WIW 12.01 [ensemble - leggings & the kitchen sink]

A take on Angie's ensemble from this morning. I'm a big fan of kitchen sinks but I like mine colorful, patterned and/or textured. Definitely not layered -- often if I'm layered I probably had to force myself to do it!

I'm missing the whimsical skirt part of the ensemble (not really my jam) which I think is pretty important to the vibe, so instead subbed in culottes because of the longer length. But they're not nearly whimsical enough. Should've gone with a dress, probably, but I quite enjoy the arty glam thing going on here.

Photo #1 is a more faithful rendition of the ensemble but I felt off in it (waaaay too layered, and a bit hard edged, for me). I'm actually wearing it without the jacket ala #2/3 instead; more streamlined, lighter overall, and more colorful feeling. In the spirit of the dark topper listed in the ensemble, for outerwear I chose a somewhat-glam black coat. Also tried this with black loafers but the look skewed too arty; I'm more arty-lite so the patent pumps+extra long glittery earrings (and all the furry bits) added enough glam to keep me happy. I did like the loafers without the leggings but will keep that for spring.

Happy with how this turned out, even if it's not as whimsical as the ensemble (might give it another go next week). Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome!

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24 Comments

  • Diana replied 6 years ago

    Oh, that's a brilliant idea to do this with culottes instead of the skirt! Love the uniqueness of it and the fantastic proportions w/the layered tops as well. I think the glam touches hit just the right note too.

    Seriously brilliant.

  • LaPed replied 6 years ago

    Oh, I love the moto version in #1! And culottes over leggings? Never would've occurred to me in a million years! Genius.

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 6 years ago

    You make it work! It’d be too layered for me. Oddly, the bottom two are not at all troubling to me; it’s the crop top over the tunic that I would find too much. Love the clutch.

  • SarahD8 replied 6 years ago

    Bold and fun! I also prefer the non-moto version. I am sort of getting an 80s leg-warmer vibe from the scrunched leggings, in a good way. 

    Was having two layers on the bottom comfortable?

  • Aida replied 6 years ago

    Thanks ladies! I know this look won't be for everyone, nice to hear some love for the arty layers ^^

    Diana and LaP, leggings under culottes are totally fun right!? Years ago I came across a fabulous arty outfit where the gal had on shorter culottes, stirrup leggings, and oxfords (maybe?) which was a little too arty for me at the time and it has always stuck in my mind (tried to find it but couldn't). Happy to pull out the inspiration today!

    Fashiontern, interesting! I don't mind any of them, though don't usually go for so many all at once. Perhaps the bottom layering is more appealing to you because it's lower contrast?

    SarahD8, the two layers were just fine; the leggings are quite soft and stretchy. Similar to wearing tights or hosiery with pants over the top but less slippery. Didn't even think of the legwarmers and I love it :D

  • Angie replied 6 years ago

    YOU ARE READY FOR FASHION WEEK. I love the Middle Eastern vibe here - well done. Very creative.

  • Joy replied 6 years ago

    Love the arty layers, although I did not think I would like it before seeing the photos. You deserve an A+ in kitchen sink.

  • rachylou replied 6 years ago

    Ok, yeah, that is TOTALLY brilliant - leggings and culottes. Man. Genius!

  • Bijou replied 6 years ago

    I 100% agree with you. Whilst #1 is truer to the formula, I much prefer you in #2, it is beautiful with your super glam coat too. This is a great lesson in how to modify a formula to work with (1) what you already have and (2) make it consistent with what you prefer to wear.

    I always love your posts, because you really understand what works for you and are able to articulate that. Often I just have a feeling of "this works" or "this does not work", but don't take the time to analyse why and so can fall into the same mistake over again. 

  • skylurker replied 6 years ago

    Ok, I dislike leggings and layered arty looks give me a weird stifling, choked feeling.
    I agree with you that this is more arty lite than 80s Madonna.
    I really love the proportions of jumper-blouse-culottes, I would really love the outfit as a Spring outfit, ie without leggings and topper layer.

  • Cardiff girl replied 6 years ago

    Very interesting ensemble.Great to see you not afraid to experiment with an idea ,shows that you are a true fashionista!

  • replied 6 years ago

    I really like this on you - and the proportions and mixing of lengths is interesting and creative. I'm not a kitchen-sink dresser by any means, but this I could see wearing. The leggings-under-culottes is genius.

  • Jaime replied 6 years ago

    I love version 2! Not at all 80s Madonna - more 2017 COS looking forward. The fur collar on the coat is the bit of unexpected glam that makes it you.

  • Kari replied 6 years ago

    I really like how this looks very colorblocked and, as shevia mentioned, reminiscent of COS’ style. You do “kitchen sink” ensembles so well.

  • replied 6 years ago

    Very kewl. I never would have thought of such a great combo but it looks really interesting and put together too.

  • MsMary replied 6 years ago

    AIYEEE!!! That is me SCREAMING with joy at the sight of this amazing outfit!! SO FAB!!!

    I can't even...

  • Bonnie replied 6 years ago

    I love the colors in this outfit. This is a great variation of Angie's formula.

  • Mirjana replied 6 years ago

    So lovely, I really like this on you. As Angie said you are ready for Fashion Week.

  • lyn67 replied 6 years ago

    Wow, your short over long is always inspiring me and how creative, love the idea of the leggings under culotte for warmth&what about wearing it with booties?

  • krishnidoux replied 6 years ago

    Aida, your outfit ideas are a treat. This one doesn't disappoint. I am admiring again and again the genius layering here. Pieces literally talk with one another in colour, texture and proportion. The whole picture is ever so chic. Thank you for this brilliant inspiration!

  • Sara L. replied 6 years ago

    Fun outfit!  I think it looks very modern with the various layers.  I particularly like the top portion with the short top over the longer tunic.  

  • JuniperGreen replied 6 years ago

    too cute!!!

  • Aida replied 6 years ago

    Thank you all so much! What a lovely surprise, I didn't think this would go over quite so well. I really appreciate all of the comments and feedback. This was a fun outfit that pushed me a little out of my usual style but still felt authentic to me (the version without the jacket, anyway!).

    Angie, thank youuuuu <3

    Bijou, thanks very much for your thoughtful comment. I worked at being able to figure out how to quantify why something was working or not, or why I liked it or not, for a long time. It's definitely not something that came naturally as I'm a total mood-and-feel dresser! But I like to be able to explain things, so, there's that ;)

    Skylurker, I very much appreciate your honesty ^^ And totally get it re the heavily layered arty looks. I promise to wear the springtime no-leggings version in a few months when it starts to warm up!

    Rachy and Lisa, I can see both of you sporting leggings with culottes!

    Lyn, I do wear a version of this with cream booties, swapping the culottes/leggings for black skinny jeans :)

  • Beth Ann replied 6 years ago

    Aida, I love your creativity and appreciate your amazing skill with proportions --- this look is fab, because it's just right.  I like 2/3 best, too!

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