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Monday 17 December 2012

My familiar outdoor look

This is what I often look like when I go out in the mornings - patterned coat over whatever I have on underneath, bright tights, the most fabulous footwear I can find that my feet and the weather agree with, my of-the-moment favourite pink scarf, and a beret in whatever colour I am in the mood for. In this particular outfit I added the wide black elastic belt with patent leather near the buckle.


Under the coat you can just glimpse a wavy-patterned stretch tank-style dress which I wore on top of a black long-sleeved T.

This winter sheath feels fun and somewhat chic - or am I delusional? I think the dark belt with the beret is what makes this more grounded. The rang-y cat expression is compliments of my past week. I do know that when I've had the chance to slip away on my selfish/self-care inspiration walks last week I felt very swingy and bouncy in pattern and colour, yet polished and so-fist-icated with that subtle hat/belt containment. "Good morning, good morning, good morning...!" was my silly birdsong to the world. And guess what? It responded with a Good Morning back. How cool is that?! 

Details
  • thrifted coat
  • thrifted D&G shoes
  • thrifted beret
  • mustard tights, retail
  • scarf, gift from Sharron
  • thrifted belt
  • thrifted stretch tank dress
  • thrifted black T
Are you happy with your outerwear or do you see it as a necessary evil cloaking all the fabulousness you're wearing inside?

I am linking up to Patti's Visible Monday. I look forward to seeing everyone there! It's been a while since I joined the party.

PS - I put up a VOGOFF sidebar image. Feel free to grab as you like or not. Doesn't Desiree look awesome on the cover?! This is the link: http://bagandaberet.blogspot.ca/2012/12/vogoff-december-2012-issue.html

52 comments:

  1. RRRReally Chic. Here in Southern California we really don't need coats. I mostly wear big bulky sweaters. But I really miss a good coat.....
    Connie*

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  2. Uh uh...totally chic look. Love how you've wrapped your scarf too!

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  3. Yes, how did you wrap your scarf? It's kind of mysterious.

    I have a very shapeless, but incredibly functional raincoat - hood, optional lining, good length. I was just toying with the idea of belting it, and now you've inspired me to do it! I guess that's the world responding!

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  4. I love your outerwear! I've been trying to make my functional outerwear more matching to my under-outerwear (not to be confused by my underwear, heavens!). For so long, I walked to and from work in my workout gear, but I live close enough now to only have to do cute sneakers. It's like having the world open up! I can wear pretty coats and scarves!

    You're so inspirational, Melanie! Love Vogoff - I wish it were a real magazine! (I would so love to be in it!)

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  5. Oh yes that IS fun and it IS chic, which sounds like the perfect combination! The pattern on your coat is wonderful, I love how it looks belted, and you can switch up the look depending on the tights/scarf/beret/shoes you choose. Functional, yet terribly stylish, darling!
    Do you notice, like me, that most people seem to choose plain and/or black winter coats? I can understand it in a way, it's that "it has to go with everything and not attract attention" thing. But patterned, colourful coats are so much more interesting! I think my faux furs fulfil the go-with-everything criteria, and I do of course have a black one, but they have a certain glamour and they aren't afraid to stand out! Since I live in a country where coat wearing is a regular event, might as well make it fun!
    PS. Ooh yes please, I will be popping a VOGOFF button on my sidebar! xxxxx

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  6. Absolutely eye-poppingly fabulous and tres chic, my dear! Love the print on the coat and the glorious mustard tights.
    I have a cupboard of doom laden with coats, it's all most people see us in at this time of year so a wide variety is essential. Sometimes I won't even bother wearing anything but tights, boots and a hat with the coat, which can be a bit of a bother if I bump into a mate who insists on going for a drink!
    Ta for the button, I'll do it pronto! xxx

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  7. I love this outfit...the coat is lovely & it looks fab with the tights, shoes, belt & beret. I WISH we had the chance to wear nice coats here in Queensland, but it doesn't get cold enough. I'm not surprise you were greeted on your walk. Vintage often seems to do that to people! I loved reading the VOGOFF issue too. So funny & full of inspiring women! Xx

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  8. That's a very chic outerwear ensemble. I love the mix of colours. Coats are required for much of the year here in the UK, and I love hats anyway, so I try to take as much care with my outerwear as I do with what's under it.

