December 23, 2020
She loved the whole idea of a ruana, and when she saw this one, she was smitten:
She magnified the image as much as she could, and finally decided that these might be the colors that she would wear with it… if she decides to buy it!
But before she buys anything, she’s going to sit down for a few minutes (maybe with a piece of paper and her favorite pen) and think about how she might wear this beauty…
Obvious 1st choice might be black pants and a pink sweater, but her pants will be her favorite velvet jeans, and the sweater will have some lovely textures. And fun socks – of course!
Sweater – Marks & Spencer; heart earrings – Kate Spade; velvet jeans – Banana Republic; ruana – Echo; socks – Weatherproof; loafers – Hush Puppies
Now she stands for a good, long minute in front of her closet, thinking about the beige possibilities…
A classic shirtdress, with a few touches of pink in her accessories? Perfect for religious services, dinner out, happy dressy events in the future? Oh yes!
Ruana – Echo; necklace – Bling Jewelry; bag – Emporio Armani; dress – Harris Cotton; pumps – Rockport
Now that she’s comfortable with wearing beige with her new ruana (that’s how she’s starting to think of it!), she realizes that the simplest of outfits will be an ideal background for fun boots, sparkly earrings, and her new wrap…
But can she wear it for something really dressy? Heavens yes – the drama of the swish and sway of the sparkly tweed is a natural for a lovely evening look!
Ruana – Echo; earrings – Suspicion; blouse – Elie Tahari; ponte skirt – Vince Camuto; black suede pumps – Sam Edelman
She looks around at photographs of others wearing similar wraps, and realizes that a LOT of people are using ruanas like this for VERY casual days at home; she can do that!
Finally, she decides to throw her normal caution to the wind and experiment with pink jeans! If you own such a thing, I personally think you should wear them often…
ruana – Echo; necklace – Baublebar; cashmere sweater – L.L.Bean; shoes – Journee Collection; pink jeans – Acne Studios
When she assembled the list of everything that she was considering wearing with her new ruana (apparently, the decision has been made!), she realized that everything came together into a tidy capsule wardrobe!
And she thought that she might think about something approximately this for her next travel! Far in the future perhaps, but still worth a dream:
I’m still madly tempted by this ruana in Silver, which includes black and all sorts of shades of gray….
love,
Janice
p.s. Not exactly six years ago, but close enough that we can’t miss 2 grey tweed coats, accessorized with pink! Such a perfect flashback to go with today’s post, eh?
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I love this muted pink or smoked lilac as Echo call it- my favourite shade of pink. I wear it with grey from silver to charcoal. I like the idea of wearing a garment like this over satin and in my case velvet. Just as warm as a wrap scarf but easier to keep in place.
My pink and grey tweed coat is waiting to be worn after Christmas with pink and grey scarves and gloves. I would like to find a hat to go with it. My options are silver faux fur or ivory fleece with faux fur trim but a pink one would be lovely…
Hope you find this ruana in your Christmas stocking as an addition to your pink and black wardrobe.
Yes! I love hats! Especially with a brim to keep the snow off my glasses! All I’m finding this year are black and brown. If you have a good hat source please share!
I just recently bought a ruana. First one ever, and I can say I don’t know how I managed in the winter without one. Mine is navy and dark red and works with my navy and grey clothes. And jeans. I can manage my personal microclimate without having to keep adjusting the heat. This Echo ruana is so beautiful and elegant and the color palette for it looks just right. A great winter capsule.
Oh, and Happy Holidays to everyone!
The best part about a ruana is that, unlike ponchos, you can wear a crossbody purse without pulling it over your head to get at it!
I’m planning on doing very little shopping this year, but I think I will keep an eye out for a ruana, they seem perfect to keep my shoulders and back warm when working in front of the computer!
The minute I saw this I thought of Beth T. I love this color, not something I have in my closet, but it’s very pretty. Makes for a very nice capsule. Thank you Janice, and Happy Holidays to everyone!
