Tibi Off the Shoulder Tunic

Remember back in the summer, when I fell for Tibi’s off the shoulder cotton poplin top, which sold out on Net A Porter several times?  Well, I missed out, so I decided to buy the winter version which was exactly the same top, but in soft grey wool flannel.  I did have some misgivings. It seemed a little crazy to buy something as impractical as a warm wool tunic that was also off the shoulder.  What’s next, a down filled bikini?  A winter coat made of chiffon?  The to-hell-with-practicality-and-long-live-fashion element of this shirt appealed to me, and I bravely ordered it on a hot, sweaty July day when I was in North Carolina, and couldn’t possibly imagine anything worse than wool flannel.

Fast forward to now, and guess who is not looking so crazy? We’ve had the mildest winter so I’ve been flouncing about in my wool off the shoulder top.  It seems like the ideal thing to wear in this weather.   The fashion world would call this a ‘transitional wardrobe’ piece. Not too hot, not too cold, and makes a nice change from a sweater/jumper. These photos were taken on Christmas Eve eve, which was the most glorious day in London.

On a standalone basis, the shirt has a slightly bohemian, peasant-blouse feel.  I was worried I’d look like I should be taking orders in a beer garden if I didn’t rock n’ roll it up, so I added some metal-chain-fringed satin boots, silver aviator sunglasses, faux leather jeans, my ubiquitous Hermes cuff bracelet, and a single earring.  Now I feel like my overall look doesn’t say so much “Wollen Sie ein Bier?” as it does “I’m with the band!” (ok, it probably says “I’m the Mom of the drummer in the band” but you get my point).

Top: Tibi, Trousers: H&M (old)

 Satin Giuseppi Zanotti boots (old).  (Note leopard print in metal fringe!)

Delphine Pariente ear crawler

Another evening, I wore this to a friend’s house for a dinner party, but since her house is always FREEZING, I wanted to add a layer and style it completely differently.  I put an & Other Stories silk shirt underneath (which I wore a year ago).  I’m going for a sort of Amish meets Beer Garden vibe here (!) with the layered shirts.  Just to add some more bonkers elements, I wore it with my bejewelled wedding shoes and a fox clutch!  I don’t know why such a hodgepodge of things works for me, but I like it.

Kate Spade fox clutch Photos: Lottie Anderson

Linking to:   Not Lamb Linkup, sheelagoh