo is just an accent--you mostly just get it running vertically the length of her chest, sort of as a scarf would do.  It might be easier for you just to try that--get a plaid scarf and put it under your olive top piece (pin it in the back of the collar and maybe several points along the way to make it look like a "lining") This way you won't have the plaid exposed at the arms, just the stripes.  Plus you will lose some of the bulk from having three layers on at once.  When you are ready, add jewelry.

    K

  • Refugee replied 10 years ago

    10 points for stepping out of your comfort zone and trying this.  Does the utility jacket have an internal drawstring?  If it does, can you cinch it up a bit to make it look a bit more fitted?  It's the feminine bits that make this look (IMO) that makes this a gear-gone-glam outfit that is really fun.

  • Catnip replied 10 years ago

    Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  I admire you for being able to laugh at yourself... most people can't.

  • pil replied 10 years ago

    Once you tuck the stripe sleeves, what about folding the plaid sleeves back over the utility jacket sleeves?

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    Hmm, before going crazy with jewelry I would play around with the sleeves to make the outer coat the only thing we see and then maybe the tucks. I actually think the colors and patterns work together very nicely on you.

  • Gigi replied 10 years ago

    I have been liking a lot of very layered looks lately, and I haven't tried to copy anything yet because it seems so very difficult! You are brave to even try! There are so many variables--sleeve length, tightness of each garment, shirt length, bulkiness of overall product, etc. I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who has a hard time putting this look together. :^)

  • Neel replied 10 years ago

    Clapping hands for trying the look and posting it though you knew .... it didn't *quite* work.  I tried a look from Angie's bootcut inspirations yesterday (pic attcd).  I looked just plain bleurgh (again the sleeve lengths were the issue)!  I didn't even take a pic!  It takes courage and ability to laugh at yourself to take one!

    It's normal to try and fail :) But IMO you are no where near a fail!  Just a simple sleeve crunch should do and you should definitely wear it again over warmer days!  I really like the look on you.  Suits you and please skip the pearls!  Pearls will not read Amy!!  Copying outfits to suit our own style is the key.

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  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    The Intrepid Amiable!  Always open to adventure!

    Yes to tucking sleeves under and adding jewelry, and more refined shoes.  Yes to trying things and working through the details!

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    Okay, finally another pic.  It's not really much more successful than the first, in my opinion.  But I did add two necklaces (not pearls, I don't own any.  One is multi-strand black, and the other silver.  I think I should have just stuck with the black).  And I tucked the striped tee's arms up int he plaid, which helped some.

    I actually find myself liking the challenge of making this look my own.  I think you'll be seeing more attempts to copy this in my near future :)

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  • peacechick replied 10 years ago

    I really like it with the necklaces!

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