Is it a bird?
Is it a plane?
No, it’s an oversized shirt.
And in an eye-catching tartan to boot!
Have I got your attention???
If you’re going to go BOLD, you might as well go LARGE as they say!
But before we get onto the main event, we should just rein in the excitement a wee bit. There’s also another part to the outfit. I know, I give and give.
T’was a crisp Autumnal day on Sunday and as Tall Brown Fox and I were going to be out pretty much all afternoon and evening, another layer was required. As the shirt is a long length one a short jacket didn’t feel right. Although it’s fun to play around with proportions, I knew we’d be coming home when the temperature was dropping so my petite duster coat was just the job.
I um’d and ah’d about dusters when they started appearing in the Spring. This time my indecision about them worked in my favour. Couple of weeks ago this one was below half price in the ASOS sale. It’s a looser style than a trench which feels right with the style of the outfit.
And I’ll still be able to get a few more weeks wear out of it by throwing over my Plaid Cape for an extra layer before it hibernates over Winter.
But really the star of the show (sorry duster for only playing a small supporting role this time) is the shirt, so let’s see it sans the duster.
Although this checked skirt follows hard on the heels of week 7’s checked skirt with my Autumn Seasonal Skinny Jeans, I think you’ll agree it’s sufficiently different enough in colour, style and personality for them to run back to back, without looking like I’m just being sartorially lazy and lining up all my checked shirts in a row to wear for the next month!
Plus, I’d been itching to wear it, especially as Tall Brown Fox and I were a couple about town on Sunday.
Most men will tell you that an awesome shirt needs an awesome tie. Yes, ties easily cross gender bounderies. With the shirt being BOLD, it needed a BOLD centre piece accessory. I tried a long line necklace but it was overpowered by the shirt.
Too much of a one sided conversation.
With this scarf tie, the shirt now had a partner worthy of debating with, and the conversation revved up no end. In fact it was yak, yak, yak. At one point I had to shush them to be quiet!
I picked up this scarf tie only a couple of weeks ago for a bargain busting £2 in the sale.
I thought the dark green of the bag would be a good contrast against all three main pieces; duster coat, tartan shirt and jeans. It was a thrift find from a local charity shop. The vertical stitching and the faux buckle were unusual features which caught my eye.
The only downside to the bag is that there are no internal pockets to put keys, travel pass or phone in. I spent most of the day, having to rummage around in the depths of the bag to find anything. Everything I needed seemed to sink to the bottom! Still, at £1.99 I’m not really going to complain!
And my wedges booties are back out, having had their debut on the blog not long ago in my Autumn Pastels & Plaid Cape post.
Seasonal Skinny
Petite Asos Duster Coat
T K Maxx Oversized Tartan Shirt,
New Look Leopard Print Tie (sale)
New Look Wedge Boots & Ivory long sleeve top (old)
Green bag (old, thrifted)
Back in the duster coat, here I am standing under the bright, unmissable orange sign of the Barbican Centre, right in the heart of the City of London. The centre is a hothouse of cultural delights from music, dance, concerts and exhibitions.
We were there not just to get a photo of me standing under a floating orange disc, but because I’d booked tickets to a major exhibition that has only just opened this month at the Centre, focusing on the work and lives of Charles and Ray Eames.
Charles and Ray are considered to be among the most influential designers of the last century. If you haven’t heard about this extraordinary couple before, you’ve probably at least sat on one of their famous chair designs – the stacking chair – used the world over.
If you’re in town and you love design, then GO, GO, GO, see this exhibition. We spent a riveting and stimulating 2 hours immersed in their world and it was worth every second there. I’ve already written a post about the exhibition which will be going live on Saturday, so do pop by for that.
You can find out more about The World of Charles and Ray Eames Exhibition,
Here’s the background story to my weekly Seasonal Skinny Style Challenge.
Linking with High Latitude Style / Throwback Thursday / Thursday Fashion File / Fashion Should Be Fun / Fabulous Friday / Fashion Friday /Flashback Fashion Fridays / Passion 4 Fashion / #iwillwearwhatilike / Style Nudge / Visible Monday /
I love how you took a shirt & made it like a jacket!! It's perfect! Especially then with the duster over it! Love, love, love it!! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks Jodie. I couldn't wait to wear both on the blog!
Bold is good! Very attractive look.
Thanks Ally. It definitely is good to be bold!
Here's the cool thing about being petite…we can do more repurposing. Long shirts become dusters or dresses. You look great in this mulberry color. And the bold check works just fine.
I love that word, Glenda. Repurposing! I love it! Thank you for your lovely compliments.
Go bold or go home…right?! I love the duster my friend. It shouldn't go into hibernation for the winter, it's too fabulous! Layer it over a turtleneck or under a long cardi and let that little beauty play all winter. 🙂
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Absolutely Debbie! Don't worry, it won't really go into hibernation. You're right, just add layers!
So chic and on point with plaid and burgundy! Bravo!
Thanks so much for being a part of Fun Fashion Friday!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Oooh, I love being chic and on point! Thanks Dawn.
This is super cute!!!
Thanks Jo-Lynne.
Well, you know you have my attention Jacqueline!
I love a clash of pattern and a bold punch of colour.
You have skillfully pulled everything together and grounded the look with your toned-down accessories (and your white Tee). I think a long checked shirt is so versatile and comfortable (which is a huge bonus).
Great look.
XXX
Samantha
Fake Fabulous
Thanks Samantha. I love how the tartan and the leopard print work so well together. And yes, always a bonus when versatility and comfort combine.
So cute…love the duster!!!
Laura
http://www.24-7style.com
Thanks Laura. I'm really pleased with the duster.
Love the shirt dress worn as a jacket! It's a look I've really liked but never tried, I've done it with shirts before, but never shirt dresses. Still haven't found the perfect completely button down shirt dress for me yet.
It's a nice print mixing with your scarf too – I agree it was a great pieces to wear with it 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
There'll be one out there for you Mica. Keep look!
Jacqueline, as ever you've mixed pattern and colour together so well. I love the oversized shirt on you and think having it open is a great ploy so as not to look swamped – I think I need to try that trick. Burgundy is such a good colour for your skin. I like the cheeky little necktie/scarf addition too.
Anna x
Thanks Anna. It is quite cheeky that necktie which makes it all the more fun! Thank you for your lovely comments, as always.
That is a fabulous duster! Love the plaid and burgundy!
Jill
Doused In Pink
I really hit the mark with the duster. Thanks Jill.
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Great coat
You're welcome, thanks for hosting.
fabulous shirt, love its shape and pattern, and love how it works nicely with that leopard scarf-tie and the pretty bag. Great accessorizing!
And I should love to watch that exhibition!! Fabulousness!!
besos
I'm sure you'd love the exhibition. It really was a good'un. The shape of the shirt is very streamlined which stops it from swamping me. I actually felt quite tall and column-like in it, which for a shorty like me, was great!
What a fun shirt! I love the bold colors! I was almost wondering if you ever thought of wearing it as a dress? That would be another way to style it too. What do you think?
I love how you always include some sort of exhibition that you've been to. You really get the best out of your community! I need to follow suit….
Thanks for linking up to the Kremb de la Kremb Style Story Link Up!
Love, Ann from Kremb de la Kremb
Ah, I was ahead of you there, Ann. I have but I'm in two minds. You see the shirt doesn't have slits at the side like alot of shirt dresses do so it's slightly difficult to walk in when the bottom few buttons are done up. I wouldn't necessarily want to risk them popping and ending up showing off me nether regions!
I really do wear my Seasonal Skinny Style outfits out and about. I want to show that a style challenge isn't just dressing up, taking a few snaps and then not doing anything with them!
Nice duster but indeed today's outfit's real hero is the shirt. Love its colour, print and length! The animal print scarf is a bold and eye catching piece on its own and works well with the shirt too. So chic and comfy look!
Yes, the shirt really is the star here. Glad you like it. I love wearing it.
Love your plaid duster!!
Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you Thursday.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
It's certainly eye-catching, isn't it! Thanks Alice.
That's a fun shirt to wear – and a great setting! Thanks for linking up,
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thanks for hosting Patti. It's a great shirt to wear and seemed fitting for the exhibition.
Your long shirt works well on your burgundy skinny and a dust colour coat is very versatile!
Thanks Dan. I've fallen in love with my duster coat. I wonder how I managed without one now!
The exhibition sounds just my thing, pity I am so far away, I hope you enjoy it. Love your combination, the long check shirt over your burgundy jeans works so well with your neutral duster coat and that cheeky tie.
It would totally have been your cup of tea, Jill. I really did love. When I saw the tie, I just knew it would go so well with the shirt.
What a cool exhibit! I definitely agree with you regarding photography in artistic spaces. On the one hand it's fun to take interesting, visually appealing photos of the artwork, but on the other hand, it really does detract from being fully present and absorbing what you are seeing. On that note, I love the photos you took of the nearby buildings and you look great too!
Absolutely Katie. If you're snapping away you don't take in what you're looking at.
Your plaid shirt is such a wonderful fall statement piece! I love the longer length and beautiful colors. It looks wonderful against your burgundy jeans and wedge booties. So fun that you paired it with leopard! Thanks for linking up with Fabulous Friday!
Jennie – A Pocketful of Polka Dots
Being petite it can be tricky to pull off a longer length but this shirt doesn't drown me as it's a great fit and the length is just right. Thanks for hosting.