Sonnet for the Self

33 Comments

• replied 12 years ago

  That looks like a GREAT fit on the boatneck. The stripes are so fresh and fun. Even if scarves are a signature look for you, it's nice to throw everyone a curveball every now and again to keep 'em guessing! I especially like the version with the sweater. It is very soft and gamine. Maybe some pearls? This would look great with a blue denim jacket too, since your jeans are black. You look FAB Meredith!

• Transcona Shannon replied 12 years ago

  The boatneck looks great on you Meredith! And I love the casual but chic vibe of the combination with the grey sweater. Very nice! FWIW I would not add a scarf to this outfit - I like the classic simpleness of it the way it is.

• Angie replied 12 years ago

  Nice boat neck!

  I see that you have removed your specs for most of your recent photos, M. Do you wear contacts?

• Meredith1953 replied 12 years ago

  ClearlyClaire,
  Regarding a denim jacket...what about a colored denim or white? I ordered an AE blue denim jacket but didn't really like how it looked on me. I know cropped is popular but its hard to find one I like on me. Did you like th sweater better buttoned or unbuttoned (or could you tell in the photos!).
  Shannon,
  Thanks for the encouragement. I have stayed away from horizontal stripes for the most part (due to the broadening effect) but really wanted one in the worst way and I do like the boatneck. I almost wore a black sweater but felt it would be too much black and I do like black and gray together!
  Angie.....You caught me! I don't have a budget for new specs yet so I've been avoiding wearing them for most of the pictures. Contacts hurt my eyes. When I DO have a budget for new specs, I am going to get a bunch of pictures taken in different frames and let you and the YLF sisterhood help me decide.

• replied 12 years ago

  I like that boat neck on you! I tried it on myself last week and found the neckline was too high for my short neck. I loved the fabric though. And you managed to get the look I was going for.

• ManidipaM replied 12 years ago

  Meredith, way to go with the boatneck! I recall yours was one of the first posts on this forum I dared to comment on, because I have issues with those myself.

  That is chic all the way, already! You could always add colour with a bag, if you like, rather than a scarf. I personally prefer the open-cardigan look so we can see more of the stripes; but hey, that moto rocks too.

  I feel like every time I see one of your WIWs, Meredith, I learn something new and very handy. Today I learnt it's possible to get a round-necked cardigan to create a V-neck! Knowing that adds so much versatility and expands your shopping options --- such a lovely idea!

• Ana replied 12 years ago

  This looks very nice to me!

• Meredith1953 replied 12 years ago

  Enginemom,
  The fabric IS sturdy. I like boatnecks because my neck isn't overly short and my shoulders which slope really need the broadening. effect. I'm glad you like the effect I was going for! Do you typically like Vnecks? I love them and have seen some pretty striped tops (Ann Taylor I think) Also the deep scoops are nice and I've seen some striped ones there also. The one neckline I HATE and have worn a lot in the past but am trying to ditch is the crewneck!
  Manidipam,
  Thanks so much for the encouragement! I actually "taped" (I kid you not, with transparent tape) the crew neck sweater open with double sided tape because I wanted it to look like a vneck. It's rather unfortunate that I have only recently discovered I prefer vneck sweaters to crewnecks since crewneck cardigans are what I primarily own. I think eventually I will replace them all with the vneck style. I have a red bag I could team and I think I would like to find some cute flats in some kind of color maybe a pattern. Darn! I have some red earrings I could have added for color!

• Sunita replied 12 years ago

  I just bought that one too! I also got the one with a cream background and navy stripes.

  I really like them and am tempted to keep both. They are a lovely thick fabric that drapes well as a layer or a stand-alone.

  However, I found mine a bit long on my 5'3" frame...might have to keep them tucked in or try shrinking them in the wash!

  I bought the XS, no petite sizes available. :-(

• Meredith1953 replied 12 years ago

  Ana,
  Thanks for approving!
  Sunita,
  I purchased THREE of them! The black with cream stripes, the cream with navy stripes, and the gray with cream stripes! The only one I didn't buy was the red. Can't wait to see the pic of you in yours! At 5'3" I can see how this can be a little long. I am 5'6 1/2" and it was just about right for me. I definitely am not much of a tucker! If you can tuck that is the safest. I never feel good about trying to shrink things in the washer because they tend to shrink all over, not just in the length.

• Freckles replied 12 years ago

  Love, love, love this on you!

  I'll not give my opinion on the cardigan as I just changed the way I wear mine and have a real bias on that right now.

  Glad you bought all three colours as they will be real workhorses I am sure.

• Sunita replied 12 years ago

  Meredith...they're big all over on me, so I think shrinking them might be the best way to go for me. Will definitely post a pic when I wear mine.

  I liked your unbuttoned look better!

• Kate replied 12 years ago

  I love that boatneck on you, Meredith. I may have to go in search of that. BTW, have you done something a little different with your hair? Because it looks great in these photos!

