Wednesday, February 8, 2012

If the Pants Fit ...

Le Professeur Gothique dressed to teach
A couple of posts back I called for a Moratorium on Trousers because those that I owned are way too big on me. I decided that I couldn't go through a semester without a trusty pair of trousers since I can be notoriously lazy on cold days and need something simple to grab that doesn't include wrestling with stockings at the crack of dawn. Off to Lane Bryant I went and picked up a pair two sizes smaller than my current trousers. TWO SIZES. And look, they still look loose on me! It's probably the cut because the waist fits perfectly; but what's up with the legs? They will have to do for now. Happily, the length of the legs are perfectly suited for flats; no hemming required. It annoys me that many of the companies are hemming slacks specifically for heels. I'm really tall and never had to hem pants until a few years ago. Face it, I'm not going to wear a heel over three inches: with my bum toe they're uncomfortable and I was never really one for a heeled shoe, especially since I'm always running around Manhattan. I prefer flats and boots.


While at Lane Bryant I bought the above belt. Many of my blouses are starting to get loose on me, but not loose enough for me to give them away. Instead I bought a cincher-belt that will gather the loose fabric at my waist, creating a nice silhouette. I decided to test drive the belt with my open, ruffled sweater that I've featured many times before. Under the sweater, I am wearing a new wine colored, sleeveless plissé blouse that has ruffles around the neckline. I like the contrast between the soft, flowing fabrics and the hard, patent leather, fake snakeskin of the belt. It gives edginess to an otherwise typical "professorial" outfit.


Say hello to my new shoes! I am part of DSW's rewards, therefore I get coupons for $10.00 off a new pair of shoes every few months. I can't help but to spend said coupon the minute it comes in the mail. :) Above is my latest acquisition: a pointed leather flat with criss-crossed patent leather straps that terminate into delicate buckles. I can't say that they are the most comfortable pair of shoes I own but they're damned pretty!


This is the necklace that I instinctively grabbed yesterday: a full moon. One of my students asked me if I was wearing the necklace in honor of yesterday's full moon. Honestly I wasn't, but I have to wonder if subconsciously I was. The piece is from Kirk's Follies and was bought on QVC a few years ago. The moon is made of glass and is surrounded by crystals. The chord is leather and the beads are also crystal. I absolutely adore Kirk's Follies, particularly their moons. The face is so friendly and rather feminine, just like the Momma Moon. ;)


These earrings are probably one of my most favorite that I own. I bought them in New Hope at a store that is no longer in business, Rebel Hearts. I'm not really sure what the metal is, but the "gems" are crystals and enameling. The combination of greens and blues, and the shape of the earring caught my eye the minute I saw them. They aren't too heavy and are quite comfortable to wear.

I really like the contrast between the wine blouse, the overall black, and the pop of green and blue. Since they are opposite colors on the color chart the wine and the blue/green work off of each other, creating a tension that is actually quite balanced. I believe it creates interest and draws attention to my face, which isn't a bad thing. ;)

When you wear color, if ever, do you like them to contrast or compliment each other?

The Run Down:
Trousers: Lane Bryant
Sweater: Macy's
Blouse: Dress Barn
Shoes: DSW
Necklace: QVC
Earrings: Rebel Hearts, New Hope
Belt: Lane Bryant

22 comments:

  1. Cincher belts are my best friend. They make any sort of loose clothing look amazingly form-fitting almost immediately. I wear them at least several times a week.

    Nice pants. You're no longer swimming in them!

    The earrings are also absolutely gorgeous.

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    1. Thanks! Yes, I'm learning all about the glories of cincher-belts, which ironically enough are just like regular cinchers. ;)

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  2. Those shoes are adorable.I used to have a pair just like them.


    "When you wear color, if ever, do you like them to contrast or compliment each other?" It Depends.

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    1. Thanks. The shoes have a sort of 80s feel to them. I had something like them when I was a freshman in high school (1986!), except those were sling backs.

      Depends on what?

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  3. I LOVE that moon necklace! so pretty, the detail on the face is amazing. very unique and cute. :)

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  4. The only color other than black that I've worn in recent years is red, and the two go together wonderfully. I do have a love for chartreuse that dates back to the 80s, and I like how it looks with red. :)

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    1. Yes, red and black are classics. I adore hot pink, especially if it's leopard print! RAWR!

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  5. Two sizes, wow, that's worth a pair of new trousers! :)

    I love your moon necklace! I googled Kirks Folly and their products are amazing...some of them are rather cheesy, but still so incredibly creative!

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    1. hehehe ... indeed it is!

      Kirks Folly can be hit or miss ... however lately they've been quite a hit. Have you seen their Halloween jewelry and their "Rock Star" line? Skulls baby, skulls!

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  6. I agree, belts are an awesome fashion accessory for everyone! It defines the waist and adds visual interest. Looking lovely doll and I agree with you about flats vs. heels, why make yourself uncomfortable?!

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    1. Thanks! Ugh, I can't deal with heels at all. I'm always running somewhere -- usually because I'm late -- and heels = broken ankle. No thanks.

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  7. If your pants seem too full, turn them inside out and baste along the seams starting at the original seam at the hipline and gradually easing the new seam to the one inch mar you make at the the bottom - an inch or so from the old seam. If you need more do the same on the inside seam until it looks right on you. I do love the way you put your outfits togeter.

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    1. Thanks for the tip Anon. But I'll be honest with you, I'm probably going to be out of these pants before the summer so they're going to have a short run. ;)

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  8. Fantastic outfit!!! The belt is perfect, really shows off your figure in an attractive way. The pops of color are gorgeous & play off each other fabulously. Love, love, love it.

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  9. I cannot process the "annoyed with having to hem pants" statement. We finally get pants that don't look like highwaters, and you're bothered by them being TOO LONG?
    >thrashing about<
    The LONGS are too short. I will never complain about TOO LONG. There is no such animal.

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    1. For the record, my legs are average sized. I carry my height throughout my torso, which makes fitted dresses and one piece bathing suits real bitches to fit into. However, a long torso made me a fabulous backstroker. ;) Longs are way too long on me, therefore I wear average length. Even the average lengths are an additional 2 to 3 inches, which takes into consideration the heel height. Yes, I am THRILLED TO DEATH that I don't have to hem anything.

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  10. with that smile on your face you should not worry about what clothes make people look at your face because EVERYONE will look at your face ^^

    and color... not for me, the only 'other colors' i have are white and grey :-P

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    1. Thank you for such a sweet compliment. HUGS!!!

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  11. When I saw the first photo, I immediately thought "Wow, I really like the blue/green and the magenta together!" I usually go for colors that compliment each other (on the rare occasions I do go for anything more than black + one other color). I love the color of that blouse, and how it works with the flowy sweater and belt. The whole look is so classy. Simple, yet stunning!

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    1. Thanks! I like experimenting with opposite colors because one will always make the other "pop." For someone who wears black constantly I can be quite a colorist! Just look at the walls in my apartment! I love that Tuscan Gold that's in my living room. It reminds me of an autumn sunset in a pumpkin patch, hence why it's on my wall. hehehehe ...

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