Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Draping for Summer through Fall

I thought I'd better bust a move and get this post up here now that it appears heat wave 2010 could be on the horizon.  Today we hit 76 degrees and I seriously considered turning on the A/C (wimp!).  For a mere moment I almost whined that it was too warm in the house (oh what a difference a couple days makes).  Dallas Raines, our local weatherman, said something about 90 degree possibilities over the weekend...I didn't have time to hear if that was at the beaches or inland because Nancy Grace was coming on and I adore hearing her bellow out, "BOMBSHELL TONIGHT..." before she blasts off on the latest child abduction, Joran Van der Sloot atrocity or Mel Gibson debacle.  I secretly wanna be BFF with her.  I guess that secret's out.

All that being said I don't have confirmation of the heat wave, but it is July, right?  Well you wouldn't have known it just a few days ago when I donned one of my new fall pretties a full 3-4 months early (we're usually warm in SoCal through October) for an early evening out.


I've basically gone overboard for anything baggy for fall.  I'm a little person, but I just love being swallowed up in oversized clothing.  Boyfriend anything, big sweaters, jumpsuits, caftans - you name it and there you'll find me swaddled up in the middle. 


My favorite thing about this sweater is the drape.  The sleeves are fitted and meant to be pulled up causing the top portion of the arm to flow over creating the illusion of a shorter sleeve over a longer sleeve.


When I first put this on in the fitting room I squealed with delight.  Ever have those moments?  It looked so big on the hanger (why God why do they insist on hanging these fabulous flowy garments just begging them to stretch to the floor??) that I did not have high hopes of the top making it home with me.  But when I turned around all I could see was Irene Cara with her top hanging off her shoulder Flashdance style and it was a done deal!!  What a feelin'! (cue the soundtrack)


If I were to hold my arms out and not hike up the sleeve, this top has a dolman effect rather than the short sleeve over long sleeve appearance.  From behind it covers the derriere making it an absolute winner with leggings that are sans pockets.  See why I'm in love with it?  Well all these things and I love gray, too.


I confess that I've worn this piece 3 times since Saturday - first with dark skinny denim and a black leather wooden clog, next as seen here, and tonight hanging off the shoulder paired with leggings and a sandal.  When it warms up more I have every intention of wearing it with white frayed Siwy denim shorts.  And then in fall it'll make an appearance in one of my many military inspired dreams.  Seeing as I'm on wallet restriction, versatility and planning ahead have become my new middle names - whether I like it or not.  Thankfully I've been able to find a few pieces like this at Brandy & Melville that have saved the day - and the wallet - to begin to carry me into fall.  But in the meantime, I think I'll go enjoy summer.  There's a lot to be said for living in the moment and enjoying it.

Maybe I'll run into Justin Bobby and get his opinion on it...did anyone else cry when Kristin and Brody were saying goodbye on The Hills tonight?  I seriously need to get a grip...or the box sets.

Outfit details:  Brandy & Melville Sweater, Gap Camis, Current/Elliott Boyfriend Denim, Cynthia Vincent Wedges, Nicole Miller Sunglasses, Foley + Corinna Handbag

57 comments:

k said...

please join twitter and be my friend there! we'd have oh so much fun! and i love this shirt. and i can't believe how far behind i am on the hills. and i like drapy clothes too. and and and join twitter

SweetHome said...

Love the look....and I can't believe I missed the finale. Maybe I need the box sets.

Lori said...

I am playing catch up this morning Carrie ~ hard to believe how far behind you can get with blog reading when you have company and plus it IS summer here in the great white north so enuff said! Loving that sweater ~ there is nothing better than wrapping up in an oversize sweater when there is a chill in the air. I think you have gone soft though....your blood must have thinned as a Canuk calls 76 shorts and tanks weather!! lol

Anonymous said...

That's really nice! I love the colour and bagginess - I've grown tired of tight clothes (an age thing, probably) so this would be perfect, especially because it's long and it covers the bottom so you can wear it with leggings too...

LifestyleBohemia said...

I love the draped sweater look, and love the fact that yours is slightly sheer. Perfect!
xx

Phoebe Rose said...

It is a beautiful sweater...the perfect shape and drape!

http://flowergirlfashion.blogspot.com/

OneCraftyFox said...

Great casual look!! I live in jeans like yours... rolled and with just he right amount of tears ;)

Shoes are fabulous, girl!

Abby said...

It looks so cute! I feel as if little people can look really good in big things.

Closet Fashionista said...