• christieanne replied 12 years ago

  I love those boatnecks - have one left from a few seasons back and it has had the best quality (and little shrinkage). The others were eliminated only die to my clumsiness in kitchen/etc. Good for you for trying out a stripe and finding a perfect version. The fit is great.

  A red bag would be so perfect and I could see a white denim jacket instead of leather as alternative.

• Kate replied 12 years ago

  I pulled the trigger and it's your fault, Meredith! I just hope the tops I bought look as cute on me as they do on you. I ended up buying two of the striped boatnecks, and was able to get 25% off and free shipping with an online coupon!

• Meredith1953 replied 12 years ago

  Freckles,
  I am curious about how you changed your cardigan? Please describe. Thanks for liking how I looked in the striped sweater!
  Sunita,
  Sounds like shrinking it will work for you! Can't wait to see the pics.
  Kate,
  Thanks! Actually I haven't done anything different for the last 4 weeks. I just wash and towel dry and put a little leave conditioner in. Sometimes it just dries a little nicer than others! That's awesome that you purchased and got 25% off along with the free shipping! We can both blame MaryK for inspiring us to purchase!
  Christieanne,
  I like the idea of the red bag plus white denim jacket or maybe jacket? Thanks for the input. I am glad I found a boatneck style that works for me. The stripes were what was making me leary. I have a slightly larger waist right now and am sensitive to making it look larger so I am glad this one looks nice on me!

• JennyAnne replied 12 years ago

  Beautiful! I think there is nothing so easily chic as a striped boatneck.

• replied 12 years ago

  Merideth - yes, I prefer v-necks and scoop necks. I really prefer the elongating look they have on my short neck! I have a couple cardigans that are crew neck style and I just button them half-way and let it form a v-opening....much more flattering on me. I find that boatnecks really seem to emphasize my short neck. I do love those striped shirts....especially that fabric! I will keep hunting until I find the right fabric AND the right neckline. I love that you got it in so many colors!

• biscuitsmom replied 12 years ago

  LOVE!

• Carole replied 12 years ago

  Love it! You look fantastic in stripes!

• Meredith1953 replied 12 years ago

  JennyAnne,
  Thanks! I really like this one and am so glad MaryK pointed me towards it.
  EngineMom,
  Sounds like you know EXACTLY what you need to do to help lengthen your neck. I'm sure you'll find that perfect boatneck. Maybe adding a pendant that hang down will also help elongate the line.
  BiscuitsMom and Carole,
  Thanks so much for liking it!

• Makrame replied 12 years ago

  You look great, love the boatneck with the cardigan! I actually ordered the same boatneck in cream a few days ago because of your "conversation" with MaryK about these shirts. I was debating getting a red, too, but it was on backorder.

• Meredith1953 replied 12 years ago

  Thanks Makrame!
  I'm sorry the red is on backorder but I look forward to seeing you in the cream boatneck. Red is the only color I DIDN'T order!

• Kristine replied 12 years ago

  Beautiful! It looks great on you and it'll be perfect for spring! I'm a fan of simple so I like it without a cardigan just fine (but also with). You might just get me back in Lands End!

• Sarah A replied 12 years ago

  I like the look with the open sweater as well, great classic look and paired with the red bag I think would be incredable!

• Freckles replied 12 years ago

  Nothing earth shattering Meredith. I used to wear all blazers/cardigans open. Never closed, not a closed button in sight. I am now really loving cardigans with one or two buttons closed in a sort of double v.

• velvetychocolate replied 12 years ago

  The striped boatneck looks great on you!

  I ordered the LE striped boatneck top awhile back too (after hearing Ana talk about it), and I was very impressed with the quality of it. It was thick and well made. Unfortunately, the size I ordered turned out to be too big on me, and I returned it to a local Sears store (had ordered the top online from Lands End).

  You might have me convinced to try it again, and order the smaller size. I *do* remember that it was quite a nice top - extremely good quality, and even moreso considering the reasonble price. Even at three or four times the price, I don't think I've come ever across such a well-made striped t-shirt.

  It's fabulous on you :)

• MsMary replied 12 years ago

  Wow, this looks great!! So glad it worked out for you!! :)

• Scarlet replied 12 years ago

  I have this shirt too. I love it! Fit is good.

• Makrame replied 12 years ago

  I just realized that Meredith is talking about a LandsEnd top and the one that I bought based on MaryK's recommendation is from LLBean. Meredith, could you please let us know where you bought yours, just in case if anyone else is looking to get one? Thanks!

• Meredith1953 replied 12 years ago

  I feel really stupid but in the title I said this is a Lands End boatneck when it is actually an LLBEAN boatneck. My bad! :(

• Lisa replied 12 years ago

  Fab new striped top. I like it best with the grey jacket and on it's own. Layered with the cardigan, I'd add a mid to longer length necklace to tie into the v shape of the cardigan. Nice find!

• Meredith1953 replied 12 years ago

  Thanks Lisa,
  I haven't done much with necklaces yet! Tend to hide in my scarves! I did just buy a new necklace that might work so I'll try it.