Sorry, I didn't see the question about sweater sets before.

The problem is that the sweater over sweater repeats texture, and softness, and usually neckline, as well. Today's look is more mixed; with soft over structure, and different textures combined. Use your sweater as a neutral, and add a tricky shirt (ruffled collar or cuffs?) under, to break up the monochromatic view of the chest, reduce bulk, and add different color blocks for a snappier effect.

There are some modern sweater sets out there, but there's usually a pattern involved, or an unusual element, like an untied front for the cardi.

Thats a good explanation of the sweater set question.

Those stores everybody is down on may have gotten the message. This fall I have gotten communication (email or snail mail catalog) from Ann Taylor, Coldwater Creek, Talbots, and Chico's saying they are updating their offerings, mainly in the fit department. The only one I've been to is Chicos to try their new pants, because I have long loved their Modern fit. Their new fit was good but the legs were too narrow for what I was looking for at the time. However, I wear the smallest size they make (size 6-8 everywhere else) so they are not for everyone. As for their other pieces, you still need the clothespin they use to give their store displays some fit. I once asked if the clothespin came with the garment, but the salesperson didn't seem to know what I was talking about.

Am I hijacking to ask about boyfriend jackets? CN mentioned them. I bought this one and, though the fit is great, the zebra lining was disappointing. How much does this limit what I can wear with this jacket? I know it is not as versatile as a small menswear print would be but I also know (now) that I do not need to wear any one jacket with everything I own. If I roll up the sleeves, does the zebra lining make my jacket my one tricky piece or should I ignore it?

As you say, the Zebra print will limit the versatility of the jacket (when worn rolled.) However, the fit of a jacket is key, and if you have a perfect outfit to support it, it may be a good buy.
Zebra is a neutral B&W print, so you should be able to support many colors, and some smaller prints. Think of it as wearing wild bracelet cuffs, and see what you can come up with.
Good Luck!

quote:

Originally posted by pres10514:


Use your sweater as a neutral, and add a tricky shirt (ruffled collar or cuffs?) under, to break up the monochromatic view of the chest, reduce bulk, and add different color blocks for a snappier effect.

I already own this top, whose berry color I think would go great with my grey cardigan. I'd wear a lace-trimmed white cami underneath, since the v-neck is fairly low, and I am going to be wearing this to church.
If I'm going to buy something new, I wonder if this one from Chadwick's would work. I'd want it in the plum color.
Thanks for the input, all!

Is this necklace too youthful for me?
I'd probably wear it with something like this top (in Jewel Purple).

How can a necklace be too youthful? It doesn't have any Disney characters, does it?

The hoops necklace is really in right now. The important question is how to adjust the length properly. I find that this has to be done for each top/ensemble.
Silver ovals
Round Silver Hoops

is it only the silvertone hoops are in? I have a one chain that has multiple color hoops, and 2 sizes.

Here's Mine

quote:

Originally posted by pres10514:


The hoops necklace is really in right now. The important question is how to adjust the length properly. I find that this has to be done for each top/ensemble.
Silver ovals
Round Silver Hoops

The one at The Limited is 60" inches long, so I'm thinking it will probably be wrapped around at least twice.
I hear you on the length-adjustment thing. I've had to adjust several of my long necklaces so that an attention-getting piece doesn't hit me right on my stomach, which is NOT a feature to which I want to risk calling attention.

quote:

Originally posted by geekStyle:
is it only the silvertone hoops are in?

For what it's worth, my necklace is also offered in gold.
I just chose silver because I wear silver jewelry most often.
I love your necklace, too!
Where does it come from?

quote:

Originally posted by pres10514:


The hoops necklace is really in right now.

