OOTD: My Avant-Garde

This is what I'm wearing today. IN LINE with today's blog post. Wearing exactly what I posted. #authenticstyle

At home. Nowhere to go but walk Sam (...with a mask....but not photographed). No grocery shopping either. We can go another five days, although I've run out of flour. I made a great flourless apple cake yesterday, though. I used whatever I had to grind up as flour. LOVE being creative in the kitchen.

This morning was stressful. My sweet Dad is unwell (it's not the virus, thank goodness). Doctor made a house call ....(they still do that in my Dad's area in the Netherlands). He's doing better. I spent a lot of the morning on calls and texts to carers, his neighbour, the nurse, and my brother. Three countries in the mix, and a time zone difference......and so it goes....

Amidst the stress, I chose today's blog post to dress me. Easy! This is my version of avant-garde. Both the jeans and tunic are COS. I actually have a lot of COS in my wardrobe, but I'm not a COS vibe dresser, IYKWIM. But I keep the look "just structured enough", crisp, and add the pretty - which makes me happy. 

I had to choose the sneakers here because I'm at home and wearing at home-only shoes! But in regular life, I'd have chosen my dainty white loafers or ballet flats with this look. Prettier, which is more my jam. 

The daily drill for my AT HOME LOOK: shower, hair that is harder and harder to style, make-up, an outfit that panders to my feelings when I get dressed, at home only sneakers, and some important accessories.

It's a LOVELY Spring day. Mild and sunny! Still need a topper and of course, I'm wearing a camisole. But no need for knee-highs or socks. First time this year. WOOOHOOO! Bring on the heat. I even pranced around barefoot for a while.

The dress is four years old. Jeans and jacket are last year. Bag is this year. The bag coverts into a crossbody so fab for walking Sam. 

On that note, I'm off to walk and bath our CEO, sanitize, and cook. Thanks for looking. I'm feeling much less stressed this afternoon. Cooking will relax me further. 

#stayhomeandstrong

#wegotthis

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
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.

47 Comments

  • slim cat replied 4 years ago

    Very fashion forward look ( maybe a touch similar to what they described as a "house dress" in that article about how fashion changed after Depression - done in haute couture of course ).
    That shade of green color is amazing on you, very complementary to your eyes.
    Dying over that photo #8 - it's too precious!

  • MsMaven replied 4 years ago

    What a fabulous time to experiment with different looks. I need that jacket and that puppy.

  • Staysfit replied 4 years ago

    Angie, I am sorry to hear about your father’s illness and the additional stress that causes.  


    It’s impressive that you found a way to style an Avant Garde item while staying true to your personal aesthetic.  

    I particularly like the graphic color blocks created by the addition of the blush pieces to this ensemble. The color combination feels fresh and  has a nice alliterative ring....Blue, Basil and Blush!  




  • CarolS replied 4 years ago

    Stunning as always! Thank you for showing this with the short topper. I wear this look but always wrestle with what to do when I need another layer. This gives me "permission" to experiment a bit more. 

  • rachylou replied 4 years ago

    What gorgeous colour! The white sneaks are perfect for the whole ensemble. I believe Sam likes it very much as well... or you’re holding snackies up... ;)

  • Suz replied 4 years ago

    Angie, first, I am SO sorry your dad is unwell. How difficult it must be to deal with carers at such a distance. I'm really glad he *has* good care and a doctor who can visit. Wishing him a speedy recovery. 

    Meanwhile, you look terrific. That COS dress is kind of like the extended or expanded version of all the oversize shirts this season! It's unique and fun worn this way. Also looks quite comfy. The colour is sensational with your eyes. 

    And no one would ever guess you are having trouble styling your hair! It looks fab. But I know the feeling! I am in the market for a new flat iron for my bangs as I seem to have lost the old one somehow in the course of our many moves. I hadn't needed it for so long, I didn't notice! But now, it would really come in handy. I also discovered that a switch up in shampoo and rinse helped some textural issues I was having -- a bit of unexpected frizz at the ends. 

  • smittie replied 4 years ago

    You are still cheerful despite adversity.
    I know you are doing what you can for your dad. It’s hard when people are far away. My family is far away.

    Anyway, I am so happy to see this wonderful outfit made out of an older piece.

