Velvet! It is everywhere on runways and in stores for this winter, and I couldn’t be happier. I love luxurious fabrics of any description; throw in a statement colour as well and I’m ALL over it. I first spotted this pink velvet Boden trouser suit in photos from their Autumn/Winter press day. When Boden asked my friend Michelle (aka Retrochicmama) and me to choose something for our trip to New York, I went straight for the velvet suit AND some silver sequin heels. I have another pair of Boden shoes (worn here) which are amazingly comfortable. These silver sequin ones are high enough to look like a heel but don’t FEEL like you’re wearing heels. I’m so pleased with how comfortable they are; I’d like them in orange as well.
Anyway, back to the velvet suit (shoes always distract me!)… When I saw the pink one, I was really taken with the floral velvet one too, but I thought it had the potential to not look as great in person as it does in the photos on the website. Coincidentally, that is what Michelle ordered so I could see first hand how wrong I was! Now that I’ve tried on Michelle’s blazer, I want the floral suit too. The quality is fantastic, the fit is amazing, and the slight stretch in the fabric (98% cotton, 2% elastane) means it keeps its shape. Like sequins, velvet is one of those things I wear every year, whether everyone else does or not (although I’m thrilled that sequins are currently having such a fashion moment, thanks mostly to Alessandro Michele at Gucci). I ordered my trousers in the long length; I’m not a huge fan of the proportions of cropped trousers on me, and also I think they could look very dated in a year or two. I like a wardrobe with longevity.
In addition to wearing the blazer and trousers together as a suit, I love the idea of wearing them as separates like Michelle has done here. How great are velvet trousers with a silk top or with a preppy sweater and heels? And how amazing is a velvet blazer with jeans and a statement earring? Velvet fabric elevates any outfit and makes it just a scootch more special… I think of it like corduroy, but better.
Michelle and I had such a blast on our trip which was to mark her 50th birthday (I know, can you believe she is 50?!). One evening we met up with my friend Ron, who is a photographer in New York, and who was also my prom date junior year! He took these lovely photos of us in the West Village before we all headed over to Angel’s Share for cocktails and dinner. The rest of our time in New York, Michelle and I drifted all over the Upper East Side, The West Village, the Meatpacking District, Midtown, Soho, and the East Village, fuelled every day by perfect cappuccinos from Perk Cafe. We did whatever took our fancy. I especially enjoyed sharing some of my old haunts with her, from when I lived in the city years ago. I knew she’d go completely crazy for What Goes Around Comes Around. It is one of the best vintage stores in the city, and maddeningly, I used to live right next door. Before we even walked in, I saw a red sequin vintage Halston blazer hanging in the window (which given the price, thankfully didn’t fit)… some things never change!
The view down 5th Avenue from The Peninsula rooftop bar
Michelle and I started our blogs at the same time, and she’s the one who convinced me to go to a blogging conference where we met the other women that would eventually form The Over 40 Collective. I love her humour, her style, her honesty, and the considered choices she makes as she walks through the world. I trust her so much that I bought a pair of scissors from the pharmacy and had her cut four inches off of my hair while we were away! You’ll see that on a future blog post (we made these photos before The Chop). Blogging is sometimes a lonely enterprise for someone who is as insanely social as I am, but having Michelle AND the Over 40 Collective, as well as the other friends I’ve made over the past few years writing this blog, has turned my laptop into the ultimate office water cooler.
Below is a gallery of the (mostly velvet) pieces that I’m currently crazy about at Boden. I had a hard time deciding between them all, but the pink suit won. There is a green foil print velvet suit (dark green with gold flecks, drool!) that has just appeared online, and would be an investment piece for years to come, especially for the holidays. Also, if you’ve not tried Boden shoes before you really should give them a shot. They are so well made, so genuinely comfortable, and good value. Right now there is a 25% off sale, including free delivery and returns, which I just saw while writing this post (code J3U3 at checkout). I’ll race you to the floral velvet suit!
SaveSave
Save
linking to: stylesplash, notdeadyetstyle, notdressedaslamb
31 Comments
RetroChicMama
October 22, 2017 at 10:33 PMAww you’re so lovely to write such beautiful compliments about me Lisa. The feelings are mutual, in fact I’ve been having Sequinist withdrawals since returning from NYC!
