Hello everyone
This is all about me making a mistake that I really ought to have known, all along, was going to be a mistake. It started like this. I went into one of my local charity shops and found one item then immediately found another, and then another, and all three I thought would make up one great outfit.
And yet on reflection, and especially after looking at the photos I realise I have suckered myself in to buying something that doesn’t suit me. It’s the blouse part of the trio of items. Blouses and me don’t ever go together. Why didn’t I see that at the time of purchase!!! It was silky though and lovely to touch.
But hey, let me show you what I bought as not everything was a disaster. First it was this pair of trousers.
They’re by Zara with the label still on, so they’re new. But the size put me off – Small. Oh well not for me. But gosh, did I like the look of them and the feel too. It’s that crispy crinkly material, which makes a swishing noise as you walk. I mean Zara’s sizes are really crazy so I took this Small size (I’m not small but a UK size 14 which is considered Large these days) off the rail and went to try on
Did you notice there’s a zip along the entire length of the leg.
Then right by the changing room I spied a loose silky neutral shirt. Ah ha I thought – this is lovely. Oooops, slow down, I should have thought, but, no, I took it off the rail to try on.
And alongside it was a matching vest. Btw, the vest was Extra Large size and the shirt Large – Zara sizes are crazy. But I thought, oh well, let’s see.
And wow, my first reaction? This is a good outfit! So I bought all three.
And then, especially after looking at the photo, I thought, oh no, wait a minute, it’s got a look of a pr of pyjamas!
And no, I don’t like that loose look.
I’ve got a waist – where’s it gone! So I tried the pants with different tops.
That’s just the vest – OK but could be brighter. What about white?
Yes, that’s fine. And another neutral?
That’s Ok, but I think I could try even brighter and tighter tops, black or orange, for instance, the latter of which always brightens and lights me up. I am very pale at the moment after this latest cough virus, which has laid me low over the past few weeks.
Btw all three items are new and, were more than half the price of their recommended retail value. In fact I love the pants and they are true keepers. And the charity shop total price for all three items was far lower than the price of this one item. But the blouse is on probation, as in, I shall keep it for a while and see if it goes with anything like a tighter bottom half and/or unbuttoned – perhaps. Hmm, lesson learnt though – blouses are a total no, for me. I really must avoid them.
The trousers though – I love them and I can see they can be dressed up or down. Likewise the vest is fine.
There you go. That’s all for now. More about my dress-up cruisewear next time. But do let me know if you’ve been in the same situation of thinking you’ve got a great outfit and then realising, oops, no!
With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
Trousers are great, such a good find Penny xx
Yes, they are excellent, and I’m so glad I got them, but the other two items were mistake although I will keep the vest.
Thanks Vivien 😊
Return the blouse? Most charity shops exchange or give a credit note.
I can’t wear blouses or shirts either, just don’t suit me and I’ve tried loose, fitted, long, shirt, different length sleeves.
Oh wow, you’re the same, yes, blouses just don’t do it for me. They’re too loose – even the ones that would fit me!
Thanks Pauline 😊
zip the trousers up, unbutton the shirt, flip the cuffs back, tuck in the vest, put on a belt(wider the better) no necklace , maybe dangly earrings…….see what that looks like
I agree! Worth a try.
Hi Mary – I’ ll keep the trousers and will zip them up, and I’ll keep the vest too, but the blouse? It’s a no. I really should have known better as blouses never ever suit me.
Hope you are both well – we are really looking forward to our holiday as this recent bug we caught has made us a little under par.
Very best wishes Mary 😊
I agree I shall zip the trousers up and keep the vest tucked in next time – I have a waist where was it!!! But the shirt is a no. That just shows you how useful taking a photo is – for me it was a revelation.
Thanks Sheila – I have learnt my lesson 😁
The pants are a real find. I know what you mean about the blouse. it looks very pretty, classy. I can se it with some well fitted pants and necklaces, could be quite dressy in fact. Though I don’t think that is your style. But I also think it is too big. The cuffs especially seem very long. The vest also seems a tad big in the photo but sometimes you need something to go under a sheer top and this might fill the bill and be useful in your wardrobe. I was thinking of you yesterday Penny. Taking my morning walk the weather was cool and there was light rain, thankful for my rain jacket. Wondered if this is what it is like in your British Summer? that’s it for now, Love, Darby
Will we ever learn Penny? I have to say that I think much better these days before purchasing something. Especially if it will work with what I already have. The trousers are super cool. I have a skirt by Zara worth, I think, the same fabric. I love that skirt a lot!