    I too really like COS, and understand what you mean when you say, “I’m not a COS vibe dresser”.

    The pink jacket crops up a lot in your outfits. I really like that it’s slightly swingy. And the white buttons are a nice touch. That is a Scotch and Soda piece, IIRC.

    I thought those jeans were your everlanes! It’s good to have a fullsome roster of jeans ;-)

    I go on and off jeans like a see saw goes up and down! Am thinking I would like some navy khakis (chinos) for summer because I just really like the feel of thick cotton.

    Ta ta!

  • ChristelJ replied 4 years ago

    Angie, I’m glad your Dad is doing better and hope he’s entirely well in no time. It’s so difficult to be that far away from a loved one. I really feel for you.
    The outfit today is so fun, and while a year ago I wouldn’t have understood the artistic proportions, now I find them visually exciting and extremely pleasing. Your dynamic poses are super, too!

  • replied 4 years ago

    Oh dear -I’m really sorry to hear your dad is not doing well . I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to work through this from such a distance .

    This is an interesting look , and like Staysfit , I’m impressed at how you’ve made this work for you . Is the dress a dark green? I could see myself wearing this but I’d do a slimmer or uncuffed jean - because my style is quite different from yours ....which is what makes this interesting to analyze . That pinkish chore jacket is really versatile , isn’t it ? I have a washed blue denim one from last spring waiting to get some wear . And I hear you on the hair issue . My husband was reading something on his phone last night , put it down , stood up abruptly, clapped his hands and asked “ now who wants a haircut “ ? My daughter ran for her room and shut the door and left me to deal with him .

  • Runcarla replied 4 years ago

    Those colours really are beautiful together. Love.  Love.  Love.  My thoughts and a daily prayer goes out to the elders of our human tribe,  

  • Bonnie replied 4 years ago

    You look great in that beautiful green dress. So sorry to hear that your dad has been unwell. It sounds like he has a good support team, though. I got my hair cut super short in January and was planning to keep it that way. The plan was to have it cut by my previous stylist when we were on vacation in Feb. in the city we moved from last year. Well, COVid 19 physical distancing happened and no hair cut. My super short hair cut is growing longer. I took the nail scissors to the nape of my neck this morning. 

  • Karie replied 4 years ago

    I am so sorry your father is not well. Stress upon stress, compounded by distance. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
    You look fantastic as always. That dress looks super comfortable and stylish.

  • kellygirl replied 4 years ago

    Wow, what a striking look, Angie! I haven’t quite mastered the dress over pants look but you’re making me think about trying again. Sorry to hear about your dad—it is stressful enough without him being continents away. Just want to add that you are the best role model and your hair is still so cute! I would never guess you’re having trouble styling it! Hugs!

  • Jaime replied 4 years ago

    Oh Angie, three continents. Two is hard enough to manage. But thank you for making flourless cake in honor of Passover ;) ! (We are all about the flourless cake this week.)
    Love that you wore this not Angie but still Angie outfit. I am rifling through my mental closet trying to copy. Seattle is doing such a good job relative to other places in the US - you are a shining example!

  • Bijou replied 4 years ago

    Angie, so sorry to hear the news that your Dad has been unwell. I love how amid covid, people have been connecting with their families, using technology to have daily catch ups.

    This is a gorgeous outfit. So fun to see how you change things up on a daily basis and how Sam is your little side kick, keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings. Your flourless apple cake and a cup of tea, now that sounds like a perfect combination. There is so much comfort in a nice cup of earl grey tea.

    Had to laugh at LisaP’s husbands offer of a haircut.

  • Brooklyn replied 4 years ago

    Great outfit. A little different for you but you make it work. And how adorable is pic 8! Made my day.
    I hope your dad is doing better. My mum lives nearby and I am still find these times quite stressful worrying about her.

  • taylor replied 4 years ago

    Oh :( hope Papa gets well soon.  Elderly parents are such a worry!

    This is such fun.  I love the colors here and the way the lines are structured, yet flowing.  That’s hard to get right .  Balancing the lengths here are perfect too.    I’m not good at this.  You have really shown how to do it . :)

  • anne replied 4 years ago

    Angie, I am so sorry to hear that your dad is unwell. It must be so hard not to be able to be with him.
    And picture 8 must be one of the best photos of you ever! You are luminous!

