Inspired to try cream

No, not in my coffee! I don’t even drink coffee.

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Greetje, Dutch writer of the blog, No Fear of Fashion, usually wears bright, bold colours, but she recently published this post about a monochromatic cream outfit. I was immediately inspired to try a similar look from my own closet.

As I mentioned last week, those of us whose skin has warm undertones look ghastly (or perhaps, ghostly) if we wear white close to our faces, but we can wear off-white and cream.

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It wasn’t until I saw the photos that I realized that this outfit didn’t work. Can you see why? In real life, the sweater isn’t quite as pink as it looks here. I’d actually call the colour oatmeal, but it is a pinkish cream whereas the pants are more yellowish. To my eye, at least, they don’t go well together.

That sent me back to my closet to see what else I could find.

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I traded the cream chinos for this comfy old pair of soft corduroy pants. No longer cream; more like café au lait, but this is an outfit that works for me. The sweater is the same thrifted maternity sweater that you saw two weeks ago in my Second Hand September wrap-up post. I tried adding a pop of colour with a scarf at my waist as Greetje did, but that didn’t work with the length of my sweater, so I wore one at my neck instead. That’s the thing about finding inspiration in what other women wear. It’s not about copying. My final outfit doesn’t actually look much like Greetje’s, but she planted the idea and I worked with it.

I still think that I could wear a monochromatic cream outfit. I just don’t have the right pieces in my wardrobe. Apparently Diane Keaton does though. Here’s a photo of her that I came across while I was thinking about writing this post. I absolutely love her coat!

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Logo by Sam

Gentlewoman blazer

As a child, I was a tomboy. I was happiest climbing a tree or playing barefoot on the beach. Pink and frilly were never my style. Now, six decades later, I still prefer blue jeans and flat shoes over more feminine garb.

In her book, Style Forever: the grownup guide to looking fabulous, blogger and freelance journalist, Alyson Walsh, calls the boy-meets-girl, menswear inspired look Gentlewoman Style. Katharine Hepburn and Diane Keaton immediately come to mind.

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Last weekend, while hubby finished the last bit of his Christmas shopping, I enjoyed an hour simply browsing in the mall. That’s when I found my perfect gentlewoman blazer. At first, I hesitated to buy it because we’re still not going out much and I wondered where I’d actually wear it. After pondering for a bit though, I went back and bought it and I’m very glad I did. I’ve already worn it twice!

Casual, yet sophisticated, the open, tunic length blazer can easily be dressed up or down. Here, I’m wearing it with a column of navy made up of dark wash jeans and a silky blouse. Since I was about to go out and we have lots of snow, I’m also wearing my tall brown boots.

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The timeless houndstooth pattern means that this is an item that will likely continue to be part of my wardrobe for a long time without looking dated. It’s easy to layer and very versatile, so I look forward to trying it with many other pieces from my closet.

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I added a feminine touch with dainty gold jewelry. I’ve had the necklace since the early 1970s and, until recently, hadn’t worn it for a very long time. I’ve also had the earrings for twenty years or more!

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While the blazer might be too long on a petite person, I’m 5’8″ and I love the length. The ultra soft knit fabric has plenty of stretch making it very comfortable and I like the oversized pockets. The jacket is unlined, so it’s not too heavy or too hot and the ultra soft knit fabric is machine washable. Made in Bangladesh, it definitely ticks all the boxes for me and it’s even on sale this week!

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Which Diane are you?

LogoBefore I begin, I want to give credit where credit is due. As I sat in doctor’s waiting room earlier this week, I came across the idea for this post in a recent issue of Zoomer magazine. “It’s time to embrace your inner Diane,” suggested veteran stylist, Susie Sheffman in an article written by Karen von Hahn. “There’s a Diane for every one of us, and all of them are inspiring.”

She was referring to Diane Keaton, Diane Sawyer, and Diane von Fürstenberg, all in their early 70s and all style icons in their own right. I’ve written before about choosing your own style icon, someone whose style you admire or whose outfits you love. So, is there a Diane for you?

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Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton is known for her quirky, androgynous style. She wears her menswear inspired suits with panache. Her signature style made its debut over 40 years ago with her starring role in “Annie Hall” but apparently the bowler hat that she wore in the movie came from her own closet. To this day she is often seen wearing a similar one.

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Diane Sawyer

American television journalist, Diane Sawyer, on the other hand, epitomizes classic, sophisticated style. Her tailored outfits are both figure-flattering and professional looking.

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Diane Von Fürstenberg

Flamboyant is the word that comes to mind when I think of Belgian fashion designer Diane Von Fürstenberg. Her taste is eclectic and colourful. Once married to a German prince, she could now be rightly called the queen of boho!

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So which Diane are you? Do you see yourself in any of them or is your style completely different? If I had to choose, I’d say that my style is closest to Diane Keaton’s but somewhat less extreme. I could see myself dressed as she is in this final photo and I love her hats, but I tend toward a more feminine look than she does.

Diane Keaton out and about, London, UK - 16 Jun 2016

We’re each one unique. It’s fun to get ideas and inspiration from other women, but in the end, love who you are and don’t try to be anyone else!