WIW in San Francisco

Had a great time in the city last week! 

Picture 1 -- at the San Francisco Opera to see the Barber of Seville with my boyfriend.  I bought him this lavender shirt, he had the tie.  I love this color on him.  (Yes that's THE coat from Vince -- shoes are Enzos from NAS.)  Looking at this picture I think a structured clutch is a wardrobe hole.

Picture 2 -- Zara dress worn to opera.  I got this in LA at the Angie meet-up in September.  I've already worn the same dress to the opera twice.  No one looked askance.  

Picture 3 -- Walking about Hayes Valley.  I had wanted a full big scarf look based on Angie's post, but from the picture you can see it fell apart.  Everything here is from last year or older.  Leather jacket is one of my favorite pieces ever (Zara).  Jeans -- R13 cross overs.  Cream Henley from Daftbird.  And my all-time favorite Western style booties from Vintage Shoe Company.  They stopped making them, wah.

Thanks for looking and commenting.  And if you have any scarf-taming tricks please do share.

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This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

39 Comments

  • Karie replied 10 years ago

    Gorgeous dress, and perfect for going to the opera (the theater you are in looks beautiful too). The color of your boyfriend's shirt goes very well with his suit.
    As far as scarves go, I really like the color of the one you're wearing. Maybe don't let it drape so much, bulk it up around your neck? I don't really know what I'm talking about with scarves, though :)

  • Parsley replied 10 years ago

    Ooh, these are some gorgeous outfits, Denise!
    First of all, you and BF make such a handsome couple! Nice choice of the lavender shirt!  I really do love that VInce coat on you. Are you wearing it a lot?

    You look so elegant in #2 I can't stand it! I only wish I could get a better view of you statement necklace. The shoes are an excellent finishing touch.

    So what on earth is wrong with the scarf look? I think you look fabulous! I think the key to wearing a scarf well is to throw it on and don't mess with it too much. If it comes undone a little you can fling it over your shoulder again or tuck it a little, but it shouldn't be too perfect. 
    So anyway, here I think you look perfectly imperfect, and that works for me.
    What a gorgeous photo with that backdrop!

  • CocoLion replied 10 years ago

    Thanks Karie and Parsley!  The backdrop in #1 is actually a painted sheet -- I think they have some social media thing where if you post a picture on FB you can win tickets, but I just like the backdrop as it does reflect the true look of the SF Opera house!

    It occurred to me if I train my bf better he could style me before taking WIWs.Such as -- fling that scarf over your shoulder.  Most WIW pictures he takes of me, are just from the waist up, as he doesn't "get" that we need a whole outfit picture.  LOL, men.  Thanks for the nice looking couple comment Parsley!  He cleans up well but I can't get him to cut his hair, he still loves it long-ish even though it's receding.    

  • Gaylene replied 10 years ago

    Wow, Denise, why would anyone look askance at your wearing that dress over and over--you look so polished, elegant, and sophisticated that everyone is probably picking up their jaw off the floor and wondering about the celeb in their midst. The guy on your arm for the night was also a good choice; you two make a fabulous looking couple!

    My favorite scarf taming tip is to wear a plaited knot. Instead of inserting both ends into the loop, like you'd do with the hacking knot, just pull one end through the loop. Then give the loop a bit of a twist creating a sort of figure 8 and insert the second end into the newly created loop. Pull on both free ends and adjust until you get desired knot size. The plaited knot stays in place around the neck and doesn't start creeping up when you move around (a pet peeve of mine when wearing a scarf all day). I'm convinced that all those cute big-scarf looks only work for a nanosecond while a picture is being taken--unless, of course, you are French.

  • Lyn D. replied 10 years ago

    Love a man in a suit- and you looked Fab too Denise :)

  • Parsley replied 10 years ago

    Haha, Denise- good look in training your man! My husband is as sweet and helpful as can be, but let's just say his photo priorities are different. 
    I keep trying to get him to give me input on my outfits, but usually all I can get is, "That looks pretty fancy." :-)

  • karymk replied 10 years ago

    I love the scarf look, I would simply pop the jacket on OVER the scarf to neaten up the look a bit.  Love those very cool pants on you!

  • replied 10 years ago

    Laughing at you trying to train a man to take your pictures. My DH finally learned not to cut off my feet. Now if I could just get him to lie on the floor and shoot upwards to my legs look longer, I'll be all set!

    Denise, I really love that black dress! The cut is so simple and fabulous. I like the way you added a gold necklace to soften the black and bring in your hair color. You can change your accessories and wear that dress to the opera until the cows come home (or until the fat lady sings). There is no way anyone in SF would ever mistake you for a country mouse. ;)

  • JAileen replied 10 years ago

    I think your scarf looks fine - what a great jacket. Your opera look is wonderful. Someone here asked about going to the opera and her SO planned to wear jeans. I'm glad to see you how nice you look as a couple, too. My problem (well, one of them, anyway) is my husband will wear jeans and fleece and then if I dress nice we look like we're not a couple!

  • Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

    Glad you had a great time. You both look fab - love the lavender shirt & your coat is perfect :) The dress is beautiful & the shoes look great with it. The scarf looks very french chic imo I agree with Parsley perfectly imperfect is a great look.

    BR's hair looks fine to me - maybe he'd feel too conservative without it???

  • Laura (rhubarbgirl) replied 10 years ago

    You look great, and the scarf look is fun I think. Just the right amount of volume on you. We see people wearing fleece and jeans to the symphony all the time, so a dress even if repeated is better than that!

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Denise, you look stunning. And wow, I love the photo of you and the BF together. So distinguished. Isn't it fun to get an opportunity to wear the "real" clothes? Oh, I love dressing up. That dress is superb on you, by the way. 

    And so is the crossover jeans outfit. The scarf brings such a flattering light to the face. 

    I just read Gaylene's explanation of how to tie a plaited knot, and I think that I am now in a knot myself, because I can't understand a word she said! Oh dear. I must be a visual learner!

  • sarah replied 10 years ago

    Denise, it's so lovely to see you dressed up for the opera - a totally different look for you, and you rock it. I love all of these!

    I use Gaylene's knot a lot (I just taught it to my mom), but wonder whether it can work to produce the "big scarf" look...

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    You launched me into orbit with your opera outfits in #1 and #2. (Fun that I got to see it in the Zara dressing room in Santa Monica with you). Killer to power of Killer. And BF looks smashing in lavender. Hope you had a wonderful time. xo

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    Oh, yes. I like the unstructured clutch with the outfit. It works with BF's loose collared neck tie. 

  • Deborah replied 10 years ago

    Well I just have to tell you how gorgeous you are!  I love your opera outfit and your BF looks so fab too.  The black dress is a stunner (I have one very similar that I haven't worn yet) and #3 is beautifully 'you'.  I find the pink scarf to be rather clever as that isn't necessarily a colour I would have chosen for you but you make it look so 'cool'.

  • deb replied 10 years ago

    You look beautiful and your guy, so handsome.

  • merwoman replied 10 years ago

    Ohhhh - knock-out couple! You both look gorgeous/handsome!! Didn't even notice the scarf I was so entranced by your outfit! I have the same trouble with scarves and photo-taking SO...

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    You both looking stunning at the opera (and kudos to your BF for wearing a lavender shirt. For some reason my son got it into his had that purple is not a manly color - boo!) You look smashing both with and without the coat.
    I like the big scarf outfit too, it is quintessential Denise.

  • annagybe replied 10 years ago

    Ahh, you look fantastic!
    Great opera look. I repeat dresses from season to season, but try not to repeat with in the season. But honestly I don't think it matters.
    I adore your big pink scarf look.

  • Shirley replied 10 years ago

    What elegant couple you are. Picture 3 is very artistic.

