One-Dollar Wonders

13 Comments

• Lyn D. replied 11 years ago

  I am not sure about the booties either- they seem very shiny!
  I am also a 39 and always feel that my feet a a bit on the large side, and I am thinking that these look a little bulky too? See what others think.

• Lynne replied 11 years ago

  Love your interpretation of the look, Rae; your photos are always so happy and lively! Sorry I can't help with the shoes....

• Suz replied 11 years ago

  I love how the texture of your bag echoes the ruching in the model's yellow shirt. You are so clever. And wow, that IS an uber-cropped jacket. I can see how it would be useful. It is sort of like a denim shrug!

  I really like the boots. REALLY like. But I fear I am speaking for me and my style vs. you and yours and your needs. In the end, if the comfort factor is not there for you and they don't make your heart sing, they aren't for you.

• Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

  Love the outfit Rae - the plaid tunic is fab with the cropped denim jacket.

  Like Suz, I LOVE the boots but I think comfort has to be key, especially now with you being on your feet so much more. I'm sure Angie won'[t take it personally if you were to send them back - lol!

• Lisa replied 11 years ago

  That cropped jacket is the perfect pairing for the tunic in #1. I like the booties but if they are not comfy, back they go.

• Shu replied 11 years ago

  Rae, is that a DIY cropped jacket? I love the length and cut. I have one that I did myself, and find it super helpful in situations you described. Making it short enough to show my waist made mine super cropped - maybe even shrug-like as Suz said. I love how yours gives you waist definition over your long shirt!

  P.S. I'm actually not loving the silhouette or the sheen of the booties with your skinnies. You normally do boots so well that you've raised the bar quite high and I don't think this look quite meets your standard IMO.

• Diana replied 11 years ago

  Great interpretation of the inspiration look! I love your yellow bag. Was just thinking today when I was trying to come up with my own copycat outfit that I need more yellow/citron accessories.

  I know what you mean about the Melins. If I had kept them, I'd also have had to add a foam insole as well plus my 3/4 orthotic. For me, because i have the world's shallowest feet, it would not have been a big problem (although the toes might have rubbed at the top, and I actually felt that the toe box was slightly tight). If you can't comfortably do that, I vote return. In my experience patent does not stretch much. They look fab on you though! Better than they looked on me, I think, maybe b/c your insteps actually fill them out.

• catgirl replied 11 years ago

  Adore the denim jacket and the whole look. Surprise surprise.

  I also love the boots, but you really need them to be perfect for this money, both in fit and in how they fit what you want. I don't think they are too dressy, though.

• rae replied 11 years ago

  I am torn about the boots. I love how they look with my street clothes - especially my indigo skinnies. But at the same time that was not the purpose of this purchase. I can try the insoles woith the size up and see if that is better, but I am still bothered by having a dressy bottom half and totally casual top half. Any ideas on how to make my uniform tee look cohesive? I have been layering sleeveless collared shirts under but I don't feel it's enough...

• JR replied 11 years ago

  Do keep in mind that the patent is not a real leather, so it doesn't stretch or breathe like a real one. I do love the style of them though. I would love to find some good Chelsea boots.

  I do love your outfit, and I think it's neat the way you shuffled the elements of your inspiration.

• replied 11 years ago

  I thought patent was real leather that had been lacquered or coated in something shiny? At least the one fancy shoe store we have sells them as leather?

  I sympathise with trying to tie in a very casual uniform shirt with dressier elements. Can you experiment more with scarves or necklaces?

• Inge replied 11 years ago

  Great interpretation, Rae! You really rock that super cropped denim jacket.
  I love the boots on you, but of course they need to be very comfy if you intend to wear them to work.

  I believe you are not allowed to wear anything over your T-shirt, right? (so jackets, vests and blazers are all out?). Have you tried a work outfit with a dressier pair of boots or shoes (like the Melins here) and wearing a long-sleeved button-down shirt under your T-shirt (you could roll up or scrunch the sleeves up to your elbow if that's more comfortable - J.Crew is very good with this type of silhouette). I think that bit of extra sleeve might also add a bit of dressy on top?

• rae replied 11 years ago

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent_leather

  Looks like most modern patent leathers are coated with plastic even if the base is real leather.

  These don't need to stretch anywhere, but I got the size 40s in, and there is no extra room laterally... plus my feet slide around and look huge. So I guess the styling is a moot point since I can't make the sole more cushion-y. Burgundy boots elude me again!