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Monday, March 28, 2011

Art as Fashion


I've found that trying to mix art with fashion is a tricky business.  Its either too much art, and not enough tailoring; or too much tailoring and not enough art.


This jacket is no exception.  I've had this gorgeous artful jacket for about 15 years and have attempted many times to style it--many times unsuccessfully.  This is about as good as it gets.


The material looks like a watercolor painting.  It's silk (my favorite!), it has raglan sleeves with the orange peplum.  I bought it second-hand and just can't part with it.  Whenever I wear it though, it reminds my of one of my most inspirational books, When Art Became Fashion; about Japanese kosodes (similar to kimonos) and their artwork.

From When Art Became Fashion, Sakai Hoitsu, early 19th Century, National Museum of Japanese History

Here is a beautiful example of artwork as clothing that inspires me to keep that jacket!
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14 comments:

  1. LesaMarch 28, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    So Gorgeous!

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  2. LesaMarch 28, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    By the way I am 5 months away from 50, does that count?

    Stop by and check out my blog if you have time.

    Lesa
    Always Summer

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  3. JillMarch 28, 2011 at 12:04 PM

    What a gorgeous jacket and I love how you styled it. The boots are divine too.

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  4. UnknownMarch 28, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    Paula, the jacket is GORGEOUS and looks beautiful the way you're wearing it. I find that when I have a very "artful" piece, I give it a completely neutral background to make it all about the piece. I can see why you've kept the jacket! You look beautiful!!! ~Serene

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  5. OfeliaMarch 28, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    Paula, the jacket is absolutely beautiful and I really love how you style it!!
    Have a fantastic week!

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  6. AnPhibianMarch 28, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    Like the others, I love the jacket and think you've styled it just right. The blue and denim make a lovely neutral canvas for it. I think it would look great with natural-looking brown neutrals, too. Don't know if you've tried that (but if you ever need to borrow some really plain brown neutrals, I've got a million of 'em! LOL!)

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  7. silvergirlMarch 28, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    that kimono is beautiful
    your jacket is adorable, i love the little peblum at the bottom
    So flirty
    Brett

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  8. citizen rosebudMarch 28, 2011 at 11:16 PM

    So unique- how could you part with that? There's no replacement! I love pieces that are this kind of distinct, and truly it is as much a work of art as it is a jacket.

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  9. Debbi@SheAccessorizesWellMarch 29, 2011 at 12:06 AM

    Love the jacket! I love art clothing. Just a suggestion, but I can see the jacket with a pair of gray jeans and a white or off white tee. I think I would wear it all the time, if it were mine.

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  10. UnknownMarch 29, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Lesa~Thanks for stopping by and I will do the same! There are really no age biases here; any age is welcome, and hope we all can inspire each other.
    Thanks Jill, oh and I forgot to say that my new favortie thing to do is the boots with knee socks--it saves the pencil skirt from gettting stuck on tights!
    Serene~I know what you mean, but sometimes what you think may work, doesnt, and sometimes what you think will go, wont. Ya know gf?
    Ofelia~I feel like this works this time.
    Anne~thanks so much for the offer! I may have to take you up on it but will try and see if I have any....
    Brett, I think the peplum is flattering but sometimes the orange is just too much---lol!
    Bella~Exactly! Love uniqque pieces like this one--as long as they are wearable--of you know what I mean...
    She...I've worn it with jeans before, and for some reason, it was ok, but not like Oh mY! Maybe i WILL try a greyish jean instead. Thanks for the suggestion!

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  11. mispapelicosMarch 30, 2011 at 3:37 AM

    I love, love, love that jacket, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh so fabulous.
    Much love my dear Paula.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  12. AnonymousMarch 30, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    It's a gorgeous jacket. If it were mine, I would wear it as a statement piece with a simple grey sheath. But, then, I'm trying to avoid grey...

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  13. UnknownMarch 30, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    Sacramento~I can see YOU in this jacket! Love to hear from you~
    Terri~I think this would be so chic over a grey sheath. There is enough color in the jacket to cancel out the grey.....

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  14. Heather FonsecaApril 1, 2011 at 12:37 AM

    Love your denim skirt!
    That jacket is a hard one. Maybe pair it with a printed summer dress in a color that's somewhere in the jacket? Isn't it frustrating to have something that you love but you don't know what to wear with? I hate that. It's happened far too often, which is why these day's usually purchase whole outfits rather than pieces.

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