Thrifting Queen

WIW: My Own Summer Body

May 5, 2016

Angie's blog post this morning could not have been more timely - I have been wrapped up in feeling unhappy with my body for months now after gaining some serious weight over the last 8 months. Won't get into why it happened but the results have left me feeling less than fab.

But Angie's right - whatever our body issues are, we are so lucky that we have the health we do and that our bodies allow us to do so much. So on that note, I am revealing today's outfit which is very different for me and hopefully JFE.

The outfit started with these fantastic EF jersey wide legged culottes that I bought from my favorite eBay seller. I hemmed and hawed over these for weeks before purchasing because I know this type of silhouette and length is not the most flattering for a petite plus-size apple. But I'm wanting something comfortable, a bit edgy and that can work much like a full midi skirt for me. They arrived last week and I must say they were love at first sight and try on. The fabric is the typical delicious EF jersey that drapes and moves so beautifully due to the bit of weight. And yet they are light and cool for the summer heat. They way they swish and move when you walk is pure delight and the wider waistband means no rolling or moving around.

I paired the culottes with a simple black jersey tank and topped that with my EF linen blend white v-neck pullover. Although difficult to tell in these horrible office photos, I like the way the black tank shows through the white pullover. I've had the pullover for a number of years now and unfortunately, it's shrunk in length a bit due to an unfortunate dryer incident (poor hubby didn't know). I'm going to try blocking it and see if I can get some of the length back. Hopefully it doesn't look too short here.

I then added my new black peep-toe sandal booties, black/white specs and my newly thrifted owl pendant necklace.

Oh...and bonus pic of my hair showing the length - I'm getting there and quite enjoying the change.

I hope this outfit is JFE and I would love your feedback on how to improve and other suggestions on how to wear my new culottes. As always, all comments/suggestions welcome. 

Culottes & pullover: Eileen Fisher (via eBay)
Tank: Smart Set
Shoes: Steve Madden
Necklace: 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.

35 Comments

  • replied 8 years ago

    Not just JFE...definitely flattering Shannon! I think the sweater's length looks great with the culottes and your sandals look awesome with this look.

    Your hair is looking great!

  • Glory replied 8 years ago

    Looking great. The culottes look amazing, chic and comfortable. We are shoe twins!

  • Tanya replied 8 years ago

    I am with Diane here- this is very flattering.  Theculottes really suit you and I am going to steal that fab owl necklace.

  • Roxanna replied 8 years ago

    You look AWESOME. Those culottes were made for you. I too struggle with conventionally flattering my body type (I feel liek I have stacey and Clinton on my shoulders sometimes!) but lettign go of some of those narrow conventions is so freeing!

    Though - for the record - to me this is not JFE, but downright flattering. Those culottes look perfect on you and give you a great hourglass shape when paired with the sweater. Chic!

  • El Cee replied 8 years ago

    You look fantastic Shannon! I love the culottes on you -- and they look splendid with the (accidentally) cropped pullover sweater. (Perhaps you might want to keep it at this shorter length to wear as you have here -- over culottes.)

  • Eliza replied 8 years ago

    Great look, Shannon. Those culottes love you and your ability to create outfits will put them through their paces. 

    I am gob-smacked by your hair. I love how it has both structure and softness. Just beautiful. 

    Well done!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 8 years ago

    Wow - thanks for the kind words ladies. You know when you wear something out of your normal range, you question it to death??? Yeah...that was me this morning. And then I remembered that I'm trying to have fun with fashion and wear what makes me happy so went for it. Glad to hear this isn't a disaster.

    Eliza - thank you for the compliments on my hair. It has been an interesting process growing it from a one inch pixie to this. There are days I was ready to call it quits, but am getting to a happy place with it now.

  • lyn67 replied 8 years ago

    Oh well, reading your post I expected to see a monster  bod, not else:-))...but hey,  YLF Shannon!!! Love your culottes outfit and (even if I can not really tell in the picties) the way the black tank shows through the white pullover. I personally very much love to play with textures in the exactly same way!  And, your new hair is  so very perfectly included in that so special EF look we all know!   Great job, please post more of your daily outfits!!!

  • always trying replied 8 years ago

    a really well put together outfit.  looks comfy too.   You are making me change my mind about culottes!  The top length looks just right with the culottes.  I do not think longer would look as good.  Love the sandal booties.

  • replied 8 years ago

    I'm not confident in understanding culotte length, but these look just fine to me.  I find the whole look polished, professional yet easy and I think that's the key. Colours are of course great on you, and with the simple jewellery and shoes - it's a lovely outfit.  Apparently the weather is going crazy today , and you're ready for it! 

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    Killer

    You have a fabulous Summer body. Rock on. 

  • Bonnie replied 8 years ago

    I was surprised to read that you are short. You look very tall in this outfit. It is very flattering and the draping of the fabrics really makes it look fab. Love the shoes and the do, too.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 8 years ago

    Thank you all - such lovely feedback :)

    Lisa - I'm not going to complain one bit about the weather prediction for today. It sure beats -40!!!

