Disposable Clothing: More Evidence

OK, a propos of being creative - which is to say, mixing the cheapy purchases with the finer ones - here are the F21 high-waisted jeans styled two different ways:

Jeans: Forever 21, Shoes: n.d.c., Shrug: ?

Jeans: Forever 21, Shoes: n.d.c., Sweater: Banana Republic

I realize it's a challenging, which is to say exaggerated, look. This is why I'm wearing the jeans with heels and a bit of attitude. It's also why I bought this look via the high-street. I do think that inexpensive denim can be a super buy because it generally doesn't show its relative shabbiness.

Disposable Clothing: The Evidence

The next couple of pictoral posts are all about the crazy looks I'd never try at a higher pricepoint.

So, call me shameless, here are the F21 short shorts (and the knit vest):

Shorts and Vest: Forever 21, Shoes: n.d.c. from Winners, Necklace: From Spain, courtesy of Sandra

Yes, I am actually as pale as the pictures makes me seem.

No, I never get appreciably darker, thank you sunblock .

So, do tell, are you the short shorts type?

Dress-Off (Somehow this doesn't quite make the point...)

I know, I know, at this point I've given the cute little vintage dress far too much attention. In the words of my husband and photographer: I am so sick of this thing. Really.

I suppose, since it's out of my comfort zone, it's more intriguing to me than a stock basic. And, bien sur, it's given me so much enjoyment on the styling front, motivating the purchase of shoes and new ways of looking at the contradictions (hard/soft, prim/strong, old/new) in fashion.

So here are two looks for your review:

Dress: Sasson, vintage, Shoes: 9West
Dress Sasson, vintage, Shoes: Next, from Winners
Neither is a terribly flattering photo, but I personally feel that the gladiator is a) too flat and b) not quite as cherry red as it needs to be to suit the very bright red dress accent. So I'm voting for the prim shoe.

Now, the question remains, do I return the Gladiator? It's insanely comfortable, and it looks much more expensive than it was ($115.00). My friend Jennifer, who was with me when I bought them (and who's as iffy on the whole gladiator look as I am), decided that she too thinks they're a chic and wearable look.

Maybe I should ask: If you were going to return one pair of the 5 new shoes I've purchased this spring, which would it be and why?

Now, I promise, onto other looks...

Bzzzzzzzz

I cannot tell you how much I love this shot-in-the-arm of springtime colour, courtesy of my fave haunt for affordable, trendy basics, Club Monaco:

Sweater: Club Monaco, Skirt: American ApparelShoes: 9West, Belt: ?
And here's a gratuitous close up showing off it's colourful, finely knitted deliciousness:

It can be yours for a reasonable $69.00 - though you can spend a smidge more for the translucent cardi ($79.00) or the silk like spun sunshine cardi ($119.00). Will talk more about this one more when I post about shopping fun with Jennifer. (K - I promise a closet org series is on its way, I haven't forgotten about you...)

You know, I've been going to CM for more than 20 years?! Now that's customer retention... (If only they would update their website now and again, I could have shown you a few great pieces. Seriously, how do they expect me to do their advertising for them if they don't give me something to work with??)

It's the Last Shoe For A While (I Promise)

Jobilyn sandal, 9West
So?

You know the Gladiator Shoe?

The one from 9West I mentioned in yesterday's post. (Just wasted 15 minutes online looking for a pic of it: Jobilyn sandal by Enzo A. in red, but it's as if it doesn't exist?!) At any rate, you can see a photo soon, because I bought a pair. Which gives one the opportunity to "shoecase" the Sasson dress with the ladylike red shoe from Winners and with the gladiator (even if it resides solely in my own universe...) Because, you may recall, the theory is that one of them must go back.

Also in a post coming soon to a browser near you: I must tell about the fun I had with my great friend and longtime shopping partner Jennifer. Not to give anything away but it involves small feet, great deals and yellow.

(Admit it, you're crazy intrigued.)

Shoe 4: The Sporty American One

This one - by some brand I've never heard of (Next? - $59.00) - was purchased specifically to go with the Sasson dress. While I recognize it is prim, I feel that the buckle-y, shiny redness does up the ante a smidge.

And the angled kitten heel is adorable.

And, furthermore, I can walk in these and look chic in them - even if I don't end up pairing them with the (fairly conservative, let's face it) dress that might lead the whole outfit into suburban mom territory. Please note: I mean no offense to suburban moms, who are an important part of our cultural demographic. I just prefer to dress like a single urbanite pursuing my options...

You should know that, in a fit of shoe-craziness, I have also put aside one more 9West shoe - a matte red gladiator (ankle high) - that is in no way shiny, girly or sleek. I feel, given that I've run out of spaces in my closet now, if I get that one (and it would go with the Sasson in a very eclectic, jolie meets laide kind of way), this one's going to have to go back. Unless I change my mind and find some woman-with-a-fashion-problem justification for keeping it all.

