When you Buy Something While on Vacation…

Hey everyone! Have you ever been out with girlfriends, maybe had a glass of wine or two, then went out shopping? Or have you ever gone clothes shopping while in the blissful, relaxed, alternative reality of vacation? Tell me, the clothes you bought then, did you ever wear them?

Great vest for large busted women - www.whenthegirlsrule.com

So, this vest is one of those items. I bought it while on vacation, after a lunch that included wine.  I’ll say no more. The color caught my eye, then the way it draped so cleanly really intrigued me, plus I was in a very optimistic, happy mood. I tried it on and liked the unusual hem and the pocket. Plus, it’s a vest. Vests can be so versatile. The color is so neutral. This will be a basic wardrobe piece I thought.

Great vest for large busted women - www.whenthegirlsrule.com

Then I got home and back to reality and realized I would never wear this vest to work or out on errands and probably not even out to dinner. Every time I tried it on, with good intentions to make it work, I still really liked it but it was just not my style, and I just couldn’t see myself wearing it again. I have several items like this. It seemed like such a good idea when I was on vacation… It seemed like such a good idea after those cocktails…

Great vest for large busted women - www.whenthegirlsrule.com

So, I did what I always do, turn a situation completely on it’s head. If I’m not going to wear it for the humdrum, day-to-day places I always go, perhaps I should wear it to the quirky places I don’t go very often. Places where a “unique” or “interesting” item of clothing would not be out of place. Places like art museums, gallery shows, art events, concerts, actually any place where artists gather. I wore this to the Detroit Institute of Arts. No one batted an eye. It felt completely appropriate and comfortable to wear.

Great vest for large busted women - www.whenthegirlsrule.com

As you can see this vest hangs so simply and plainly it totally becomes a canvas for statement jewelry. I toned down the unusual cut with a really basic black skirt and a simple gray shirt to tone down the green (even though it’s not bright, I felt the need to keep the basics really basic). That way the graphic silver jewelry and belt had an opportunity to take the center stage. You’ve seen the skirt so many times before I won’t even link to it. The shoes are awesome and comfy and are here. The gray top is from White House Black Market. The vest is from Bryn Walker and is one of those lines of clothing that are only available at little, unique, independent boutiques.

Great vest for large busted women - www.whenthegirlsrule.com

So, I have a couple of other clothing items that I have bought on vacation. They seemed like such a good idea at the time…but now I realize they are items that are for special times, special events. Perhaps, they’re just items to wear on vacation. Perhaps, they’re the items I wear when I’m doing something out of the ordinary. We all need to push ourselves out of the ordinary and perhaps having something to wear just for that occasion is what we need for that push!

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16 Comments

  1. Yes! I often “shop” with a friend and wine and/or on vacation! It’s where I do some of my best work…that takes me OUT of my “comfort zone”…that vest is lovely and different! When I look my own closet, of all the well thought out and “safe” pieces, I would reach for a that vest and wear it with a “column of color…black, cream, grey, brown…head to toe and pop that vest on. It is very chic. You’re wise to consider it a “special occasion” piece! I am going to start considering a few of my purchases the same!!

  2. That’s a nice look on you, and just “edgy” enough for an art exhibition!

    I bought a wool shawl at a street fair in Italy, and thought I’d wear the heck out of it. Shawls seem to be “in” now so it still might see some wear.

    1. Yes, seeing something unusual and handmade really catches my eye too, especially from travels. The shawl from Italy would be quite a conversation starter I imagine. I see lots of shawls around so it wouldn’t be that unusual and they’re definitely in style now. I think it’s just wearing it the first time that gets me more comfortable with the item. Let me know how you proceed with wearing it, if you don’t mind.

  3. Well, Julia I’m really glad I dropped by to see you today, cos I love this new look! It’s sleek, elegant and so classy. Yes, and perfect for those special occasions like this. Of course no-one batted an eye – you were perfectly in keeping with those around you. We all need to have a smart version of ourselves tucked away and this is bang on for you. I adore the belt and necklace too, as they’re just right to add interest without being too bling. Girl, you’ve nailed this. Hurrah x

  4. LOL! I have a Bryn Walker jacket I bought on vacation and have never worn! I’m not sure if wine was involved, but I was definitely on vacation, imagining an alternative life and location. I need to try that thing on again!

    Regarding this fabulous vest – I love it. I could definitely see it taking center stage over a black turtleneck and black skirt, with the same shoes and same belt.

    1. Oh my gosh Bette! Too funny! I swear I’m writing this blog just for you! I’m like a figment of your imagination! Anyway, try the jacket on again and go someplace completely new or unexpected and let me know how it goes. I’d love to see that jacket!

  5. I love this outfit — and your hair! And I do know entirely too well about being on vacation, buying something I’m sure I’ll wear all the time only to tuck it in the back of my closet where it shall never see the light of day. Seeing your purchase and how you wore it and the reason for wearing it makes me think I need to bring some of those things back out into the open, breathe new life into them. You look fabulous. The outfit was perfect for the outing. And those colors, by the way — I love how organically they go together–like river stones that calm the mind and touch the soul.

    Glad I found your blog! I can see it’s going to be fun to explore.

    – Sherry
    http://www.petiteover40.com

  6. Ooh, I love the vest! I really love that color, especially against black. I would do a black tunic over black leggings and then the vest. And some funky silver jewelry.

    Isn’t it so much easier to style other people than yourself?! Hey, maybe we should do that – share some items from our closets – you put together an outfit for me and I’ll put together an outfit for you! I’ve been meaning to put together a photo library of all the items in my wardrobe anyway to keep on my phone and help me when out shopping….It could be whole new link-up thing! Ooh! Like one day a month will be like Guest Styling (working title, awful) Day or something and any bloggers that want to can link-up and do the same. Ya wanna?

    Bettye
    https://fashionschlub.com

  7. PS – I don’t believe I’ve ever shopped Under the Influence 🙂 Must try that sometime. I have one friend who always says I am too tightly bound “in my box.” Maybe that would loosen me up a bit !!!

    Bettye

  8. I buy clothes on holiday all the time. Because I love shopping and it is such a nice memory. Besides I still have the idea it is going to be special which nobody of my friends has. As I bought it abroad. No such luck. Globalization has taken that fun away.
    But I disagree to wear arty things like this to arty places. You look good in it, so wear it whenever you like. To lunch, to dinner, to do the shopping. What will happen if you do? Will the police come and take you away for inappropriate dressing? 😉😘😎
    Greetje

    1. Ha ha! No, they won’t come and take me away, but we’ll see after the election! I guess I just don’t feel confident in it though I did on vacation. I’m new to this fashion as power thing so I think I’ll get over this hang-up eventually.

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