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Tuesday 21 November 2017

The Pout Hits The Wine!



OK peeps, I've got something new to show you today! 
I've been thinking of wine recently.  No, not the fall-down-water, but the colour. 
Wine is so warm and rich and perfect for this time of year.  I'm seeing it with grey and with black, of course, but also brown which is not a colour that I would automatically pair it with.  Well, at least not since my school days. I'm thinking gym slips and knickers, peeps!


My colour inspo was a scarf I accidentally bought off Amazon.  I'd been a-searchin' round for pressie ideas and in the blink of an eye I discovered that I'd pressed the 1-click-buy.  Has that happened to you?!
 It was incredibly cheap and the picture confirming the purchase was of a grey, wine and ivory combo.  So in the days before it arrived my thoughts strayed to that colour combo.  On reflection, I think that was the default scarf on the site as when it arrived, it wasn't the scarf pictured all the way through the confirmation and shipping process emails I'd been getting.  But hey-ho.
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The scarf's got a lot of brown in it.  Well, there's an idea, thought I.  And as I'm applying the 3-ways-2-wear principle (catchy, huh?)  to this new item in my wardrobe, I began experimenting.

First with grey, my original plan.



For starters, let me introduce you to my new "dress".  It's a snuggy-winter knit.


It's a bit (a lot!) shorter than I would normally wear.  My knees have nowhere to hide.
  


It's sleeves are long, so the dress has in-built mittens!



I've discovered from these pics that these grey boots don't lend themselves to anything but jeans and trousers, which they do extremely well, BTW. 
Top tip, consider the diameter of the ankle boot top when getting your legs out, ladies.
 I tried with a different shade of grey opaques a few days later, toning in more with the colour of the boots but still the tight ankle of the boot brought down the look.  Oh dear, is Gabor calling?  In a half size larger?



Silver goes beautifully with the wine and grey combo.  I wore a silver leaf pendant, layered with my lovely new silver necklace from my special little people.  How I do love it; it's rapidly becoming a go-to.



Here's the scarf.  Yes, The Photographer could have told me that the scarf was trailing on the ground!  But at least it's showcasing well.

So that was my day of wine and grey, accessorised with a plethora of strewn autumn leafage.



Then today I've moved on to brown.



I pushed the boat out and  bought some M&S chocolate opaques and they are a perfect match for my old brown Gabor knee boots (which I love, so supple a leather and they are lined in a softer and lighter suede, so scrummy!).


I chose a chunky wooden necklace, a pressie from one my lovely readers, La Duchesse.
As the look I'd chosen was informal, I paired it with a brown leather wrist band.  You can't see it in any of the pics, though, but it's there, you will just have to trust me on this one - and you know you can!


And then I played around with my new blanket scarf.



The Photographer With Fashion Views declared this look "messy".




And it got rapidly messier.  I tried the casual draping over the shoulder again. This time it didn't touch the floor, purely by luck rather than Photographer vigilance.
I have a friend who rocks the pashmina-over-the-shoulder look.  You know, that Judi Dench look, so casually elegant.  I just can't hit it, though, it always looks a bit strange on me.  Are you someone who does this casual draping thing?  Any tricks you can share?


I think the scarf goes so well with this outfit.  It picks out both the wine and the brown.  I just need to get my head around the blanket scarf thing.  It seems too big, cumbersome.  Like I'm draping myself with, errr, a blanket.  And as that is not normally my wont, I struggle.  Seems a bit period drama to me.  Perhaps I should check out how Cathy wears it in her Wuthering Heights look.  I wonder if she Instagrams it? Or Pins it?


Turns out Cathy wasn't into blanket scarves after all.



On to another of my challenges.  What I am discovering is that it's quite difficult to keep a bardot doing what it says on the tin.  Keeping off the shoulder.
The bardot neckline shifts around, up and down.  Now generally I see this as a good thing, as it presents me with the gift of so many neckline options, changes.  I like change.  The Photographer doesn't like that I like change.  It usually means us shifting around furniture.  And occasionally shifting it back again, if I find my improvement isn't actually an improvement.