Lovely! I have pink jeans but recently packed them away until spring! Should I pull them back out??… They are thinner than usual jeans. That was the reason I finally decided to put them up for the winter season, but I did debate it with myself a bit.❄️❄️❄️
Dear Janice – the World Health Organisation should give you a Gold Star Medal for forging worldwide friendships, boosting mental health and building morale over the past year. Your posts have encouraged and entertained us during the endless restrictions and privations we have all endured and which are, unfortunately, likely to continue into next year too, as the wretched virus mutates. The bonds of friendship, fun and laughter that I have shared here are a blessing and a wonderful distraction, as well as making me sort out my wardrobe and evaluate what is special about the items that bring me joy when I wear them! So I am sending my love and best wishes to everyone for a very Happy Christmas, good health and happiness in 2021. I hope that Janice and your Belovedst can enjoy a good break – you both deserve it. See you all next year, Beth T x
Oh Beth, that brings tears to my eyes! Thank you so much…
big big big digital hugs,
Janice
Here too. Thank you for your way of spreading courage.
So well said, Beth T. I agree completely! I am confident that you are speaking for many, many readers.
Sally in St.Paul,
Indeed she is !
Submit every word, and extend them to all of you who comment frequently. Hugs and blessings to ya’ll!!
I agree, Janice is a bright shining cascade of joy, lighting up a particularly dark year. Many heartfelt thanks to Janice and the frequent posters here. I enjoy the comments under the posts, picking up good ideas. Many thanks to all!
Just yesterday I received my ruana from Echo (thank you Janice for pointing me there). Mine is called Oatmeal but has colors of maroon, grey pink, lavender, beige, and a very festive red. I already have it on with a raspberry top and grey knit pants. I love it! And someone else spoke of adjusting for micro-climates — yes! I won’t wear crew neck sweaters because they are too difficult to get off gracefully, but this is perfect. 🙂
So all of you who already have these ruanas, please help with the concern that is holding me back, not only for myself but for all my loved ones for whom I would would gift ruanas!: can you get a warm coat over them? It is cold and windy here in Chicagoland and these ruanas just don’t seem warm enough to be without a coat!
I don’t think you could. But then some of my coats the arms are so slim I barely get them on with a chunky sweater. I don’t know why they think modern arms are so skinny! And no, they wouldn’t be warm enough by themselves. It’s more an extra layer of warmth indoors right now. For me. And ditto the string Beth T started above about this blog being a bright spot in my morning, having a sense of community even though we’ve never met, feeling connected to people with the same interests – not so mention the wonderful comments and conversations that ensue after the original posts!
Nope! You can wear them beautifully OVER a coat but only the most poncho-like of sleeves would fit over one of these.
If anybody has a different experience, please chime in!
hugs,
Janice
Hello Janice and Everyone! I love this color capsule! For as much as I love purple/lilac/rose these colors have always been misunderstood in my closet. But here I see they can coordinate well with beige (which appears on my tablet as the equally misunderstood taupe, but no matter). I am also carefully examining this ruana business….It has the shape of a poncho, but has armholes like a sweater? and is open in front? And feels like a blanket? This would be nice for managing personal microclimates on road trips.
I concur with what Beth said about a Nobel Fashion Peace Prize for Janice. Visiting here to chat with all of you is like having you all over for coffee / tea and swapping fashion ideas.As always, I am amazed at Janice’s color combinations…they have saved me from Frumpville.
Thank you Janice for bringing us together, and have a merry holiday!
LindaP,
A ruana is more like a thin fabric cape — no armholes, and yes, open in the front . Great for an added bit of warmth in a chilly room.
A ruana (well, MY ruana) is just a rectangle of fabric with a slit cut from the middle of one of the short ends to about the center of the fabric. I haven’t seen one of these Echo ruanas in the fabric, (as opposed to in the flesh!) so I’m not sure how they’re constructed. They’ve very uncomplicated; I’ve used mine when I travel as an extra cover on my bed!
hugs,
Janice
It’s amazing how that hint of black and beige in the ruana bring this capsule together.
FYI, the Hush Puppies loafers sold out on Nordstrom while I was attempting to order the navy ones! I had been looking at the navy with blue tassel version for a while now, and the price has reached the “buy it” level for me. Luckily the loafers are available in several colors on Amazon (the navy were $66).
Janice,
I wanted to say thank you for including brands that have petite sizing. I’ve got many pieces from Banana Republic and J.Crew, and am happy with both the fit and quality.
Happy Holidays,
For years I made and wore woolen rianas OVER coats and jackets. Admittedly Vancouver winters aren’t as harsh as Chicago winters but we do get some pretty chilly days. I found them to give enough coverage and warmth if one end was flung over the shoulder. And looks elegant too. And yes, they make great blankets! And yes, yes to a medal for Janice. You give us so much. Thank you always.
Love the color choice! Thank you for sharing the idea!