    I like your outfit and it's certainly the closest to avant-garde I have seen you wear.
    I confess though that I am not completely sold on the jacket with it. Indeed jackets with tunics are quite a challenge in general I think, and especially a voluminous one like that.

  • Zaeobi replied 4 years ago

    Best wishes for your father, Angie. I'm currently juggling worried relatives in Hong Kong, Pakistan, the UK & the USA, so I understand the timezone thing!

    It's amazing how different the dress looks on you (in real life) compared to on the model. I prefer the way the hem falls in your more voluminous version :)

    I don't think of this combo as 'odd' per se (your blog post), but that may be because I did the OG 'dresses over trousers' look a lot in my youth - aka shalwar kameez & kurti :D This was before I found a way to wear western clothing in a way that honours my modesty guidelines without frump (seems you've found it too!)

  • Jane replied 4 years ago

    It must be very tough being so far away from your dear Papa during these times. Wishing you well in the sorting out of arrangements, and hopefully the stress has eased off a bit. 

    I love your outfit! It is interesting to see how you have done this IRL and particularly how the topper fits. Look at little Sam!

  • pil replied 4 years ago

    Angie, how stressful for you and your brother but I’m glad you said he’s doing better.
    And Photo #8!

  • Preppy Pear replied 4 years ago

    Wishing you a little extra strength to support your dad so far away, and best wishes for his quick recovery.

    As a proud member of Team Silhouette and Team Volume, I love the volume on the dress with the straight-leg jeans, and the unexpected combo with the shorter jacket. Very inspiring, and as you say, still authentically you.

  • replied 4 years ago

    So sorry your dear dad has been ill- wish you could go see him!
    Love photo #8 so much :)
    That olive really brings out your eyes, and the combo with the blue and blush is so pretty!

  • anchie replied 4 years ago

    Sorry to hear about your dad, so stressful. Hope he fully recovers quickly.

    I must admit, I prefer the outfit without the jacket. I did order the same jacket some time ago, but found it too stiff, so I returned it.

  • Joy replied 4 years ago

    Not your usual style but the dress does not overwhelm you. I like the way it falls back against you as in photo #6. Your pearls are the perfect addition to pretty up your outfit. I know how hard it can be to have an aging dad who is alone even 4 hours away by car. On a different continent must be really hard. I hope for a speedy and complete recovery.

  • CocoLion replied 4 years ago

    Your goofy poses put a huge smile on my face.  I love it.

  • CocoLion replied 4 years ago

    /.. But I'm sorry to hear about your Dad. :-(

  • Kate replied 4 years ago

    I’m so sorry to hear your dad is unwell. I hope he improves quickly.

    I love your dress. I have the exact same one, which I bought at the COS store in Stockholm years ago. That was a fun excursion. It’s one of my favorite dresses, and I have worn it over both jeans and trousers. I love the controlled volume of it, and its beautiful drape. I especially love the dress with the topper you chose—a beautiful color combo.

  • Janet replied 4 years ago

    I’m sending good vibes to your dad from afar — I can imagine how hard it must be to try to manage from such a great distance, and to not be able to be there for him in person. Hugs to you.

    I like that COS dress very much — it has a similar vibe to my only COS piece, my black sleeveless dress that is waiting for warmer summer weather. I suppose if I were going somewhere I could try it over a sleeved top and a pair of slim pants, but alas, I’m home with big hairy dogs, which does not really play well with a voluminous black dress. LOL I like that you have styled it to be a very *you* piece.

  • Laurie replied 4 years ago

    Lovely Angie - another therapeutic post. Thank you. 

    The structure of that dress is tremendous, and you look amazing. The photo of dress on the model is nothing like what happens when you wear this piece! Someday when we see each other again in person and I do a shopping session with you, please find me something structured and avant guard that I would never be able to choose on my own. Now I have something to look forward to!

    Sending strength and patience and grace to work through these issues with your father. Hoping for rapid improvement of his health.

    Hugs.

  • Angie replied 4 years ago

    Oh my word, you are all SOOOO NICE. Thank you very much for your kind and compassionate words. They make a difference.

    UPDATE: I spoke to my Dad, and he seems better today. Fragile but in good spirits. The dear sweet man never complains. The carers and a saint of a neighbour are doing a great job. I have faith in them. 

