Thrifting Queen

WIW: Double Dots

August 15, 2014

As a jacket loving gal, it's kind of surprising me how I'm craving the softness of a cardigan lately. I adore the structure a jacket gives but every once in a while, I want protection from the A/C with something a little more "relaxing".

I picked up this cardigan last week on a clearance rack for $9 and am so glad I did. I've worn it twice already - once with BF shorts on the weekend and today. It's a very light weight charcoal grey rayon-cotton blend and has polka dots that are sheer fabric - so your skin makes them look white. 

I paired the cardigan, buttoned up for some structure and waist definition, with a white v-neck tank, untucked for a peek of white here and there. With that I'm wearing my black pencil skirt from my skirt suit. 

To double up on my black/white polka dots, I chose my b/w dotted Birks for footwear and then went for two small pops of colour with my citron clutch and red specs. A white watch and silver wedding band finish off the outfit.

My specific questions are: does the cardigan look frumpy or does this work? Is a pencil skirt and cardigan combo too classic for me or have I 2014-ed it enough with the Birks and clutch? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Cardigan: Smart Set
Tank: Ricki's
Skirt: Nygard
Clutch: Gap
Sandals: Birkenstock Pappillio
Watch: thrifted

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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.

15 Comments

  • Runcarla replied 9 years ago

    The dolman sleeve with contrast between body and sleeve provides a very figure flattering vest effect. This is a very attractive outfit. The hits of red and citron are perfect.

  • Deborah replied 9 years ago

    Shannon this is really lovely.  I think you have given what could be quite a classic look, a large enough dose of modern.  I love it:)  

  • lyn67 replied 9 years ago

    I wouldn't do birks to the office for myself, as my environment is not that  fashion conscious and  am not a trendy girl at all, but  love me some cardis from time to time- and this one is very playfull and not the common one, so it really appeals to me.Love the citron clutch, too:-))

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    Even though I am in an off cardigan phase (sure to change at any time) I really like this on you. The birkies are a great twist!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    I don't think it is frumpy at all, Shannon. It's fun! Especially for a dressed down Friday. Love the clutch. 

    I would ask myself how it feels at the end of the day. Enough structure for you, or not? 

  • viva replied 9 years ago

    Those birks are very unexpected and very 2014. Great outfit, Shannon.

  • replied 9 years ago

    You are an excellent stylist - bringing touches of colour in without going overboard, and choosing individual pieces that are really great!  That cardigan is super cute - love the sheer dot sleeves and the white tank underneath.

    If anything, I sense some disconnect between the top half of your outfit and the bottom.  Maybe it's me - but the minute I read "pencil skirt from a suit" - I picture quite formal.  I like breaking down the formal aspect of a suit with something - but what about a different shoe here?  Same top half, same skirt, slightly more structured yet still fun shoe?

  • Zibbets replied 9 years ago

    I think the sheer dots give this sweater a lot of spunk. I love it with the pencil skirt and Birkenstocks, and your bright clutch is the perfect accent. I have a sugar eye for classics, so this is right up my street. I say you look fantastic! Have a great day!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    Thanks for the feedback ladies :)

    Carla - interesting you mention the "vest effect". That made me realize this sweater has the same properties as my animal front L&T cardigan - the front is animal print and the sleeves black so it looks vest-like. Maybe that's the type of cardigan that appeals to me?

    lyn67 - the Birks definitely aren't to everyone's liking that's for sure. I have seen a few folks here that wear them intentionally so I'm comfortable doing it myself.

    Suz - strangely enough, this cardigan is feeling really good. I'm comfortable, it's not overly baggy or long so I feel it still has some structure. Especially buttoned up. So far so good.

    Lisa - I totally hear what you're saying. A structured pencil skirt does not make you think of Birks, does it? I think I was hoping the Birks would "dress down" the formality of the skirt but maybe I need to bring up the formality of the shoes???

    Isn't it funny how sometimes we give a negative connotation to classic items like a pencil skirt or cardigan? I wonder when "classic" became a dirty word?

  • Tanya replied 9 years ago

    You are looking wonderful Shannon, not frumpy at all. The skirt and cardigan are classic, and the fun clutch and oh-so-trendy shoes inject plenty of modern for me.

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    Casual Dotty Fabness, Princess Birkie. Cardie is not frumpy. Good V-neck. xo

  • JAileen replied 9 years ago

    I think the outfit is very flattering. I love the sweater. It's fun with the polka dots. And it's a good color scheme for you.

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    I think it looks classic yet modern with the pop of colour on the clutch and specs. Fab :)

  • AviaMariah replied 9 years ago

    You are speaking my language - something about a nice soft cardi just makes me feel good.  I also hear you about worrying about frumpyness but you don't have any need to worry.  You look very sharp and put together.  

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    "Princess Birkie" - love it Angie :) Long may the Birkie trend reign.

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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.