Oh my word, I really should have known better!!!! But the trousers really work so it wasn’t a total disaster!
Thanks Nancy 😊
The whole outfit was a complete disaster – shirts and/or blouses never suit me. What was I thinking!!! But it was so useful to have taken a photo – it revealed so well how it was just not my style.
Ah ha, the British weather. It’s raining at the moment but we are forecast to have two quite hot days over the weekend. August has been relatively warmer than June and July but our summer is basically a couple of days with quite warm sunny weather and then the temperature goes down again. Still I’d rather have this than the excessive heat other countries are getting. We have no idea how to cope with really hot weather!
Thanks as ever Darby 😊
Only a moment to say, you are right, if you keep the blouse wear it to bed. 🙂
The vest is too big (note the arm holes) and so it doesn’t fit. (Redeemable if you take it up at the shoulder seam, which could be done even by hand) But, it is nothing special.
I liked the pants with the white top and simple necklace.
All in all, I think you could do better.
Fun to see what you come up with.
The blouse is an absolute no and you’d think I would have known that as they never suit me. I certainly could do better and shall! What was I thinking, but it was so useful to take the photos – it was so clear that the whole outfit was not my style.
I agree the pants, zipped up, with a white top is good.
Thanks Elaine 😊
Dear Penny, I,m afraid I had a little giggle at the way you got so carried away! Haven’t we all done that!? One visualises all the ways you can create a super look and then sadly it just doesn’t work. And I keep mistaking myself for a fifty year old not 80 odd , so fit and colour are even more difficult to get right . The trousers are really super on you and there are lots of ways to wear them. But the vest and blouse are too floppy on you , so bite the bullet aand return them . You will at least get a credit note ,that is better than trying to make them work when they just don’t! Best wishes and happy shopping from Judy in Brighton
Oh my, I did get carried away! I visualised a totally different me, floating around on board ship with this look. And then I took the photos – and it was oooops! No, that is so not me!! Good experience though – it was quite mistake and I know now never to buy a blouse!!!!
Actually I’m keeping the blouse for a friend who I think will look good in it. The trousers, meanwhile, I really like and I agree there’s lots of ways I can wear them.
Thanks so much Judy 😊
Trousers are fab Penny. Why don’t you try the blouse undone like a jacket , turn up the cuffs and wear it over something like a plain black dress or black trousers. I think that would look good. It looks like lovely silky material. Xx
I agree the trousers are great – and were a quality find and a bargain to boot.
The blouse is a no and I’m keeping it for a friend. Blouses and/or shirts never ever suit me so I should have known better. I actually know my style and it is about having a nipped in waist and wearing quite tailored clothes – so I should have known, but obviously I got carried away. Hey ho I shall learn from this mistake!
Thanks Ellie 😊
Trousers are ok ish ( but you like them! I’m not totally convinced 😄) but they look best with the brown top or the vest. You’ve got a good figure and I think you’re hiding it in those baggy trousers.
Sorry if I’m being too frank.
No, actually everyone’s comments have been very helpful. I mean, in no way am I an influencer, instead I am a real person who makes mistakes. And that outfit is a mistake – blouses and/or shirts never ever suit me and that was a perfect example of why.
I agree – my style is for a nipped-in waist. The trousers are lovely but zipped up I think – again that photo tells me it would best.
Carry on being frank 😁
You so suit the loose clothes because of the fabrics and the way they drape.
The neutral shade looks classy and compliments your skin and hair tones and would look good with flat leather shoes rather than trainers.
A silk sleeveless top underneath the shirt may look better and feel more comfortable than cotton t shirt fabric and a vintage kimono type loose flowing hip length jacket would give style and colour.
I just knew looking at the photos that the whole outfit was a disaster – so in fact it was a very useful exercise to take photos. I could see immediately that the blouse was not for me when somehow looking in the mirror I didn’t quite get it. My style is actually for a nipped in waist and that was totally lost. So in future – I shall try not to get carried away!!!
Thanks Lyndsay 😊
The pants and vest look great. I would definitely pair them with some bright jewelry – turquoise, orange, green. Even brightly colored shoes or a scarf.