Apropos that, I told him this morning that I like that he has a good attitude.  He tells me what I see as good attitude is actually pragmatic subservience.  What are your thoughts on that bombshell, ladies?!!

And whilst we're in Photographer Corner, as he was taking the abundance of wine and brown shots he muttered "I can see this being one of your posts that I won't be reading". 
 OK, scrub what I said about "good" attitude earlier, this is downright bad/recalcitrant attitude!!

But how I have digressed.  I was talking about the Bardot neckline.  I have discovered that a pin slipped into the back of the dress sort of disciplines this cheeky strumpet of a collar.
My bardot seems to be holding fast with this tweak.  It's still sitting smartly as I type.  If this good pin work continues, I'm going to make it a permanent feature with a few deft stitches.
Once again, the Dotty P design team will thank me for this little innovation.


So, grey done; brown done.  Black to come.

But I also want to see how this baby performs with jeans.  You see, it is actually sold as a sweater, but on my 5' 3" and-a-bit frame, it can become a dress as well as a sweater.  One of the few benefits of being vertically challenged.  Ooops, digressing again, Pout!
Yes, back to those jeans.  The dress/jumper (drummers?!) would go beautifully with blue or grey jeans, of course. 
But I see it with some tight faux leather or waxed black jeans.  I haven't clicked the Nordstrom buy button on the former (sorry Mrs R, I still think they will bring too much attention to my trotters).  I haven't clicked the M&S buy button on the latter either.  Perhaps it's not so much that I am a wimp when it comes to the more risqué of legwear, but that I'm a bit dubious about sizing (more on that in another post ... hopefully).


Right my dear friends, I've rambled enough and The Photographer wants his trunch.
 Before I sign off, here's what the dress looks like on the optimum body, a tall slim model.



You see, they style it as a jumper, albeit a very long one.



It's under £20 and can be found here.  Such a rich colour and so snug.  The grey is selling out fast.


I've found a similar here also available in grey.


I leave you with more wine and grey.  Just when I was strutting my stuff in my wine and grey ensemble above, the clever Janice of The Vivienne Files only went and posted on grey and wine here.  What do they say about great minds?!

A couple of pieces sprang out at me from her post.


This beauty is from Dotty P so is close to home.  Most versatile and something that would fit
nicely into our wardroes, eh?  Certainly it's manna to my wine themed wardrobe.





This gorgeous wine cashmere number from L L Bean is divine. Pricey, but if you're reading this, TP, and in your view I've been nice rather than naughty ... or perhaps it works the other way round with blokes?!!


Whoa, stop your friskiness, Pout.  Let these lovely people close this post and get on with their busy lives.  And you go downstairs and get The Photographer his trunch!!!!


A la perchoine.



30 comments:

  1. The sweater dress is very sexy on you Mary, was that what I'm meant to say? Well, I think it is. And I also think the grey tights and ankle boots work well too, so there you go.
    I do hope your Photographer isn't getting ideas above his station with all these comments. Is he qualified enough to be passing any comments at all, I wonder. Do pass my kind regards on though if you wish.

    Hugs to you both x
    Anna

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    1. Oh Anna, you're so funny! I am flattered that you find it sexy. Yeah, I'm going to have to give myself some training with tight around the ankles footwear. And that Photographer is getting ideas above his station, eh? I dunno, you give a man a title and soon after he's getting all cocky, a tad mugwumpy! Hugs, x.

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  2. Talking of great minds thinking alike I wore my one and only sweater dress today, too!

    The wine and grey combo is lovely. I do like your hair up, so elegant. I like the brown Bardot sweater as well and I think you've styled the blanket scarf beautifully; NOT 'messy' at all - take note TP!