I love the shots you chose by the way. Great reading your take on velvet & your thoughts on Boden in general.
Let’s pencil in a date for the next one xxx
Lisa
October 23, 2017 at 9:05 PMYes, we must be pencilling in some dates! I love all of our shots on this campaign. It really didn’t feel like work, did it?! xx
Patti
October 23, 2017 at 12:01 AMYou’re both simply gorgeous, as is the greatest city in the world! (I’m going there tomorrow). Thanks for linking up, xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Lisa
October 23, 2017 at 5:23 PMThank you, Patti! Enjoy your time in the city too! xx
Little Red
October 23, 2017 at 3:27 AMBoth of yours velvet suits are gorgeous but I think that printed one is really calling my name.
Lisa
October 23, 2017 at 5:22 PMYes, I know, isn’t it a DREAM?? I am definitely getting that one too. I can only see the UK site, but I hope the 25% off is valid in the US as well. xx
Little Red
October 24, 2017 at 1:15 AMIt is!
Lisa
October 24, 2017 at 1:07 PMYAY!
Nancy
October 23, 2017 at 4:17 PMTwo beautiful women! And I cant wait to see the cut post!
Lisa
October 23, 2017 at 5:22 PMThank you, Nancy. We should have made a video of Michelle chopping my hair, but we didn’t! You’ll just see that my hair is a lot short after the next post or two… xx
Stella Asteria
October 23, 2017 at 4:42 PMAnd now that I see you both I want both the floral and pink too! 😀 You two look amazing! I can tell from the photos that the quality is great and who doesn’t love a slight stretch right? I am so glad Michelle convinced you to go to that conference and you started your blog and I met you. You are such an inspiration to me on so many levels!
PS: Totally eyeing the olive green suit on your picks too! You make me dream of one of these suits for post pregnancy!
Thanks for sharing and have an amazing week!
xoxo
Stella | http://www.stellaasteria.com
Lisa
October 23, 2017 at 9:03 PMOhhhh, the floral one is just spectacular in person. It really is top of my wish list right now! I want every velvet thing I see at the moment 🙂
Thank you so much Stella! I’m equally inspired by you, and I’m so pleased that the world of blogging brought us together. It is really amazing to be on this adventure alongside you. xx
jamie
October 23, 2017 at 6:36 PMI love velvet … but a floral velvet takes it to another level! Well done, Ladies!!
Abby@Midlifecrisisnut
October 23, 2017 at 10:30 PMOh Girls! I miss you so much! I’m so happy for you going on that trip! You look absolutely gorgeous, both of you! ❤️ And speaking of velvet, I got so velvet crazy lately that I had my bed upholstered in a super soft Kravet velvet and am planning on buying some more velvet furniture for the house. Sending lots of love! xx Abby
simplementlui
October 24, 2017 at 9:15 AMGreat outfits and fantastic pictures of you both 😉
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2017/10/22/see-you-soon/
Lisa
October 24, 2017 at 1:07 PMThanks so much! xx
Suzy Turner
October 24, 2017 at 12:59 PMYou both look absolutely gorgeous! The pink velvet suit looks like such a dream – I’m a huge fan of velvet and pink (especially hot pink) so it’s utterly perfect. It certainly sounds like you had a blast in NY too. I’ve just booked my trip there! I’m so excited. We went there for a few days in 2009 and we’re headed back for four days in January, after a few weeks visiting Boston and doing a road trip all over New England. I know it’s going to be freezing cold but we love holidays with snow lol!!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com / http://www.yogadocious.com
Lisa
October 24, 2017 at 1:09 PMThanks so much, Suzy. I’m wearing this suit on repeat lately… comfortable AND fashionable is always a win.
A trip to NY is so exciting! I know you’ll have a blast; it is impossible to have a bad time there. I love it that time of year too, winter is great in the city. xx
LA CONTESSA
October 24, 2017 at 4:06 PMDO YOU MEAN BODEN HAS TALL………for the longer length?
The outfit looks so GOOD on YOU.
