Long Kimono Dressy/Causal-Silver/Gold

How many modern kimonos do you have? I’ll have to admit that until this past January, I had zero. When these easy to wear pieces (and I think just a little Boho) first started showing up about three years ago, I decided to let the trend pass. But now, I’m wondering if this trend is starting to be a closet staple. They are fun to wear, easy to style and can add a little panache to your style.

My New Kimono

My kimono today, is perfect for summer. Although it’s full length, it is also very light (almost a chiffon) and seems to float in the breeze.

My friend and What to Wear boutique owner Debby gave it to me to see if I liked it and how I would style it. On my own, I don’t know if I would have picked this particular piece. I guess Debby knows something that I don’t, because I absolutely love it!

I’ve divided the styling into two parts; casual and dressy. With both, I’m using one of my favorite techniques when I want something to really stand out and that is solid column dressing. With my casual look, I went with a white column and for dressy it was black.

Silver and Gold

I wonder if most people have a preference for silver or gold jewelry? I really don’t and it depends on what I’m wearing. I was once told that with my  skin tone, I should  wear silver. Sorry, I like my gold too. Today, I’m playing around  with both silver and gold accessories to see what kind of vibe they each give my look. With the variations, I have four inspirations.

Taking It Casual With White

A pair of white American Eagle jeggings (they are new this summer) anchors my white casual look.  I added a thrifted knitted white camisole on top.

Adding Silver

My Karen Scott silver sandals were pulled out this spring from hibernation. Since their rediscovery, I have been wearing them quite a lot. I had forgotten how comfy they are and everyone needs a pair of super-comfortable sandals!

My other silver accessories are second hand. I love chain belts and I found this vintage silver one on eBay. My Stella and Dot necklace and Brighton bracelet (were also found on eBay).

I discovered with Brighton that you have to look carefully, because there’s also a brand called Brighton Beach that looks like the real thing but isn’t. Some things just come with copy cats.

My silver Michael Kors bag is from The RealReal.  I found large bags (and I did try a few) just didn’t look proportionally right with the longer Kimono length. So I decided, long Kimono-smaller bag.

Adding Gold

For my second casual variation, I am exchanging the silver for gold as well as a little coral color and straw. I also exchanged my camisole for a white polyester shell that is a good twenty years old (it’s been a staple under suits).

Nothing says summer better than straw and wicker and I sneak them in whenever I can. This vintage Rodo straw has been on here many times during the last four years.

My sources for my accessories are; the Stella and Dot necklace is again from eBay as is my vintage straw Rodo bag. The Elizabeth Cole ram head bracelet is from Poshmark and my thin gold belt was thrifted. The Enzo Angiolini sandals are very  old but bought new once upon a time.

Going Dressy With Black

My black jumpsuit, which I am using for my black column today was found on Poshmark. It  has been a closet staple for these past three years and even  got its own post. And I have to admit, although I will probably wear the white column styling more, this one is my favorite.

It seems I had a bit of luck when I found my jumpsuit on Poshmark because there don’t seem to be to many on there at the moment. However, Macy’s has some fantastic samples in black.

Fabric Makes a Difference

This particular jumpsuit is made from a polyester crêpe, a slightly textured matte fabric.

“Crêpe, commonly spelled crepe, is a luxurious fabric that was traditionally made from silk, but can now can be made from almost any fiber. Crepe types vary from thin and lightweight to thick and heavyweight. Most crepe fabrics have a beautiful drape and are popular for evening gowns and suiting.”

Yes, it likes it dressy.

Adding Silver

All silver accessories used were sourced second hand. The Stella & Dot Alexandria Bib necklace was found on eBay (exact one here) as was my vintage Koret bag and Badgley & Mischka heels. My little silver mesh and metal belt was thrifted.

Adding Gold

With the change to gold, I am featuring two pieces of jewelry by Kansas
City designer Ngan Vuong. Her pieces feature semi-precious stones and are standouts. My necklace and ring are no different.

My white semi-circle wicker bag is one of my vintage Rodos. The raw silk gold Ralph Lauren wedges were picked up, of all places, Tuesday Morning a few years ago. They have made a rare appearance here and there over the years.

Lastly, is my brass/old gold chain link belt. Around ten years ago, I became nostalgic about a chain link belt that I had as a teenager in the 60’s. Of course, it had been long lost but I wanted one again. I remember that it took me about a month of hunting, but finally this one popped up on eBay and I grabbed it. By the Limited, it reminds me of something you would see in a Pre-Raphaelite painting. I use to wear it a lot but seem to have let it languish in the closet for a few years. It’s time to rediscover it and see how I can style it with some of my current clothes.

Wrapping it up

And I think that’s it up for this lady and her kimono. So to sum it up…

I’ve finally have started using modern kimonos and hope they stick around for a while because they are really fun. Are you like, me quite a late comer or got on the kimono trend early on? Do you just not like them and have no desire to wear one? I would really like to know.

I know that most of you can’t run down to Debby’s, What to Wear, on the central square in county seat Butler, Missouri (about 50 miles south of Kansas City). The good news is that you can find kimonos everywhere, especially on line; eBay, Amazon and department stores all have selections and you can find about any style you want.

Also, this post, as most of mine do, drives home that I just don’t have a problem buying second hand. It’s just the way I operate and I so love a good hunt!

Take care and stay safe.

Michael and I are still having to be very careful here in Missouri and I think we will have to continue doing so for a very long time. I’m about to make us some more masks (waiting for my fabric from ETSY) because I now consider them an essential wardrobe accessory.

XOXO

Just a few extra photos…

OK, this is really it-Bye for now

Stay creative, Terri