Firecracker's Blog

WIW: side semi-tuck, preppy boho

August 24, 2014

I jumped on the semi-tuck bandwagon late, but now I can't remember how I got dressed without it much of the time. This trick just opens a lot of possibilities--allowing me to wear tops that I wouldn't like completely tucked or completely untucked.
This outfit seems a departure for me, in that it involves fuchsia (not one of my usual colors), and the design on the tee strays into an arts-and-crafts look that I'm not too comfortable with. I think it's just this side of not-me, though, so I was fine with it today. Especially since I was teaching a couple of sewing classes, and the tee illustrated some relevant techniques. The outfit strikes me as a little preppy, a little boho, and not really anything of the MAD Glam (Moody, Arty, Draped Glam) that Angie used to describe my style recently. She was referring to a particular outfit, but it does seem to be a kind of aspirational descriptor for me.
The outfit, worn to teach sewing classes:
Fuchsia tee with reverse applique and print trim (an old Benetton tee, remade by me); navy chinos (Caslon); denim ballet flats with navy patent cap toe (AGL); cognac belt with floral cutout design (Fossil); navy and tan satchel (Dooney & Bourke); brushed silver twisted hoop earrings.

Your thoughts and suggestions are welcome! Thanks for looking.

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Posted in the What I Wore category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

22 Comments

  • Debbie replied 10 years ago

    You look very polished. I would definitely take sewing classes from you.

  • Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

    What Debbie said - love the remade top :)

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    Thanks, ladies!

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    I'm with you on the semi-tuck - how did we ever dress before it?  And sign me up to take sewing classes with you too :)

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    I really like these brights on you and this seems JME (just MAD enough) to me!

  • Sal replied 10 years ago

    Love this, it is fun to change things up sometimes.

  • crutcher replied 10 years ago

    Your look is polished and ready to go...I just ordered those crops (Caslon)..How did you find the size?...I read they run small so I ordered a size up...Hope mine look as polished as yours...

  • Alana in Canada replied 10 years ago

    I was just thinking I'd love to take some sewing classes from you!
    It's a pretty top.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    Thanks all!
    Crutcher, I actually found the Caslon chinos ran a little big. Of the two sizes I usually wear, I took the smaller one. They stretch a bit with wearing, too.

  • replied 10 years ago

    Again , liking the shot of brighter colour on you.  Very polished casual look - one I aspire to !

  • Catnip replied 10 years ago

    I think you look terrific in fuchsia!  The proportions in this outfit are perfect.  I wish I could sew half as well as you.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    I am with you on the semi-tuck. 

    I see what you mean about the top not really fitting perfectly with your style -- and yet it is perfect for the occasion, and I would think it would be (potentially) a conversation starter with your students about this type of style issue -- and that could be very valuable. Not everyone would be able to make the fine distinctions that you are able to make between what is going on in this top and what is going on in the ones that feel more "you." Initiating a conversation about that could be really useful. 

    I'd also love the top with some of your white bottoms, but that might end up feeling too preppy for your style -- another good conversation! 

  • jackiec replied 10 years ago

    It's unusual to see you in fuschia, but I like it!! I agree that the semi-tuck really brings it up a notch and it's all so YOU, especially with the bag.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    You all are so kind!
    Suz, I hadn't thought of white jeans. I can't wear them to work, but I could wear the top with them on a day off. Good idea about discussing style distinctions with my students. It can be such a crucial thing to know when trying to decide what sewing project will be worth a considerable investment of time, money, and effort.

  • kellygirl replied 10 years ago

    Gorgeous! You are so talented, Firecracker. The top may be out of your comfort zone but by keeping everything else simple, it makes for a great and interesting focal point! 

  • CocoLion replied 10 years ago

    I think the top is perfectly suited to you.  And what a great idea, to wear something that illustrates your sewing lesson.

    I do like the preppy bottoms you've chosen to go along with this.  And the side tuck works.  I wasn't as infatuated with the belt (tooling detail and color compete with the top in my fussy opinion), but when you combine the bag, the leather colors coordinate beautifully.  So, I do think it all works together.  

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    That's exactly what I was thinking, Firecracker. If I were sewing, it would really matter to me how/ where I invested that time, and it would be important (at the start, especially) not to feel disappointed with my efforts. And if something doesn't suit the wearer's body or fashion persona, then that disappointment is pretty much inevitable. How much more thrilling when a person makes something that just blows her away by its perfection? (As almost all your Made By Me items regularly blow us away!!) 

  • unfrumped replied 10 years ago

    I think the top works because of all the calmer neutrals with it, while it adds a playful note to the classic items.

    I love the play of textures and colors ( recently pondering how to add more interest to my outfits) you've got going on, yet it's not "too much".

  • crutcher replied 10 years ago

    Thanks for the update on the crops..Just my luck, I ordered my regular size, read some posts and went back and upsized it..I should have kept my brain shut..Oh well, I can always return..smile...

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    Crutcher, it may not be a mistake; you could order a second pair just to be sure, in case they run out, and then return the one that doesn't fit.

  • bj1111 replied 10 years ago

    I've always been impressed with your sewing prowess. This top is very flattering in the color and fun in the pattern. White jeans would be good. Or maybe long shorts.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    Of course--shorts! Good idea. Thanks, bj1111.

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Welcome to my style blog. Dressing is something all of us do each day, but for me it is also a hobby. I like to find new ways to wear the clothes I have, make new clothes to add to my wardrobe (yes, sewing is another hobby!), shop for clothes, read and discuss fashion. Following You Look Fab has fueled my interest in taking outfit pictures to see where I've been and to get different perspectives on style. Thanks for joining me. I always appreciate hearing your thoughts.