4.02.2013

foundations: spring uniform


"Blue jeans are the most beautiful things since the gondola."
–Diana Vreeland

a proclamation from the one and only DV, just the thing to take us into spring.

(March has been incredibly busy, and i had meant to post a fit review of the everlane silk blouse earlier. apologies for the delay!)

here's my updated review: i'm wearing the white/blush version in the S. it's still a smidge long in the sleeves, but the slimmer-fitting areas are in the shoulders and through the arm. the fit is straight and somewhat slouchy through the torso, which i quite like for the breezy drape (always, always a fan of clothing that fits beautifully before and after a big meal!). the hem hits me at high hip, so it's the perfect length for leaving untucked/tucking in. i'm really feeling more of a tucked-in silhouette this spring. many readers were concerned about sheerness – it is exactly 'slightly sheer', so in my opinion, no need for a layering tank underneath. 

some thoughts on how my wardrobe has evolved in the last year or so: after the latest round of spring cleaning, much of what remains are all variations on a uniform theme. i'm certainly not a true minimalist, but it feels good in a sartorial zen kind of way to get dressed most mornings without too much wavering. the right shoes make such a difference: these days, my go-tos are the dandy flats that strike just the right balance in comfort and style.

for those of you considering the EL silk blouses, i hope the updated review is helpful! what are your foundation pieces for spring?

43 comments:

  1. Oh you look like a parisian with your Longchamp pliage tote!

    I'm swooning over the loafers, they're very very nice and look so well-made, just the kind I want. You made a brilliant purchase!

    I have so many shoes cravings, it's insane but on the plus side I haven't acted on it... Yet.

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    1. ha, that's quite a compliment dear Aissa! :)

      the dandy flats are the perfect work/weekend shoe IMO. would love to see another one of your shopping posts soon!

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  2. So it's a lot shorter than the Equipment ones? I find that they are a bit too long to leave untucked. Looks great on you though! Just waiting to purchase a black one.. pre-order only at the moment!

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    1. the EL one in S is about 2.5-3" shorter than the lowest curved hem on my equipment blouse in XS :)

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  3. I have to agree with Aissa here. You would fit into the Parisian scene perfectly!

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    1. you ladies are too too kind. all this talk about Parisianness is making me crave a ham + cheese on a baguette...

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  4. Thanks for the update! The shirt looks gorgeous on you! I'm looking to get it in white but still debating between xs and s. As reference, what size do you take in j crew?

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    1. i'm usually a 0/XS in jcrew, though i find their sizing varies depending on what the item is. i think EL is sized a bit on the smaller end of the spectrum.

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  5. Gorgeous shirt. I want a white one and I think S could be perfect. The only think which bothers my... Won't be this shirt too short? Could you tell me how tall are you? (I am 5'8" and I am afraid that it would be too high hip length).

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    1. hi! i think your height is similar to the EL model's dimensions. i'd email EL for specific measurements, they're great about replying!

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  6. I'm still waiting for Everlane to ship to the UK! But meanwhile, I can admire your shirt ... until I eventually get my own :o)

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    1. thanks Sue :) kinda bummed that aubin & wills shut down. i loved their silks!

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  7. looking awesome! my kind of uniform too!

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  8. Ahhh I had my eyes on that exact silk blouse, but I'm holding off because I own so many already... It looks great however and so does your spring look!

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  9. So glad you reviewed it! And with great photos as well! You look really great, I love this simple but elegant look. And those jeans on you are perfect. Love me a good outfit post!

    www.nomadicd.com

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    1. @Christine, @the actor's diet, @Nomadic D - thank you! :)

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  10. You look lovely (as always). My outfits have been along the same line as yours here. I've been wearing mostly white shirts and my mariner top with blue jeans or trousers, plus the black loafer (or ballerinas). At the moment I'm on a limited budget so Uniqlo has been my go to for basic everyday clothing. Just yesterday I found a straight-cut, ankle length blue denim jeans that I've been desiring for a long time, at only 1000yen ($10).

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    1. i love uniqlo - their basics and denim are some of my low price faves.

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  11. Classic and lovely uniform - I like your blouse and jeans, so clean looking. At the moment my spring is characterised by heavy coats and boots, but when it warms up a little I'll be returning to loose cotton shirts with slubby jeans and brogues.

