I'm getting my head around kimonos at the moment. I think they might be the answer to my summer cover up prayers. I don't like my arms and I don't get them out unless it's blistering hot but I think a light kimono might just do the trick of keeping me cool but covered.
And so the voices started whispering to me ("kimono, kimono, kimono") especially after I saw Janelle at The Style Eater wearing hers and looking seriously cool and awesome. How perfect is this look?
So I took note and ordered her kimono because I adored the print. And I ordered another one as well which she mentioned because I haven't an original bone in my body.
The kimono worn by Janelle proved to be a bit meh on me. It's a little heavier than I imagined (viscose jersey and lined) and the sleeves finished a little shorter than I liked. The cut was a bit saggy baggy too which resulted in some funny flaps by my hips. It wasn't meant to be.
ASOS kimono (sold out), H&M linen tee, Topshop Jamie jeans, Primark sandals
But the other one? I think this one has something going for it ....
New Look Kimono, Uniqlo IDLF Tee, Zara Jeans, Primark Sandals
A little bit ethnic, a little bit Persian carpet. It is however, very light and there is much less fabric to deal with. This one floats and wafts and that's because it's a mid weight polyester and unlined. But don't go all sniffy on me because it's a manmade fabric - you've got to remember, polyester is virtually crease resistant and as this is not clingy, its not going to make you a sweaty Betty either! The cut on this is also a zillion times better (for me) than the first one. Think about going on holiday with one of these in your suitcase. You arrive, take it out of your case, give it a shake and you're good to go! Wear over a swimsuit, a playsuit, a dress, a jumpsuit or just a vest top and denim shorts! Sorted. Tis a garment of holiday wonder!
Flip flops = holiday. Wellies = festival.
Besides, I also fancy wafting in to the school playground in a kimono rather than a cardi for a change. Let's live a little eh?
By the way, I'm not actually a kimono virgin. I already have this little lovely.
Meet my old Topshop kimono in all it's cream and grey glory. It's not often I am grabbed by a print but this oriental brushstroke pattern reeled me in good and proper and it's never let go. My only grumble - it's a shortie. It's longer at the front and more cropped at the back - I wish it was the longer length all way round then I don't need to worry about what my backside looks like. I actually have a secret hankering for a black jumpsuit to wear with it but oh the thought of my backside in a jumpsuit conjures up an image of a bag of marbles.
But I did wear it to a 40th birthday party the other year with a black dress like this.
ASOS black dress (old), Nine West Shoes (old)
Told you they were versatile didn't I?
So what do you think? Is it a yes for kimonos or are they a Kimo(NO)?
Do you have one?
Do you need one?
I''ve been lusting after a Winter Kate one for years but that is never gonna happen! My girls all have them with the fringing round the bottom which they wear on holiday. If I did buy one and I might, I would more likely wear it over day wear than a swimsuit. The New Look one is a great price but I love the first one on you too, but I know if it doesn't feel right x
ReplyDeleteThe Winter Kate ones are beautiful from what I remember but there are not many stockists around currently. They used to be on ASOS.
DeleteAnd the cut was just wrong on me on the ASOS one - I felt very brick like in it and very unfeminine in it actually. Which is not good.
Like the red kimono a lot. Agree with you about the first one - the proportions just don't look right on you. I love the whole wafty ethereal boho artisan thingummy, and paired with jeans and white tee it's relaxed summer perfection.
ReplyDeleteAnd in the meantime, please stop showing me those Zara jeans (sobs and rocks quietly in corner) ;)
Speaking of jeans, I thought I saw a pair which had potential on the Zara website and was going to look in to them a little more but alas - no sizes and practically sold out. The pair in what they call "navy blue" http://www.zara.com/uk/en/trf/jeans/5-pocket-trousers-c379001p1691721.html and I guess it depends on how much distressing you like, I quite like the look of these ones currently http://www.jackwills.com/en-gb/product/filgrave-skinny-boyfriend-reg-10000401201 not so many rips but the finish looks good and less manufactured than some. I have taken to over scrutinising the fading and washes on jeans and it's starting to worry me a lot.
DeleteI like the style of the Jack Wills ones, but for me the colour's just not quite right. I partic like the mid-blue wash of your Zara pair - makes me think of summer skies. High maintenance, see! I know what you mean about the manufactured distressing. Sometimes looks just a bit too contrived.
DeleteFunnily enough, I saw someone at an airport last week wearing one with jeans and a t shirt. It looking AMAZING. Then I found it online but sold out (New Look). I definitely need one.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't looking for one originally and found myself quite late to the party as a lot of the ones I liked had sold out but I was lucky with this New Look one. On ASOS it's sold out but on the New Look site, it's still available in the petite sizes and I managed to nab a size small.
DeleteGo and try a few on - there are so many different shaped ones and I found that sometimes the ones that you really like - don't actually suit.
I like. I haven't got one but I have a Kimono style top. You are right about the first one. The New Look one is much better and the colours are perfect. H xx
ReplyDeleteI liked the lighter tones of the New Look one - I felt quite festival ready when I put it on. The other one is more suited to a night time outing for me - quite dark. But it still looks beautiful on Janelle who I saw it on first. I think she might have a few sneaky inches on me in height!
