30 March 2008

Four Ways - Black Vest





I was feeling a little blank when it came time to do this week's Four Ways installment so I went for the most trusty piece in my wardrobe: my little black vest. I know there's nothing revolutionary about this piece, but I can't tell you how many times I reach for it to finish off an outfit.
  • Any day I don't want to put any real effort into thinking about what I'm going to wear I throw on jeans, a t-shirt or oversized flannel and top it off with the vest. It instantly takes a jeans and tee look that could be bland and gives it a little something extra.
  • You can thank Alexander Wang for this one. His grunge inspired F/W runway show was one of my favorites. The monochromatic palettes of black and grey, the men's inspired pieces, the grungy boots - I loved it all.
  • I'm feeling very Bonnie Parker meets Annie Hall in this one. A high waisted wool skirt topped with the little black vest is one of my favorites.
  • I have several flowery spring dresses that I'm dying to wear but it's still just a bit early to pull out of the closet. Until then, I'll be pairing them with black tights and my vest and hoping for warmer weather.

Alright ladies - I'm coming up a bit blank on what to feature next. I'd love to hear from you about what you would like shown. Is there a piece you bought that you're not sure how to wear? Something that you've seen on the runway that you'd like to work into your wardrobe? Let me know! :)

33 comments:

Eyeliah said...

Hi, great post!! A slouchy sweatshirt.

Unknown said...

I love your "4 ways". Always makes me want to get the pieces that you feature. What about a leather jacket? It seems to be the "in" thing at the moment. I have a light brown fake leather one that I'm having difficulties matching with my clothes.

Tali said...

perfect all around!!!! my fave is the one with the floral dress. great picks!!!

Anonymous said...

i also vote for 4 ways on the leather jacket :)

Anonymous said...

I love the last way of wearing the vest!

Michelle said...

I can't decide which look I like best so I have to say I love them all!

laura_p said...

I love the contrast of the black vest and tights with the sweet sun dress in your final look. Very unexpected.

Anonymous said...

i'd like to see 4 ways how to wear lamè leggings.

Maxie said...

The last way with the floral dress is the most beautiful!!

Rorosto said...

Ooh! I was just thinking this morning that I need help with a piece I got. It's a white Philip Lim blouse I got on sale with all this cool pleeting... but I can't figure out how to wear it. With black pants, for instance, I look like a waiter, or look like a beret and a painted on moustache would turn me into an "artiste". How to de-costume it?

Rorosto said...

Ooh! I was just thinking this morning that I need help with a piece I got. It's a white Philip Lim blouse I got on sale with all this cool pleeting... but I can't figure out how to wear it. With black pants, for instance, I look like a waiter, or look like a beret and a painted on moustache would turn me into an "artiste". How to de-costume it?

Anonymous said...

I love your four ways! It really inspires me. I know a lot of people have asked for four ways on the leather jacket, but what about superhigh bronze pumps? I'd like to see your vision on that one, too.

Zoë said...

Woahh you wear that vest very well! The vest with floral look has inspired me to wear my vest with a floral shirt tomorrow =D

Maybe you could do a 4-ways skinny jeans? Or 4 ways florals? Scarves?

pennyfarthing said...

A vest is something that I don't own and hadn't really thought about purchasing... but you're right; it really pulls together a look and makes it more interesting.

I love the Bonnie Parker look!

Stararah said...

I think I may have to try something like look #2 tomorrow.. hm..

Katia said...

I love vets soo much so obviously I'm adoring all the different ways =] I've never really seen anyone wear a flanel hunter looking shirt that well, it's kinda giving me the craving to get one =]
I do have something actually that i got but never wore and i was stressing about it yesterday but now i can't remember what it was.. if it comes to mind I'll let you know =]

Unknown said...

I like when you do these! Personally, I have a few flowy, peasant-y boho dresses left over from a few seasons ago that I am kind of at a loss about.

Sally Jane Vintage said...

Thanks for all of your comments! I'll definitely take your suggestions into consideration when I do my next Four Ways post.

Anonymous said...

oo! love this post! i know you said a vest is a really basic item, but since i bought mine from H&M i find few outfits i feel comfy wearing a vest with. so far i wore it with a basic white t-shirt, a skirt, and purple tights and also an outfit where i wear classic blakc jeans, a white blouse w/ a tie, and the vest. this post was very inspirational! love look 1 & 4!

Jen (MahaloFashion) said...

Oh I love the second outfit especially!

Anonymous said...

LOVELY

Anonymous said...

A chiffon button-up blouse with ruffles down the front.
Really pretty,but I can never wear it without looking "secretary chic".
I want to wear it on more casual occasions,and besides pairing it with shorts I really am stuck.

:)

Lexie said...

this is great!

you have such lovely style!

WendyB said...

Very nice.

Anonymous said...

ankle boots, boots, and belts

Vancouverista said...

how about....4 ways to wear 'tunics' you know...the shirts/dresses that aren't long enough to be a dress and aren't short enough to be a shirt

Anonymous said...

your four ways posts are ALWAYS so inspiring and awesome!

Anonymous said...

Four ways to wear shorts and a shirt, I just moved to Florida and im having trouble dressing for the weather. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Four ways to wear shorts and a shirt, I just moved to Florida and im having trouble dressing for the weather. Thanks.

Jillian Hobbs said...

i wore an outfit really similar to the one you have on top right! it was very comfortable and the shorts/leggings were so fun to wear!

i really love your dress too i love floral prints!

would you like to exchange links by any chance i am just loving your blog!

Sally Jane Vintage said...

Jillian: Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying the blog. I'd be happy to exchange links with you.

Anonymous said...

love your blog...how about a shrunken boy blazer done 4 ways?

Sally Jane Vintage said...

Anonymous: I actually have done a navy blazer - check out the past Four Ways post to see it. Thanks!