While we're talking necklaces and earrings, do you all think that matching earrings and necklace "sets" are a serious no-no?
I know that one's necklace and earrings do not have to match each other, but is it okay if they do?
I don't often buy a necklace and earrings *together*, but, for example, if I wear a chunky gold necklace, I will wear chunky gold earrings with it.
I'm pretty sure that approach is okay, but should I stop completely the practice of buying the "matching" earrings when I buy a necklace?
BTW, when I bought the above necklace from The Limited, I refrained from buying any "matching" silver link earrings.
It was tempting, but I figure that since I have a round face, round earrings might not be the most flattering.
I figure I'll pair the necklace with some casual, modern silver earrings in a more linear shape.
Think that will work?

I think that would look really nice...if you really love both the earrings and necklace of a set, and plan to wear them seperately (for now, anyway) I would definitely still buy both, because you can always change your mind and wear as a set later, but probably wont be able to find the exact match again...

if we go by trend 'statement pieces' is what's In.
dainty jewelry (esp. sets) are associated with old way of doing things. fashion evolves and so do accesories.
when you wear tons of small jewelry all over the place (earrings/necklace/watch/rings)nothing stands out. it's a throwback to the old standards of 'everything has to match'.
(shoes/belt/bag).

A fun way to update some of the dantier traditional jewelry (pendents) is to combine 3 pendants onto one chain. I got the idea from a necklace I bought a few months ago and thought, "Hey, I could make a similar necklace with some pendants I already have but rarely wear."

I haven't worn necklaces in years, but I'm having fun adding updated necklaces to my outfits. It really adds another dimension to a plain sweater.

Etsy.com is a good place to get reasonably-priced jewelry, and most of it is handmade or vintage. I look at BR or ATL or Nordies for inspiration, and then shop etsy.

Just FYI:
I'm still here, but I've had to morph from CNo64 into CNo713, for reasons too dull to elaborate on.

I'm a little puzzled, as I often am.
I've come to think of cable-knit sweaters as "dated," but is this top-and-cardigan duo from Spiegel dated-looking? In my humble opinion, it isn't, but I may be swayed by the scarlet color, which I love, and would be insanely flattering on me.

I just donated something similar to that (In Emerald, a good color for me.)
The cable-y knit, whatever, is over. Try for a sweater with a new look!

AT has Plenty of Them.

frankly i'm shocked at their styling things together. soft fabric over soft fabric over dated pants in soft fabric. not even models can wear soft clothes head to bottom.

Ili, I just want to ask what is dated about the pants? They just look like some pants to me? Is it the ankle length? Is that out already? I know you don't like crops but is that what you mean by dated?

sure thing, gobaygo! for starters the vibe of the outfits head to toe have a 'Friends' things going on~ (wearing knits over knits) if you notice the past few years outfit have had a combination of tailored pieces mixed in with a soft. the gray pants are too short, absolutely, for the past (several several years) pants are almost to the floor to elongate the legline.
the black pants look all polyester, another 1990s look with the side tab opening with the big buttons, i wish they showed the length, my bet is they won't go all the way down and end at the ankle.
*all cotton plain camis without embelishment or different necklines, again, this is not a fresh look. layers are done with more flair, underlayers are way more sophisticated now.
*mixing in tailored pieces help immensely in bringing polish to an outfit, plus it helps not maygnifying every little bump or curve. soft over soft is not forgiving when there are curves involved.

" i wish they showed the length, my bet is they won't go all the way down, and end at the ankle."

Good guess, Ilibaby!
Click on the Gray ensemble for the length. Both the jacket and the pants are much too short.

Oh, I can see that the outfits are not current. I thought you meant just the pants were dated - like what is dated about those black pants or the white knee lengths. About the gray ones - they are very skinny and narrow legs will not go down over shoes to reach the floor, no matter how long they are. Should the gray ones bunch up more, or are you saying skinny pants are dated?

quote:

Originally posted by gobaygo:
Oh, I can see that the outfits are not current. I thought you meant just the pants were dated - like what is dated about those black pants or the white knee lengths. About the gray ones - they are very skinny and narrow legs will not go down over shoes to reach the floor, no matter how long they are. Should the gray ones bunch up more, or are you saying skinny pants are dated?

I think ili was just commenting on the outfit with the red cableknit sweater and black pants.