DeleteLove the New Look kimono on you Sue. I've yet to purchase one but I likey a lot, I must add it to the list!
ReplyDeleteJane xx
My Midlife Fashion
Now Jane, I'm really surprised that you don't have a Zara kimono tucked away anywhere! They did some beautiful ones last year. I'm gutted that I didn't go for any of them from last year and I'm still kicking myself.
DeleteI love the Topshop one on you Sue and have to agree the red New Look is gorgeous on too! The first looks a bit too long and no, it doesn't hang quite right for you.
ReplyDeleteI have a gorgeous French Connection sequinned kimono I found in the clearance in T K Maxx a few years ago....haven't had it out in a while but I am now inspired to have a little play around with it! Think you have persuaded me to look for a more casual one for everyday looks too! xx
Ah - I should have known you would have a kimono but a sequinned one? I wasn't expecting that. Dare you to do the school run in a sequinned kimono!
DeleteI'm on the fence - which is completely perverse, as with all the practicalities you mentioned, it's obviously perfect for someone like me who always wants to cover up. But I'm not fully on board ... why do I keep thinking 'bed jacket'??? Although I do like your Topshop one the best. I dunno ... I need time to think about this one!!!
ReplyDeleteThey can be a bit bed jacket but do you know what? I like bed jackets :o) I'm an old bird anyway.
DeleteKeep thinking and go and try one on just to humour me. You might like it! And besides, I think you would look fabulous in one dahling!
Have one, forgot about it until now and SO in love with the New Look one - that is absolutely perfect and what a gorgeous print - so kimoyes for me!
ReplyDeleteSo when are we going to see it on Avenue 57 then?
DeleteA total yes from me! I agree that I was not loving the first one you wore, but the red and then the black and white ones are gorgeous. hmmm, I may see a kimono in my future too!
ReplyDeleteA total yes! Well that's good. It's a matter of finding the right kimono isn't it? I didn't think the first one was good on me either but you don't know till you try.
DeleteHow is the IDLF tee? Is it a boatneck?
ReplyDeleteHee hee. I knew you would focus on the IDLF tee. It's actually what they call a crew neck on Uniqlo but it is more a scoop neck which I don't mind on their tees but I object to on their jumpers. They seem to have sold out now but the nearest is this http://www.uniqlo.com/uk/store/goods/086869 but with a patch pocket. The composition is identical though. I would say this is true to size, I ordered a size small and it fits well with the right amount of slouch for me without looking slobby. And before you ask - I haven't washed it yet! I don't wear all my clothes straightaway when I get them - I just like to hang on to things for a while before I break in to them :o)
DeleteI have a gorgeous black one from topshop with big flowers embroidered all over it from the sales a few years ago - I couldn't resist how lovely it was but have never managed to wear it. You might have converted me!
ReplyDeleteI quite liked the feel of wafting around in the red one - it's a perfectly pitched daytime one actually and will be perfect for the summer. And get your kimono out - it sounds fab. Wear it with a tee and jeans so you still feel perfectly comfortable - this will take you to a pub or a nice restaurant.
DeleteWould have never even thought of a Kimono. Looks great on you Sue.
ReplyDeleteWell I actually wear my Topshop one every year and I've had it a few years now so it's become a bit of a wardrobe staple for me. It's okay for daytime but rather distinctive so I think I would prefer to keep that for nights out whereas the red one I can elegantly slum in that!
DeleteI think you'd look fabulously dramatic in one - intact I think you would do that first one beautifully - you have the height and coupled with blonde hair to offset the dark colour - fabulous!
Hi there!! Yes, the red one looks great and I adore the print of your Topshop one too. I've 3 kimonos to pull out for Summer and will also be on the lookout for more, they are so versatile and stylish- a big yay from me!!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to keep an eye out for you wearing yours in your posts. I thought I was doing quite well with now having two but you have three!
DeleteThat red kimono is gorgeous, it looks fab on and fits you perfectly! I am feeling a boho vibe coming on this summer, so I think I may have to invest in one too, very Kate Moss dahling!! Xxxx
ReplyDeleteI think everyone gets a bit of a boho vibe when the summer comes along. I don't think you can help it. Topshop always do a good range and ASOS have a good round up too. I've had good fun researching them but I think two is enough for me now.
DeleteI have a kimono buts a little dressing gown that I love. I like the red one on you better which reading from the comments I am with the majority, the fit and colour suits you. X loving the primark sandals by the way sue! X
ReplyDeleteI think the first one was a bit dark for my colouring actually. Dark colours, dark hair - it was getting a bit much. But the red one lifts me a little. That Donna has a lot to answer for, I'm starting to colour analyse everything these days - arghghg!
DeleteYou're so fashion forward! I think the first kimono looks a bit like a man's Hawaiian shirt, but the second one looks very Isabel Marant-ish. I was thinking about getting one as a multipurpose beach/travel cover up.