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    1. this would be my ideal work uniform, really :) hope it's warming up where you are!

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  12. Oh you know how much I love a luxurious silk shirt! Yours is perfection. I love the blush contrast placket- it's such a subtle but well-thought out detail. I've been itching to have my tailor add a contrast placket the next time we work together.And yes, this is so Parisian chic.

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    1. thanks Lindsay! your post on your bespoke blouse was so inspiring.

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  13. Love the shoes and the silk shirt - so chic!
    My spring foundations are my bespoke cropped trousers with silk cuffs, draped tees, Brooks Brothers cotton shirts and dresses from Hugo Boss and my favourite label of the moment, White Champa. All worn with a smattering of delicate gold jewelry and those Sam Edelman low heels, which I procured in a few colours, thanks to an Amazon.com coupon. Lin and Marlene were right - those shoes are fantastic. Comfortable and elegant.

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    1. oh! i got the same SE sandals...will do a post on them soon! they're every bit as fantastic as you and lin have said!

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  14. I think you look wonderful! The luxe silk and denim work so well together and the flats are superb. Although I'm opposed to a 'uniform' per se, this is the type of pairing I could never get tired of seeing and wearing. For me, Spring means easy dresses, pencil skirts and jeans too with various shirts and jumpers plus a little raincoat depending on the temperature. I'm still having layer jumpers/sweatshirts over my shirts and tees though - can't wait to throw off a layer!

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    1. thanks! :) we're supposed to get some days in the 70s this week - cuffed jeans and flats all week long for me!

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  15. love it! you were right to get it in the small. mine fits waaay more loosely on me...i shouldl've sized down instead of up. i hope everlane restocks the silk shirts in navy soon. i want another one!

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    1. i wonder if you could get yours taken in a tad. but then again, always better to have a slouchier silk shirt than a too-tight one, i say.

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  16. I really love the rounded collars of the Everlane shirts. I've been trying to find something similar (or basically identical) for ages but have been failing miserably, which is all the more galling since I need replacements for my two Equipment shirts (I have no idea what I've done to them but they have all these weird tears in the silk near the elbow). Will have to consider getting some Canadian relatives to order some Everlane items on my behalf, unless Everlane miraculously starts shipping outside of North America very soon.

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    1. i'm actually looking at a few sleeveless silk blouses for later spring/summer. versatile and easy to wear, esp for hot days!

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  17. You look lovely! I really love the delicate necklace/silk blouse combo. Question: do you have the one with the black or white diamonds? Thank you!!

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    1. hi Johanna :) mine is an older one (a gift) but it's similar to the lotus one by ginette. a friend has the black diamond version and it's lovely!

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  18. You look wonderful! Very chic. I wish I could find a pair of jeans that looked good and were comfortable to wear all day-- I've pretty much given up.

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    1. thanks LP - actually the ones i'm wearing are pretty fantastic and have been my faves for a few years now. let me know if you give them a try - they're currently on sale!

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  19. I love the uniform idea. I find that I overbuy. (I KNOW I'm not alone with that problem!) But I've made a concerted effort to weed out my closet and cull items I haven't worn. I have some more work to do, but you're an inspiration, Sophie!

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    1. that's really sweet, thank you! it's an issue that we all have, but it's great that we can help each other make better buying choices :)

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  20. Nice review (and nice outfit)! I'm definitely considering their white t-shirts the next time I need to replace any one of my current ones.

    Nice Dandys! Alas my loafers are still holding strong, giving me no reason to buy a pair.

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    1. i stocked up on a bunch of uniqlo tees two years ago when they were on clearance, no regrets there. i hope they bring them back this season!

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  21. Hi Sophie! I'm a long time reader of your blog (I don't comment too often) and I actually bought the ASOS leopard coat after you blogged about it :) I was wondering if you could post some outfits with the coat on or if you have any tips for what to wear the coat with? I keep trying it on and feeling like its too "bulky" and wishing that it was linen instead of the furry texture that it has.

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    1. hi Alice! will try to do a post on that soon. i find that coat is actually quite lightweight compared to other faux fur ones, its still wearable for early spring :)

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  22. thanks PPP- so glad that it's finally warming up here. :)

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  23. I love the simplicity of this look....something I could wear every day;)

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