The Colour Lilac

Tuesday 18 February 2014


Confession time peeps. I'm still on the fence with my bright pink shell top. I wince and squint at myself in the mirror whenever I put it on. However, I am sticking with the ivory one because I feel good and comfortable in that one. I know I will get my wear out of it and it doesn't make me break out in a cold sweat every time I look at it. I am a little colour coward. 

But I still want to introduce colour in to the wardrobe and I thought it might be better if I went a bit softer. How about a little bit of lilac?




Did you think you had the wrong blog then? Yes it's me in pretty colours! Such a soft colour and so very feminine! Dare I say it - I think this suits me better? I  did actually umm and aah over this one for a while because it is a very fine merino wool and my first thought was I'm going to snag it and kill it on first wear but I kept going back to it and thinking "That's the one, that's the one". No harm in at least trying it and seeing. But I was smitten when I got it - the colour is one of these soft pales which work well against my skin tone - much nicer than a sharp pink even if I can take strong colour ... and looking through the wardrobe, the flint grey Gap skinny mini pants were an obvious choice for this jumper, and they even take on a slightly dusky heather tone when worn next to the jumper.  I love it when new things gel instantly with the existing wardrobe but just help to give it a bit of an update. Oh and I thought I'd sharpen the look slightly by adding black accessories instead of something soft and prettier. 


Topshop Sandals, Mulberry Bag, Susie Ho Bracelet

Something to note  - I like this jumper because it is a v-neck. Universally flattering even for ladies with more va va voomage than me. Crew necks are great in the winter but a v-neck is good for the spring/summer when we can leave the scarves off and expose a touch more flesh. 

And because this is me, I can't do a post without a pair of jeans in it and look, it's really nice and fresh with jeans and Converse. Have I lifted the grey gloom with this lilac jumper?


 Zara jeans, Converse, Susie Ho Bracelet


So what do you think about my change of colour direction? It's kind of funny that whilst I was over at the Allwornout blog, Eve was trying to work out pale pink jackets and ended up settling on a deeper strawberry hued jacket than intended and I started off with something brighter and louder and ended up with something much softer. You just can't tell how things are going to pan out sometimes. 

Anyway, this leads me on to say - which ones of you have ever had your colours done and do you think this works for you and the way you shop and view your wardrobe? Do you stick to your rules rigidly or bend them as you please? I've never had my colours done and I've always gone by instinct and hope that I've got it right along the way. But if you fancy doing a bit of an analysis on yourself, why not pop over to Donna's blog where she helps you to assess what kind of colour palette you are. 

I turned out to be "deep". As I commented on Donna's blog "I've never been called deep before".





48 comments

  1. I love it, the colour and the V-Neck. As the grey lover you are i think this is the perfect colour for you to brave it with some colour..... Very Subtle.

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    1. This one is a bit softer and easier on the eye isn't it? I can do colour - I used to do colour but it seems to have fallen out of favour in my wardrobe in the last couple of years and now when I try it, it seems a bit alien. But this one is not too harsh. Subtly does it.

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  2. Sue I absolutely love it - so perfect on you - I love it best with the jeans and converse...I love how cool you look in such casual clothes...really cool. xx

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    1. The jeans will be what I will be reaching for most likely but it's nice to try something a little different. Sometimes I think I should rename this blog "Sue Wearing Jeans ... Again".

      See you soon girl!

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  3. [whispers: I'm not deep at all] This lilac looks so fresh and pretty on you! I really like it, and I really like it with the ripped jeans - I am off to Zara to hunt down some nice ripped up jeans, as they do such good looking denim. BTW I have just bought an iPad and it won't let me comment on your blog - noo! Of course, I have no clue what on earth is going on, so have just come and cranked up Ye Olde Laptop. My trusty friend.

    Glad you have kept the ivory shell top, but I wonder if you won't be feeling sorry if you don't get/keep the bright pink one when its summer? You might prefer a brighter colour then?

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    1. Oh no - you've got an iPad and it doesn't let you comment? How strange. I've heard a few people have had that problem. I use an iPad when I go to bed and read but I don't use it to comment - I find the keyboard too fiddly to use. I'm a touch typist so I need to feel the keys. And I'm honoured that you cranked up the old laptop for me :o)

      I know I know about the pink top .... but it is so loud!

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  4. PS I do learn so much from your blog: good point about crew neck for winter, V neck for summer!

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    1. They kind of feel right for the warmer weather and are nice for just a little necklace.

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  5. The colour is great on you Sue and I do like the idea of V neck for summer! I think I need a bit of a tan as any light colours I try on lately are making me very washed out looking:( Having a second heavy cold hasn't helped me one bit!! Hope you have a good week:)
    ~Anne

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    1. A tan definitely helps with the sorbet shades. They can be a bit draining otherwise. But I'm sure we have a few more months of the old navy and grey to come - so never fear!