Ooh I love it! That looks soooo comfortable! :D
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

erica said...

Thats good that you are getting some warmer temps! I absolutely love your outfit and your sunnies are fab! I need a pair like that! We would totally be shopping bff's if I lived close!
xo

MerciBlahBlah said...

Hell to the NAH - you are turning on the AC when it's 76 degrees?????? Can I tell you that we are expecting heat index today of 107. ONE HUNDRED SEVEN. Humidity will probably be something like 98 percent.

Okay, enough of my ranting - you're outfit is CUTE. Loves the slouchy chic thang. J'adore.
Merci!
Shan

Lilacandgrey said...

I have seen that bag a million times and overlooked it, but now I think I need it! Love you outfit!
<3
PS. I have been waiting to watch the entire last season of the hills for a rainy day...i can;t believe I just admitted that :)

Jess said...

LOVE everything about this outfit! And those shoes are killer.

xo

Jen said...

Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Gorgeous.... as always :-)

Nikki said...

That looks like the perfect sweater. ever.
I also love your boyfriend jeans. I really need a pair and Im not sure where to go get some cute ones for less.
You look great!!

xx
Nikki

D e g a i n e said...

Great sweater and shoes!

D E G A I N E

http://www.fashiondegaine.com

Cafe Fashionista said...

Ohmigosh so I think we are meant to be BFF's. I too adore Nancy Grace - she is a hero to me! My favorite is when she says..."Let's unleash the lawyers." Ooh, I get chills! :P

LOVE this outfit on you. The draping is so chic and sophisticated; and the muter color palette is gorg! I cannot wait to rock my fall clothes!! :)

Blair McLeod said...

i blogged about YOU today! you're one of my new faves!

Valerie said...

Carrie, that sweater is awesome! What a perfect fall piece that unfortunately you're wearing in Southern California in JULY! But yesterday I felt like we had a breakthrough. I walked to my car after work and felt sunshine and warmth and I literally did a little dance because I was so excited. I'm hoping this continues because otherwise there just might be a mass exodus of people out of So Cal (I mean, the weather is the main reason we all live here, right?). Either way, you look fab as always.

xo
Valerie

Heather @ Simple Wives said...

Super cute sweater. :)

Anonymous said...

Since you've decided you have ownership of my Edward, you've stolen Corey from my bosom and you're clearly taking all of my new followers from me, I'm going to stalk Nancy Grace, abduct her and make her be MY BFF!! So THERE!

PS: As usual, you look super duper cute. I hate you for that. Just sayin.

BusyB said...

Hey lady!!! that outfit looks great! nothing like having a sweater that drapes ;) makes me feel all cozy lol. Today shall be hot out here in the OC!

I am located here.... and THANK YOU for letting me know about Zara.... for some reason..not sure why but its been a while sense i been to south coast... ( I go to coffee over at metro a lot..) but normally go to mission mall... I shall head over there next time i go to metro and check it out : ) THANK YOU!!!!!

hey today my blog has a GIVEAWAY stop by!

Mary Ann said...

hello carrie! lots of catch up to do going through your previous posts. It is great to be back and so sorry for the late reply. you have a wonderful day! verbena cottage

Gorgeous Glam said...

I love grey! This is a great piece for fall! I can confirm the heat has arrived! it was soo hot this morning when I got up I didn't even touch my makeup!

Ms. Pink said...

loving everything about this post :) Love your blog!

mp
http://www.thepinkandblueblog.com/

ssmall4 said...

That is a great top! I know what you mean with the hanger issues! I have to constantly remind myself that it looks different off the hanger. Really love the shape of it! It looks great on you!

Poppies and Sunshine said...

You are the queen of versatility! I try to do this with my outfits, but I don't know why I have such a hard time with it. I love this top!! And it's so great you have so many different things to wear it with...whether it be summer or fall. Oh how 76 degrees sounds like heaven to me! I need to make a trip down south I see. Here it's been around 100 the past couple days!

Unknown said...

So cute! And so versatile! I love baggy stuff if it doesn't make one look frumpy (I tend to make it look frumpy but you make it look divine). I also love gray. Hopefully it warms up for you guys - I'm a little weirded out reading your posts about the chill!

Nikki said...

Thank you for the stats on bf jeans! Im going to check out those places right now! Ill let you know if I find some! XO

Annie said...

Love that sweater! I'm not rushing summer, but I can't wait to buy new fall clothes..
Those sunglasses look soo great on you too! xo

this free bird said...