    Angie - you're so sweet :)

    I have to say that Angie's voice has been in my head a lot lately with her #1 rule of "have fun with fashion". I've decided to stop forcing various looks and styles and just go with what tickles my fancy. A little boho - why not? A little edgy - why not? A little EF comfy - why not? I'm going to let my style just go where it wants to go and figure this will lead me to my "look" in an organic and natural way, if that makes any sense.

  • Sara L. replied 8 years ago

    This is great!  The culottes look good on you and I love your new owl pendant. 

  • Diana replied 8 years ago

    I love this, Shannon!  Edgy, graphic, and yes completely flattering! 

  • Jen W replied 8 years ago

    You look fab!  Your hair is fantastic, love the length and cut.  The culottes look soft and comfortable and flattering.  And look at those "alluring ankles"!  I think you can add this to a FFBO list for this summer, if you have one.

  • JAileen replied 8 years ago

    I love this outfit. Everything is perfect. Congrats!

  • AviaMariah replied 8 years ago

    I agree that this is very flattering, more than JFE. As a fellow short person I understand the desire not to look "stumpy" but I actually think this outfit does the opposite.

  • Beth Ann replied 8 years ago

    Love the black culottes, Shannon.  The length is just right -- and hard to find at any height!  I think a white sweater is such a fresh take on a white top -- unexpected and cozy, and the cropped length is perfect for culottes.  Will the sleeves scrunch effectively? 

    I think a dark toned tunic with the culottes, and topped by a cropped jacket (or a denim one) would be an interesting combination --- drapey, but with structure that subtly defines the shoulder and waist on top.

  • Liz A. replied 8 years ago

    I just love this. I think the sweater length works great, because the pants are almost like a skirt.

  • Maneera replied 8 years ago

    Fabulous! You look amazing from head to toe!

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    "I have to say that Angie's voice has been in my head a lot lately with her #1 rule of "have fun with fashion". I've decided to stop forcing various looks and styles and just go with what tickles my fancy. A little boho - why not? A little edgy - why not? A little EF comfy - why not? I'm going to let my style just go where it wants to go and figure this will lead me to my "look" in an organic and natural way, if that makes any sense".

    LOVE YOUR THINKING. Really missed you, Shannon. It's brilliant to have you back. 

  • Transcona Shannon replied 8 years ago

    Beth Ann - LOVE the styling suggestion of tunic and cropped jacket - in fact, I know you'll be shocked to hear I have a sleeveless drape black EF tunic (lol!) and could top that with my denim jacket. Yay - now I have another way to wear my swishy culottes :)

    Angie - you just made my day :) :) :) and right back at ya!

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    LOVE this, Shannon! You look sensational. I have missed your lovely smile! 

  • Deborah replied 8 years ago

    Love LoVE LOVE this ! You look so cool and have that effortless thing going on here. Shannon you look confident and interesting and super stylish. I think once you accept culottes are not the most traditionally flattering item, you can just go to town with the styling, have fun and enjoy them. I love how I feel in mine:).

  • Chris987 replied 8 years ago

    This look is great on you....the black and white looks SOO good....the overall proportions are great, and love the shoes!

    Also love your attitude about "why not try something different". I've been trying that myself and it's so liberating. I often ask myself "what is the worst that could happen?" Even if you don't end up liking an outfit it's hardly the end of the world and at least for me it gives me a clue about something else to try. You are an inspiration to not take it all so very seriously. After all fashion really should be fun!

    Also, lots of us can relate to your story of weight gain and related unhappiness,  huge applause to you for moving beyond it.

  • Elizabeth P replied 8 years ago

    Are you kidding?  Not even CLOSE to JFE.  Totally F.  Flattering, Fab, whatever you want it to stand for.  And your hair looks great... when are you going to dip the ends blue and green?  :)

  • Aida replied 8 years ago

    Shannon I love your "get on with it and have some fun already" attitude :D The culottes are super! I think the shorter length of your sweater actually works really well here; if you don't have any other short tops it may be worth leaving it as-is to wear with skirts and culottes!

    I wore my culottes just yesterday with a skirt length short sleeve sweater; I've also been enjoying wearing them with a roomy tucked silk blouse + boxy denim vest, and with just a cropped sleeveless sweater and pumps. I have a tunic+cropped jacket look planned for sometime soon, too! Hope you'll post your version :)

  • catherine replied 8 years ago

    And your HAIR! So, so lovely.

  • Jaime replied 8 years ago

    It is wonderful to see you again Shannon. Of course I love your outfit - I think I want to wear it! Please post as much as possible!

  • Runcarla replied 8 years ago

    Duh! So. Not. JFE,. Shannon, I want to see these culottes more...

  • Vicki replied 8 years ago

    You are black-and-white coolness as you take on Angie's call and I love your hair, too, and those are perfect shoes for your outfit.

  • Gigi replied 8 years ago

    Gorgeous, Shannon! I love the simplicity of your outfit and how polished it looks. And your hair is amazing. You look really stylish.

  • Summer replied 8 years ago

    You're looking good, Shannon, and the proportions are perfect to my eye.
    I love the owl pendant and your gorgeous hair.

  • Janet replied 8 years ago

    So nice to see you post again, Shannon! You are looking marvelous. The hair is just wonderful -- I really think the softer, longer style suits you so well. And the outfit is terrific as well -- I also see this as even better than JFE.

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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.