Big price tag v. small

Every girl needs a pair of flat sandals.  Cruising the internet, I came across these amazing Alaia gladiator style sandals, for the handsome price of $1,530.00. Yes, you read that correctly.  One thousand five hundred and thirty dollars.

Gorgeous, no?  When a shoe is more than your monthly mortgage payment, you have to look for an "inspired by" that is budget friendlier. 

eBay to the rescue.  These Schuler & Sons sandals boast a similar swirly leather strap effect for a fraction of the price - under $60 including shipping.  Originally sold by Anthropologie, they went as low as $30 on the sale rack.  All leather, soft and comfortable, the same gladiator style look for much less.

There are still some sizes left on eBay, here.

Aspirational shopping

Women did not used to have so many clothes.  It used to be that they refreshed their closet twice a year.  They had spring and summer clothes, and fall and winter clothes.  They used their clothes over and over again, and handed them down or over. 

Fast forward to today, when mall retailers roll out new stock every month.  Designers show us spring, resort, summer, fall, holiday.  We have a lot of choices.  Far too many choices.  Every time we turn around there is something new to want.  A lot of time and money is spent convincing us we need new things.  All of this has led to a phenomenon I call aspirational shopping.  That is, shopping for the life that you do not lead.  Buying things that are exciting and beautiful but do not fit into your wardrobe or how you spend your time. 

Case in point, Lanvin beak toe booties. 

 

The first time I saw them on the Barney's website, I gasped.  So beautiful, so chic and edgy, so unique.  I had to have them.  I pictured myself wearing them, being noticed for my amazing style.  The thing is, I work in a conservative office and I live in a city so laid back its in a fashion coma.  I had absolutely no place to wear these beautiful booties.  I only managed to find a reason to put them on a few times.  They languished on my shelf in their beautiful blue box.  I had invested a lot of money in them and slowly came to the realization that while I loved them, they were not for me.  For my life, for my job, they were not a fit.  I sent them to consignment and made back part of my money.  I can honestly say it was traumatic, to give up on them and the notion that they elevated my style, and to give up on being the woman who would wear such amazing footwear. 

 

No more aspirational shopping.  I can have some fun and take some fashion risks, as long what I buy is wearable in my real life.  A hard and expensive lesson, to be sure.  

What Not To Wear

The pursuit of fashion can be a slippery slope.  After being inundated with images of something, say harem pants, you might finally buy a pair despite your better judgment.   You may never consider wearing something like overalls, then you'll see them over and over again on runways and celebrities and the next thing  you know there's a pair in your closet.  We all make mistakes.

There are lines we draw, though. Everyone has things they won't consider no matter what.  Here's my list:

1.  Uggs. Sorry, I know they're comfortable.  But damn, they're Ugg-ly.  Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

2.  Crocs.  See above.  Comfortable, sure.  Who wants to wear something that makes you look like you have club foot?

3.  Hi-lo hems.  Pick one.  Go long or go short, don't do both in one garment.

4.  Drop waists.  Good if you're 5 years old.  Otherwise, not good.

What's your fashion deal breaker?

LBD

Can a girl have too many little black dresses?  I did a count in my closet and I have six.  I also have 2 that are navy, which is very close to black, and one that is black with an ivory panel.  What is the attraction?  They're versatile. With heels and a great necklace or scarf, they can go to the office and to happy hour afterward.  Worn with flats and a denim jacket, you're dressed to run errands or go shopping. Throw on a strappy sandal and some fun bracelets and wear the LBD to brunch. 

A great LBD can be found at every price point.  Ponte knits travel well.  Silk suits warm climates. Tropical weight wool stands up to an office job. As versatile as the black dress is, it makes sense to have more than one in your wardrobe for different uses and different seasons.  At least that's what I tell myself.

Maybe tomorrow we'll talk about how many black pencil skirts I have.

Scarves - wardrobe workhorse

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If you're looking for sheer versatility, nothing beats a scarf.  Beyond the obvious, keeping your neck warm, there are the outfit making qualities.  Scarves can add color, texture and pattern to beef up your neutrals.  A print you might never wear in a dress or blouse can work in a scarf.  Not sure what to do with it?  Scarf tying videos abound on youtube.  Get adventurous and add a scarf ring. Yes, there are videos for that too. 

Every clothing budget has room for a few scarves.  Cashmere blends are heaven in cold weather.  Silk chiffon can transition right into summer heat since they feel weightless around your neck. Scarves can be worn so many ways, or even tied around the handle of a handbag.  How about using a small scarf tied around your wrist as a bracelet?  Tie one on your ponytail.  Drape one around your neck in place of a necklace. Thread one through your belt loops.  Scarves come in so many sizes.  No other item gives you so many options. 

Still not convinced?  Look back at the icons of style who wore them well. Jackie Kennedy, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn knew the elegance of the scarf.  Need I say more?

Bucket bag

Being a fan of the structured bag, I'm surprised I'm drawn to a bucket bag.  Maybe it's the casual summer vibe.  Throw in your stuff, cinch it and toss it over your shoulder.  Everyone makes a bucket bag, from Coach to Louis Vuitton.  They're available at every price point and in every color.

Behold this Alexander Wang Diego bag. The color is soft tang. How much fun is that?  The studs add a little edge to an otherwise simple shape. 

Get yours here.

Boyfriend jeans

Why is it so hard to find the perfect pair of boyfriend jeans?  They should be slouchy without completely obscuring your butt.  After all, jeans exist to make your butt look good.  They should feel a little oversized yet not need to be hiked up all day.  They need to work with flats and with heels. It should be easy, yet for many of us the search goes on and on. 

The easiest look ever is the hardest to find.

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