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  6. Love the colour on you Sue. Lilac is so difficult to pull off but it's perfect for your skin tone. As I have a warm skin tone, I look really washed out in this colour. Still love the bright pink on you as well though!!

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    1. Lilac isn't the easiest admittedly. I find some of these lighter tones i.e. cornflower blue and certain shades of pink (not fuchsia) work particularly well on me. They stand out on me but in a good way but don't shout. I forget about skin tones for other people.

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  7. I think you have found your colour niche Sue. The lilac looks gorgeous on you and it looks lovely against the gray, I love it with the edgier black accessories too! The lilac is so subtle it could be a neutral!
    I toyed with a pop of bright pink recently but colour is right out of my comfort zone and I have slunk back to my black, grey and navy which I feel a lot happier in. That said, colour is definately easier to do when the sun is shining I find!! x

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    1. I like the fact that the lilac is a colour but doesn't shout. More me - I prefer the understated which is why the pink is a little hard for me to get to grips with.

      Maybe when the sun deigns to shine upon us once more, we might both feel a little different about the pink. I think it's probably about finding the right shade of pink for you (and me).

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  8. I think I can take a lot of different colours though chartreuse is a killer (!). I've never thought too much about which colours suit but go more for what I like. I can also be very specific about certain shades but I find that I can be quite influenced by what I read and see, so the same shade of green I wouldn't be seen in last year is suddenly my new favourite colour. Just call me fickle.

    Lavender/lilac/mauve is quite a strange tone - out of favour over the last few seasons but suddenly it looks fresh to me again. They have the navy and grey version of the same jumper but the lilac is the one which spoke to me this time - I think I needed a change. And like you - I find whites and creams stand out against my skin and makes me look much sharper. But I don't mind a bit of beige regardless of whether it does that much for me - it's another neutral.

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  9. Love that color on you Sue! And mmm, merino wool, how yummy! I'm more of a blue girl myself - any shade from navy to baby to turquoise to petrol, I'm all over it. Still wearing mostly grays and blacks, but I'm planning to buy a bright blue bag - that's a start, right? ;)

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    1. Shhh! I've been looking at pale blues too. They work on my skin tone too. Or maybe my pale blue denim shirt will do the job - yup - money saved! And I've bought the lilac jumper for the warmer weather - I'm not ready to wear it yet. It's too cold! I'm working the blue, black and grey like you don't know!

      And a bright blue bag? Cobalt blue perhaps?

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    2. Nah, I want a bright and punchy blue! Been eyeing another Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC, as the one I bought in black patent a year ago has been an absolute favorite of mine :) I'm thinking turquoise!

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    3. Like this one http://www.rebeccaminkoff.com/shop/handbags/husdon-moto-mini-minty.html because this is a cutey.

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  10. A resounding YES from me! I have a couple of lilac pieces in my closet and they have proven their worth over the years. Even a pale pink with a lilac undertone works well. It's a gorgeous colour on you and the grey looks a fetching mulberry on my screen :-) It goes with all shades of grey/navy and my new thing is to pair it with greens and beiges/browns :-) I tend to stick stronger colours on my bottom half, thinking about it - just got a deep fuschia pink jersey midi skirt in my own effort to inject colour in my closet.
    I've always wanted my colours done too.

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    1. Yes, it's a colour I think I've seen you in actually. This jumper has a peculiar tone to it which I find almost "illuminating" on me. I did actually have the Zara black waxed chino's which I tried with them and they looked really nice on the front but they looked so bad on me from the back that I had to send them back. So next best thing was the grey chino's. In real life, the contrast is stronger but on screen, the chino's take on a purpley hue. Probably a little softer for the summer too.

      And you have a deep fuchsia pink skirt! Wow!

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  11. Love this jumper on you Sue & if you feel more comfortable in a more subtle shade then you're bound to get more wear from it than the bright pink top, which did look stunning on you. Love the new jumper with the distressed jeans, just gorgeous.
    Jane xx
    www.mymidlifefashion.com

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    1. Thanks Jane. The jumper is a more flattering shape partly because of the neckline and the longer sleeves. The pink top has shorter sleeves and I always feel a little chunky in short sleeved or sleeveless tops. If the pink one had three quarter sleeves - it would be a total love in I think.

      And jeans are a no brainer aren't they?

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  12. It's a lovely color on you, and if you feel better in it than bright pink, then it's the right choice! Even if something objectively looks good on you, if you don't feel good in it then you'll never wear it.

    I recently acquired a pale pink blouse and surprised myself by loving it. It's not black or navy!

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    1. I've put my finger on it when I was replying to Jane above. It's not necessarily the colour - it's the sleeve length on the pink top. I would like them to be a couple of inches longer like they are on the Whistles version and then I would be a made up bunny! Having said that, I don't mind the sleeves on the white version - go figure :o?

