When I find a garment I really like, it stays in my closet for a long time. The creative in me, likes to view these much-liked pieces with a fresh perspective each season and find different ways to style them.
Today’s example is the ASOS long vest that I bought last summer. This vest can be a strong three-season player, but here I’ll show how I wear it during the warm months.
What has stayed the same?
The black column (black top and pants) has stayed the same. However, the two pieces that make up the black column have changed dramatically. Last summer’s column was a tee-shirt and my Mango tapered pants, a not very polished look in my opinion.
This year, the black column is sleeker and more sophisticated. I went with a sleeveless top because I feel a bit better about how my arms look. (Some light weight exercising since February is finally paying off).
The fun change for me in the Now pic is the black loose leggings. During spring, I made these from 100% bamboo knit. With an elastic waist, they are so comfy. I think they look fantastic with any number of looks (see May 4th).
I used Vogue 1440, a Donna Karan pattern that is no longer in print, although it can still be found on ETSY and eBay. Loose leggings are such an easy beginner-sewing project. What I like about this style is how they fall around the ankles. It’s such a great look, especially with heels.
The Ever Changing Accessories
Last summer, I went with beaded jewelry for a Boho vibe. This summer, I used a textured silver/blue necklace and earring set that I’ve had for years. The silver cuff and my Cheryl Eve Acosta Mer de Verre ring just fell into place. I also added cinch belt that I found at Target last month. Last winter, I started doing a low impact muscle toning exercise and have wittled about 1 1/2″ off my waist and feel like wearing belts again.
Shoes and Bag
Every summer, I usually try to pick up a new pair of sandals. This year it was Franco Sarto’s Natalie’s from DSW which are blue suede espadrilles. I was determined to style them with this vest and think they were one of my major inspirations towards going blue.
The bag is still Eric Javit’s, this time my much worn blue Squishee with brown reptile embossed trim. You just can’t beat the look of his bags for summer. They are just summer perfect in my book.
I have two different looks with two very different vibes, one Boho and one decidedly more modern. Last year I worked with the black in the pattern and this year the color navy.
Then or Now: which do you prefer? I have to say I really like the navy Now. Next year? Hmmm….that light dusty blue color looks interesting to create around.
I was a bit surprised to only find three longer vests online:
Links to Things and Places Mentioned Today
Vogue 1440 on ETSY (multi sized 8-14)
Cheryl Eve Acosta Mer de Verre ring
I sure had a good time sharing with you how I take one piece and restyle it to make it new and different with passing seasons. I leave you with a challenge to go to your closet and re-look at something you haven’t worn for a while and just try something different with it. I guarantee it will be fun!
That wraps it up for today. I love hearing from readers. Please let me know if you would like more Now and Then posts.
Thank you for stopping by. Take care……..
Remember, you can still link up to June’s 2nd Loved 1st Friday until the next 1st Friday in July. It would be great to tell us what you have used that is “not new but new to you such as things from thrift shops or on-line consignment shops, etc. So if you have found that second hand gem, get it on, snap a picture, post on social media and linkup HERE.
The blogger feature is going to change a bit. I will create a collage of some of my favorite posts from the link up and will have it on the July Linkup.
I also link up with some great blogs every week. To see who they are go HERE.
Husband Michael gets credit for the blog fashion photos today (he likes last year’s photo better!)
MeadowTree Style 
I think this vest is a wonderful piece to play with Terri!!
I have to admit, those blue shoes just give this year’s twist such style & charm!!
Now I want to see it with a column of white—that’d be perfect for the summer, too? Don’t you think??
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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Thought about that too-next summer?
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I love the now look better! It makes you look taller! And I love the trousers better! I agree with Jodie on the White! Would love to see that!
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Thanks Nancy, but I am standing up straighter in this years photo-but over all, I admit I do think the new style has a more slimming effect.
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Lovely look. I guess the shoes make the now look seem more slick and sassy. But I think the biggest difference is that you seem to ooze confidence, maybe that’s what arm-work does to a gal!
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Huh, maybe you are right. I never really thought of it like that, but I have to say I do like the extra muscle in my arm. I also think the look looks longer because those short choppy tee-shirt sleeves aren’t there. I came back and looked at those shoes so many times online that I finally bought them-I hadn’t ordered anything from DSW for 5 years and they finally gave me a deal of $20 off anything I wanted to just make an order-that was enough!
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Terri, this is wonderful, works so well with your trousers and top, stands out too! Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
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Thanks Jacqui, yea, this vest was sort of a no brainier for me last year. I had actually had it on my blog as a research item for a post about digital prints and then decided I had better get one for my self before everyone else did. I also wear it in the fall with 3/4 sleeves, heavier tapered pants and I think flats.
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Both look good I like the new sandals. It’s good to have few different looks. I love a boho vibe, both outfits have that in different ways I think.
The ‘now and then’ format makes for an interesting post.
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Thank you. And thank you for liking the ‘now and then’ idea because i really want to do more but if I didn’t get any good feedback I probably would just let the idea drop. I have fun taking just one thing and doing something different with it but that’s just me. I like the idea, that ‘old is new again’.
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What a fun post! That’s the great thing about an amazing piece that is timeless, there are endless ways to style it and create new OOTD. LOVE. Xo Jonet
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Yes!-I will vote enduring style over fleeting trends any day and especially if something is so much one’s personality.
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How lovely! I don’t own a long vest but I love how versatile yours is and the print is very pretty. Those navy sandals are so cool too, love the laceups! I admire you for being able to sew!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
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Thank you Jessica, I think those sandals are going to show up a lot more.
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I love retro styles that never go out of style or decides to make a comeback – love the long vest and have a few in my closet that I thrifted. #Topoftheworldlinkup
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I am in complete agreement. My vest wasn’t thrifted buy I do have a closet full of 2nd Loved clothing (as I call them). The black knitted topp I am wearing on this post was thrifted. We sound of like mind!
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Thanks for linking up to the Top of the World Style linkup party. It’s amazing how different the vest looks in the two different outfits. It looks more tailored in the Then than in the now.
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