WIW: bootcuts & leather

I was only able to get one decent shot of my casual Friday outfit today thanks to Gain - who kept nudging the camera with his nose!

Today I'm wearing an older pair of boot cuts that I still enjoy wearing and have paired them with a graphic tee in taupe/pink/cream and over that, my taupe draped leather jacket. For footwear I'm wearing my three-tone patent leather oxfords and have added my snakeskin handbag for a bit more pattern.

Hope this looks ok to you all - as always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Leather jacket: Gap
Tee: Anne Klein
Jeans: Anne Klein (thrifted)
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell
Handbag: Elliott Lucca

P.S. My MIL has been watching me take my WIW pics and try on different items since she moved in with us in July. She kind of took me aback this morning when she told me she thought this was "silly, selfish and a complete waste of time". Ouch!

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.

27 Comments

  • missvee replied 11 years ago

    I love this jacket on you! The colour, style and fit are all perfect. Too bad about your MIL, maybe she was having a bad day and needed someone to lash out at. Don't let her remarks dampen your spirit today - you look super!

  • replied 11 years ago

    This is a great casual look, Shannon! Perhaps your MIL was having a bad day and taking it out on you. Everyone has hobbies, and there is nothing wrong, silly, or selfish, in my opinion with what you do!

  • ramya replied 11 years ago

    Well Shannon you look fab..

    As for your MIL... Just ignore, we do what makes us happy. And in your case the dressing well part is not harming any one either:)

    Such comments are best not pondered over.. Smile and move on :D

  • Karie replied 11 years ago

    As far as I'm concerned, people who make rude comments like that are the silly, selfish ones! And she probably doesn't look half as gorgeous as you do! I have learned a lot from posting and reading WIWs, and I value the importance of learning :)

    Your outfit looks like it fits perfectly, and I love that style of jean on you! Very flattering! And the handbag, oh the handbag!

  • Julie replied 11 years ago

    Love your outfit, Shannon. I'm always a fan of boot cut jeans.

    On your other point, I think your hubby needs to have a chat with his mom, and if he won't, you must. It's time she was reminded whose home it is, and who is the guest. She certainly has a right to her opinion as to how you spend your time, but there is never any excuse for bad manners.

    Cheers

    Julie

  • lyn67 replied 11 years ago

    Lovely outfit Shannon- and I so sympathize with you...Why have MIL's to comment everything?:-(( I'm sure she's a gorgeous woman as well, but that's none of her business, and should be a bit more polite if living in your house...

  • Asingh replied 11 years ago

    Great outfit, Shannon! The top looks funky!

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    Shannon, you *know* I am going to love your outfit!! ;-) Taupetastic!!

    Also, I have been thinking about pulling out my Long and Leans and today might be just the day to do that. Haven't worn boot cuts in an age, and I am liking the idea of a bootcut and my fuchsia jacket.

    As for MIL -- I am sure she was having a rough day. She (and you!) have had a lot to cope with of late, and her mind is probably reflecting on many things. She is probably thinking over what is truly meaningful (for her) in her life, and perhaps had a moment where playing with clothes didn't rank in that list! Whereas at other times, I know she enjoys playing with fashion. Or she may have been feeling jealous of the attention you were giving to your own appearance (vs. to her). It is difficult to say. Either way, it wasn't kind, and you deserve a big hug!!

    My family members think I am nutty, too, and while they are not cruel about it, they do tease me in a mostly light-hearted way, and occasionally they roll their eyes out of a sense of real annoyance (i.e. when I ask for a photo just before we head out the door). I don't do daily photos in part because I don't want to prevail on them too much (though I am asking for a tripod for Christmas so I can do it myself!) If they suggest at any time that what I am doing is foolish, I just laugh and agree, and remind them that it is my hobby and it keeps me in good spirits. To which they have to agree!

  • Parsley replied 11 years ago

    Shannon, you look super as always! The boot cuts are flattering, and the neutral jacket, top, and shoes all have interesting detail. I like the thought that when you sit or move those cool oxfords will peek out!

    I hope you'll forgive your MIL for her thoughtless comment. You are entitled to your hobby and your enjoyment of it. Maybe MIL needs an extra hug and some TLC today, even though she didn't pick the best way to show it.

  • Emily replied 11 years ago

    Shannon, you are looking great as always! Your bootcuts look brand new, the jacket is a fabulous colour and cut, and I can't get over the tassel on that bag.

    What an unnecessarily hurtful thing for your MIL To say. I hope you haven't taken it to heart, because you are neither silly nor selfish and can spend your time as you please.

  • catherine replied 11 years ago

    Shannon, as always, you look wonderful and full of energy. It is my belief that your co-workers probably look forward to and enjoy your outfit every day. It is definitely not selfish to try to brighten the world around you. In fact, I wish more people would do so!

  • Beth Ann replied 11 years ago

    I'm generally not a neutral gal (you and I share a lot for big color), but this combination is marvelous and I'd try it in a heart beat, in spite of my fear of SSB! It is understated, but has a good dose of detail and interest -- not an easy thing to pull off, and you've done beautifully here.

