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Sunday 10 March 2019

Introducing A New Piece




Hi my lovelies!
Hope near-spring is treating you well.  Or near-autumn if you are down under.
Here in Pout World it's been pretty much loop living for me.  More decorating, more de-cluttering, more dealing with family matters.  And the new bed arrives tomorrow so that will be mega exciting!
So it's been house stuff and family stuff on repeat.  Most days I've been in my scruffies, so its rather nice to sit here with a cuppa and talk outfits with you today.




Introducing a new piece into the wardrobe is quite a scientific process.  The test of its adaptability is to see how it can integrate with the existing pieces in that wardrobe.
The unwritten rule is that it needs to fit into at least three outfits.

So, I put a leoprint shirt to the test. I  bought it last autumn in Zara's and didn't really start wearing it until earlier this year.  I think it may have been because I ended up with a glut of Zara shirts (a glut, is that the collective noun for Zara shirts?).
My Zara shirts were various plays on red print and so they came out a lot in the lead up to Christmas.
But now it is the turn of the leoprint shirt and it needed to be put through its paces.



Outfit #1.


The first testing is a repeat on the blog but it makes the point without me having to go into repeat outfit changes!


The shirt is still in stock at the time of writing, 

Worn loose and long with a leather skirt it is quite forgiving (read slimming)


Simply adding a belt creates a sassier look, IMHO.
Or a sack tied in the middle look in TP's less than humble opinion!


And adding a jumper over the whole lot with just a hint of the shirt peeping through gives the outfit a more casual feel.

So Test #1, it works with a skirt.



Outfit #2




Coated jeans next.  And a cardi.  (In this pic I was pleading with The Photographer to allow me another change of clothes just before we went out.  My pretty-please pleading did not work.)


So I left home wearing coated jeans and a modal vest with the shirt, and a layering of gold necklaces.


Leoprint.  Faux leather.  Gold.  Is this just tooooo much?!


So, Test #2, coated jeans and  Bet Lynch vibe, done.



Outfit #3




On yet another day, I put the shirt through its paces with plain black skinnies, black polo neck and the ubiquitous leather jacket.


It was a no-makeup/third day hair day.  The hat should have stayed on.  Or quite simply, I shouldn't have offered myself to the camera!

But there will be days like this in one's life eh?  And I though the shirt worn over black skinnies and a polo neck called for very little else.  Or the truth - I had no time nor inclination for make up on this day, and if you'd told me ten years ago that I would be uttering those words I would have laughed you out of town, or at the very least out of the room.  But here I am, no make up and I went out the door like that …  AND posted the evidence for the world to see!!


Test #3, leoprint shirt with leather jacket and no make up, done.




Now this one was the real test.  I'd tried the shirt with skirt, coated jeans and skinnies and leather jacket.  But they were all black and quite safe, given the print.  But jeans is the real test.  If something doesn't go with jeans then it really does not deserve a place in my wardrobe.



Outfit #4 (yes, I made it to #4!!)




Here I wore the shirt with distressed jeans and taupe boots.  The choice of boot colour was an attempt to anchor the shirt's colours, top and tailing the brown hues around the jeans.


At first I thought that teaming this leoprint shirt with plain blue jeans was a test too far for this print, but the longer I wore it, the more I adjusted to the mix. 




What do you think?  Test #4, shirt with jeans done?



So this shirt has passed  its testing, creating not three but four different looks.  And there are more that I'll come up with over the next few months.



I have felt that this print is a challenge.  The brown/caramel/black print colourway I felt was quite limiting.  I felt that it would only work with a black backdrop.  However, I am drawn to the jeans look now and I think that the denim brings the glam style of the print down to a more day to day level. 
And I think that the shirt will work well with chinos in a month or two and I'm quite looking forward to that road test. 
In summer I think it will work well with white, maybe over white jeans or draped over a white linen dress. 
Yes, I'm conjuring up more possibilities for this leoprint shirt so I think its been a successful testing of its integration into my wardrobe.
 



What about you? Do you find a leoprint top quite limiting? 
Do you find leoprint works best as an accessory rather than a main event? 
And do you run a new piece through the minimum three way testing? 



A la perchoine,
Mary x.


36 comments:

  1. Hi Mary. I think all 4 looks are great on you - and I wish I could look that good with no makeup! I have a Zara leoprint turtleneck top I bough in December and so far have only teamed it with my black jeans. I will have to experiment a little more I see, although being quite fitted it is more of a challenge to avoid the Michelin tyre man look. Perhaps I need to look out for your shirt if it is still in stock x

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    1. Oh how sweet but you know, we all think we look our worst without make up, but those who know us don't bat an eye!

      So you felt the same, only black would do - I'll be interested to hear what bottoms you come up with other than black jeansjeans, we're going to need to experiment.

      Haha re the Michelin Man, our biggest fear eh!!! Hopefully the shirt's still available as it's just the right length.

      Hugs, x.

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  2. Love them all. I really think I like it best with the jeans and taupe boots. That's why you have to try stuff ;-)

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    1. Thanks, Susan. Yes try stuff... and take photos! Absolutely, I thought the idea of teaming it with jeans was a step too far, but top n tailing with the boots actually works! Hope you’re enjoying your blogging retirement! Miss you 😞
      Hugs, x.

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  3. The jeans and leopard really do work. A very comfortable casual look. All the ensemble work from casual to smart. Jill x
    www.stylishatsixty.wordpress.com

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    1. Thanks, Jill, it’s always good to try even the looks that just sound plain awful!
      Hugs,x.

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  4. I like the #3 look with the leather jacket and hat. I have several leopard pieces. It may depend on the color variation of the leopard itself, but I mix mine with red, vivid pink and rust to name a few. Have fun!

