Monday, November 8, 2010

Brown overload

DSCF5901

Happy Monday, Style Nation. I am excited to see everyone's remixes, and I'm trying to quasi participate by wearing some of my favorite pieces that I've not worn yet this fall. I thrifted this skirt for a song in Vancouver back in 2006. It's too big, but luckily the belt and cardigan deal with this issue (the cardigan covers the lumps). And of course, wearing my wedding boots makes me pretty happy. This puppies need water proofing for the winter, though.
The tights and cardigan are brown, and I tried to edit the photo to show this, although I don't know if that's clear. I never wore brown based outfits before I met Blokey, just black. But he wears a lot of brown, and it matches his coloring and his 70s aesthetic preferences, so I jumped ship. And I think browns are can be really pretty and versatile, so I am pleased.
Yesterday, I went to a post-marathon party for a couple friends who ran the NYC Marathon, both around the 4 hour mark. I can't believe the dedication and sheer fitness of these amazing people. (This also makes me wonder: how are we even friends? I congratulate myself after slogging through 3 miles). Maybe someday I'll think about running a marathon, as S, the faster one, told me that women's abilities to engage in endurance activities often peaks in our 30s/early 40s. Who knew?

Skirt: Jacob, thrifted
Cardigan, Express, thrifted
Shirt: Loft
Tights: Target
Boots: Born

19 comments:

  1. I don't think this is a brown overload at all! I really like the different shades of brown you've put together here, and I can't tell the skirt is too big. I've been trying to wear more brown-based outfits, too, which is a change for me as well.

    I think S is right about women's endurance. I run with a local running club and am regularly beaten handily by women 10 years older than me. Several of them have told me that they get faster every year (until they start getting slower, at least). The two fastest "women" who always compete for first are a woman in her mid 30s and... and 11 year old girl. : ) Go figure! Congrats to your friends-- sounds like they both beat Oprah's time!

    -Liz

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm questing on that 30s endurance peak! I'm running my third half-marathon of the year next weekend. I decided I didn't have a full in my over-worked body right now, but 13.1 miles I can handle.

    I love the mix of browns here, my dear! And I would steal those boots from you if I could!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love all the shades and textures of brown in this - those boots are amazing.

    I did my marathon 2 days before I turned 40 - I know I could still do one now at 43.

    ReplyDelete
  4. That skirt looks like it fits you perfectly! I love how sharp and pulled together this outfit looks. I never used to wear brown either, but it's definitely growing on me (also because of Fella's involvement - brown is one of the 3 prominent colors in his pallet).

    ReplyDelete
  5. That skirt looks great on you. Until recently, I always wore black and never wore brown. Somehow I got it in my head that brunettes shouldn't wear brown, which is obviously not true.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Never enough brown! It is autumn after all ...

    ReplyDelete
  7. I say just enough brown, Rad. And I love the way these awesome boots give what could be a relatively demure ensemble some edge. Like LHdM, I want those boots. A LOT.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What they don't tell you is that you hit your peak and then things start to break...or maybe I just feel that way because every single muscle in my body including some really little ab muscles most people don't even know they have and some inner thigh muscles that should never be noticeable has been tortured into soreness by Suhaila Salimpour.

    Cool brown ensemble. I would wear more brown if I could throw out my whole wardrobe and start again. I'd have chocolate brown and cognac and cream and teal and deep red and not a stitch of black anywhere. That doesn't seem likely though.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I, like everyone else, think this is brown looks great. I think a monochramatic palette like you've got here looks pretty sophisticated. I also love brown -- partly because it has a similar effect to black but is a little less harsh with my skin.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Very cute outfit indeed! No brown overload whatsoever!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ha. I can barely run half a mile.

    I love brown, even more than black. I often have trouble mixing other colors with black; but brown goes with everything.

    Chic on the Cheap

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Rad,
    On my screen the sweater and tights look black. I love the look. I imagine if they were brown I'd love it too.
    Marathon? Hmmm, I wonder when the Las Vegas Marathon is? I know, I'm a one hit wonder.

    ReplyDelete
  13. @S: Good to know about your running club. Yeay for team brown.
    @LaHdM: Your peak is still yet to come!
    @Sheila: The many ways you are amazing never ceases to amaze me.
    @Anne: I was going for sharp. Who knew that our dudes would influence our sartorial choices?
    @Rebecca: I think brunettes rock brown and black really well.
    @Sal: Good call. I should work in my one orange top as well. You're summer black out helped me love my browns even more.
    @A-Dubs: Thanks, I was hoping that the boots saved the outfit from being too school-marmy. I covet your red boots, too.
    @Cynthia: Sounds like you are doing pretty well in enduring those awesome dance sessions too. I like the sound of your brown combinations.
    @E-Jo: I like black for its starkness and neutralness but I agree with you- brown is more warm and gentle (like a 1970s folk song).
    @Peggy: Ooh, thanks for stopping by. Your cooking blog is mouthwatering.
    @LyddieGal: I bet you could up that quickly if you wanted to. Also, yeay for the versatility of brown.
    @SU: I should remix these boots with more black. Good call. I don't know if I'll be marathon ready by Style Nation meet up 2011...

    ReplyDelete
  14. great outfit! i love how the boots give it a bit of an edge. can't wait to see what else you come up with throughout this challenge!

    kendra
    http://closetconfections.com/post/1524300766/closet-confection-it-takes-two-to-make-it-outta-sight

    ReplyDelete
  15. That's awesome you have wedding boots! I totally wear more brown than black, so I love this look! I love running, but I have no desire to run a marathon... I understand the desire to have it as a goal, but I really don't think it's good for you or your heart!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ha. I can barely run half a mile.

    I love brown, even more than black. I often have trouble mixing other colors with black; but brown goes with everything.

    Chic on the Cheap

    ReplyDelete
  17. What they don't tell you is that you hit your peak and then things start to break...or maybe I just feel that way because every single muscle in my body including some really little ab muscles most people don't even know they have and some inner thigh muscles that should never be noticeable has been tortured into soreness by Suhaila Salimpour.

    Cool brown ensemble. I would wear more brown if I could throw out my whole wardrobe and start again. I'd have chocolate brown and cognac and cream and teal and deep red and not a stitch of black anywhere. That doesn't seem likely though.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love all the shades and textures of brown in this - those boots are amazing.

    I did my marathon 2 days before I turned 40 - I know I could still do one now at 43.

    ReplyDelete
  19. That skirt looks great on you. Until recently, I always wore black and never wore brown. Somehow I got it in my head that brunettes shouldn't wear brown, which is obviously not true.

    ReplyDelete