Welcome to Visible Monday #28! If you want to participate, it’s so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the simple how-to.
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:
In the “Next Step”, you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you’re done!
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Thanks for showing off your style on Monday Mingle!
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:)
Hi Patti, I will try to link up with Visible Mondays today
I love your lilac blouse and blue tights
One should unbutton the vest:)
Ariane xx
Thanks 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.
Love the idea of using a tie as a belt!
I'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~
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.
Hi Patti, you look lovely in your floral shirt and blue tights! And what a great idea to use a tie as a belt!
Hope it's okay to have uploaded two links… I felt pretty visible in both!!!
Catherine x
PS: for some reason I could never leave a comment with GC. Thanks for stopping by my blog! http://giddysmodernvintage.blogspot.com/
I 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.
I like the buttoned and belted version. Good find, Patti!
I love the vest buttoned — so sleek!
Hi Tamera – thanks for coming by! You can grab a button at:
http://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 : >
That 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.
Thanks for hosting — I really enjoy this a lot.
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
great vest and loving those blue tights. just a perfect pop of color!
Claire
I love how authoritative this look is without being the least bit "corporate" — the blue tights have much to do with that!
Sad to admit: I just tied it in a knot – but I am sure there are better ways : >
I 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.
Comme des Garcons! Wow! It doesn't look too big on you at all – it looks great over the blouse.
Thanks for hosting your link up! Your blue tights are great!!
Very 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.
What a chic outfit! I love your 'tie as a belt' idea 🙂
very 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.
mongs
mythriftycloset.blogspot.com
I 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
Patti, I mentioned you in my newest post. Ties as a belt are the heights of old-school preppy.
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! 🙂
Cindy at Notes in the Key of Life
What a find!! I just started wearing vests myself and I love the many looks you can create.
Smart tip about the men's tie as a belt. I'll have to take a look at my husband's collection.
I 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.
I like this look unbuttoned best, as it lets the femininity of the blouse balance the more tailored pieces.
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.
Patti–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…
Thanks as always for organizing this and getting your post up in time for the rest of us to link.
Hi 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!
You 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!
I think both buttoned and unbuttoned look great!
Well 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
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!