Tickle Me Pink

Finally, a good ol’ fashioned outfit post! It’s time for another Thrifty Six collaboration, and this month it was my turn to choose a theme. When I went to my first thrift shop in Glasgow to look for something colorful for January’s collab, I also stumbled upon this really unique baby pink sweater. As such, I decided to choose “Tickle Me Pink” for February’s theme, which seemed fitting for the month of love.

What caught my attention about this sweater was, of course, the big tulle ruffle on the sleeve that I saw peeping out between all the other hanging clothes in the thrift shop. When I pulled the piece out, I was surprised to see the ruffle was only on one sleeve! I expected it to be a symmetrical garment and without the little circular bit of ruffle on the chest. I thought, “Hm, that’s an interesting sweater,” and then I hung it back up…

Later, when I had a few other pieces in my arms and was making my way towards the changing room, I decided it couldn’t hurt to try on the pink sweater, too. I was still hesitant even once I had it on! I couldn’t decide if the ruffle was really cool or really ugly. Obviously, I ultimately concluded that the sweater was unique (and cheap) enough to give it a try. It’s so different and out-there compared to the things I usually wear, but it’s a fun statement piece!

I wore this outfit a few weeks ago to dinner and a ceilidh dance. I thought it was really cute with the polka dots (and would have made the perfect Valentine’s Day outfit) but after taking these photos, I’m not so sure anymore. I’ve learned over my years of blogging that taking pictures in a garment is a really good way to judge how flattering it truly is, as sometimes just looking in a mirror can be deceiving. When I had a hard time capturing flattering photos in this outfit, it made me rethink the look.

I think the main problem is that I tucked the sweater into my skirt, and it kept riding up… making the extra fabric look like a little stomach pooch. I tried that trick of tucking the bottom of my sweater into my bra to create a cropped look, but that also made the fabric bunch funny.

Additionally, I wasn’t sure if my hair played a role in making this outfit feel “off” to me. There’s already so much going on with the ruffle, so I wonder if it would look better (and less busy) if I wore my hair up next time.

While I love this outfit in concept (and managed to get some good pics after all, with lots of effort), I think I have concluded this sweater would be better suited untucked with a pair of skinny jeans. Wouldn’t it be so cute with a red lip and red shoes for a V-Day moment? Next year!

What do you think of this sweater? Do you like out-there pieces? I used to specifically shop for plain items that I knew would pair with a lot, in order to get the most wear out of them as possible. But as I’ve gotten older (and more experimental with my style), I’ve decided my outfits would be way more interesting if they have fun little details like this tulle ruffle.

I love how everyone chose to interpret the “pink” theme this month! It seems like half of us went the baby pink route, while the other half opted for bolder shades of the color. You can see more of their looks at the links below.

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style:

“There is pink in this fabulous dress with pockets! The cardigan isn’t preloved but it’s perfect with the dress. I haven’t worn the dress much because it is actually too short for my liking, but I adore the colors and the print. And the pockets! Did I mention it has pockets??”

Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge:

“I realized that I had styled a preloved bright pink dress for our Brighten Up January theme. And I had considered restyling that same pink dress again until I remembered this vintage pussy bow blouse that has a pink Taj Mahal print. I paired it with all white, including a preloved blazer, and lots of pink accessories. This outfit consists of both preloved and new items, including a preloved faux fur coat that you can see in my post!”

Lucy of Lucy Bertoldi:

“I don’t know how I got so lucky as to find this amazing little number all in silk in a print of vibrant colours all on pink. The one thing I know is that this dress is all about ‘more is more, and less is a bore’ – so you just know I had to add these incredible necklaces! I found them in a little no-name shop in Fort Lauderdale – where the lady gets all these amazing accessories from left-over, brand new retail merchandise. And she sells them for peanuts! I mean… how could I resist?” 

Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade:

“Go hard or go home!… That’s my approach to February’s Thrifty Six post… The theme is ‘Tickle Me Pink’ so I’m bringing you panic-attack neon mixed with blush, candy, lipstick, baby, shocking, fuchsia, cerise and magenta… Less of a ‘tickle’, more of an unexpected physical assault! (in the nicest possible way) I styled this riot of colour to see how much pink I could smash together… it’s not for shrinking violets but for me it’s pink perfection!”

Emma of Style Splash:

“When I found this pink coat in a charity shop a few years ago I was over the moon, as I’d been looking for one exactly like it. My bag and boots are also preloved – from eBay. I’ve gone all out pink with a floral print thrown in… I’m ready for spring!”

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Thanks for stopping by the blog today, and I hope your week is off to a great start!

Miles of smiles,
Grace

Pink Ruffle Sweater: Thrifted, $13 ($13.00 per wear) | Polka Dot Skirt: Francesca’s, $23 ($1.53 per wear), last worn here | White Knee Socks: DSW, $15 ($1.36 per wear), last worn here | Black Knee Boots: Clarks via DSW, $100 ($1.47 per wear), last worn here | Maroon Circle Purse: Nordstrom Rack, $50 ($3.33 per wear), last worn here