I toss the catalog without even opening as they look TOO SMALL to me for us TALL GIRLS!
I will give it a chance NOW!
XX
Lisa
October 31, 2017 at 7:14 PMIt is definitely worth a shot! I always get the longer length in trousers if offered. Thank you, Elizabeth! xx
No Fear of Fashion
October 25, 2017 at 3:45 PMAlthough I am really skinned (financially) you both could have sold me on this suit. I think I would have chosen the green with gold one, although I am not sure. The pink one, as you say can elevate anything worn separately. And the flower one is sooo nice too. Only.. on my body this jacket is way too short. It is not going to flatter me. A shame.
I would have so liked to be with you in NY. What a blast going to all the vintage stores. But what am I saying? I let down Sylvia of 40 Plus Style by not joining her in New York this August. I looked at the costs and decided I couldn’t buy anything if I spent it on fair and hotel and food.
Greetje
Lisa
October 31, 2017 at 7:19 PMThe green with gold flecks is calling my name as well. I haven’t seen it in person, but I know it will be fabulous. I’m so eager to wear the pink one with that big pink waterfall crystal necklace I have. I’ll have to let you try my jacket, usually these shorter ones don’t work on me either, but this one has enough shape… or maybe it blends into the pink trousers?? Dunno.
Well, we need to find a less pricey option to spend a day together. It will have to be somewhere in Europe. xx
Miki (@mikialamode)
October 25, 2017 at 6:35 PMLove the pink velvet suit! I have a pink suit in a softer pink and would’ve LOVED for it to have been velvet. You look so gorgeous, and I love that you wear bold colors! Loving the glittery shoes. Alessandro Michele seriously has done some great and fun things for fashion trends. 🙂
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
josep-maria
October 26, 2017 at 7:46 AMWhat a wonderful jacket suit! The color is really spectacular, and despite its originality is really elegant.
Lisa
October 31, 2017 at 7:13 PMThank you, Josep-Maria. I can see I’ll be wearing this suit all holiday season! xx
Samantha Blair
October 27, 2017 at 9:40 PMYou ladies are beautiful and look great in pink!
I’m coveting that blouse on Michelle and your silver heels Lisa.
Gorgeous.
I love the idea of a pink velvet suit but I just can’t get Boden trousers to fit me… I must be an odd shape or something.
Luckily I can style it vicariously through this post :oP
XXX
Samantha
Lisa
October 31, 2017 at 7:09 PMThat blouse is a velvet jacket! Isn’t it absolutely DIVINE, Sam? These silver heels are ridiculously comfortable. I put them through their paces in Paris last week. I’ve always found Boden shoes to be surprisingly comfortable. I used to have that issue with Boden trousers, but not these, oddly. xx
Samantha Blair
October 31, 2017 at 8:52 PMHahahaha…. so it is! Double take time!! Fabulous. XXX
thestylesplash
October 31, 2017 at 10:43 AMI remember reading that you were once wary of pink…well you’re rocking it now! I love that suit and the colour is gorgeous! I’ve been looking for a velvet blazer for several years now but just can’t find one that fits right, they’re usually too baggy. I’ll have to try Boden because I’ve never been disappointed with the quality before. Now my only dilemma is what colour to choose! Thanks for linking up Lisa!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Lisa
October 31, 2017 at 7:08 PMYes, I’ve really turned the corner on pink, haven’t I?! Definitely try the Boden velvet jackets; they have just a bit of stretch and I love the fit. xx
HOW TO WEAR THE VELVET SUIT TREND
November 1, 2017 at 7:56 PM[…] The Sequinist & I have worked Boden’s versatile velvet suit in our own unique ways. Sometimes a suit is more than the sum of its parts so what appears one simple look can actually be worn several different ways. The beautiful cut & lush quality of this velvet fabric allows the suit to fit like a glove. Plus with 2% elastane it molds & moves with your body making it incredibly comfy for the entire day. Bear this in mind if you’re going for a slim fit. Today I’m wearing size UK10 trousers & UK12 blazer although now that I know how terrific the material is I’d choose the 10 blazer & 8 trousers instead. […]