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  9. That is totally chic. I really love that coat.

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  10. That's very cool, Ms Melanie. I'm half and half about my outerwear. The ones I've made are colorful and interestingly shaped. The others are kinda boring in color, shape, design but really warm for the depths of winter weather. Got to get up to speed there. I do have amazing boots though.

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  11. I have Melanie-d up my sidebar, it's a much more excellent place now, hooray! Today's patterns and brights knock me over, but my favourite is Rang-y Cat Face. I love it hard enough to risk the scratches, meeeeeerow!

    I enjoy my outerwear - it's just that balancing the length of the season with limited storage room leads to growing weary and wear-out! Last year and so far this year have been so mild that the winter-coat ennui has had a wee break, phew!

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  12. Such a chic look. I love that coat. And paired with the pink and yellow so much fun. I would stop and stare when I'd meet you in the streets for all the right reasons (and would ask for your picture, of course)

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  13. My brain wang is telling me: CHIC, AND SOPHISTICATED and really, way more exciting than what I'm wearing. To that end, I suppose my outer-wear spruces things up a bit. I've got this grey wool coat that I hadn't worn in 5 years and it fits again. I feel fairly stylish in it, but I'll be sick of it by MAY.

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  14. Love the "R" coat, Melanie - and of course the tights that say "it's Melanie, world!" I wish it would cool down just a bit so we could wear a jacket down here : > Thanks for sharing the awesome-ness with Visible Monday.

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  15. Another So Cal Gal here who misses having a fun winter coat. I love how these elements, each with with so much personality on its own, unite to create one of those "sum-is-more-than-total-of-parts" ensemble!

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  16. Who wants to look gloomy just because it's winter? You love wonderful. It's doesn't get very cold here(South Georgia) but I try to look pulled together on those rare winter days. My least favorite winter look: a short jacket with a longer sweater hanging out. Where a long coat.Or a short sweater

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  17. Of course you are getting a good morning back this outfit is bold yet doesn't scream crazy :) What did that even mean? This is a really put together look and I love the pink scarf and mustard tights.
    xxoo

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  18. I'm always thinking I need a new coat. They make the outfit in this kind of weather for sure. Seems the one I have is too thin, too thick, too clunky, too dressy, too etc.....
    Time for a new one! This is my favorite coat on you. ;)

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  19. Impecable chic street style! I would be so very happy to see you walk by... it would be a little gift of happiness!

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  20. Oh as always beautiful Miss Melanie you are everything that is Chic!!!!!! The pink scarf is perfection!!!!!
    Tee hee I had a peek at vogoff its inspired!!!!! You are amazing sweet.
    All the ladies are stunning and yes Desiree looks truly wonderful on the cover.
    Beret and rangy-cats looks always go together it's a fashion law I always abide by!!!!!
    Love and singing good mornings to you V

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  21. I love your coat! It's totally amazing. I also love all of your hats. They make an outfit look truly polished.

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  22. Very polished indeed, yet with your own freewheeling spirit, of course. I've been thinking of having a uniform, of sorts, and using coats as the variable. Time is very precious right now so creativity is a little hard to come by. I love your "uniform".

    Desiree is the perfect cover girl!!!! Amazing.

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  23. You are always super chic, and this coat is no exception. And I had to exclaim it, "MUSTARD TIGHTS!!!!"

    Outerwear has never been very intentional for me since our winters are mild, and I generally just go from car into office. But with my oldest now living in NYC, I'm trying to pull together a more sophisticated look, since that's what New Yorkers do. And also 'cause it's freezing up there. I just won a coat off eBay that I'm excited to get, hoping it's my IT girl coat :P

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  24. I dig outwear that makes a strong visual statement.

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  25. That is a great coat - the colours go with everything and the pattern makes it much cooler that a solid. I agree with Curtise that most people tend to go for a "neutral" coloured coat so it goes with everything, but I try to find the most interesting winter coats I can, which are generally vintage ones. I will definitely post the "Vogoff" badge on my blog.