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  13. I do love the lilac on you (more than the bright pink actually) and it's perfect with grey and black. I had my colours done years ago and I'm an autumn - think earthy colours and that's me. I do stick to it though admittedly I wear white in the summer (it should be more of an off white/cream) and I do wear some black too. I agree though, you can tell what suits - I had a very good idea before I went of what suits me and I was right. The advantage for me was I was introduced to many tones I'd not considered before (burnt orange, rust, mustard, teal). No going back for me! You always look fab, Sue, and I'm looking forward to seeing you in more colour now you've taken the plunge! Loving my new bracelet by the way, can't wait to wear it very soon. Lynne x

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    1. Aah - I totally see it now in your colour choices for your outfits. There are a lot of softer tones like the khakis and the cream/beige tones - earthy! I've never had them done partly because I don't think I'd listen and heed any advice. I'm far too susceptible to fashion trends so if they say lime green is in this season, I bet you, I will be looking at lime green. Err then again ... maybe not :o/

      And don't get your hopes too much about the colours - one lilac jumper is still only one lilac jumper ... and possibly one pink top!

      And I'm glad you like the little bracelet. I didn't realise it was your order!

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  14. Looks lovely, especially with the jeans, but what can I say, you know I loved you in the pink top and I still stand by that. In fact I prefer the pop of pink to this pastel shade. But then, I'm not the one who's actually going to be wearing it, right? So you just follow your heart on this. Always important to follow your heart on the really big issues like this... ;)

    www.nomadicd.com

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    1. You really did like the pink didn't you? That still surprises me. Really it does.

      And yep you get me - I need to follow my heart. Because big issues like this matter. Ha ha!

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  15. I'd say the gray chinos are starting to look purple next to the lilac but that could just be the lighting. I'm usually not a fan of light wash, destroyed denim but you look fresh and clean in the Zara jeans + Converse :)

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    1. It's the lighting. They really are grey. I don't think I could do a full purple outfit. I don't want to look like a Ribena berry.

      And interesting that - you don't do the lighter distressed type of denim but now that you mention it, you like more solid tones. Be interesting to see you in a flowery dress ...

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  16. This colour looks so lovely on you. I have never really understood the warm skin cool skin tone thing, but if I put on clear, bright colours they look better than beige or pale colours, so I think I am a clear, even though I have hazel eyes. I guess the rule is if you love it wear it. I like you in the bright pink top, but when I saw the cream one, I could see what you meant and I did prefer it.

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    1. I like that rule too - wear it if you love it! The pale lilac I did love as I looked around for all manner of soft shades and that was the which I didnt think came across as too saccharin despite being pretty.

      And do you think that you sometimes get so used to seeing someone wearing something that anything out of the norm looks a little strange? Like, people might expect me to pick the white shell top but not the pink so this is a little unsettling on the eye?

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  17. I love this colour on you, it is just so kind and flattering, like one of those fabulous soft glow Instagram photos! The jumper fits and sits perfectly too...all in all I like it a lot! & other stories seems to be into lilac too they have some fab pieces! Xxx

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    1. And even better - Whistles have got the colour sewn up for AW14! Result. I'm there and I didn't even know it!

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  18. Love the lilac on you - and how you have accessorised - bug thumbs up! x

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    1. Thanks Anna! Could see you in this colour actually?

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    2. That's spooky, I used to have a lilac cardi from Oasis which was literally about 20 years old, but it disappeared on one of my sort out days. Had forgotten that, must try the colour again - thanks! x

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  19. I like the lilac on you, and the fact that you didn't pair it with something boring (ie. like I would!). I get what you're saying about the pink shell top - it's so hard to get out of your comfort zone. Lord knows I'm trying yet all I really want to buy is black and white. Sigh.

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  20. It's beautiful on you. So flattering. Love Liz xxx

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  21. I like it Sue - I live in V neck jumpers - have a drawer full from Zara and H&M mostly, actually in colours other than grey, navy and black but the colours don't seem to get worn as much these days! I have a bright pink one - may wear to work next week, you've inspired me! :)

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  22. Love the your powder pink jumper. It looks amazing in both outfits. I haven't done the colors but I do see the difference in the mirror and I think I have an instinct, too. Some colors feel better...
    x
    Nina
    http://trendsurvivor.com

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  23. I think that's a great colour and looks really good on you. It looks like a lovely soft texture too. Shame about the pink top - I thought it looked fantastic, but you have to feel comfortable with what you wear. I have a couple of shirts that I bought thinking they would look good, but just cannot get them off the hanger. Every time I look at them I think "thats just not me!", but because I like them I cant get rid of them haha
    Paul

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  24. Adore the lilac on you, my absolute fave colour of all time and suits both trou and especially the jeans - stunning!! You have to wear colour more! (I am sounding like my ma)

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  25. i think the lilac is lovely on you! i find pinks tricky for my own coloring, but i'm not ruling out a bit of color for spring/summer myself ;)

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  26. It looks gorgeous on you! A total winner! Perfect with grey & denim! Donna is amazing! Ax

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Susie So So