12 February 2010 – Blank Canvas

February 13th, 2010 § 26 comments

12 February 2010 – Sans Scarf, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

  • Black sweater dress: Target
  • Tights: Target
  • Boots: Steve Madden
  • Scarf: Chinatown NYC, gift from SIL

End Notes:

Every once in a while — usually in the winter — I have one of those mornings when my hips and I just can’t seem to get on the same page. Rather than moping, I’ve decided that the best response is to don a simple dress which, in its very shape — a slight a-line with no waist — renders the entire hip discussion moot. Rather than belting (as I am admittedly wont to do), I thought I’d play with what effect a scarf could have in terms of adding visual interest and playing with proportions.

I ended up trying three knots. Can you guess which one I stuck with for the day?

12 February 2010 – Scarf Draped, originally uploaded by academichic.

Knot 1: The Loop

This simple loop shows off just how lusciously thick this pashmina is. And the loose, unfussy look compliments the easiness of the dress.

12 February 2010 – Scarf Wrapped, originally uploaded by academichic.

Knot 2: The Loop Tied

Looped then tied in the front (with some initial twisting to combat the bulk of the scarf), this knot draws attention up to my face and shows off the pashmina’s beautiful pattern. As an added bonus, it breaks up the black on my top half with a kind of graphic clarity that keeps me from being a black blob. Go scarf.

12 February 2010 – Sneaky Knot, originally uploaded by academichic.

Knot 3: The Sneaky Knot:

This longer knot takes advantage of the scarf’s length and breaks up the black of the dress, even creating a kind of optical illusion of a cinch and flare. Plus, it looks more complicated than it is. Simply tie a knot on one side of your scarf, open up a loop of that knot, and then slip the other, shorter side of the scarf through.

So, which knot do you think I wore all day? Which one would you choose?

§ 26 Responses to 12 February 2010 – Blank Canvas"

  1. LaShonda Maxie says:

    I think you chose the first one. Have a great day!

  2. Kelley says:

    Knot number 3? I probably would have worn the first one, but I love the way the last one looks!

  3. Jeni says:

    I love the second one! Very dramatic! :)

  4. laniza says:

    Oh, how I love #3: the sneaky knot! While all three methods are awesome, I think you chose #3 to wear all day. I can’t wait to find out which one it is :)!

  5. EmilyKennedy says:

    #2 – The Loop Tied?

    Ah the unhappy hip day. I know it well. Good solution.

  6. Bethanne says:

    Hmmm…I think I would have gone with #2 but I’m going to guess that you went with #3? The pattern on that scarf is gorgeous.

  7. Kate says:

    I would have gone with the sneaky knot (#3). It is great with that pattern on the pashmina.

  8. admin says:

    E, I love the sneaky knot! I hope you went with that one. I need to try it myself, thanks for the tutorial! S.

  9. Luinae says:

    I think you chose knot #2!

  10. Nadine says:

    I actually really like the ‘blank canvas’ look! The (AWESOME) boots are enough for me . . . OK, and maybe with some watch/bracelet action happening as well.

  11. I love the 2nd one best – very dramatic and chic!

  12. Rose says:

    I am going to go with #2 the knot tied. I love how all three were so different and changed the look of the outfit completely. :)

  13. Andrea says:

    #3 sneaky knot is by far my fave, I hope you went with that one!

  14. sabrina says:

    I also liked the simple, pared down first look very much as well, but I’m guessing you went for the first or second, as a way to draw attention to your face? The third one is great but looks less warmth-inducing. (Is it warm in the midwest?)

  15. Athenista says:

    I think you wore #2. It looks very “you.”

    I would’ve opted for #1 – just simple and loose b/c sometimes i get weird about things being too close to my face.

    Really, I like this “blank canvas” look on you! Mostly because I am a huge fan of black and brown together but also because it’s flattering on you!

  16. melanie says:

    I’m guessing you went with three!

  17. J. says:

    I love the loop tied, but I can see you picking the first one. It looks like something that could easily slip off so that you could hold baby and eat and all that. =]

  18. catherine_sr says:

    I would probably pick number 2 for its mix of convenience and aesthetics, but love number 3 because it is so unusual, throws a bit of asymmetry into a simple outfit and is elongating. I love that you have a cool alleyway for outfit pics! I wish I had a spot like that, too.

  19. I like this loop because my scarves are just a tad too long for me. You look chic :)

  20. Kari says:

    I’ve never tried the Sneaky Knot before, but would love to give it a go. It works so well with the simplicity of the dress and looks like it would stay in place well. That’s the knot that I’d pick with this particular outfit.

    (P.S. My hips pick fights with me on a daily basis, but particularly when I clothe them in pants.)

  21. Erika says:

    I suspect you went with 3. A lot of people are wearing pashminas now, but the 3rd look is just unconventional enough to make it really interesting and stylish. Of course I like all three and love seeing how the knot changes the outfit. I would choose 2 or 3; I like knots that don’t leave scarf ends dangling on the text I’m trying to read (or in the pot I’m stirring). Thanks for sharing these lovely looks.

  22. admin says:

    Thanks, everyone! I actually started out with Loop #1 but once I took these pictures I switched to the Sneaky Knot :) Thanks for playing along!

    - E.

  23. [...] to make an interesting scarf/belt obi is another great idea for sprucing up an otherwise ‘blank canvas‘ look. So this past weekend, I pulled out my black shirt dress, added black tight and boots, [...]

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