  • Marley replied 10 years ago

    Wow Denise - you clean up good.  :-)  Love the opera outfit - the coat is stunning and I'm so glad that you got that Zara dress!  Would you please tell/show us the necklace that you're wearing with it?
    Also, I think the scarf in the 2nd outfit looks great!  I like the say it looks like you just threw it on and went!  I love this entire outfit very much - want those jeans.
    P.S. - also you look beautiful with your hair "up-do!"

  • replied 10 years ago

    Very stylish.  Love the pic with the graffiti wall.

  • MsMary replied 10 years ago

    These are super fab!  So fun to see the Vince coat in action!  And I think the scarf looks great!  :)

  • Isis replied 10 years ago

    You look so fantastic in all three photos! What a stylish couple you two make. My fave pic though is the third,love the composition with the graffiti wall.....thanks for sharing.

  • LACeleste replied 10 years ago

    You look stunning in all photos!  Cool and elegant!

  • carambola replied 10 years ago

    You look spectacular in your opera outfit! Fantastic coat and the dress is stunning on you. I also love the pink scarf look.

  • rae replied 10 years ago

    Just popping in to say you look amaaaazing, especially all dolled up for the opera! I usually just tie the ends of my scarves together - hate fussing with them. I always get excited to google brands you mention!

  • Ariadne replied 10 years ago

    I absolutely, utterly adore #3.  That's how I want to dress!

  • AJ replied 10 years ago

    Always fun to see someone's SO. You make a lovely couple. How do you look so good both polished and casual cool? Luv both outfits!

    I wouldn't have thought to put a hot pink scarf with your 2nd look, but it adds just the right amount of lovely softness to the other edgy pieces. Gah, this is so nicely styled; you are a genius!

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    You and BF are gorgeous. Really I love to people watch at the opera and I would be watching you. Well you looked gorgeous all around really. No scarf tricks alas!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    These photos are such a treat! You look so glamorous in your opera dress, and I also thought, what a good-looking couple you two are. (Nice pick on the shirt for him!) Your BF reminds me slightly of Dennis Hopper, and the two of you look like you could be celebrities. Your LBD is a perfect backdrop for your unique additions--the fab necklace, simple chic coat, beautiful stockings and shoes. I like the clutch with the outfit, too--I'm not sure you needed a structured bag with this outfit.
    And then photo 3, another stunner! Love the whole outfit from head to toe--no wonder those are some of your favorite pieces.

  • Jeanie replied 10 years ago

    Funny, I was just streaming a classical music station in San Fran and they were advertising the Barber of Seville.  I thought how nice it would be to be there.  Glad you got to go.  Loving that coat and necklace on you.  Are you enjoying the coat?  It looks modern and the color is great on you.  

    I think the scarf looks great.  They can be fussy though.  I am having much more luck with the infinity scarfs that don't have to be tied.  Your leather jacket is perfect.  

  • Adelfa replied 10 years ago

    What a fun set of pics. Glad to see your handsome boyfriend! The coat looks amazing on you, and that dress--you must have bought it while I was searching for a restroom--amazing! I like your scarf tie, it's one I'm working on myself. If it were me I'd be trying to tuck the bottom part under the top part, but I agree with the others that this way it looks effortlessly great.

  • lyn67 replied 10 years ago

    Look, what a gorgeous cuple you are!  Agree with Angie about cluch and loose collar&tie! You couldn't match it more perfectly your outfit to his:-)

  • rute replied 10 years ago

    Gorgeous! That dress looks stunning on you!

  • Neel replied 10 years ago

    Such a lovely couple! You look so beautiful in the opera dress! Can't get over it! The last pic is gorgeous too! The slouchy pants, the semi tuck, the leather jacket and the bright pink scarf is absolutely chic! Love!!!

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    Such a chic couple!  Love the lavender accents and you gorgeous dress!  "Barber" doesn't have the best plot line, but it is fun and has fabulous arias that are challenging, but also fun to sing!

    I kind of like the messy scarf in #2.  I think it works that way.

  • Amy replied 10 years ago

    Denise, you look stunning in your opera outfit. Your boyfriend looks sharp too! Your casual outfit is delicious too. Love the bright scarf.

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