No matter how eye-catching some trends are, no matter the
attraction, there's often a little voice in the back of my mind
nagging at me, pointing out that it may not be the best option for me. And when I don't listen to my own lil jiminy cricket voice, you can be sure at one point or another it will blast with me with an accusing "I told you so!"
Like for instance, lately it's been...
1) wedge sneakers.
If I'm honest, I didn't like these at first but being bombarded by stylish ladies wearing these sneakers in an effortlessly cool way made me revise my initial feelings. I got the Bobby, the Betty even the Bekket, our relationship lasted less than a year.
Here I am, grinning with my Betty sneakers last fall. I can't point out when the love died but when it did, I couldn't hold on to them. They've all gone to more deserving owners now...
2) Harem pants.
I've tried, actually can't help wanting to try again. Isn't that the worst? Repeating over and over again the same shenanigans... It's just that I feel like I haven't found the "right" one... yet.
I love how cool the Junya/Comme des pants look on Taylor Tomasi Hill but somehow I hardly manage to look as wonderfully badass as she does...
Still I would be willing to give them another chance if I came up on these Isabel Marant Etoile harem pants from last summer but the prices on eBay are reaching -"ouch!"- outrageous levels on this item.
(la modadellamafia)
3) Wallpaper prints.
No matter how cute and artsy it looks on the runways of Prada/Marni and Co or in editorials, jacquards, wallpaper, geometrical prints look weird on me. I'm just not able to spin it like Jenna Lyons.
(Tommy Ton)
Still I can't help being drawn to things like this dress by COS even though I know the end game: not for me.
(COS)
4) Still in the print section, same vibe: (Dries van Noten) plaid pants
I so wanted to get these but I just couldn't get over the "pjs" look. In that instance, I did listen to the criket's wise voice. The price tag helped too. A lot.
I wish I could say: Lesson learned, always trust your first instinct but some voice is telling me that I'm not off the hook and might relapse at one point or another. Guts are such an underrated tool...
What about you, is there any trend you'd like to be able to pull off but bring out weird ambivalent feelings? Clothes you love... but don't love you back?
What about you, is there any trend you'd like to be able to pull off but bring out weird ambivalent feelings? Clothes you love... but don't love you back?
second PPP's advice on getting a pair of printed pants from the zara sale. i have two pairs and they're fab!
RépondreSupprimeri can't do a wideleg jean though every other year come spring i try them again. not patient enough with heels/wedges or tall enough to make it look super emmanuelle alt!
Now that the sales hysteria died a little and that discount actually get interesting at Zara, I will venture there then!
SupprimerMe too, I also love the 70's vintage wide leg look but have the same issue with footwear and I hate when the hems drag on the floor so the jeans are rolled up under all the other ones...
For me, it's baggy/boyfriend jeans. No matter what, I ultimately ALWAYS go back to skinny black jeans because that's what looks good on. This year I am completely resisting,though I love how they look in photos.
RépondreSupprimerThat's the danger with pictures, right? The item look so great in the right setting and then you start to visualize yourself in this and that and think that it would be perfect on you... I've been tricked so many times that way especially with online shopping, it's like a part of my brain melts. Sure this look is wonderful on Kate Bosworth but I'm not her. At all. That's the kind of "detail" that I tend to "forget"
SupprimerYou should do what makes you happy - but I just wanted to tell you that when I stumbled across and started reading your blog last year, you SOLD me on wedge sneakers. I thought they were totally weird until I saw you wearing them; I love your style! Anyway I bought some and now they're one of my favorite pairs of shoes. For what it's worth.
RépondreSupprimerOh thank you! And you're right, everyone should do and wear whatever makes them happy. Sometimes though, the mind works in funny ways and makes you want stuff that make you feel miserable when standing in front of a looking glass. But it's just fashion and clothes, it's supposed to be light, fun and personal expression.
SupprimerOh we must have been separated at birth over the same things. I have wedge sneakers - worn them twice. Still languishing in my wardrobe. I have tried harem pants - can't get over the poopy pants stigma (doesn't help to look like small poopy pant wearing thing either). I can't do the wallpaper prints - too busy and drive me nuts after a while and usually the patterns don't match and that drives me insane and Jenna Lyons is well tall - I am well short so patterns look all too busy. And lastly pants which look like pj's - do look a bit pjs and the Grumps would ask me if I'd changed from the morning bed attire.
RépondreSupprimerAnd I keep retrying time after time after time. Like you - lesson rarely learnt. I just keep thinking one day, I'm going to crack it!
Brilliantly funny post. I relate.
What is it with us?? At least, one can't hold us for not being perservering, right?!
SupprimerI just saw a pic of Mandy Moore wearing graphic printed pants and thought "oh, great! this could be it!"... I think I'm too old to be cured now anyway.
I keep trying with harem pants but no dice. I think it's because I favour loose tops - with loose bottoms it's all a bit too pyjama-ey. I also keep trying with boyfriend jeans. I'm sure I'll find the perfect pair but it hasn't happened yet.