    As for MIL, I'm sure she's noticed the uber-casualization of society (probably worse in the US), perhaps she can learn to view you YLF participation as a way of encouraging people to "present" themselves to the world with care and imagination. A "put together" woman definitely is an improvement over 40 year old in their jammie pants at Walmart!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    Not to worry - I have not let my MIL's passing comment get to me and I know it was spoken out of her own frustrations and unhappiness and I don't think really meant the way it came out.

    I'm kind of falling in love again with my bootcuts and wider legged jeans again and I do think they are more figure flattering for me than skinnies. Because I have an ample mid section, the wider legs do a better job to balance me out.

    Thanks for the taupe love ladies!

  • Mochi replied 11 years ago

    Oh wow, Shannon, this look is so ME. I would wear it in a heartbeat. But obviously it's also you! Clearly you have a lot of aces up your sleeve and will never fall into a fashion rut.

    Sorry about the MIL. I wonder what's going on with her under the silly complaint. She IS getting free room and board. I'm sure you and she will be able to clear it up.

  • replied 11 years ago

    Yummy neutrals! You had me a taupe jacket and snake bag. They are a match made in heaven. Loving those bootcuts on you too. They really suit you--and I can't believe they're thrifted!

    My Mom would have exactly the same sentiments as your MIL if she had any idea what I'm doing on YLF. When I was growing up she constantly chided me for spending so much time on my outward appearance, telling me it was vain, empty and of no eternal value. I feel you, girl!

  • claracluck replied 11 years ago

    shannon every time i log on and see you posting i go straight to it beause i love your outfits!my MIL says the same about me .........and she does n't even know i post on this site,everybody should have a hobby so don't mind what she says.

  • Ornella replied 11 years ago

    Lock that jacket, otherwise Suz will steal it.

    You look great. Do you ever have a bad day??

    Re. taking photos, it is comforting to know - especially today - that I'm not the only one who obviously doesn't succeed at self-photographing at first attempt. Today it took me 15 (yes, fifteen) minutes. My problem is that I have only once decent spot to take photos at, which is at my balcony, but the lighting is so difficult to get at times, and I have only one and of course awkward position where I place the camera... uuuurgh, 15 minutes of my life I'm not getting back.... but on the good note, I loved my outfit too much not to snap it, so it was worth it :-)

    Re. MIL... oouch indeed. Hugs!

  • Caro in Oz replied 11 years ago

    What Suz said. You look fantastic.

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 11 years ago

    Great casual outfit Shannon. I love the way the jacket picks up the taupe in the t-shirt.

    I hope you were able to take the MILs comment without letting it affect you. Pain and fear make people behave in a manner that is uncharacteristic. I know you are close and there is a lot of love there. Give her a bit of time.

  • pil replied 11 years ago

    Love this look, Shannon. The jacket color is muted yet sohpisticated.

    I know your MIL has a lot going on now, but does she know how much love her vintage purse birthday present to you received on the forum? Maybe she wouldn't find posting photos as silly if she knew that : )

  • Jenava replied 11 years ago

    You look fantastic. FWIW, I am very grateful that you post your photos because I enjoy them a lot - I consider you someone who has a similar figure to mine and it is so refreshing to see something with my body type looking chic. I'm sorry you had to endure those comments. You would think that she would be a little more gracious. Lesson to remember for future to make sure NOT to be like this ourselves towards others.

  • annagybe replied 11 years ago

    Nice outfit.
    In regards to taking photos of outfits. My own father compared me to a monkey or chimpanzee seeing it's reflection for first time.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    Double ouch Anna!

  • Debbie replied 11 years ago

    I am out of town and have less than stellar internet service but wanted to tell you I love this outfit. As far as your MIL goes ignore the comment. I am sure she doesn't mean it. She is scared and lashing out. I am so sorry she said it though.
    We take photos to learn. To me it is a tool to better ourselves.

  • Gaylene replied 11 years ago

    Love your outfit, Shannon.

    And, regarding your MIL, it might help to know that there has recently been some interesting research that links socially inappropriate behaviour to an aging brain. http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/pag/24/1/239/

    The combination of stress, illness, and a diminished executive control in your MIL's brain might be behind that inappropriate comment. Sometimes it is easier to cope with older people when you realize that their reactions might not always be what they seem on the surface.

  • Deborah replied 11 years ago

    Shannon, first up that is a fab outfit. I get such a great deal of inspiration from you, particularly your smart casual Friday outfits! My biggest challenge is casual and I appreciate all the ideas I can get.

    Ditto what Suz said. Your MIL is so blessed to have you, DH and DS. I can only imagine how challenging life must be for her at the moment, and you are always so gracious and caring. I also wonder if that attitude might be/could be a somewhat generational thing? I find many of our mothers just didn't have time or make time for themselves so they find us having hobbies and interests outside of the family/home to be a touch frivolous.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    Thank you all so much for your lovely comments. It's interesting how many of us find the casual dressing more of a challenge. I have absolutely found that posting my casual Friday outfits to be very helpful. I've definitely made some mistakes (Cookie Monster sweater anyone?) but with your suggestions and guidance, it's getting better (I hope!).

    When I bought this leather jacket from Gap two years ago, I had no idea how versatile it would be - it's great with casual wear, over a dress, etc. and like Suz, I am realizing the virtues and versatility of taupe.

    As for MIL's comment, not to worry - I didn't take it to heart and I know she didn't mean it. It just caught me off guard is all.

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