Why You Should ADD One More Thing Before You Leave the House

Layered winter outfit oversized faux shearling gilet pink coatigan grey roll neck flared denim trousers snakeskin ankle boots | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

Okay, so originally this outfit was just going to be my pink coatigan thrown over a grey roll neck, denim flared trousers and snakeskin boots.

[So far so good. A perfectly lovely outfit.] In the end I went totally against that advice from Coco Chanel: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take off one thing”. Er, yeah I should Coco, but that’s not me – I’m all for adding one more thing before leaving the house.

What happened was this: As we were leaving I realised it was actually a fair bit colder than I’d thought, so with the husband already in the car with the engine running (don’t you just HATE it when that happens and you’re still not fully dressed – aaargh the pressure!) I dashed back in and quickly chose something to throw on over the top to keep me warm and not look totally ridiculous.

Another long coat? Too much long-coat bulk. A roomy cocoon coat? Too short with the coatigan. Another cardigan under the coatigan? Too chunky for the coatigan.

Finally my eyes landed on my oversized faux shearling gilet (similar): Warm, chunky, easy to throw on over my longline woollen beauty – who cares if it works.

Layered winter outfit oversized faux shearling gilet pink coatigan grey roll neck flared denim trousers snakeskin ankle boots | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

SHOP THE LOOK:

 

(Contrary to what some may think I often have “who cares if it works” moments. As much as I like dressing up and getting an outfit spot-on I’m also not precious about the way I look when I’m just out and about… I guess it comes down to #iwillwearwhatilike – if that means I’ll be mismatched and uncoordinated then so be it, I’m really not all that bothered!)

So I run out the door, jump in the car and this is when the husband says to me, Ooh I like that furry thing over the top of your outfit…! 

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I honestly hadn’t thought about it looking any good, I just liked its warm furry blanket qualities. I checked how it looked in the mirror when we arrived at my parents’ house – and I was pleasantly surprised. It looked somewhat alright for something I’d grabbed and not checked before leaving the house.

 

Adding one extra thing – did it work?

I’m not 100% sure. The colours definitely do. The different textures certainly add depth and interest. I’m not entirely convinced about the rounded front of the gilet with the squared-off front of the coatigan, but rather than take it off for the photo shoot I chose to stick with my add-one-thing-before-leaving-the-house item.

And do you know what… it really doesn’t matter if it works or not. If ever there was a classic #iwillwearwhatilike moment, this was it. Sorry, Coco – I know I should [take on thing off], but I didn’t…!

HAVE YOU EVER HEEDED COCO CHANEL’S ADVICE OF TAKING ONE THING OFF BEFORE LEAVING THE HOUSE (AND DID IT WORK)? COMMENT BELOW, OR TAKE IT TO TWITTER @NOTLAMB!

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Layered winter outfit oversized faux shearling gilet pink coatigan grey roll neck flared denim trousers snakeskin ankle boots | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Layered winter outfit oversized faux shearling gilet pink coatigan grey roll neck flared denim trousers snakeskin ankle boots | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Layered winter outfit oversized faux shearling gilet pink coatigan grey roll neck flared denim trousers snakeskin ankle boots | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Layered winter outfit oversized faux shearling gilet pink coatigan grey roll neck flared denim trousers snakeskin ankle boots | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Layered winter outfit oversized faux shearling gilet pink coatigan grey roll neck flared denim trousers snakeskin ankle boots | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Layered winter outfit oversized faux shearling gilet pink coatigan grey roll neck flared denim trousers snakeskin ankle boots | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Layered winter outfit oversized faux shearling gilet pink coatigan grey roll neck flared denim trousers snakeskin ankle boots | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Layered winter outfit oversized faux shearling gilet pink coatigan grey roll neck flared denim trousers snakeskin ankle boots | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Shearling gilet: ASOS AW15 (I love this faux fur gilet and this faux suede one) | Coatigan: Winser London c/o (similar) | Roll neck: George at Asda c/o (similar) | Trousers: Warehouse (similar) | Boots: Mango (similar) | Necklace: Accessorize (similar) | Crossbody bag: House of Fraser (similar) | Sunglasses: QUAY Australia (love these) | Fingertip ring: New Look (try something like this one in a size S like I did and wear it on your middle finger) | Nails: Crabtree & Evelyn ‘Poppy’ (similar)

OTHER LONG FUR/SHEARLING GILETS TO TRY:

 

 

 

Catherine

9 Comments

  1. 17 February 2017 / 10:21 pm

    I think you look incredible and nothing should be removed. Adore the layering and as always my darling, you look utterly beautiful x

  2. 10 February 2017 / 2:58 pm

    I laughed when I saw this post Catherine….in a good way I hasten to add… after doing EXACTLY this the other day!
    Granted, the rest of my outfit was different but the long coatigan (mine is red) and shiver situation was familiar. (As was the engine running)
    Grabbing my furry gilet thingy (mine is faux too) and cosying up.
    Unfortunately my hubby really dislikes my furry friend :o(…. ah well, good job I don't care too much about that!

    A great resourceful look that keeps us all thinking outside the box.
    Cosy, chic and totally unexpected…. right up my street!
    XXX
    Samantha
    Fake Fabulous | Style and fashion, over 40

  3. 10 February 2017 / 8:40 am

    such a fabulous layering!, and I love particularly that you created it in a rush, because sometimes that's how magic happens!. It's a problem to find something to wear over any long cardigan/coat without looking too bulky, but you've rocked it!!
    I totally agree with Iris Apfel: 'more is more, less is a bore'. So I'm used to add some bijouterie, another layer, a hat or accessory before leaving my home!. That drives my hubbie crazy!!
    Your accessorizing is pretty brilliant, those sunnies are fabulous, I love its subtle pink shine!
    besos

    • 10 February 2017 / 12:27 pm

      I agree about magic happening when you're in a rush or under pressure, Mrs Allnut… Some of my best outfits were created in a rush or when I didn't really put too much thought into it! Thank you for the lovely comments xx

  4. 9 February 2017 / 8:49 pm

    I totally agree with you! I love accessories and often wear far too much jewellery!

  5. 9 February 2017 / 7:15 pm

    I've read Coco advice a ton, but I think I'm more of a Iris Apfel girl—the more, the merrier!!
    And I find this outfit works fabulously—I wouldn't change a thing!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • 9 February 2017 / 10:48 pm

      I'm definitely more of an Iris girl too, Jodie…! thank you xx

  6. 9 February 2017 / 4:57 pm

    I think we have to remember Coco's context – she was rebelling against an era of ruffles, corsets, mahoosive hats with feathers etc. No wonder she was trying to get people to think sleek and chic! I am afraid I often lean the opposite way on a work day and often wish I'd put on a bit of jewellery or some hair accessory, because I'm so rushed.

    You look amazing, I love a bit of drama in outerwear, and this shearling capey waistcoat is great! X

    • 9 February 2017 / 10:48 pm

      Of course you're absolutely right, Porcelina… they were different times then!! Thank you hon, more is more as they say 😉 xx

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