RépondreSupprimerOh yes, when you factor proportions with some clothes it's even harder to pull off... About boyfriend jeans, I really like the not too loose, cropped I got from Uniqlo. But I must admit I wear it mostly on sundays to the park or when I don't feel like putting much effort... Skinny jeans are the ones I wear most of the time.
SupprimerAh yes, why is it that it looks so good on Taylor Thomasi Hill, but not on me? Sigh..... this runs through my head at least once a day, standing looking at my closet.
RépondreSupprimerAh, don't sigh. It's TTH. She's not a mere human being like us! I wouldn't mind "borrowing" a few of things from her closet though especially her accessories...
Supprimero man! this post resonated with me quite a bit. i think for the most part, i look quite dreadful in too-high-waisted skirts because i have a bigger bust, so it looks like boobs with legs walking around! seeing a photo of myself that a friend took of me allowed me to relinquish that last too high skirt. if it doesn't hit below the ribs, it's a no-go. i do love the 40's through 60's vibe i get from it, and i love seeing it on others.
RépondreSupprimermy inner voice has kept me away from harem pants, but i am not totally opposed...!
Oh, yeah, pictures of ourselves sometimes shed a light on how we look versus how we think we look. That's great to stay true to what you like. A few details changed can make a difference and the goal is to wear what makes you happy!
SupprimerI'll follow your advice and drop by Zara!
RépondreSupprimerOh my god! When trend go wild and you start to see all kind of crazyness that barely look like the original magic, you know it's a sure sign it's time to stop. I really dislike this kind of phenomenon when you feel like merchants try to draw as much money as they can out of people regardless of any aesthetic/common sense.
This reminds me of myself. I buy garments because I think they look cool, even though I know I won't wear them or feel comfortable in them. I should have learned by now that I only wear what feel comfortable in, but it quite boring going for the "save choice" all the time.
RépondreSupprimerBTW, I'm going to Paris soon and wondered if you could recommend some shops selling second-hand Isabel Marant, A.p.c or Celine?
Oh yeah, I know the "cool" or the "art" factors, that's such a good trap. I fall for it a little less often now but once in a while I'm craving obsessively and buying items I feel are "iconic" and "so so beautifully made" and by my favorite designer and just don't work with my lifestyle. Usually said item gather up dust for a while and even if I admire every bit of it, ends up on eBay.
SupprimerWell, seems like Paris is the place to be this summer! I just gathered a few adresses for another reader which I'll share in an upcoming post.
LOL! Aissa, I can't help but laugh at your comments AND agree with most of them at the same time. I still love the wedge sneakers but I can't deal with the Bekkets which are a bit too eye catching for me. Plaid, jacquard print, harem pants etc etc - Tried and FAILED! Just looked all wrong. BTW, love your cotton voile white top!
RépondreSupprimerBut life would be too boring if we didn't just jump ahead and try so many wrong things, right? :)) Even if we know deep down they are so wrong for us!
SupprimerIt's like the Celine trio or the Chanel WOC that you put in my head: I know the third of my life would never fit in any of these bags yet I can't help thinking about them...
Thanks about the top, one of my favorite IM item!
Great/funny post! I wavered on the Bobbys and Beketts for so long and thankfully passed them up! Same goes for harem pants. I have fully submitted to prints though - mostly in summertime, on dresses. Another trend I have successfully resisted is the jumpsuit! Love the way it looks on some women, but it is definitely a no-go for me. At this exact moment.
RépondreSupprimerThanks! Wow, you have much more willpower than I. Sometimes it's like my mind won't give me a rest till I try the trend/item and see with my own eyes the awfulness of it. Even then, it's not sure that I will fully accept to renounce it altogether...
SupprimerI keep seeing those wedge sneakers too, and I've been tempted more than once... but then I remember how much I hate heels for everyday walking, and it keeps me from buying a pair. I'll stick to my usual derbies. :)
RépondreSupprimerThe sneakers are not uncomfortable though, especially the lower ones but you're right, I've been spending my days in flats and I don't know how I'll get back to high heeled boots at the end of summer! Gah, I guess colder temperatures and rain will motivate me quickly enough...
SupprimerHi Aïssa,
RépondreSupprimerI am late to the conversation, but here is my input:
Harem pants and strong prints on top and bottom don't work for me. I am too short (63 inches).
Pajama or palazzo-style pants: The best silhouette combination= Wide on bottom, narrow on top (think tank-top or cowl-neck silk tanks). Also works with slim-cut button-downs. I add a low-slung belt with it to keep the look "slouchy". This look that loves a heel, and I find that a wedge works best. Also, my pants are crepe vs flannel.
What doesn't work for me: most peasant-style blouses, heels over 3 inches and almost every flat (except a ballet-style). I keep trying but they never work out. Good Luck!
-Missone
Wow, you do know what's best for you and that's great to be able to narrow down a silhouette that works no matter what.
SupprimerI don't know about you but often it's quite easy for me to find likable clothes or on the contrary to be drastically negative but finding the right item that will actually suit me and work for my lifestyle, that's a different matter !