    Those scarves are a bugger to style though aren't they? I've got two and I always catch my earrings in them and sometimes I feel smothered! I've seen a few guides on Pinterest to styling the blanket scarf, it might be worth checking them out out for ideas...

    PS - I wore my ruffled blouse with a Chanel type jacket and jeans last Friday but didn't get photos taken - doh! I liked the look so I will wear it again and take photos this time!





























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    1. Spooky about dressing the same, eh. and BTW there's no brown dress, just the same old wine colour in bad lighting! So flattered you like the hair up. And oh dear, I seem to be setting TP up for a bit of flack :-). Excited that you tried out the Chanel ruffles. You are just going to HAVE to put it together again, just for me ... please!! Hugs, x.

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  3. Your sweater dress looks lovely especially with leggings. It makes me want to buy one even though we are supposed to be heading into summer here in Oz. I absolutely love reading your posts while I'm having my morning cuppa even though I laugh too much and almost choke! You are a wonderful addition to my life.

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    1. Hi Pieta, I can't believe you wear sweater dresses in OZ, even in winter, surely not?
      Now, Pieta, I am soooo flattered to hear how much my posts entertain you. I'll be thinking of you with your cuppa as I write! Thank you so very much for your kindness. Hugs, x.

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  4. Wowzers! You look wine wonderful dear friend! Seriously that sweater dress looks so cute on you and paired with grey...,colors of the season! You're one class act with the smidge of sass and glamour to rival any Gabor!! Love you bunch and have a blessed week!

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    1. Oh Andrea, I do love your Wowzers, your sass and all the up-beat things you come up with, you are a breath of fresh air! And oh dear, I didn't know wine and grey were on-trend, I should really be paying attention!
      Wishing you a Wowzers of a Thanksgiving! Hugs, x.

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  5. What a fabulous sweater dress and you wear it so well. I have a sweater dress, shorter than yours, which I wear with leggings and it is so cozy. I think your blanket scarf looks great and not messy at all. I have to say your comments re PT are hilarious - you do bring a smile to my day so thank you.

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    1. I'm walking a fine line with TP, I have great fun with his "character" but I have to write nice things now and again as I don't want him going out on strike! I'm pleased his antics get you smiling.
      Now what am I reading, Christy, your sweater dress is shorter?!!! I guess you have the legs for short, which I don't. I wish I could see you wearing it, how are we going to do that?
      Wishing you a wonderful thanksgiving filled with and abundance of joy, love and tasty harvest goods. Hugs, x.

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  6. I love that wine on you, Mary. It's gorgeous with your hair and coloring. The OTS is darling as well and I predict you get a lot of use out of your bargain scarf. I do love the big plaid ones and how versatile they are. Happy Thanksgiving sweet lady❤️

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    1. Thank you so much, sweetness, I do like the colour. The blanket scarf is my first and I just need find myself some tuition on line, as Vronni suggests. I'm sure you're a dab hand at tying them.
      Wishing you a cosy day tomorrow - and hope you are cosily tucked up in bed at 3am and not down the mall!!! Hugs, x.

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  7. Beautiful dress and nice look. I like the combination with the stockings and the scarf. And I really like your hairstyle with your hair collected.

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    1. Why thank you, J-M, such flattery!! I'm going to have to put some work into putting my hair up as you lovely readers are saying such nice things about the look.
      Gozarte bien la semana, x.

