grey maxi skirt Archives - Suzanne Carillo

I don’t like things to be uneven.

In life.

Or my clothing.

When I came across this asymmetrical top at Anthropologie in their sales room the first thing that caught my eye was not the cut, but rather the colour.

Then I realized it was cut (in my best highly educated fashion terminology) “wonky”.

After hanging out with Sylvia, the reigning Queen of all things asymmetrical and architectural I knew that this was in fact a sophisticated contemporary look that I just hadn’t been able to wrap my straight and narrow little brain around yet.

What to do?

It fit well.

I liked the colour.

I figured “Aw heck! Expand your horizons Suzanne! You can figure out how to wear an asymmetrical top. It’s not rocket science! Or Grade 12 math! ( I still curse you Grade 12 math!)”

So I bought it. (Big Surprise! NOT.)

And I wore it to celebrate…of all things, Australia Day.

LOL

Yes I live in Canada.

Yes Australia is about 15,500 km away from us.

Don’t you celebrate other countries national holidays?

Anything for a par-tahy I say!

My husband does business with many other countries and thus we are sometimes invited to special events. Well he is. I like to tag along and act awkward. I’m a pro at eating, drinking and nodding. I’ve got the whole “schmoozing” thing down pat.

This year the Australian Consulate in Toronto celebrated Australia Day by renting out the Hot Docs theatre to screen a new Australian film called “Son of a Gun“. It was an action packed heist film which turned out to be a quite good along with my outfit.

I did notice that I kept wanting to pull down the one side on the sweater all the time. I’m not used to having extra folds of fabric.

How to style an asymmetrical top and maxi skirt — Top – Anthropologie (sim in blue, sim red), Necklace (handmade) (sim so pretty!, sim), Maxi skirt – Zara (sim), Booties – thrifted (sim they look comfy!)

How to style an asymmetrical top — Top – Anthropologie (sim in blue, sim red), Necklace (handmade) (sim so pretty!, sim), Maxi skirt – Zara (sim), Booties – thrifted (sim they look comfy!)

How to wear an asymmetrical top — Handbag – vintage (sim), Coat – Calvin Klein (sim but in deep purple or there is this AMAZING one), Necklace – thrifted (sim)

In the end I had to switch out the necklace for the one above. The chain on the handmade one was pulling the knit.

While perusing similar items online I spotted this insane asymmetrical top. Wild right? I think JLo would look good in that.

For more info on asymmetrical tops and advice on how to incorporate them into your wardrobe check out the woman does asymmetrical best, Sylvia. I think 95% of her closet is asymmetrical. If she could buy asymmetrical shoes I think she would! ; P

Linking up with the Pleated Poppy – What I Wore, Get Your Pretty On – I Feel Pretty, Happiness at Mid-Life – Throw Back Thursday

Fashion Should Be Fun – Fashion Friday

My style is a changing’.

I’m “average” height for North America at 5’4″.

I’ve always thought that a long unstructured vest would just add on an extra layer of “visual fat” to my frame and shorten my legs to tiny stubby pegs.

I never would have considered even trying on this long vest in the past.

Everything about it is wrong. It isn’t fitted or structured. It is oversized. It has no defined waist. It is too long for my frame. The lapels are too large. It is lined with faux fur making it even bulkier.

And yet, when I spotted it I suddenly thought, “Yep, this vest is for me!”

What happened? What changed? Did I lose 20 lbs? Did I magically grow 3 inches in height? Was my mirror broken? Did I have a 3 martini lunch?

Or all of the above? ; )

I wish!

Boots – Calvin Klein (sim super cool!), Skirt – Zara (sim), Vest – TJ Maxx (sim), Scarf – Zara (sim), Sweater – H&M (sim)

Or did I finally get over some preconceived ideas about what the shape of my body had to look like all the time?

There is no defined waist.

This has added bulk to my frame.

Somehow though, I’m able to look past that.

The boots do make me taller and the fitted sihlouette under the vest helps to balance out the added bulk on top.

Now this vest is my “go-to” piece for adding an extra layer of warmth. I even went so far as to layer a blanket scarf on top of it when I was in BC.

Boots – TJ Maxx (sim), Skirt – Zara (sim), Jean Jacket – H&M (sim), Scarf – Zara (sim), Belt – consignment (sim on sale!)

Below I wore it with jeans and a sweater with an extra layer of a long sleeved tee underneath.

Blanket Scarf – Zara (sim) Boots – TJ Maxx (sim) Jeggings – TJ Maxx (sim) Vest – TJ Maxx (sim) Hat – very old (sim)

I even wore it with a bulky cream sweater and an even bulkier coat. I blame this one on the -20 C weather that day. I do look a bit like a tee-pee when I have the coat on.

How to wear a long vest and layer it for winter weather — Sweater – Forever 21 (sim) Vest – TJ Maxx (sim and so pretty in cream) Boots – Boc (sim and fantastic!!!)

How to wear a long vest — Coat – TJ Maxx (sim)

This long vest that I normally would never have even considered trying on has somehow managed to become my favourite piece this winter.

In every outfit I have tried to balance out my frame with more fitted pieces on the lower half to compensate for the billowy added bulk of the lined vest. I’ve worn it with boots to add a bit of length to my frame and I think it works. I wasn’t called “Hobbit Wench” once while wearing it. (Exception being my husband as that is his nickname for me. That and pig. Okay…I’m joking about Hobbit Wench but pig is true. So if you hear my husband calling me “Pig” it is his term of endearment. I like to think it stands for “Pretty Interesting Gal” but in reality it is often what we call our pug and in turn each other. We’s fancy like that.

What about you? Do you like this trend? Would you wear a long vest or do you have one?

Sylvia from 40+Style also has a great post and tips about how to layer a long vest.

Have you ever changed your opinion about a certain article of clothing you thought you could never wear? If so, what changed your mind?

Most importantly…what is your husband’s nickname for you?

Linking up with the lovely Judith for Hat Attack and the wonderful Sheila at Shoe Shine