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  26. I've been far too much of your fabulousness lately, and I am most ashamed of myself.
    That jumpsuit=HEAVEN!
    Vogoff=FRIGGING ASTOUNDING GENIUS!
    This outfit=DIVOONITY!
    At least I have successfully got the comment box up.It's been misbehaving.
    You're a wonder,and I adore you!
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  27. Sooooo chic! I love that pattern and the wondrous bright tights.
    I'll be sure to put Vogoff in my sidebar.
    xxxx

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  28. You are such a perfect dream, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  29. Oh so chic, Melanie, no wonder you were chirping happily in this outfit. I love the coat and pattern and the hot pink and yellow colour combo. I always have thought belted coats the way you've done it are the cat's meow, but only super svelte shapes can carry it off and look great. I love a lot of my vintage outerwear but sometimes have difficulty wearing them over all my layers so I keep warm! Xoxo

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  30. Those D&G shoes are my fav. They steal the show every time I see them. Love them & the graphic coat so much!!

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  31. You look so joyful and happy!! Love the coat--what a cool print!1
    I realize I NEED more outerwear and hats!!

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  32. wow you are s stylish!

    love the color combo

    xoxo

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  33. So stylish. You are just amazing in how you perfectly put together outfits. The pattern on the coat is tres cool.

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  34. I love this look, Melanie! It is just so well-styled. The play of brights and neutrals, leopard and geometric is so beautiful. My favorite element is definitely the beret!!! ~Sarah of Sarah Hulbert Style

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  35. Yes, very sophisticated! The patterned coat with colors would awaken anyone who walked by, I'm sure. I have the very same belt!

    I love coats and in the winter they're one of the main attractions for me, after the hat. I have a number of vintage beauties that I've had for years in different colors. They add comfort and fun to the season.

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  36. I can't seem to download it!! I press the button and nothing happens. Anyway, you look fantastic, although, while not rangey definitely about to run off and do something mischievous! Anyway, I love the pattern mix and the mustard tights, the beret is great and the coat looks even better with the belt. Good morning world!!

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    Replies
    1. Ps. Love the monochrome with the flash of clashing pink and yellow!

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  37. tres cute!
    I love your coat
    I'm somewhat happy with my coats! i wish they are more wow factor, but it's not something i buy often - it take a lot of space and i occupy all the space in the entrance closet! Ha! Ha! Ha1 he 's not always happy about it

    i adore the belt and coat combo it's always stylish!

    Ariane xxxxx

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  38. I think this is a perfect outfit. It all falls together perfectly!!!

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  39. Great blog ! I love your style ! This look is particularty awesome !
    http://selenite.weebly.com

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  40. I wish I could wear cute shoes right now :( Those tights and the shoes are genius :)

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  41. oh! thrifting is so fun! I love this mustard color with your outfit and the burre(or however you spell it). :)


    Oh, I would also like to invite you to come visit my blog and enter my international giveaway! it's my first giveaway and is celebrating the 1 year of my blog as well as Christmas! It is super cute and has hello kitty, jewelry, art and inspirational gifts! :D I look forward to your visit! Here is the link: http://beyoutifulhope.blogspot.com/2012/12/international-giveaway-hello-kitty.html

    Merry Christmas& happy birthday Jesus,
    Christine
    www.beyoutifulhope.blogspot.com

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  42. Your sense of style is pretty good

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  43. I love how you styled your ensemble..The coat is to die for & the mix of print and pop of color is to die for..Happy Holidays!

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  44. Outerwear is the jumping off point for fabulous hats. I can get away with fantastic hats that would totally overpower my tasteful, demure dresses in warmer months.

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  45. I like the look! It is eclectic and bright, like you! I want the shoes and wrap! Happy 2013!
    www.clubmujeresreales.blogspot.com

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  46. This is PERFECT. With so many patterns and colours it should look cluttered but it is so clean and gorgeous - you are the boss of this fabularse ensemble. Exquisite. Vogoff? Sidebar? Where have I been? I'm on it!

    Sarah xxx

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  47. Love the bright colors contrast with your coat, spectacular mix! You are great!

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  48. Ah, what spectacular finery to strut in and to sing your vibrant birdsong. I have a ridiculous number of capes to deal with the outerwear conundrum - warm but dashing in their own right. Still smiling every time I think of or revisit Vogoff - a triumph - and probably the most extraordinary covergirl possible.

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  49. You are indeed a woman of exuberant style and fun-- yay for you! I'm going to follow along, and would love love it if you'd come visit me at my new blog for, ahem, les femme d'un certain age. Its called... chic at 60! xo Anne

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