What you want vs what you think you will wear - how to reconcile?

I've been eyeing items for a dressy shorts outfit/capsule, or daytime shine. I tried, and returned some tweed shorts with metallic threads running through it. Too big and too short
Then the BF threw a wrench in the machine when he said how he thought shiny shorts were kinda tacky/hoochie and not age appropriate. Okay . . . switched gears into looking into silk. But then silk is kind of dainty for my day to day activities and wash and wear lifestyle. Especially worn on the bottom, not as a blouse.
SO . . . I shifted into looking into shiny silver blouses. I found a few I liked. And then stopped to think.
What I really want: the asymmetrical mixed media tank. But I'm afraid I won't wear it. It might need a special bra and the longer length may make skirt/shorts harder to pair.
What I think I would wear: The slight cowl neck mixed media tee. I have several tops in this basic shape already that I wear to death. BUT, I have several other tops like this already. See how it's both good and bad?

Do you find yourself in similar 'head vs heart' situations? Which do you follow? How does it work out? I'm afraid either choice might make me think I should have chosen the other lol.

yay - heart (pic 1)
nay - head (pic 2)

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12 years ago

Sarah A

Veteran

#1 by a mile. Had to login just to say that...

Glory

Oh all the time - fighting that battle. I follow my heart and then my head steps in after I get it and commands me to return.
Should I tell you I have over 15 items waiting beside me to be returned? Yikes.
It sounds like you need something to complete your capsule. I like both of these but I do agree that 1 will be too long for shorts but then again you are quite tall aren't you? Is there risk in getting both and giving them a whirl?
On the shorts - would you consider leather shorts? I think you could really rock them.

jayne

i have that rule, if it bothers me, go back for it. I bought a very very expensive winter coat in the middle of JULY because my heart said it was the one, bothered me for a week! Was soooo happy to see it waiting for me when I got back. But, the test for me is the waiting and seeing if it really bothers me. Because sometimes I think I love it but even by the time I am in the next store,, I cannot remember why or sometimes even what it was i loved. Age, dementia?

unfrumped

Not sure what occasions or time of day your capsule is for--#1 is dramatic but doesn't seem very daytime. #2 is shiny for day, but not as much so if under a jacket. That sort of thing. Going-out tops would be different, of course and lots more options for drama and shine. Also YMMV depending on work situation if tanks and halters are the norm.

texstyle

(website)

#1 is pretty for going out at night I'd think. For daytime, I'm not so sure. But that said I'm not crazy about #2.

I've learned that I just don't need certain things in my wardrobe - so I guess I don't tend to shop for them, even though I admire them and sometimes even let them hang out in my shopping basket before finally realizing that I will not wear it enough to justify. Pretty much every "shiny, sparkly, dressy, satiny, dry clean required item" I've purchased gets worn like once or twice.

If you want a little "sexy" (which is where I tend to file things in my mind like satiny shorts, shoulder revealing tops, etc.) I guess I'd look for my real life kind of sexy, you know? Sometimes I feel my best in one of my favorite button downs (not buttoned up much) with my favorite, best fitting jeans and bare feet. Maybe some lip gloss.

Lyn D.

I guess I try to make purchases that please my heart first, but also my head in regards to practicality and budget, in that order.
(I like Texstyle's definition of sexy but practical too.)

Anonymous

Wow, the first one looks really special, you know? And the second just kind of practical and ho-hum, despite the fact that they are similar colors and fabrications. I guess I allow myself a few special occasion items and for the everyday, I just wear something I already have. You probably could get away with just wearing a standard strapless bra with #1.

I would envision going out to a casual dining place with the BF, maybe afternoon, maybe at night, when it's hot - too hot for many of my dressier items - but I still want to be dressier than casual. I'm finding in the heat I end up in cotton bottoms and tops, not much in the way of textural difference or shine. I'm not big on patterns, actually very picky about them. Where to find the 'oomph' in your outfits under such conditions? I could totally see a version with the Leith pants and heels for a dressier night occasion, too.
I would have worn these for the wine tasting I had to walk to the other night, for instance. Instead I was in a not very inspired faux tucked tee with the oft worn purple shorts.
And totally not rational - I just want to play with the idea of daytime shine too

Debra

I,m with Jayne, I always buy better if I give it the "does it bother" me test.
Walk away and if it's the one, you'll know.
And I totally get the I love it, but it's not going to match my life

Caro in Oz

You've just listed three types of occasions where you would wear this Mo so I'd try #1 if I were you

Suz

#1 would look amazeballs with the Leiths. My fave Leith outfit was the pants with a longer black ruched sleeveless turtleneck. Not as dressy as this because not shiny and a high neck, but similar idea to this. It was a subtly fitted longer top with some glamour to it.

Jaime

What Caro said - at least try it!

A good rule for any age is not to combine two or more of these: shiny, tight, low cut or short to avoid looking hoochie.

Neel

I have too many things that I buy with my heart like that short sequin skirt ... which can be only worn for night outs with friends (which I never go for!) and then I have a few backless lace dresses which I am still mustering courage to wear (oh and I haven't even bought the correct bra for it!). AND I have a pair of black rolled up cuffs shorts which are waiting to see the light of the day because I am conscious about my legs.

So I would suggest top 1 ........ they are so unique! A girl has to have atleast a few items like that in her wardrobe. No? Fun to play dress up with but not practical. Of course that may not be the case with you!

I could be a case study for Angie's *imaginary lifestyle* wardrobe! Sigh!

lyn67

Mo, I think both have a place in your wardrobe!(sorry.-))

Vildy

Maybe we could work out a YLF system called Wrong Way Vildy. Whatever I like, buy the other. [sigh]

I loved #2 immediately as looking more glam and sophisticated to me and #1 recalled a comment someone made about an identical style top she was getting rid of as making one boob look a mile long.

rute

Yes, all the time, but as a practical lady the practical side wins most of the time and when looses it ends in a mistake!
The first is lovely, but you'll need a special bra.

Just coming back around to say I'm getting neither right now. I was concerned on the 27" length, and sure enough, two tanks I'm purging are 28" long. Can't do that tunic-ish length. Longer or shorter. But I know a lot of you are Helmut Lang fans so maybe I can enjoy it vicariously on you! http://www.ebay.com/itm/300983.....1423.l2648
The other factor is I still need the dressy shorts part of the equation. This would be putting the cart before the horse.

I love your threads - can't stop thinking about the 12 item categories!
You are not only clever but disciplined!

Mellllls

my feeling is that if it's within your budget, and you are strict about your budget, go with your heart.

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