Ladies (and gents b/c there are a few) - it is 88 degrees and I am running away. Will be back later to read your blogs.

IT'S THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER IN SOCAL!!!
yeeeeeeeehooooooooooooooooooooooo
xoxo-carrie:)

Pretty Pleased said...

Just found your blog and you had me at your first outfit! My favorite combination flowey and sheer! Love this comfy, casual look. We're new followers:)
MC+Catherine
www.prettypleasedblog.ccom

Welcome said...

Hi Carrie, just stopped by and visited your blog! Love it!!! I am your newest follower...your outfits ROCK!!!

XOXO
kiki

Unknown said...

You are too freaking cute, lovin the shirt and the shades!

P.S. come enter my fab giveaway!!!

Eloise In NY said...

This looks so comfy. I have a pair of cuff jeans too and just love them on my days off. Its been 90 + here for the last two weeks and humid, its been killin me... Hopefully it will cool off for both of us or we are going to melt. Goodness me. Thank god for air conditioning

heather said...

Super Cute! And not too shabby for fall, meaning it can't be that cold. Enjoy the recent heatwave!!!

I can't remember the last time I felt warm enough to have any part of my skin showing. I've always been fair-skinned, but by now I might be see-through!

heather said...

Also, I like your word verification no mas... Maybe I should follow suit, since the word verifications take forever to load on our s-l-o-w internet connection.

erica said...

Heyy girly! Thanks for being willing to send some recipes to me! I don't really care for spicy things. Love sweet things, and never will eat tofu lol!

xo

Jesa said...

"From behind it covers the derriere making it an absolute winner" omg could i adore you more-you crack me up!! You look so good! Very casual chic!

Cheers, Jesa :)

J. said...

haha my brother's new nickname for me is "flashdance" because I've been going through this oversized fall off the shoulder t-shirt phase.

alli/hooray said...

love the look, as always!

Style, She Wrote said...

I love this slouchy SoCal outfit. So perfect for a cool summer night or warm fall day. Great look!

Ashley said...

Loving your CV wedges, and that shirt looks soooo comfy and chic! :)

-Ashley
http://breakfastatsaks.blogspot.com

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

You look stunning. I think big drapey clothes look great on tiny girls like you. The shoes - love!

Lisa Lisa Lisa said...

You are too cute in your oversized cozy sweater!!!! I didn't watch the hills, but I'll have to catch a rerun. I'm not an avid watcher, but I catch the shows here and there.

And regarding the recipe; the only meat I consume is fish. I'm a was-vegetarian-for-6-years-now-eating-fish-too person.

Bren said...

How am I just now finding out about your blog?! I'm obsessed with Current/Elliot jeans, bacon wrapped dates and days spent in bed pondering random thoughts! I think I'm going to like it here! :D

Thanks for visiting my little blog. I'll be following you in just 2 seconds.

xoxo,
Bren @ Chasing Beauty

Anna Walker said...

I love that sweater sooo much! The color, the sleeves, everything! Thanks for your lovely comment and for thinking about me! :)

See you soon in the blogworld!

Josie said...

I LOVE this! You pull this darling sweater off so well! I also can be found in anything boy-inspired lately; it's all just so COMFORTABLE.
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Alicia Lund said...

Oh love this outfit... totally my style! I just posted a similar outfit on my blog ;) Oversized top and boyfriend jeans! I always go for comfort!!

TASHA BANKS said...

wow that jumper is killer

lovelovelove it!!

thanks for dropping by my blog again!

im still so in love with yours!

http://noirxxxx.blogspot.com/

Jesson Balaoing said...

nice post!

Louise (Fifth Sparrow) said...

Lovely sweater, no wonder you squealed (I would've as well!)! I'll keep my fingers crossed that warmer weather is on its way for you, an me! but in the meantime at least you look adorably stylish in your fall clothes!

PhotoPuddle said...

It's lovely. I could get a lot of wear out of something like that too!

SimaG Jewelry said...

B E A U T I F U L blog!!!
Love the look.... thank you for sharing your amazing photos with me.
I LOVE IT ALL!

Aspiring Kennedy said...

I feel like I wear out the new clothes that I buy. They are just the only thing that seems perfect for a period of 2 weeks after I buy them.

Then, after I have worn them to every possible non-overlapping event, I have to "bench" them for a little while. :)

Roxy Te said...

Love your casual style!

Jessica said...

Oh Carrie, yet another lovely item in your closet! I bet it's just perfect for chilly nights: a little bit of warmth, but light enough to be comfortable.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails