I was so inspired by one of my blogging role models, Jo-Lynne. This week she posted what she DIDN’T like about her LBD. Even though we all thought she looked great, she detailed what she didn’t like about the dress on her. I love that she posted pictures of herself in a dress she wasn’t thrilled about. That’s bold, that’s confident, that’s true inner dignity! Check out her LBD post!
(I apologize for styling the same outfit just two posts ago in Black Lace Up Flats, but I had these extra last minute shots we took and thought they would be perfect for showing you my “bootie mistake.”)
We all make those fashion mishaps. Especially when others are telling us, “It looks great! You should get it!” There is a difference between feeling comfortable and looking good in front of a dressing room mirror and actually walking out the door for the day with X mistake on. My latest are these nude open-toed booties.
Don’t get me wrong – I DO like them!! But I went into the store to purchase the classic staple of 3 inch, comfy, nude pumps and came out with these Steve Madden open toed booties. To be fair, those mules were on my “list,” and I have been looking for a pair, but they just aren’t the exact style I should have chosen (or heel height- a 2.5 in would have been perfect for me-I can still run after a toddler in 2 inch shoes verses 3 inches).
They DID look *super sauce* with the outfit I was wearing…but I could have done better…mainly waiting to find one that cut below the ankles. Showing a little ankle would look a lot better. Steve Madden’s Nonstp Bootie is a winner-it’s cut lower! I also like how the strap at the back can give you a perfect fit. I’ve been experimenting with ways to alter my shoes and will post the before and after pics in the future.
I wanted to encourage you to be patient and “trust your gut!”as Jo-Lynne put it. If there is something slightly uncomfortable, or is just slightly ill fitting, it will BUG you later so pass if it can’t be altered within your budget! Just be patient, and keep looking: YOU CAN DO BETTER. Save your money and use the X amount toward something perfect!! Don’t get trapped in by the sale price…$20 is still $20 towards something fabulous!
Shop This Look:
Black Tank: Macy’s (last year)
Rockstar White Jeans: Old Navy, similar, and here.
Steve Madden Nonstp Bootie: here
Panama Hat: here
Purse: hand me down
Stella and Dot “On The Mark” Necklace: here
Bracelets: Madewell, here and here H&M similar
Please Share: What’s your latest impulse buy?
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Good, encouraging advice! And glad to know the pros make fashion mistakes they regret too! I bought a suede/Sherpa vest that I can’t seem to make work and as a result I’ve only worn it twice at most. ?
Thanks Amanda! I thought of getting a Suede/Sherpa vest too. What does it look like? You’re adorable, I’m sure we can find a way to make it work. Send me some pics and I’ll send you some ideas. 😉
Good, encouraging advice! And glad to know the pros make fashion mistakes they regret too! I bought a suede/Sherpa vest that I can’t seem to make work and as a result I’ve only worn it twice at most. ?
Thanks Amanda! I thought of getting a Suede/Sherpa vest too. What does it look like? You’re adorable, I’m sure we can find a way to make it work. Send me some pics and I’ll send you some ideas. 😉
I am looking for some new open toe boots for spring – those are perfect!
Lisa
Daily Style Finds
I am looking for some new open toe boots for spring – those are perfect!
Lisa
Daily Style Finds
I really like the new Steve Madden Nonstp!! Would LOVE to see how you style open toed booties when you get some!! xx-Shan
I really like the new Steve Madden Nonstp!! Would LOVE to see how you style open toed booties when you get some!! xx-Shan
Funny, first thing I noticed when I landed on your post was how cute your booties are. HAHA! But the ones you linked to – the newer version – I LOVE!! So I do see what you mean. 🙂 I am ordering those, by the way. So thank you for the recommendation! 🙂 I’ve been wanting a pair. And thanks for linking over! You have great style, I’m really glad I’ve discovered your blog!
Thanks Jo-Lynne, your comment made my day!! Your blog was one that helped inspire me to start Gamine & Stripes. I love that you are a Christian woman who models style and dignity. I know I can trust you to find modest apparel and outfit ideas that I can actually wear! Thanks for being an inspiration. xx-Shan
great purse!
Thanks, Rebecca! I love hand-me-downs. 😉
That is awesome to hear, and that means a lot. 🙂
Oh I make tonsss of mistakes then hahah! I’m a bit better now (a bit) but there are times when I see a piece I really love and don’t really think about how it can work with the rest of my wardrobe but end up buying it anyways. Pretty much those pieces just end up sitting my on my closet but you’d definitely encouraged me to try and make them work anyways! And your booties are super cute and I can think of a million ways I’d style them haha
Nice post! Still love your outfit. 🙂
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
I’ve talked about that recently as well, in my post about “What’s Leaving” as a result of my first round of capsule. And it’s true, if something is off with a garment (or shoes) you’ll end up not wanting to wear it. So the advice to be strong and hold out for the perfect piece is spot on. In all my time, I’ve regretted once not buying something (a pair of funky brogues) but I’ve regretted buying something that was just “okay” and not a 100% “oh gosh I love this, please take my money” too many times.
Have a great week!
Alex – Funky Jungle – http://www.funkyjungle.it
So right Alex! We’re on the same page. Going to read your “What’s Leaving” post–sounds interesting! xx-Shan
You’re so right about not being pulled in by the price, if something isn’t right. Although with many clothes, the true “right fit” happens with alterations! It’s not always possible to buy something right off the rack that fits perfectly! And looking at the other side—I think it’s also important to try on things that aren’t on our “list” or what we usually buy, because we can be pleasantly surprised too!!
But I have to ask, how would you alter your shoes—-I’m so intrigued??? jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Hi Jodie, I totally agree we should try things out of our comfort zone- there is a great chance it will look great! It helps to have friends with an eye pick things out for us!! So I’m thinking of taking the booties to my “shoe” guy to see if he can cut the leather and how much that would cost. I did a ghetto self-alteration which I will be posting about soon so stay tuned. 😉 xx-Shan
Thanks for ordering the shoes! Did you receive them yet? What do you think?