Tuesday 24 May 2011

swinging my satchel

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I'm none too sure what I think of this look, actually. While it includes many things I like right now (headscarves, knotted shirts, socks), I can't help but feel a bit costumey, and like I'm a bit too old for this. It was fine for chilling in South London, but when my dissertation supervisor emailled me with an hour's warning to say he had time to see me after all, and I tore into the centre and arrived like a panting schoolgirl in his office--well, I felt somewhat absurd, even sans headscarf which I had the presence of mind to take off. I actually think that without the blouse or the satchel, this would be a perfectly cute 60s styled look, however.

What do you think? Where do you draw the line between outfit and costume?

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dress: Beacon's Closet, little boy's shirt: charity shop, shoes: ebay, socks: stolen from Urban Outfitters ; ), cardigan: Current, satchel and headscarf are Raquel's

Photos by Raquel

56 comments:

mari said...

girl, you look absolutely and truly brilliant.
love everything from top to toe.
xx


themerrimari.blogspot.com

Vanessa, Take only Memories said...

Wonderful! I love your bag! So cute! Also loving your socks!
I usually feel that when I wear dresses I am wearing a costume. But I love costumes so I'm fine with that.
I don't think you are too old for what you are wearing. It looks super cute!

Jo - Lost in the Haze said...

I'm all about matchiness - so of course I adore the outfit! The shade of blue looks incredible on you!

x
www.lostinthehaze.com

Xavi said...

I didn't change anything. Variety is more interesting.

Meleonieeee - ♥ said...

Gosh! This outfit it adorable! I love it! And that cardi looks great! And not costumey at all! xxx

Closet Fashionista said...

I actually really like this, its not costumey at all.
and I love that bag! :D
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

Margaret said...

I love this outfit! I don't think it's costume-y at all. It's hard to say where to draw the line because there are so many different styles, but I think it all depends on your gut instinct.

Caitlin Rose said...

everyone was dressing so costumey a few years ago, I loved it, but now it seems that people are trying to look more updated. it makes me so sad. But I'm just going to have to be out of date.

You however, look great, and now too costumey at all.

Anthea said...

I think it's all about how comfortable you feel in an outfit. I don't think yours is costumey at all. You also look very comfortable in it.

Tomz said...

liked the pose..

Raquel said...

Hmm I don't think it looks costumey, but probably would leave the socks out and stick with the head scarf ;)

Shybiker said...

That's a brilliant question. On one hand, all outfits are costumes -- but I know what you mean. Outfits that meet conventional standards are deemed appropriate while those more extreme are criticized as inappropriate.

My answer is that it doesn't depend on the clothes, it depends on the context. We can wear a corset and fishnets to a hot new nightclub, but not to work or the supermarket. Same clothes, different response depending on where we're going.

Jazzy E (Hivenn) said...

You look amazing. Love that satchel! x hivenn

Amber Schmidt said...

I don't think it looks costume-y at all! If anything, the headscarf may make it a wee bit matchy-matchy for your taste, but you look absolutely beautiful.

How I wish there was a Beacon's closet here!!!

xo

Larissa said...

Love your shoes, so stylish!

http://amordedior.blogspot.com

Larissa said...

Love your shoes, so stylish!

http://amordedior.blogspot.com

Larissa said...

Love your shoes, so stylish!

http://amordedior.blogspot.com

LikeSpinningPlates said...

hmmm where do I draw the line between outfit and costume?? I don't haha. Most of my outfits are a little costumey. I'm such a sucker for ridiculous looking things. Especially since the only style icons I can think of are cartoon characters. I usually have some sort of weird theme in my head when creating an outfit. Like, today I'm going to be Minnie Mouse, or a sailor girl, or something lame like that. Sure some people might look at me weird, but I don't like taking fashion so seriously and I just love to have fun with it. If I look like I came out of an anime cartoon or time machine, it's totally cool with me haha.


That being said, i LOVE this outfit. Your head scarf and socks are SO adorable!!

Monique said...

This definitely doesn't look like a costume but I could see how an unexpected meeting could make you feel that way. Some folks like to look like they're wearing a costume. I personally love when I am complimented on a piece and when asked where I got it from I say its vintage and the person is like no way really it looks so contemporary. You look lovely lady...hope your off to a great week and that the meeting went well!

caitlin said...

first of all, i love this outfit in a million ways, but i know what you mean. i struggle with feeling too costumey on a daily basis. i think a lot of the time i end up feeling a little bit weird out in the "real world" wearing bobby socks and mary janes (because that's what five year olds wear on easter sunday... not twenty-five year olds in an office environment), and i also feel the same way about head scarves. i love them on other people but on myself i just end up feeling a little bit too conspicuous or something. i don't know. all i know is that i love everything about this outfit, so i'll remember that next time i feel like i'm wearing a costume :)

Diana said...

i actually love this outfit! i don't think its costume-y at all :) its really sweet!

http://dressedupallligators.blogspot.com/

LittleMissLee said...

love this outfit - such a retro vibe - you look adorable

http://blogoftheprettythings.blogspot.com/

xxx

Penny said...

yeah definitely not a costume- you look great! although me too i d probably remove the socks!anyway, a student costume is better than let's say being overdressed ( happened to me one time in university and everyone was asking: but where were you before class?hehe)!in general, i remove any accessories-i-doubt-about before serious meetings (like my pumpkin ring ;)

Amber said...