ReplyDeleteSpot on - I didn't see it but now I do - a Hawaiian shirt! So not going there unless I'm in Hawaii.
DeleteAnd I wish I'd had one like the red one when I was last abroad - it would have been the perfect beach cover up for me. I'm sure you will find a beautiful one (probably in a lovely washed soft linen or something).
I'm a huge fan of 1 and 2 on you. I think it's the length I'm drawn too and the prints are gorgeous too. A little tropical for the first and a little Baltic for the second. Such nice combinations you've made. Sue I assure you, most of us like to hide our arms so this is a great piece!
ReplyDeletex Mandi
www.findmeamuse.com
The first one is a very you kimono Mandi - it has drama which I think you like in some of your clothes. Worn with any of your assortment of killer shoes - you'd look awesome.
DeleteI actually love the last one the best! I bought two of these last year and after initially loving them, I have to say I'm a bit meh now. If I recall they just don't stay on my shoulders (clearly I have droopy shoulders....) and when I walked, they sort of blew off me. Selling it no? I do have one that I will keep but the other I will be selling. I LOVE the look on other people, I thought I could recreate and I couldn't. You've nailed it though - they look gorgeous and effortless on you xx
ReplyDeleteAh you have a valid point there about them blowing off the shoulders. Not so much with the first one and not so much with the last Topshop one but quite likely with the New Look one as that one is the lightest. But I won't worry about it too much as we're going with the sexy shoulders look when it's the height of summer.
DeleteAnd shame about the kimonos you have - you picked up a beautiful one in the sales in Zara last year didn't you? I hope you're keeping that one.
I love them on other people but just don't think they look right on me! I do love your topshop one and think you look so chic in the dress and heels. Btw I really like your Primark sandals. X
ReplyDeleteThe little Primark sandals - £6 and current. I thought they looked rather nice when I went past them so I couldn't resist a try on and I thought why not, for the summer. They go well with the jeans. They're not real leather but they are a good imitation leather - had me fooled. Some faux leather are obviously shiny and plasticy but they did really good with these.
DeleteYour Topshop kimono looks so good on you, its not too big and flowing! I am liking a kimono at the mo......so kimoYES from me! xx
ReplyDeleteIt's quite a petite fit isn't it? Actually the first two kimonos that I have here are in petite sizing or else I probably would be rather swamped as they are a bit longer. The proportions really count on these things.
DeleteOooo - I am tempted by these. There are a couple in the Seasalt sale online that I quite like the look of. Trouble is I'm not sure they would suit the bustier lady that I am!
ReplyDeleteJust been to nosey at the Seasalt site and the teal colours of the kimonos they have there are lovely. It all depends on how they are cut as to how they lie across your top half which is why I was quite happy with the red one but not so keen on the ASOS one me as it made me look heavier on top. Could order and try?
DeleteWatch this space ;)
DeleteI think they're one of those items you don't wear all the time but they're good to have in your wardrobe - they serve a purpose as and when. My topshop one is probably about 4-5 years old now so it's in for the long haul.
ReplyDeleteThe red kimono looks fantastic! And I see it is a petite one too :) I've always loved that kind of look in summer, light and airy, and tried on a lot of these summer yukata things they sell in Japan. But I never quite found one that suited me - too long, too baggy, or maybe myself is too short for these. But the New Look ones seem like a YES!
ReplyDeleteIts definitely in the proportions and the cut of the armholes also makes a big difference to how it all hangs. The yakutas look a little challenging actually for all the reasons you stated. I'd go for a more western influenced one in a petite range - its those crucial 1 or 2 inches which make all the difference to us small ladies.
DeleteI likey-like Sue. Must hunt mine out, I didn't wear it at all last year. Love both of yours x
ReplyDeleteAh you have one. Coral coloured perhaps?
DeleteLove the red one! Especially over the shorts, looks so summery and boho chic, without being too hippie dippy. Making me think about kimonos too...
ReplyDeletewww.nomadicd.com
I was hoping to look not too hippie dippy and avoided all tassels apart from which they will probably end up getting snagged or I'll hang myself on a door handle at some point. I can see you in the red one - just saying.
DeleteHa! I could just picture myself doing the same thing. How embarrassing would it be to have them discover your body and see that you died hanged by tassels! And yes, that red one is sort of speaking to me... Such the temptress...
DeleteI don't think I'm a proper 'kimono' sort of gal Sue but ... if I were it would be the New Look one - like it especially with the shorts - love a good Boho vibe! :)
ReplyDeleteBoho is always good for summer - it just feels right doesn't it?
DeleteI'm with you! I think this could be my perfect summer cover up! I've seen a lovely one in New Look that I'm lusting over! I have a short one in black/camel that I must dig out & play with again! Your legs are amazing btw! xx
ReplyDeleteMajor kimono love from me Sue!
ReplyDeleteThey are sooo pretty and deffo something I would wear during the day or dressed up in the evening. Such a fab alternative to a jacket or cardi.
I'd spotted a cute one at River Island x