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    1. Thanks for these great ideas Kim, you have a good eye for colour combining. I really must start thinking outside the black bottoms box! The brown hues are a bit restrictive though.
      Hugs, x.

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  5. Yes I think you've tested that and superbly dear twin. I like the praying one. I take it he let you have another outfit go.

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    1. Thanks twinny, and you kniw, he DIDN'T let me have a wardrobe change - he stood his ground and didn't succumb to my, err, charm !!
      Hugs, x.

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  6. I like the jeans combo the best. Black does obviously work well too. What about with your berry bottoms? Lise

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    1. Thanks Lise, the jeans combo quite surprised me. Now, the berry bottoms, that's an excellent idea, I might try that for Friday night! Thank you.
      Hugs, x.

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  7. A big yes to the leoprint shirt! I think leoprint can go with almost anything. I liked every which way you wore it and I do admire you for actually trying them all on and letting us see the results! And you can never have too many necklaces...

    Hope you have a lively week.
    xxx

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    1. Agree with you on leoprint, it's quite a neutral.
      I hope to have another try out later this week, when time allows.
      It certainly has kicked off being a lively week, hope your week is lively too!!
      Hugs, x.

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  8. Replies
    1. Oh yeah, lovely too!!! Hope you get a few walks in, the forecast is pretty rubbish.
      Hugs, x.

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  9. I do something similar - I have to think of two ways to wear a piece right away before I even consider buying it! :) I think this shirt is definitely a keeper - works perfectly in all of these outfits and looks great on you :)

    Hope your week is off to a good start! The weekday wear linkup is live on my blog, I'd love you to join! :)

    Away From The Blue

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    1. Hi Mica, yes separates have got earn their keep in the wardrobe. And I'm sure this shirt has plenty more possibilities.
      Have a great week, x.

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  10. I don't think it's limiting at all. You can wear that blouse on everything. BTW, not total makeup less are you? I see red lips! But back to the outfits, I think leather gold and leopard is a perfect combination. It depends on the person who wears it if it will be classy or ordi. You wear it classy!!

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    1. Oh well spotted, Nancy, I smeared on some lip balm! A few seconds work and I don't go out of the house without it - even though skin and eyes may be bare, lips have got to look moist!
      Oh that's so right about the gold and leoprint, it could do easily go either way. Thank you so much for the classy compliment!
      Hugs, have a good week, x.

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  11. Lady Leoprint lives!!! You wear this print so well! How about wearing that blouse with a color? Like red or pink? I think you could mix it up a bit and take it to new levels by adding in a new color. Leopard is a neutral my friend - go for it!!!
    Hugs to you and sweet TP!
    xo,
    Kellyann

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    1. Hat sista, have you and Kim been colluding? She suggested the same colours, did you two meet for coffee again?!! But seriously, it's a good idea and I'm excited to give that a whirl cos that'll take me light years out of my comfort zone. So big thanks, my Floridian Flowers!
      Hugs to you and Brian, Lady Leoprint x.

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  12. Oh Mary, Could you be any cuter? I don't think so. I think you made a very wise decision with this top. It's so darn versatile and looks cute every single way you styled it. I might have to try to find it for myself. XOXO

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    1. My sweet Lisa, you say the the most adorable things. Thank you, it is proving to be a fun shirt and you can't help but feel ready for your public when wearing this glam garb! I've just checked and the shirt is still available, I've added the link under the first pic in this piece. Happy try on!
      Hugs, x.

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  13. Some great ideas here Mary. All looks are great on you plus I like it with the jeans too. Loved the video btw xx

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    1. Oh thanks Laurie, and so pleased you watched the video, I'm trying to do the odd one or two, gotta be brave!
      Happy weekend hugs.

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  14. I love what you have done-your top certainly passed the test! I don't think Cheetah is limiting at all and you were smart to get it and I'm sure the ideas will multiply. Now, I don't have a cheetah top but do also use brown and purple with the cheetah stuff I have. And your leo-faux-gold isn't too much-don't you think we can get away with things like that now, that was my frame of mind when I picked up my cheetah booties last month ;-)

    XOX
    Terri

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    1. Thanks, sweetie. Your cheetah boots sound sassy, Terri! We've gotta be brave with these prints and colour pairings! And the gold was real and that made it feel a bit ostentatious and 80s!!
      Happy weekend hugs, x.

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  15. That top is such a great piece! I have a leopard button up that I love to wear. You were able to style yours so many great ways!

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    1. Thanks Laura, this shirt has plenty to give.
      Happy weekend hugs, x.

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  16. What a fabulous piece my friend! I like it longer and loose and I like it belted! This is the perfect versatile shirt that looks absolutely spectacular on you! Hope you’re doing well and ready for spring! HUGS

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    1. Thank you for liking this shirt every which way my friend. And the house is getting ready for spring which has been my focus. Next stop, the seasonal wardrobe switch!go
      Happy weekend hugs, x.

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  17. I really like the blouse and the many ways you have shown it. I would probably wear it first the way you did, worn long with the belt, and then I would wear it with jeans and a black jumper. For the daring it would look good with a bright colour too. Thanks for popping over to #WowOnWednesday Mary.

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    1. Thanks Gail, I'm just mastering the belted look so let's see if my new derring-do extends to bright colour pairings!
      Happy weekend hugs, x.

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  18. Hi Mary
    Love the leopard shirt on you! I am going to have to use the word glut sometime this week, as I just love adding words I hear from my BBC shows..and from my English friends! told hubby its been awhile since we had a "row":-) Love that! Anyhow, it looks fabulous in every way you styled it.. Love the coated jeans, the skirt..all fab!

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    1. Oh Jess you are so sweet, it's so interesting to spot the differences in our common language eh. So glad you and hubby haven't had a row lately!
      Thanks for your kind words, hugs x.

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