07 April 2009

Four Ways - Short Sleeve Sweater

I don't think it's an overstatement to say that I had a closet meltdown of epic proportions over the weekend. Tom and I had plans to walk downtown to attend the First Friday celebrations when all of the art galleries in town unveil their new exhibits for the month. I swear I stood in my closet for an hour putting on outfits and then ripping them right off. I'd put on a cute dress, tights and sandals and then remember it was raining, so I'd put on jeans and rain boots and feel like I was suffocating. OK, I know that's a bit dramatic but I was having a moment.

It's not that I don't have anything to wear, it's just this stinkin' weather. I can't figure it out. You saw how beautiful Sunday afternoon was from my photos and then last night they (whoever they are) were calling for snow showers. I just can't keep up. One day I'm lying in the warm grass, the next day it's snowy. It's enough to make a girl a little batty.

Sooo... I've been searching in my closet for pieces to get me through these maddening days and I ran across this 50's cashmere short sleeve sweater. I picked it up at a vintage store a while back and it sort of got lost in my closet. "Short sleeve sweater" seems like a bit of an oxymoron to me and I even though I love the piece I wasn't quite sure what to do with it.

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  • First, while it's still a bit cool outside I can pair it with a thick tweed skirt and a pair of knee boots. Worst comes to worst, I could throw on a pair of tights and a jacket and be prepared for colder weather.
  • I've got lots of summer dresses hanging in my closet waiting to see the light of day. The sweater layered quite nicely over this one. A good way to keep a little warm while still getting to wear a summer dress.
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  • As the weather warms a bit I can pair it with a light cotton skirt and sandals. Just the right mix of cool and warm for days when the weather is unpredictable.
  • It mixes just as well with jeans as with skirts. I just layered the sweater over a little Peter Pan collar blouse.

28 comments:

Meaghan Kelly said...

you've actually just inspired me to look for one myself! and you are also spectacular in jeans! i always feel strange in them! but maybe i'll look for a pair like yours and try it out again!

great looks!

Q's Daydream said...

Cute! I always have trouble with short sleeve sweaters! Have a good day :o)

Audi said...

Wow, we don't often see you in jeans --those are fantastic. Love the cut and the seams around the pockets. Are they vintage?

kater said...

I think this is one of my favorite of your 'Four Ways' posts! It's just darling--the second and last looks are my favorite! I'm also, and have been for a while, quite envious of your belts! Somehow they are always just perfect!

I feel you on the meltdown thing. It's a horrible, powerless feeling!

karina said...

Eugh, I know exactly what you're saying. I live in southern Ontario and the weather has been similar.
On Sunday we had this beautiful sweater-weather spring day and even night, by morning there was 15inches of snow.
Here's hoping the weather does a complete 180 and I can wear that plaid thrifty dress in my closet!

ps. long term listener, first time caller

karina

text machine said...

those jeans are really great on you. I love pretty dresses and skirts (too much really) but there's something about a really good pair of jeans that somehow charms me even more.

Unknown said...

Looks to me like you know exactly how to wear this sweater! I like the thin belt over it, and wearing it over a summer dress with the sleeves rolled peeking out. I could definitely borrow that!

Meghann said...

I love the jeans look! And I have a closet meltdown at least once every 2 months - I then know it's time to go through my stuff and get down to my basics!

Rebecca said...

Those are all great combinations! I've been having similar closet-meltdowns lately... it IS this crazy weather! Yesterday as soon as I opened the front door I knew I had to make some adjustments- traded my flats for boots, my light jacket for a big coat, and added a scarf. It's not fair!!

Pink Princess said...

I love the bag you have on the third look (love the yellow skirt too!). I've noticed it on several posts and I've been wanting to ask you what its called and where can I find one? Are you selling anything like it on your stores?

Eyeliah said...

So helpful, thank you! I have this adorable short sleeve sweater, and it is a tough piece to style. Will save all those outfits to my lookbook. :-) Thanks again!

indigorchid said...

Wow, I love your "four ways" posts! And I know how you feel... spring - just stay already!

Lexie said...

those jeans are epic! i wish i had your stature to carry them off.

TimberleyJ said...

Hello, i am new to the blog love ur style but where do u find those t strap brown shoes they are so cute!

thimbles and gingham said...

ohh yay! a four ways post. i love them! all these looks look great. your hair looks so shiny!

Coppertop said...

The four way is amazing as always. But do tell....what did you wear to First Friday?

Sally Jane Vintage said...

Meaghan Kelly: Thanks! I’m so glad you liked it. I’m not usually comfortable in jeans either but I’m liking these more and more.

Q’s Daydream: Thanks! I’ve always had trouble with them too.

Audi: The jeans are not vintage. They’re actually from Topshop (a couple of years ago).

Kater: Thanks! I’ve searched for years for belts that I like and finally found a couple. Always check the children’s section at the thrift store for belts small enough to wear at the waist.

Karina: Oh, I can’t imagine 15 inches of snow! Good luck. Thanks for the comment!

text machine: The jeans are growing on my. Maybe you’ll see them more often!

ZombieLace: Yes, I think the trick was keeping the sweater belted. I’m glad you like the post!

Meghann: Thanks so much. The closet melt downs are never fun. I think everyone has them now and then.

Rebecca: I’ve been having a lot of those days too. I never know what to wear to leave the house!

Pink Princess: Thanks! That’s one of my favorite purses right now. I don’t have any more like it to sell at the moment. I’ve seen lots of similar ones on Etsy. Just search for “wicker purse”.

Eyeliah: I’m so glad it was helpful to you! Thanks.

indigorchid: Thanks! Yes, I wish spring was here to stay too. Soon!

copperoranges: Thanks so much! Really, I’m not that tall. Only 5’6”. I think the trick is finding the right pair of jeans.

Timbo32: Welcome! Thanks so much for reading my blog. The t-strap shoes are vintage Ferragamos. There are usually similar pairs for sale on Etsy. Good luck!

thimbles and gingham: I’m so glad you like it! Ha - I think my hair looks shiny because I haven’t washed it. ;)

Coppertop: Oh, yes First Friday. Unfortunately the weather turned so nasty we had a nice evening at home instead. Oh well! Next month.

Missa said...

All such inspiring suggestions! I'm especially loving how the sweater breaks up that adorable plaid dress so that the collar and sleeves really stand out :)

Piglet said...

I can't believe how perfectly it goes with the dress. It actually looks like part of the dress.

svenskaussie said...

Yay, I'm so happy to see your '4 ways' post return. Another round of pure inspiration SJ, thank you so much.

Josephine Frances said...

Great ideas! My favourites are with the plaid dress, and with the jeans

Kira Aderne said...

It is so cute :)

Ace said...

Oh these are lovely, I was hoping you would do another four ways, its my favourite post. That little sweater looks too cute. Keep it up!

kad the mad said...

ahh, this is lovely too! i've linked you in my blog, i hope thats okay;) your last outfit inspired me. have a look if you please
www.hollysocks.blogspot.com

i'm sorry for stalking:)
thanks for the inspiration!

Tea Lady said...

I love the top with the high waisted jeans. you rock that look:)

Casey said...

Lovely ideas! I've seen many short sleeve sweaters that I love, but sometimes feel a bit lost knowing how to incorporate them into my wardrobe (since like you said: a short sleeve sweater is kind of an oxymoron!). Thanks for the inspiration!

Terry said...

I love how you make your notable vintage look fresh and unique every time. How do you do it?!

Vergangenheitshang said...

I love all four outfits. Really beautiful.