Sundry oversized shirt* | size 1, made in the US (white version at Revolve, and a tie-dye version at Shopbop that’s pretty cool)
Goldsign virtual high-rise jeans* | made in the US
Rachel Comey Moon Wedges* | only 6.5 and 9.5 left, I took my true size. Also available at The Dreslyn
Well, I am smitten. And never say never. You know…life is just a series of trials and errors, I think. And this experiment/process I’ve been going through with my wardrobe has taught me so many things about myself. For today’s purposes, though, I’ll just mention one of those things: balance.
I’ve always had a hard time with balance; I tend to swing in tremendous arcs form one extreme to the other. I either buy what I love, forsaking it later because it’s not practical enough, or I never wear it, or I buy what is practical, and end up with a boring, predictable wardrobe.
Now, I don’t think that my wardrobe is boring or predictable, by any means. Well, maybe just a little. It’s definitely predictable. Black. Mostly black. And despite my efforts to correct it, I still think of others when I decide what to buy, or wear. In the back of my head is a voice that says “oh…what will she (some random stranger whose style I admire) think of my outfit? my accessories? my shoes? Are they cool enough? Do they send the right message?” I wonder. And then I decide that it’s safest to just stick with black, for example. It’s chic, easy, minimal, and I do love it.
But then I catch myself and circle back to reality. She’s not thinking of me in such a critical way, or even thinking of me at all. Why do I do this to myself?? I blame blogs and Pinterest, honestly, with their perfectly curated images of women who look NOTHING like me. I’ve mostly stopped looking at both.
Anyway, I have decided to try and add things to my wardrobe this year that are the right mix of practical & “fun” – things that speak to me, but that I can also wear. Both of these pieces I ordered from Shopbop meet this requirement; the shoes, I loved since the moment I saw them, but tried to put them out of my mind saying I’d never wear them, and the chambray top, well, I already decided to give up on them because I didn’t think they were “me.”
But now, I see myself wearing this top with leggings and my white converse sneakers. White shoes, of course, because all I want is white, or light gray, this spring. I’m falling hard. The top fits very well in the size 1 (S) – still oversized, but not huge. It’s long enough to wear with leggings, and I love that it has buttons on the sleeves to keep them rolled up. It’s also made in the US, which is a very big selling point for me.
I haven’t worn this outfit yet, I just threw everything on as soon as it arrived (of course). It’s much too cold and rainy for the shoes. I suppose I could do the “socks with sandals” look like Totokaelo does so well, but am no where NEAR cool enough to pull that off. So I’ll just have to wait to wear these until the weather warms up. Just a bit more, anyway.
I can definitely layer the top now, perhaps with my Everlane turtleneck tunic? or chunky knit sweater?
And from the moment I put the shoes on, I knew I’d have to keep them. They’re comfortable, and despite their height, easy to walk in (I made in up and down the stairs okay!). The wedge is narrow, so it’s pretty sexy I think, and who doesn’t love a good peep-toe?? I’m so glad I got them; I plan to wear them as often as I can. Within reason of course.
*I purchased my entire outfit with the credits I earn from Shopbop each month.
I had my doubts about the practicality of those shoes, too. If you walked up and down stairs easily, though, you dispelled my doubts. They look GREAT on you. You know how you complain sometimes about your legs? Well, those shoes are a perfect example of how platform wedges with a high vamp flatter your body type much more than, say, mine. My legs look like broomsticks with wedges, platforms, or high vamps. The combination of all three would be devastatingly unflattering. I also doubt I could balance well in high heeled platform shoes. That was a good buy, especially since you got Shopbop to adjust the price for the current sale!
I am laughing about the socks with sandals comment–there is no way I could pull that off either. I’d just look like a crazy bag lady. Kind of like 20-year-olds can wear “Mom” jeans stylishly, but I’d just look dowdy.
Those shoes look great on you. I seem to be completely unable to wear narrow wedges without falling, so I am envious.
And I will second you on the balancing practical with fun. There are times when you just need something fun to wear. I’ve made a couple of recent purchases on the side of fun that I”m happy with.
well, i wouldn’t say “easily” exactly…but i made it. actually it was much easier to walk in them than i thought it would be. i’m going to wear them around the house a bit more before wearing them out anyway, but i was really pleasantly surprised!
and yes, this narrow wedge + peep toe is incredibly flattering for me, i know that…i just haven’t liked to admit that lately, while i’ve preferred to wear nothing but flats 😉
haha, right? totokaelo is magic when it comes to styling, but then again, those models can pull anything off, even the crazy double-oversized silhouettes they like to work with. and they even make socks with sandals sort of work. but no. i will not even TRY it…
I am glad to hear that I am not alone with the voice in the back of my head that says the same thing… Trying to dress more for myself and the “joy” of it (Kondo style…).
Finding and growing one’s self is all about expansion and contraction, breaking out and paring back, out, and back in. :).
haha! Love the comments here, Jen and Grechen! I’m picturing an uber-skinny model with a platinum bowl haircut (That’s Totokaelo’s vibe, right?!?) in socks and Teva’s. That ship has sailed a looong time ago for me, along with the “mom-Jean” trend ( My personal rule: If I wore the trend the first time I don’t wear it now. And of course, the “exception to every rule” rule: I wear Birkies.)
I love the shoes and the top, but the shoes are probably a no-go for me, since I’m a “can’t walk and chew gum at the same time” kind of girl. 😉
Exactly, Lisa! And if I knew it all now, what fun would that be?!?
Love the shoes! They really elongate your legs. I wish wish wish I could walk in something like that. It’s all Danskos and Wolkys for me — at least they’re better than orthopedic shoes. Sigh.