  • nemosmom replied 4 years ago

    Oh Angie, I can imagine how difficult it is to be away from your sweet dad right now. I am sorry to hear he is unwell (glad it's not the virus!) and hope he is on the mend very soon.

    Sending you big big hugs.

    ETA -- you look amazing (as always)! Love the pic of you and Sam in #8!

    *runs away with pretty teal dress*

  • Angie replied 4 years ago

    Sam appreciates his compliments too!


    I hope your families and parents far away are doing okay too. It’s hard to not be worried about them. I get it by a billion percent.

    Really appreciate Staysfit, Janet, Brooklyn, Bijou, Joy and Jaime identifying that is not a signature look for my style, but that by fine tuning the details, it looks like “me”. That is high praise, and what it’s all about....really. 

    Suz, you are too kind about the growing mess on my head. Glad the shampoo and rinse solved your hair challenge. I think any flat iron will do…

    Smittie, the Everlane jeans are similar! Good memory. I second your navy chinos purchase.

    Lisa P, it’s a very versatile pink jacket for my style! The dress is a dark olive green, and I can see you in it. And did hubs cut your hair?  :)

    Kelly, your are soo gracious to say that. Hugs!

    Anne and Anchie, I like the version without the jacket too! 

    Jaime, HAH! Now I can cook Passover dessert. And yes - SEATTLE IS STRONG. We have been at it longer and are very obedient.

    Zaeobi, YES. The "shalwar kameez & kurti" is a master class in this look! I know you wear it well. 

    Kate, waving at my dress twin! It’s quite the work of art.

    Laurie, I will look forward to that day! Fun. 

    Nemosmom, you can borrow my olive dress if you bring me tea and cake….

  • Jenn replied 4 years ago

    I love it, Angie. I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I well remember that flurry of phone calls and text messages from when my own dad was going through a medical crisis, just on the other side of the country. It's so draining. You're a wonderful daughter, and your positive energy is contagious, even with social distancing.

  • Diana replied 4 years ago

    I adore this, Angie. The volume on volume is fantastic, and that dress is so cool.

    I’m so sorry to hear your Dad is feeling poorly. Hoping for a quick recovery for him! <3

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 4 years ago

    Super cool outfit, Angie. I love the indoor version, and the one with the jacket and bag. And pic #8 looks like a magazine cover!! You are so talented and creative. Good job, managing things with your dad from afar. I know how it goes, albeit at a shorter distance in my case. :) Yes, #wegotthis

  • rachylou replied 4 years ago

    Glad your dad is feeling a little better, Angie!

  • replied 4 years ago

    Angie - THANK you for your continued positivity and finding joy through dressing - you've inspired me! I bought a floral mask on Etsy because the fabric made my heart soar a little bit, and that was enough to help me through some stress, too.

    Thinking of you and yours during this stressful time - being apart *and* unable to go to loved ones is incredibly difficult. Hoping Sam loved on you lots today! 

  • The Cat replied 4 years ago

    Stunningly beautiful colours for you!

  • Sal replied 4 years ago

    Very late to this but sorry to hear about your Dad but pleased he has done extra help now. And that he is a bit improved.

    I love pic 8 - just stunning of you and it is fun to see your wardrobe in action.

  • Angie replied 4 years ago

    Jenn, Diana, Firecracker, Rachy, Sal, the Cat and Laura, thanks for the kind and therapeutic words. They mean a lot. 

  • anne replied 4 years ago

    Glad that your dad seems better today

  • Barbara Diane replied 4 years ago

    How hard/challenging/stressful when your beloved Dad is unwell and so far away. How amazing that the doctor visits. Glad to hear that he was up to talk on the phone with you.

  • Cee replied 4 years ago

    Your dad is a tough bugger, Ange'.

    I bet he could scare funnelwebs away !

  • cindysmith replied 4 years ago

    That tunic is so fun!

  • Angie replied 4 years ago

    Thanks, sweet Anne and Barbara Diane. 

    Cee, my Dad IS very tough.

    Cindy, it's a very clever cut!

  • Cee replied 4 years ago

    Try marinading him in the fridge overnight.

    ...What ?

You need to be logged in to comment