If you stare at the coat and skirt together long enough, kind of cross your eyes a little bit, you will see a 3D image of Alfred Hitchcock! It's uncanny!
It's a good thing I don't have a bejeweller because I think I would go wild on this little outfit, it makes my hair go all sproingy with excitement. I bought the red Oriental top about a week ago and had been saving it for a nice day, which was Saturday (sorry, this outfit is stale but I really wanted to share it with you!).
I have realized that you can throw almost ANYTHING on your body and make it work if you frame your hands/arms, legs/shoes, and head in the same stable colour, in this case black. It's like framing abstract art, which is how I stumbled across this miraculous discovery. The dark tips contain or cap all the exploding stuff on the central canvas. Who knew art could be so practical?
Details of the outfit:
- bias cut wool skirt with wide suede waistband and suede along the hem, thrifted for almost nothing (I forget how much). The main body of the skirt is vanilla with a houndstooth pattern in black, brown and white.
- red silk Oriental top-jacket thing, thrifted $6
- patterned coat, thrifted, repeat item
- shoes were new from The Bay department store about 8 years ago
My camera captured that vivid red so well above. And below, a little weirdness, trying to keep it real but for the ghoulish-stare face.
I am happy to include this in Patti's Visible Monday. Yay, Patti!
It's a stand out outfit! I'm a sucker for these Asian toppers (and now have a collection of three of the padded vests). Must get a pair of black gloves and a beret to try your "framing" theory. ;)
ReplyDeleteI was going through your blog the other day looking for your planking when I stumbled across your magnificent haori. Aren't those big sleeves the most fun to play with? Yes, Oriental style with its jewel colours and silk brocades is so sumptuous.
DeleteI love the pattern mixing and the way the hounds tooth on the skirt goes different directions. Makes it much more interesting.
ReplyDeleteMy hair went sproingy with excitement, too. I absolutely adore your style and your blog.
ReplyDeleteBlack, white and red all over -- you can't go wrong with that!
ReplyDeleteThat red silk is AMAZING. I like your concept of "framing." I never thought of it that way, before. But that's probably why I so often wear shoes that blend with my hair color. I feel more grounded that way! (And I'm still madly envious of that coat!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous top! I love the Chinese silk ones, but my boobs are too big to fit most of them.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, what a marvelous skirt - with *suede* at the hem!? Love it. And I love the idea of framing an outfit, I am going to try it. Thanks for linking up with Visible Monday, you look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI can see Hitchcock! My eyes are a little strained now though.
ReplyDeleteThose satin oriental shirts are some of my favorite clothing articles. Makes me miss the one I had, it just got too tight to button in the front. Ho hum.
The discipline of houndstooth, the shine of red silk, and the shimmer of the backdrop make this tableau irresistible. Plus, I'll take the shoes any day!
ReplyDeleteLove, Jean
I LOVE this whole ensemble! I collect those silky little Asian tops and never ever thought to pair it like this- so you have now inspired me! Wha!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting about the black bits acting as a frame. I like that. Still searching for Alfred....
ReplyDeletegood tips there, though I am mixing burnt orange with multicoloured floral today, sigh, if only I could look as sophisticated. Brilliant outfit, you look ready to hit the Louvre and talk about Abstract Expressionism
ReplyDeleteYes, I can just hear me at the Louvre - "And then they put these little red bits in here because doesn't it look great?"... Thanks for that comment!
DeleteI've been staring at your photo for an hour but I still can't see Hitch... I can't do those magic eye pictures, but I CAN appreciate a very fine outfit!
ReplyDeleteI love the mix of the monochrome patterns, and the red/gold silk makes it all go POP with delight!
I'm intrigued by your framing theory. I'm not very analytical about clothes/style, I just give it a go (or pinch other people's ideas...) and hope for the best. But I love it when something works and you can explain WHY it works - you're so clever, Melanie! xxxxxxxx
I only knew men who could do those magic eye tricks and I was convinced it was a stupid conspiracy - it made me so mad. I tried and tried. One day I decided to be all manly and I tried to COMPLETELY space out and it worked! Doh!
DeleteYou are clever, Melanie! Ii love your logic of using a black frame, that's just genius, black is neither safe nor boring when you wear it. I'm determined to hunt down one of those cute little oriental jackets now I've seen you wearing it and looking so glorious. xxx
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I'm wearing an oriental blouse like that right now. I have trouble keeping the little toggles closed-- it's sort of the bane of my existence. I love your print mix.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant layering and clash and totally unexpected.
ReplyDeleteYou are such an artist.
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Love that mix of prints. I've decided you were being dead serious about Alfred Hitchcock.
ReplyDeleteI love the concept of "framing"!! It makes complete sense and although I'm guessing it's often intuitive for the outfit-obsessed, it's fun to bring it over to the other side of the brain.
ReplyDeleteGiven the state of my eyesight (it's deplorable) I'm surprised I couldn't see poor Alfred immediately.
Wow. Just realized I commented last night too. Hmmm. A few too many distractions if I forgot that easily!!
DeleteI'm the same way, Jean! Rest assured, all your comments are so welcome!!
DeleteWow(☆。☆)
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing!!
Great look!
ReplyDeletehttp://kate-fashionschtick-kate.blogspot.com
Hi Mélanie,
ReplyDeleteI love this mix! i used to love oriental tops,i see them on and off at thrift shops but do not buy them anymore, maybe i should after seeing your fabulous mix of patterns!
Lots of love Mélanie
Ariane xxxx
The framing thoughts are a really good idea. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteLove love loveeee this outfit... the combination on prints is amazing
ReplyDeleteThis outfit is straight from Vogue!! so arsty and eye catching! You always create unique and gorgeous looks, and always have such sweet comments for my blog! Thanks you!!:-) Hope you are having a wonderful day!
ReplyDelete-Jyoti
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"If you stare at the coat and skirt together long enough, kind of cross your eyes a little bit, you will see a 3D image of Alfred Hitchcock! It's uncanny!" <--- I just LOL'd. Think middle of the night, quiet house, and then: my cackle. I don't care if I woke anyone, it was well worth it.
ReplyDeleteYou have this amazing ability to mix patterns and have it look absolutely incredible. It's a gift. One I've always wanted. I should experiment. You have inspired me. :D
Your smile is beautiful!
Thanks for your comment! I just started pattern mixing in earnest a couple of months ago - why not, I thought - it opens the door to so many new, interesting possibilities. Wearing the outfit with confidence also helps. I know you can do that well! I'm really happy I inspired you and I hope you have fun.
DeleteYou have some of the most incredible ideas and I always love the backdrops. I'm inspired.
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