The piece that makes the outfit – Part 2
This sweater poncho caught my eye for its lovely cowl collar and oatmeal color, and then the “hand” of the fabric when I touched it. There’s no substitute for feeling a fabric – something online shopping can never provide…
I had no intention of stopping into Calypso in downtown Lexington, but I was next door at the Black Swan used bookstore, looking for books on Kentucky history for my husband’s Christmas presents. The bookstore is AWESOME, with an incredibly knowlegable proprietor. I do love supporting our small local businesses.
After scoring two home-run hits at the bookstore (Himself is almost finished with the first, which he adored), the shop windows of the boutique next door caught my eye, and there I was!
I had no idea this poncho had “sleeves” right down next to the hem until I tried it on in the dressing room – a little confusing, every time I put it on, but it’s no problem in the wearing of it.
I tried on the animal print skirt on a whim, and could tell how good it would look with black tights and OTK boots. Here’s the skirt with a different jacket before Christmas.
I was worried there would be too much material to wear this under a jacket, but its worked fine with roomy ones so far. But, this outfit works far better with something a little warmer underneath (and I would always wear a long-sleeved tee under this) without a traditional coat or jacket over – a cape would work well, too.
This hat is what originally caught my eye in the shop window. It came with a leopard band, which I swapped out for a gold metallic scarf here.
I wore this outfit to the grocery store today – my Big Outing of the Week. It’s either that, or never get out of pajamas – there seems to be little middle ground. But for the near future, and When This Is All Over, I think I’ll be wearing this sweater until the weather gets warm…
EXTRAS – what I’m reading & watching these days:
I’m listening to A Promised Land on audio, read by Barack Obama. It’s LONG, so will take me months to get through it, but I’m really enjoying it, especially hearing it in his voice. I’m reading The Thoughtful Dresser by Linda Grant. I think one of Sue Burpee’s wonderful book lists from High Heels in the Wilderness blog put me on to that – it’s subtitled “The art of adornment, the pleasures of shopping, and Why Clothes Matter”. It’s a fascinating look at how what we wear tells a story about us, whether we want it to or not.
On TV, I’m eaten up with PBS at the moment – the wonderful reincarnation of “All Creatures Great and Small” (which is saying a lot, considering I read all the books and adored the original BBC series), and “Miss Scarlett and the Duke” – a feminist Victorian detective and her reluctant policeman partner, who’s also a dead ringer for Hugh Jackman.
And on Netflix, we just watched and loved “The Dig” – the true story of the discovery of the Sutton Hoo treasure with Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan. I’d watch it again in a minute – beautiful cinematography and that thoroughly English understated way of telling a story – sigh!
Farewell, friends. Tell me about what special piece makes an outfit for you, or what you’re watching and reading these days?
11 Comments
jodie filogomo
I love how you added the scarf to the hat MK!! Such a great way to switch it up!!!
And that poncho is pure love. Of course layering over it can be a challenge depending on the coat but that’s what huge blanket scarves are for, right? LOL
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
mkmiller
I hadn’t thought of a blanket scarf, but I DO have one that will work perfectly with this – THANKS!
Sarah
I love this poncho! Actually I adore this whole outfit! It’s exactly the type of thing I would wear. Ponchos reminds me of the 70s with fond memories of my mom sewing me ponchos and capes. I put The Dig on my watchlist on Netflix and can’t wait to watch it!
mkmiller
Hello and welcome, Sarah! Let me know what you think of The Dig. I’ve been snowbound in the house all week and might actually make it in to my office tomorrow!
Janet
We just watched The Dig Sunday evening as an alternative to “the football game” that had little to offer. LOVED it! The cinematography WAS gorgeous, and Ralph Fiennes was wonderful. Also liked how Lilly James is not afraid to be a bookish brunette in roles. All Creatures Great and Small is everything we wanted it to be! Loved seeing Diana Rigg in her final (?) performance with Tricki Woo, AND how cool to see Neville Longbottom all grown up!
This oatmeal poncho is really gorgeous and so versatile!
mkmiller
So glad you’re enjoying these shows too. I HIGHLY recommend the Masterpiece podcasts with the cast – lots of fun behind the scenes stuff!
I wore the poncho/sweater yesterday, and was warm as toast!
Gail
I love how it looks like a sweater but from the back it has so much drama! And such a perfect color for styling. Salivating over your OTK boots. I don’t have any occasions for dressing nicely at the moment. Not even a trip to the supermarket because I’ve been getting the shopping delivered. But I still dress up occasionally for my Zoom work calls. Thanks for linking at #WowOnWednesday
mkmiller
I haven’t left the house in 2 days, Gail, and it’s pretty bleak, isn’t it? I love the outfits you do put together for Zoom calls, though!
Lovely
That’s a beautiful poncho! Your boots are gorgeous!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Shelbee on the Edge
MK, this sweater poncho is so adorable! I really love the animal print skirt paired with it, too. You look super cozy and warm and totally stylish! What a fun find in a cute little boutique. I love when the stars align that way and you end up with a brilliant new workhouse in your wardrobe. Thanks so much for joining our Stylish Monday link party!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
mkmiller
Thanks, Shelbee! Now I just need to get out the house again to actually wear them!