Thrifting Queen

WIW: All Black & A Wildcard (eta: question added @ bottom)

October 3, 2014

It's an absolutely miserable day here in The 'Peg - windy, cold, rainy (with the possibility of that rain turning to snow….sign…). Good day to pull out some more autumn/winter items, including two new things - one of which is a complete wildcard.

My outfit started with my black skinnies which I paired with my new black v-neck merino wool slouchy pullover. The feel of this pullover against my skin is positively soothing…so soft and warm. I've semi tucked and added my simple black leather belt.

For footwear, I chose my black patent booties. I've added my orthotics so we'll see if I can manage the heel height ok - it's the first wearing since I developed PF. 

When I head out the door, I'll add my faux fur vest (see lispa - another fur vest owner!). It's not a true black but actually a dark, espresso brown.

And then my wildcard…I did not think I would join in the backpack trend..AT ALL. But never say never. When I saw this lovely cognac (it photographs a bit more orange than it is IRL - it is a true cognac) faux leather backpack in the hospital gift shop - yep, the gift shop again - I promptly walked back to my office, got my wallet and went back and bought it. I bought it last week and have already used it a few times, including all last weekend. It is comfortable, luxurious feeling, easy to use and sporty. In other words, a fun and unexpected piece to add to my bag collection.

I finished off the outfit with my black/white specs, silver ring and necklace and swipe of burgundy lipstick.

So what do you think? Does this all work together or do I look like a hot mess? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Vest: Jeanne Bekker
Pullover: Lord & Taylor
Skinnies: Attitude by Jay Manuel
Boots: Ara
Backpack: gift shop

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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.

29 Comments

  • donnat replied 9 years ago

    Nice, you look all cosy, that wind is horrible. I love your new bag. You always inspire me.

  • Deborah replied 9 years ago

    All black awesome...that's how I see this outfit;). Love how this looks and the vest is a fab addition. I have wondered about back packs and this one looks great. The colour is a great choice as I really love seeing you wearing the cognac tones, they really suit you.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Super, Shannon, and what  a fun wild card! I haven't got one yet for the fall. Must get thinking. 

    I hope your feet hold out! And keep that weather there! It's supposed to head our way tomorrow -- this is our last day of sunshine and warmer temps....

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    I was admiring the perfect semi-tuck in the first picture and then the backpack and vest just wowed me. Great, versatile outfit to highlight those highlight pieces.

  • Zibbets replied 9 years ago

    Absolutely chic, sleek and adorable! 
    I hope your feet are happy in your pretty boots!

    ETA: I love the shoulder/sleeve detail on the sweater. 

  • replied 9 years ago

    Ooh - love this on you Shannon! And that backpack!!  I have been keeping my eyes open for one, but haven't found anything that looked right that was not a fortune . Love this one - and the colour is good for you :)  Which hosp are you at?    And, as for the fur vest, yours is great on you ! I think I might have to wear mine again today - what a horrid day out there.

  • bj1111 replied 9 years ago

    Great texture rich mix with a pop of cognac. Wonder how it would look with a cognac belt...do you have one?

  • thimblelina replied 9 years ago

    Yes, all the details are just perfect! Stay warm!

  • Beth Ann replied 9 years ago

    Love the bit of fur, bit of shine, and the touch of warm brown.  It keeps is all simple, but still interesting.  The pullover is a fab fit, too!

    On my vacation, I sprouted a case of Plantar Fascitis practically overnight.  I've found the heel raise exercise to be really helpful.  I've also found, perhaps since my pain is centered more in my arches, that heels are more comfortable than flats.  Yep.  That's right.  My most comfortable work shoes now are a pair of cage sandal wedges with a 3 1/4 inch heel.  I have a feeling that they're not actually helping my feet in the long run, but they feel best while I'm wearing them.  Hope your lovely booties work for you today!

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    Wooohooo. Great, great look. You wear black very well, Shannon. Fun new cognac backpack too. 

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    donnat and lisap - isn't it yucky out there? Good grief - I stepped outside the door this morning and promptly wanted to head back in!

    Lisa - I'm at St. B - and they have a dangerously good gift shop!

    bj111 - I do indeed have a cognac belt - what a great suggestion. Thank you.

    Beth Ann - I'm the same with true flats. Can't wear them - they just kill my arches.

    Angie - I know all black isn't your fave so thank you :)

    I have a question now of my Fabber Friends and need some honesty here. The stress of the last 2 months at work has taken its toll on me in that I'm grabbing food here and there when I have the chance and haven't been able to exercise in over a month. I'm literally "go, go, go" from the time I get up at 5:30 until I get home from work, which these days has often not been until after 7:00 p.m. Then I have family responsibilities and finally drag myself to bed by 9:30. This has resulted in a bit of a weight gain and loss of tone. I'm not beating myself up about it - I'm doing the best I can and my clothes still fit. I just don't feel as good in them. When I look at the pictures of me in these skinnies, I do not find them flattering and feel that I look quite large and "thick" in them. Should I not wear these right now? Give it to me straight ladies - I can take it.

  • bj1111 replied 9 years ago

    That's funny Sharon, because I was just thinking about how slim you look in this outfit in particular...also in your general wiw over the past few weeks that I've been back.

    I try to bring a ziplock bag with snacks ... A handful of nuts usually almonds, a hunk of cheese and baby carrots or sugar snap peas and whatever protein I have left over. I don't plan on having it necessarily, but it us there if I need a midday push or avoid grabbing the donut.

    I have to words abt exercise as this is also my struggle.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    bj111 - thank you so much :) I know I need to get more organized in prepping food the night before so I can just grab it in the morning and go. And thank you for your kind words.

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    I agree with bj11111. Those jeans are slimming.

    And protein snacks help a lot. Boiled eggs, nuts, carrots with hummus, peanut butter, chunks of cheese, smoked salmon with cream cheese - pop them in a lunch box and snack on them with tea. 

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    Oh thank you Angie :) Those are wonderful suggestions - and I will pick those things up this weekend at shopping.

    Amazing how when you start to get run down you see things in a more negative light. Has anyone else noticed that?

  • bj1111 replied 9 years ago

    When you're tired, coping skills and perspective as well as self control go out the window. Sleep deprivation is a military weapon after all and we just civilians!

    Be kind to yourself, wipe the slate clean, focus on doing good just for today. Tomorrow will take care of itself that way.

  • Mary Beth (formerly LBD) replied 9 years ago

    Shannon, I don't think you could put a foot wrong if you tried!   You look - as always - absolutely fabulous!   I love every bit of your outfit, but I most love the big smile on your face :)

    I thought you had lost weight, looking at the photos.   You look fit and trim.   I say this truly, and I hope you believe my words!

    Whoever your buyer is for that gift shop, they are a keeper.

  • replied 9 years ago

    Oh Shannon - this is so , well, funny, not in a humorous way, but in your timing. Please then don't read my outpouring of misery in the "other topics" column from yesterday.  I think there must be a barometric pressure shift, a weather bomb about to hit, or maybe we are all just losing it at the same time.  

    To answer your question:  you can ABSOLUTELY wear these skinnies!  I agree with everyone else posting above who see quite the opposite of what you do - you look fit , slim and energized.  But I hear you on feeling every single cell on your body and not having your clothes cooperating.  It does not show on you at all. It's Friday, have a green tea when you get to your desk, don't look out the window, and before you know it, it will be the weekend :)  

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    Shannon , you look fabulous in this outfit. You always look fabulous. I want the whole outfit. Wear the black skinnies. They are perfect as you have styled them here.

  • texstyle replied 9 years ago

    I think you look great in this outfit - the pants do not seem tight or look off in any way to me and I love the cognac pop of color, very fresh for fall! 

    I agree with others on good snacks. And get up off the chair any time you can, as standing is better than sitting. Do a few squats here and there. Just 10 mins. of exercise can make a difference every day. I'd get some sunflower seeds to keep at my desk - I snack on a small handful of these nearly every afternoon (and they have a good bit of iron). Also, I like to snack on cheese, and since I do love bread if I'm truly hungry I'll have a slice of multi-grain with some olive oil with a bit of cheese. I don't like sweet snacks so no fruit/carrots for me. I love hummus and make that often just to have around. I like to add cayenne to mine.

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    The furry coat with the cognac backpack is SO FUN! Great outfit, and another vote that the jeans look quite nice on you. Perhaps your eye is adjusted to more fluid fits, but they look just like proper skinnies.

  • Caro in Oz replied 9 years ago

    Fab look TS & agreeing with the others about protein. The other thing is to remember is our brain needs the healthy fats - salmon, avocado & nuts spring to mind :)

  • shedev replied 9 years ago

    The vest gives the outfit a nice texture and really lets your new bag pop.

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 9 years ago

    Oh Shannon.  I think your outfit looks great and so do you.  I get up early and drink coffee while I get ready to shower and watch for your outfit posts.  I don't always comment but I am often inspired by you.  Please don't let the stress of your hectic work schedule get you down.  You look fab and you are fab!!
    ((hugs))

  • DonnaF replied 9 years ago

    Shannon, I don't think you could look like a *hot mess* if you tried!  Your outfit has me re-thinking my divorce from black.  But then, I have to remind myself that I don't exactly look like you so that what looks great on you may not translate. . .FWIW, you always look fab and any weight gain doesn't show.

    I tend to eat when I'm bored.  Or stressed.  Or tired.  Or procrastinating.  BS TP eating.  Gee, I didn't see hunger in there.  It's the BS TP eating that gets me into trouble.  How about you?

  • Sveta replied 9 years ago

    What a great outfit Shannon. You pull off all black with the best of them. I agree with others that you look quite slim in these jeans so no worries. And yes, when we are run down negative thoughts increase somehow...
    Like Aida I am quite taken with the furry jacket and that cognac backpack is a winner!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Shannon, you look terrific in these jeans, full stop. And are you joking? Of course when we're run down and especially sleepless, we see the negative!!! My mother used to say, go have a good night's sleep, dear. It really is true that things look better when you're rested and even if they don't, you have the energy to handle them! :)

    I second/ third/ fourth the vote for high protein snacks. Keeps you full and less sleepy. 

  • MsLuna replied 9 years ago

    You look absolutely fabulous, Shannon! Yes, it's an all-black outfit but you're using textures for contrast! The textures of the pants, jacket, sweater and shoes together!

    Love the backpack as well! It's such a standout piece next to all the black!

  • Ornella replied 9 years ago

    Sharp.
    Fab.

    *plonk*

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I started playing dress up when I was 4 years old and haven't stopped since! My income doesn't match my tastes so it's all about figuring out how to thrift my way to a fashionable life while tossing in a few delectable items.