I dont think this outfit is costumey at all. I would rock it! Those socks are too cute and the headscarf suits you (I can never pull that off)

callie said...

Oh my goodness, I love this!! I want a crisp white blouse just like that, so I can tie it in front & button it up to my neck. :) I think you look really pretty and not too costume-y, but I know how you feel! Whenever I wear my ruffle socks I feel too young for my age. You look awesome though.

Jess & Ashley said...

I love your outfit personally, but I too feel like sometimes my outfits are a bit too much. I truly envy those girls who can rock the effortless-chic.

Cup Of Kitten Tea said...

you look awesome :) I know what you mean tho, sometimes i feel a bit...''ooo am i outgrowing this'' and what can feel comfortable with vintage loving friends isnt the same as with , say , your lecturer!
But i think this outfit has perfect balance xxx

Georgia Rose said...

I actually love this outfit! I know what you mean about trying to draw the line between costume and outfit- if one more complete stranger asks me what the theme of my party is, I'll cry. But I feel like you stay on the good side of the divide- you look classy and mature as well as sweet and a little schoolgirl-esque.

Also, I hope you weren't offended by what I said about tumblr! I won't lie, I've been stalking yours like mad. Definitely better than the vast majority, and far more original!

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

@Amber Rose: You know me too well!

@Georgia Rose: Oh, no problem. I actually like when there are debates in blogland; in can't be a big love in all the time ; )

Day of the Roses around here. ; D

Julia Topaz said...

I know exactly how this is! The other day, I wore a little romper with over the knee socks and loafers. It was really really school girlish and I felt a little ridiculous when I went to work and was definitely second guessing my decision. But then I just think of all the people I admire in the fashion (and fashion blog) world and try to maintain my confidence. It turns out the people who I thought were giving me odd stares ended up complimenting my outfit later!
Regardless, this whole look is lovely, and I definitely don't think it's costumey.
Sorry for the obnoxiously long comment!
-Julia

Unknown said...

I think this looks good. If you keep the look eclectic and not too matchy matchy with era/colours etc its all good.

Marisa :)

http://theatticpeoplevintage.blogspot.com/

Virginie's Cinema said...

I like it, but I know what you feel. Sometimes I feel too old for my outfit, usually with short skirts.

But I say kuddos for trying anyways and being a little daring. Clothes are ment to be fun I think!

Virginie

Bethany Kellen of bunnypicnic said...

i love the shoes and the bag!
and i don't think it looks like a costume at all.

Katie Burry said...

I like this look! It's really cute, and the scarf is adorable!! <3

Great job!

Mimi said...

I think this look is fabulous on you and I love the skirt. Oh, and the oxfords make it look a lil less girly. Perfect!

Aesthetic Lounge

Ashley said...

haha, yes...I see the schoolgirl :) It's the socks/skirt/cardi mixture. But you don't look childish...so just go with it :D

Annebeth said...

I absolutely understand your sentiments :-) when dressing cute and vintage you get to that point where you should watch out not to look like you've dressed up. I actually think the scarf makes this look, takes it from being schoolgirl fetisj to something the sartorialist might snap! So no, not too much pour moi :)

Lorelai Sebastian said...

ankle (stolen) socks and brogues...my favourite things!lovely outfit!love the way u put your scarfs....
and...i so much cross the line and dressed up with a costume and i enjoy it of course!

k said...

i just can't pull off a bow to begin with, but you do!! i LOVE your bag

islabell said...

ahhh.. I know what you mean. Whenever I dress girly I feel too old for it for some reason. I think i'm just not that comfortable with girly.

You however look adorable in this outfit, I love your head scarfs once again!

x

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eagle-eye-cherry said...

i like your bag, your boots and the blue color. keep posting nice photos

Emily, Resplendent Tranquility said...

First things first: I love how you've been knotting blouses lately AND that you borrowed Raquel's oh-so-perfect satchel!

I think it's become a little easier, so to say, in regards to dressing younger and getting away with it. Just look at Zooey Deschanel. She's in her 30s and goes crazy with the frills. There is that fine line though. I don't always want to dress all girly-cutesy, but I don't want to bore myself with my clothes either.

Amrit said...

@Emily,

Nice pix.

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

Point taken, dr. antony, even if you deleted all of your comments! Thank you!

jess said...

Such a fun look. I love the scarf.

Jenny said...

Loving this look my dear! It is so summer perfect, something that I am seriously wanting because it is raining in San Francisco! I have also been a little apprehensive about tie shirts and headscarfs, but your look makes me want to give it a try. Have a lovely day! xx

Ashley {hudson's happenings} said...

I think you are pulling off this look marvelously! You look absolutely darling, and you are truly gorgeous! You know who you remind me of? Zooey Deschanel. And oh, how I love her style. :)

Anonymous said...

I love all the thoughtful details to this outfit(or costume! but i think its wearable!) the head wrap, the socks, and that satchel!

xoxo danni

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your lovely comment! I absolutely love this look, even with the scarf and satchel... but you might feel a bit less costume-y without the frilly socks (or with opaque tights instead)... It is super cute as is though! xx

Ragini said...

Haha I can never draw the line between outfit and costume! I love the blue and the white in this outfit though. And the socks are a lovely touch.