I was thinking of calling myself Plain Jane today; but didn’t want to offend any Janes out there. I’m sure Janes have suffered enough, having a phrase like that readymade and just waiting to be lobbied at them whenever they care to step out looking minimalist and unadorned. In fact, the existence of the plain-Jane tag, whilst handy for the English teacher to demonstrate assonance, has probably caused a lot of Janes to go to great lengths to ensure they look fabulous and decidedly un-plain on a daily basis. An example I look to is my own friend Jane who is one of the most glamourous women I know. Sorry, Janes, I shouldn’t have even mentioned it…
When I put on this top this morning I was determined to wear it the other way around, with the buttons at the front. After all, it is designed to be worn both ways, and I wanted this versatility when I made it. But I decided I don’t really like it that way, and switched it around yet again. I really should force myself to wear it the other way around more…
Once upon a time, I would not have made nor worn something like this top, because I had a thing that a loose-fitting garment would not flatter my figure. But really, what does that matter? And what does it mean? Looking through the pictures in this pattern book I could see that the girls modelling looked lovely in the loose comfortable clothes, and so I went ahead and made them up. And the important thing here should be about how you feel in your clothes, as much as about whether you look nice or not. If not, we may as go back to the days of the corset…
So, maybe today is a bit plain and minimally coloured and embellished, but essentially I am cool and comfortable. In this kind of scorching heat; these are my priorities!
Details:
Top; top “b” from Unique Clothes Any Way You Like, by Natsuno Hiraiwa, white cotton
Skirt; my own design, charcoal jersey knit
Sandals; Vincenza from Soletta shoes
Necklace; from the surf shop on Rottnest Island (another souvenir of a great holiday!)
Bag; Gucci
Nail varnish; Revlon Crimson Sparkle
Sunnies: RayBan
I love a simple look now and then, and this combo looks terrific for warm weather.
Stay cool! 😉
This is my favorite look! I feel that on my body type, the simpler, the better. As always, youlook lovely!
Simple, yes, but not plain–the necklace definitely jazzes things up!
I also had to laugh at your "Plain Jane" comments. It's funny how one little phrase can cast such a stigma on a common name, isn't it? (I still haven't forgiven Michael Kors for reviving "Becky Home-ecky" on Project Runway in the last couple of years–but it has perhaps subconsciously influenced my desire to make really good-quality clothes that don't look homemade!)
As always you look fabulous and certainly not plain. The "Plain Jane" comments made me smile, in fact it's got me wondering who the original "Plain Jane" was, or who came up with the saying in the first place?
Jane
Simple and sophisticated, but not plain. I'm just jealous, as you are in sandals and a cute skirt, while I sit here typing in a wool sweater. El Paso, TX got hit in the nation wide cold spell and it's a whopping 4 degrees Fahrenheit here this morning – coldest it's been in over 50 years here, but my time in the sun will come soon enough.
I don't think I've ever heard of a reversible shirt…That is very interesting! I love the skirt too. 🙂
Simple is good. Looking at your picture, I'm already looking forward to warm weather dressing. When it's hot – the simpler the better.
If somebody were to call me a Plain Jane, I would take it as a complement. I am plain spoken, I adore plain clothes, food, entertainment, friends, work, soap, moisturizer, etc., etc.
I love the skirt.
Oh, I think it is lovely. The blouse may be loose fitting, but it has some shape. Enough skin, but not too much. A pretty accessory to go with. Some interesting, dressy-ish shoes. My hubby would be pleased enough with this (on me, not on you … 🙂 )
Cool and comfy, yes … We'll be back to that before I know it.
I love your reference to "assonance" – I taught my son what "consonance" was because he kept mixing it up with rhyming, and now he points it out all the time. I should teach him assonance too. He'd love that.
I love this look!
I definitely love the look of simple loose clothing, especially when it is hot and serves to keep one cool as well. You got a pop of color in there with your necklace. Nice.
Not plain at all – just chic!
I love this blouse every time you wear it. It's the crisp lines of it that I admire.
Not plain and simple. Elegant minimalism.
Simple, but very beautiful.
What a fantastic outfit, that top actually looks very designer-ish 🙂 And also I see you've used a Japanese sewing book for it, I LOVE these patterns, they're so cool!