On Shopping and Temporary Mental Disorders…

shopping

What did you get in the sales?

Maybe you’re a smart shopper who ignored the trendy items of the season and just added a few good quality basics to your well-curated wardrobe? Or maybe you got the fabulous winter coat you’ve been stalking online for months? Or perhaps you found a designer bag at a sizeable discount? Good for you!

And what did I get?

A couple of sequinned t-shirts, two evening bags, a belt, a trench coat and a vintage kimono.

evening bags

Actually, only one of the t-shirts, the trench coat (which I already have in another colour…) and the belt were on sale. The bag made from cork was a souvenir from Madeira, and the other bag was a Christmas present from hubby. And the 1920’s hand-embroidered kimono?!?

winter sales 2015

I blame Downton Abbey. Ever since I saw Lady Mary wearing that fabulous blue kimono I’ve been fantasising about having something like that. And then I saw this one in a shop window in Islington

Let’s just agree that it was a temporary mental disorder. It happens.

Or maybe there’s a part of me that is a bit more eccentric and flamboyant. That’s a bit scary…

vintage kimono

So, hits or misses?

The belt will go brilliantly with the gold loafers I got last summer, a sequinned t-shirt (or two) always brings a little bit of fun to a plain outfit, and the trenchcoat… OK, fine, I have 5 trench coats now, and I’m sure I will wear this one to bits. After all, a trench coat is practically my uniform in spring and autumn. But the vintage kimono… how on earth am I going to wear that???

Any suggestions?

Tiina

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25 Comments

  1. The Velvet Runway
    3 January 2016 / 3:58 pm

    I know what you mean about shopping in the sales. It's really easy to be tempted by something just because it's a bargain. I still haven't worn the sequinned skirt I bought in the sales last year! The vintage kimono is beautiful – I'm sure you will find a way to wear it! If you would like to,have a look at my post on the picks of the sales! :)http://www.thevelvetrunway.com/picks-of-the-sales/

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2016 / 9:52 am

      I'm usually not tempted by bargains, the problem is that my size usually sells out before the sales. Or I can't find anything in the colours I like. So, there's not much available for me, and I end up buying something from the new season because of that. Most of the time I don't even bother with the sales at all, but every now and then I think it might be nice to get some basics at least.

  2. Shybiker
    3 January 2016 / 6:39 pm

    Ooohh… love the bags. I have no idea how kimonos are worn.

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2016 / 9:54 am

      I loved the bags, too, and as I didn't really have evening bags, these make sense. The kimono… I think it will take a while for me to figure out how to wear it.

  3. Petite Silver Vixen
    3 January 2016 / 8:51 pm

    Gorgeous colour of the trench. Can't wait to see it on you. That kimono is stunning. Buy yourself a chaise longue if you haven't already got one and then drape yourself over it wearing your fabulous kimono! Helpful, I know!I'm trying valiantly to stay away from the sales especially as I bought a few bits and bobs in France over Christmas.http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2016 / 10:02 am

      I'd been eyeing that coat for months, but couldn't quite justify buying it because I have the exact same coat in blue ( which goes with most of my clothes). But now the coat was 50% off, and in my size. There's never anything in my size left in sales! Clearly, it was fate… Yes, the kimono is stunning, and as it's handmade and silk, it's quite a special piece and I thought it's so rare to find something like that. And I just couldn't resist. And the pragmatist in me is furious for buying something so 'out-of-character'. But I'll think of something, even if it's just hanging it on the wall as decoration…

  4. Patti
    3 January 2016 / 11:17 pm

    I love your picks, and I think when we go shopping our eyes should be open for treasures! I wear my kimono style wrap as a top piece with jeans and skirts. Let it shine. xox-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2016 / 10:03 am

      Yes, treasures! Thank you for providing me with the perfect excuse for buying something less practical!