Now's just about the right time to finish that post on closet organization, non?

PS - If you have opinions about which shoe would be better with the dress, you know I want to hear about them...

Shoe 3: The Exciting One

Enzo Agnolini - 9West ($130.00)
This is the (flashier) nod to the Camper shoe, at half the price and with somewhat better fit (on my particular foot). I'm not going to lie to you. The Camper shoe is subtle and fine - beautifully constructed (as you would imagine) given the brand and the pricetag. It whispers "hello, shoe-wearer, are you delicate enough for me". This shoe kind of hits you over the head. It is much trendier - shiner, bucklier, moving toward the gladiator thing with the ankle strap. It says "get your money's worth out of me now because you have no idea if I'll be a pariah next summer - oh, and I might not last much past then".

Nonetheless, I was really impressed by the fit. From every angle I found it flattering and, well, eye-catching. With a mini-dress, it will add a sexy something without looking trashy. And, while I realize the ankle wrapping is not ideal for every shape of leg, this is one "challenging look" I feel I can pull off (for a change)...

PS - Our bride-to-be Enc, of observationmode, has kindly nominated me to do that fascinating meme called "The Eight". I'm so psyched to do it, but it does take quite a bit of thought and prep. Please stay tuned for my take on this fun game.

Shoe 2: The Practical One

This one is from 9West ($100.00). Wearing these is absolutely comfortable (and hopefully not too hideous-sensible). I'm imagining them with my summer mini skirts and dresses and bare legs. A cute look for walking to work, whereupon I'll change into something else. I mean, they're not going to work with everything, but they're cuter than runners (that velcro strap is patent baby blue) and they are leather. In pic 2, I've shown them with those American Apparel above-the-knee socks (mid thigh) because I think the textures are interesting together.

I wasn't specifically looking for a walking shoe, but was pleasantly surprised to see the wide range of options at 9West. I can't tell you how hard it was to choose between these and a pair of acid meets sunshine yellow flats. They were cooler - and really did justice to the new neon accessory trend. And they totally would have acted as a neutral in my wardrobe. Alas, they just weren't quite as comfortable, and when all is said and done, that's what this shoe is about.

Shoe 1: The Lady One

I decided to start with the office appropriate one, for no apparent reason. It's reasonably nicely constructed, despite the shoddy (what is it with me and the puns, lately?) look of the heel in these pics. The brand is one I've never heard of: n.d.c. And it's claim to fame, apparently, is that the shoes are made by hand. The soles are leather and the shape is lovely. They fit small, but well, esp. for a shoe that will live in the office, very likely, as I am not going to torture myself by walking miles in a 2.5 inch heel.

Here's a bit of info about the brand I lifted from online:

n.d.c. was created to open a new dimension to men's and ladies footwear, offering luxurious materials, comfortable lasts, and rejuvenated classics. n.d.c. is attractive to a wide group of customers; trendsetters, classic dressers, luxury lovers, and quality freaks who are in pursuit of understated individualism.

Each n.d.c. shoe is painstakingly hand-crafted by artisans. n.d.c. uses only the finest leathers. The designs are simple, yet elegant. The quality is unsurpassed. n.d.c. shoes are "works of art". Undisputed leaders in their category, n.d.c. creates timeless classics that outlive trends or fashions.

I don't know that I buy into the painstaking. I mean, I just finished scruitinizing these things and I've seen better made mass-produced shoes. I suppose the proof will be in the wearing, if I opt to keep them. What's cool about them is the colour and pattern of the patent. The upper is comprised of royal blue, patent strips that affix to the heel. The front part is closed (a patent toe box lines the strips), but the sides are slatted.

Nonetheless, apparently they're sold at Barney's - so the brand can't be lousy - and they were originally $300.00 on sale for $99.00. Thoughts or feelings?

PS - Pls. be warned that I have somehow managed to incorporate patent into each of the 4 pairs I will profile this week. I appear to be coming to terms with my ambivalence about its shininess...

Hmmm...

Are you one of those people who can't wait to put on your cutoffs when the temp hits 75 degrees (F)? Or do you run screaming at the thought of any human being actually observing the back middle third of your thighs? I've always eschewed shorts if favour of the more wearable (IMO) short skirt. My years ago foray into the world of shorts always seemed to result in - extremely unattractive - rideup or the equally unattractive "mom look". Hello, I am somebody's mother. I don't need to look it.

But, while surfing The Glam Guide recently, I saw a few options that are so adorable, I'm actually thinking of giving it another go:

Marc Jacobs

Theory

Rich & Skinny

If only the average price weren't $175.00 a pair, I'd be right on it. Can't wait for Club Monaco to interpret these...