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  8. Well done wine my friend, well done! I've never paired wine with brown before but that is genius! We must never let The Photographer speak with my photographers - my photo shoots take approximately 5 minutes and I'm usually interrupting them while they are on their computers. This is the reason my photos all look the same and are rather boring!
    Let's talk about your dress. I say show more skin my friend, pull it down a bit more and show those shoulders! The scarf is beautiful, love the colors. I think those faux leather leggings would be AMAZING on you with this dress/top. If only I lived closer I'd come right over and show you myself!
    I am looking forward to seeing the wine and black together. Oh yes, the layering of necklaces is spot on!
    Take good care of TP!
    xo,
    Kellyann

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    1. Thanks so much, Mrs R, genius eh?!! Your photoshoots sound like mine, I know I only have a small window of opportunity and I can feel the boredom already oozing out of TP after the first couple of shots. So my locations don't tend to be pretty or imaginative either, I'm just thankful he takes them at all.
      Oooh, you saucy minx, encouraging me to be saucy and cocquettish! But I like it :-). Now can you imagine the bossing you would give me if you lived closer ...
      Thanks for all your nice words, and hope you have a fab time at your lakeside pavilion tomorrow, hugs, x.

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  9. I love "pragmatic subservience." That's exactly how the photographers are. At least yours can be pressed into service. The scarf has a lovely pattern and great colours but I can see where you're coming from with the Judi Dench look. I have tried that too and not been too satisfied (last tried it with one of those faux fur tippets, worn over one shoulder and belted). The wine with grey is superb, as is the chocolate brown - didn't know M&S had tights in that colour, will check it out!

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    1. Glad you like it, Gail, TP went "hmmph" when he saw I'd told the world! But yes, I appreciate the service he provides ... and his "good attitude" :-).
      Well,it's not just be struggling with that shoulder thing then. I think I should leave it to the likes of Judi and my friend J.
      Yes, go check out the choc brown. I have a less deep brown from previous years but I was more than a tad excited when I spotted these last week, AND they're a 3-pack!!
      Happy rest of week, hugs, x.

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  10. Such a lovely looks! Love your dress!

    http://chicglamstyle.com

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  11. Both the wine and brown colours suit you perfectly, however, my favourite has to be the brown. For me it brings back happy memories...of discovering that we both love brown, of accidentally turning up for events in similar brown outfits and laughing off but, at the same time, realising that we both have great taste! :o) What was I thinking, giving that gorgeous brown necklace away to my 'nemesissian'(I quite like that word), the Pout??? Tot de volgende blog!

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    1. Thanks so much, LD. Yes, a brown affinity, lovely memories though I think you were sleeping when you pressied me the gorgeous wooden necklace. Isn't it special? Love your made-up word, you know I like that kind of thing!
      Tot volgende blog moet 't houden, dol verder! X.

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  12. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones. Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Nicole at High Latitude Style

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    1. Thank you, Nicole, though we don't have Thanksgiving over here it is always nice to take time to think of what we have in our lives and feel grateful. Hope you and your loved ones had a cosy one on Top of the World! Hugs, x.

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  13. Well he's got a nerve after the trailing on the ground scarf of the last post. I do love that dress. Gorgeous color and perect for experimenting with. Men and their opinions. How about he writes a style blog, eh. And you do the pics. He has to model too. Another fun post Mary that made me smile on the train.

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    1. Yes, "how many rudeness" as my nephew said when he was about 5, but the scarf trailing is unforgiveable! I did give him his own post back in the summer and I managed to turn the pics into a great birthday card for him last week, but I don't think he'll bite on the blog idea. The Picky Photographer? Punchy title?
      Hugs, keep smiling on trains and spread the happiness, xx.

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  14. I love this color on you! Rich and deep, it looks fabulous. I have to admit, when you said, "wine' i was thinking of the falling down kind. hehe. love the rich brown. i have a small collection of sweater dresses as i think they are so comfy! The scarf is the perfect touch!
    thanks for linking!
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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    1. Thanks Jess, so sweet of you. And I know the world at large sees some shots as being me in a brown dress, it's just same dressed with bad lighting! Hope to see you in some of your sweater dresses some time soon.
      Hugs, x.

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  15. Wine is my favourite colour this year. I love the Grey version of this on you too xx

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    1. Thanks, Laurie, and yes, it's a beautiful winter colour and there's a lot of it around too, which is nice. Thanks for popping, hugs, x.

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