  5. Mica T
    4 January 2016 / 3:20 am

    That kimono is beautiful! I can see why you had to have it! :)I've been wearing kimonos a lot recently because it's summer here and they are the perfect layering piece, not too heavy to wear in the heat. They always look good with denim, or what about a classic LBD so the red really pops?Away From The Blue Blog

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2016 / 10:05 am

      I guess I thought I would be wearing it as a sort of a summer soat, too. Even though it's fully lined and a bit awkward lenght. The LBD might work, too.

  6. No Fear of Fashion
    4 January 2016 / 7:42 am

    I have been wearing kimonos for at least 10 years now. Usually just to launch around the house and still look fabulous. After all, your husband should be the first and most important person to dress up for. But with a white T-shirt on jeans, might also be good.Greetje

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2016 / 10:07 am

      A kimono as a housecoat? Well, it's certainly more stylish than the ratty old t-shirts I normally wear…

    • No Fear of Fashion
      8 January 2016 / 6:42 pm

      think of your husband…

  7. Jill James
    4 January 2016 / 9:03 am

    Like you I am not a good sale shopper, there is never anything I really want or need come sale time. The trench really is just you so of course it had to be yours. The clutches will be on high rotation for many years to come.I always admire kimonos on others as day wear but it is not a look I have tried, will be interested to see how you style it.

    • Tiina L
      4 January 2016 / 10:14 am

      Yes, that sums up the problem: come sale time, there's usually nothing I want in the shops. Or there's nothing in my size, or colours… So, the trench is a great colour, my size, and I didn't have to go to a dozen shops to find it because it was in the local department store. That never happens, so I thought it was meant to be. And the kimono… I might never find something like that again. But it will be months before I can wear either of these, the trench or the kimono, of course as it's mid-winter now, so I have plenty of time to think how to style them.

  8. Suzanne Carillo
    4 January 2016 / 10:44 pm

    You are going to wear that fabulous piece with aplomb baby! It is GORGEOUS!!! Personally I think you would have been out of your mind to pass it up so I'm delighted you didn't. I've worn my kimonos with jeans and boots and even a dress. The more you're willing to play with it the more I think it will surprise you. I personally cannot wait to see you modelling it here.bisousSuzanne

    • Tiina L
      5 January 2016 / 11:25 am

      Thanks, Suzanne. I agree: it's gorgeous, and it would have been stupid not to get it. A1920's silk kimono, that's something special… It's just that I'm a very pragmatic person, with a taste for super low-maintenance (read: sloppy) clothes and something like this feels a bit delicate. I mean, I'm almost afraid of damaging it! But it makes no sense to get something special and then not wear it… I will find a way to wear it, but it will most likely be a while before you see it here.

  9. Andrea
    4 January 2016 / 11:26 pm

    The kimono is beautiful! Have fun with it and try it on with different things – I'm sure you'll find a why that will work for you! Wishing you a happy & healthy 2016!

    • Tiina L
      5 January 2016 / 11:19 am

      Thank you, Andrea! Yes, I think I need to try it with several outfits, and I will figure it out. Happy New Year!

  10. Jessica Jannenga
    9 January 2016 / 11:52 pm

    Love the trench, right up your alley with the beautiufl dark purple color, and the kimono is lovely. I can see how Downton Abbey could influence you! I love the dressesThank you for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!jess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      11 January 2016 / 12:12 pm

      I just love the clothes in Downton Abbey! Although when it comes to body type, I'm built more for Mad Men.

  11. Adriele Dixon
    12 January 2016 / 5:02 am

    Great pics! The kimono would look perfect with dark jeans and either simple heels or simple flats! Stopping by from the Pleated Poppy link-up!-Adrielehttp://www.StyleAssisted.com

    • Tiina L
      19 January 2016 / 5:55 pm

      Hmm, that sounds good. Flats, not heels.

  12. Lori Ann
    18 January 2016 / 4:43 am

    Love the kimono! Could you wear I open like a duster? I could see it with dark (black, denim) slim pants and a solid t.

    • Tiina L
      19 January 2016 / 5:55 pm

      Yes, that might work. Something fitted, for sure.

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