Yes I do suit colourful items too. Thanks so much Shayna and apologies for not replying sooner – I’ve just found your comment 😊
I’m also not convinced about the trousers but you have seen them on and we have only a photo. I think because of their diagonal line you need a plain tee otherwise too many lines. As previous response try the shirt as a jacket for an evening outfit. Love your honesty. Haven’t we all got carried away!
Jane
Well the thing is I think it’s really important to be real and say exactly what happens rather than making up all sorts of right-on words about how to dress. Often I have no idea!!! And yes, this time I got carried away!
However, I do know that shirts and/or blouses never suit me and that was perfect example of why they don’t!! My style is for a nipped-in waist. Actually the trousers feel lovely to wear, they swish as you walk and I think they look good so they are keepers. I’m keeping the blouse for a friend.
Thanks so much Jane 😊
You are most certainly not alone in getting caried away in the change room. You are right about the shirt it is not you at all, both in fit and colour. The pants are a good fit but do look better with a contrasting colour .
The pants are great and I shall wear them zipped up, and they’ll be good with either white or black top.
But you’d think I would have known that blouse wouldn’t suit me – shirts and/or blouses are never right on me. I prefer the nipped in waist and more tailored look and I should’ve known better!!!
You’re right I got carried away! Thanks Jill 😀
Hello, Penny
Join the club! We’ve all got horror stories about bad buys, those shop mirrors are beggars! However, I did strike lucky a while ago and it was your Zara purchases that reminded me. I found a blue and white striped Zara shirt, brand new, for £3.00! Ah, have just realised that that might be rubbing your nose in it a bit, sorry!
As for your finds, I think the trousers are okay, zipped or not – you might find that baggy makes a pleasant change from tailored on casual days. But please bin (or return) the blouse and vest. Both are far too saggy and unflattering, sorry again x. The white top is fine and the brown top is even finer even with the trousers unzipped. You look relaxed and classy in that get-up and it could well suit a breezy day on board when cruising. The trousers look like they’d bundle up well in your suitcase and not crease, so along with several fitted tops you’d be sorted for any cool weather.
Enjoy your cruise, whatever you wear!
Zepherine x
Exactly – the blouse! What a mistake that was! And I should have known better as blouses never suit me. I’m keeping it for a friend who will suit it, so all good. The trousers zipped up will be good and they are lovely to wear. And you’re right they will be great to pack and yes, I shall wear them on board ship. Gosh do I need that cruise – not long now. It’s 2 and a half weeks away.
I shall be more careful in future but I will keep going to the Red Cross Charity shop as they have a lot of new Zara items. And some of them are lovely. But no more blouses!
Thanks Zephereine 😊
I know not to buy blouse for myself either. I do have a linen white one that I wear sometimes, but right now it is too hot even for it. I did find 5 things this week thrifting, and my favorite is an olive popover top. I like it so much I am going to be on the lookout for more tops in that style.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Hi Mireille – thank you so much commenting and apologies for the delay in replying – life…!!!!
Thankfully all 3 items were bargains and I won’t lose out as the pants are new and cost far less that the RRP. The blouse I’m keeping for a friend.
Your thrifting haul sounds amazing – well done you! 😀
The pajamas comment made me laugh in recognition – I’ve put on outfits that give me the pajamas vibe, too! The difference between the loose tops and the more fitted tops with these pants is so dramatic! I really like the white one on you especially well.
Thanks so much for commenting and apologies for not replying sooner. Life…..!!!
I really should have known better Sally, blouses never really suit me. Anyway, the pants are great so it isn’t total loss and actually they were all new and bargains to boot. I’m keeping the blouse for a friend.
Thanks again 😊
Those pants are so cool, Penny! I like them with the white top, but maybe draw it in a bit to show off your waist? I think the other two items are just too big for you. That blouse could be a cover up for a fancier dress if you needed one. I’m certainly not going to criticize you for impulse buying! I do it all the time, and I seem to always miss the time to return them. I’ve sold things for pennies on the dollar. You would think I would learn, too! I am in wonderful company, though!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Yup, I’ve got a waist and really ought to know by now that items with waists are my style. I’m keeping the blouse for a friend And it’s great to know I’m in good company and that we all do this!
Thanks Marsha 😊 and apologies for the delay in replying – life…!!!