The grey pants, IMHO, look like wayyyy too tight bootcut pants. The bottoms flare out a tad. Skinny jeans taper. The length is too short for the model, but the pants shown are likely a regular length pant, and the model would need tall length pants.....

Yeah, and then the pants would bunch at the ankle. There is no way those pants are going to the floor regardless of their length.

.
Earlier this fall, I bought this cardigan sweater, in grey, from Ann Taylor Loft, and I love it. Even though it has some cables, I think it has a modern vibe.
See why I get confused?

quote:

Originally posted by pres10514:

The cable-y knit, whatever, is over.

Since we're talking dated-looking cables, get a load ofthis one.
I was somewhat surprised that sweaters like this are still in the stores.
I'm beginning to understand why so many makeover subjects, while shopping, will fume, "This is just like the one they threw out!"
I guess as long as someone might buy it, stores will stock it ...
I must reluctantly admit that a few years ago, I might have been all over a big, long oversized sweater.
No more.

I am glad that you can see the difference! The Spiegel collar vs the AT collar, and, the AT's minimalist, sharp edged cable design, too.

Be very careful with cable or other patterned knits; very, very careful. Chunky sweaters need a definitive collar, and they require a very structured outfit for support.

They tend to add bulk, too.

quote:

Originally posted by pres10514:
I am glad that you can see the difference! The Spiegel collar vs the AT collar, and, the AT's minimalist, sharp edged cable design, too.

Be very careful with cable or other patterned knits; very, very careful. Chunky sweaters need a definitive collar, and they require a very structured outfit for support.

They tend to add bulk, too.

I think I'm beginning to learn.
The second I saw the ATL cardigan, I thought, "Yes! That needs to be mine!"
I liked the short length and deep red color of the Spiegel one, but I didn't fall instantly in love with it.
BTW, I have glimpsed several long,oversized bulky sweaters, often shown over leggings, lately.
Is that look really coming back?
Not that I'll wear it, even if it is ...

Do you all think this cardigan looks "old lady?"
The corsage thingie worries me a little.
I also kind of like this one, in the teal color. The charmeuse trim, at least to me, makes it a bit more "special" than the usual solid-color cardigan.

CN, I like both sweaters, but I'm partial to the first one. I hope the consensus is that it's NOT "old lady" because I just bought a similar one from Talbots in a deep teal color. It has more of a ruffle detail than a corsage. I don't think the corsage makes it OL. I couldn't see the second one in teal, only cream, but I think I might like it better in teal. I seem not to be fond of cream cardis in general.

Both are up-to-date. The corsage would be OL, if it were the only accessory in the outfit, and if the fit obliterates the torso. But, if it fits right, and the right skirt/jeans/ chunky beads, boots, etc., are there to support the look, it will look glam.
It's dressier than the ribbon one, but both are good to go.

quote:

Originally posted by pres10514:
Both are up-to-date. The corsage would be OL, if it were the only accessory in the outfit, and if the fit. But, if it fits right, and the right skirt/jeans/ chunky beads, boots, etc., are there to support the look, it will look glam.
It's dressier than the ribbon one, but both are good to go.

I really like both of them, so I'm glad they pass muster.
About the chunky beads: I noticed that the model in the product image was wearing chunky beads with the corsage sweater, and that puzzled me a little. That seems like kind of a lot going on, with both a corsage and chunky beads.
Is the "less is more" rule passe now?
One would think so, seeing images like this.

yep, this year more is more.
more glitz
more chunky and multi-layered necklaces.

Whoohoo! Fun, fun, fun!

quote:

Originally posted by gobaygo:
Whoohoo! Fun, fun, fun!

I am FIRMLY in this camp!
I have always loved jewelry.
I love it even more since I became disabled, because I can fully participate in jewelry trends!
I have to miss out on all of the shoe trends, and even a few of the clothing trends, but jewelry is pretty much wide open!

I also love glitz, and rather enjoy piling it on.
So I'm having a blast in the year of "More is more."