Am I crazy for thinking of buying this?

I saw this vest on ebay and it literally made me giggle. Crazy cute doggies stitched on a basic blue sweater vest. A couple of them reminded me of my crazy dachshunds.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251458.....EBIDX%3AIT

I can see how it could look very dated or tacky but I actually wear vests relatively often. It would fit oversized on me so I thought it might look cool either unbuttoned and drapey over a fitted tee with slouchy boyfriend jeans and booties or buttoned and belted at my true waist with black leather pants or black jeans over a simple black top (and help provide my much needed layer of extra warmth).

This is one of those items where I question "am I too old to be wearing something this zany? or... Is it too tacky? (for me, there is a somewhat fine line between sassy (which is cool) and tacky (which is not so cool).

...and how funny is it that I'm torn over whether to buy a $7 vest? Obviously, the price isn't really a factor in this decision.

What do you guys think?

11 years ago

April

Veteran

LL -- I have a poisoned eye for any sort of themed or whimsical vest after years of working in elementary schools [standard over-50 teacher uniform: knit pants, long-sleeved tee, vest with appliques reflecting the closest holiday], so my opinion is not exactly unbiased.

But I'm a "no" on this one. I just can't see it. I'm notoriously unimaginative on such things so grain of salt all the way, but if you're dying for something fun and doggy-themed, I would get something you'll wear only at home, like these: http://www.zappos.com/haflinge.....pper-earth

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leopardluxe

April. Thanks for your honest option. I really appreciate it. I was really struggling with the whole "over 50 school teacher uniform" vibe coming from it (I just couldn't pinpoint what to call that vibe. You nailed it!)

Those slippers are adorable! I'd totally buy them if they weren't the scuffy type. I usually wear ugg boots as slippers simply because they keep my feet and ankles warm.

I do have some other whimsical pieces with animals I wear that don't give off that same "schoolteacher uniform" vibe (like my Stubs & Wooten bulldog smoking loafers and Moschino dog face sweater).

Sarah A

I think this is all in the styling with the vest. It certainly could be done awesomely and seeing a few of your WIW's I think you have the skills to do such. But, yes, I can see the concern expressed by April. I have a closet full of thrifted finds (i consider ebay e-thrifting) that are "all in the styling" and frankly I am getting sick of them. I just want things that WORK, simply, easily, everytime IFKWIM.

adorkable

If anyone could make this work, it would be you ... but I think it would look mismatched rather than funky with most things.

Adelfa

I know we're supposed to buy things that we need and will work and not get sucked in by price, but for $7, given how you love it, just get it! Maybe you'll wear it once, maybe it will become a beloved item. Also to me it reads more creative than kitschy. Also it looks like the colors are good for you, from what I can see of your photo!

MsMary

Gah. Honestly I think it's pretty horrible.

But for seven bucks, why not give it a try and prove me wrong?

Thanks all for your thoughtful and honest opinions! I think I've decided I'm going to pass on this one. It has reminded that I should wear my Moschino mohair doggie sweater more often, though.

I love that sweater. When I got it in a designer consignment store many years ago I HAD to have it because the face reminded me SO much of my dog at the time (God rest his soul). It's actually a sleeveless tank style so it's perfect over t-shirts.

Attached a pic of it here. This is generally how I end up styling the super quirky pieces.

Kristin L

I wouldn't say crazy.

My concern is it veering towards over-50s school teacher like April said above. But, it it really speaks to you, go for it. You're the one that'll be wearing it, not us.

doubleh

To MaryK's point- maybe save for a new challenge chain or perhaps a sisterhood of the travelling vest "Who wore it best" contest? Although to Sarah A's point- if anyone can- you can!

JAileen

I knew a woman who raised dachshunds, and even made it to best of breed at Westminster. She wore a sweater with a picture of one of her dogs knitted into the back. In that instance I think it's ok, otherwise, no. Your second picture, though, is much more graphic, and reminds me of the big cat tops people wear. I like it!

Beth Ann

I love the pic of the doggie tank that you already have. That is whimsy with modern flair! I'd pass on the ebay vest.

Playfulness is big part of your style persona. Honor and celebrate it!

rabbit

LOVE your second black vest, and how you have styled it.

minimalist

I love the Moschino vest you have!

viva

Wear the Moschino!!! It's awesome, playful, and modern looking.
Pass on the vest.

gryffin

LL - I have a friend and she has a lot of doggy embroidered. sweaters. I think they look fantastically adorable on her. The key is she makes it it's own statement. Slim black pants, top, great shoes. It's just plain good fun!! Look I am the princess of refined, black and monochromatic but I think you can take a piece like this and have a blast with it. that's me (okay dog girl talking) I'm going to buck the trend. With your flair, I think it could be awesome!!

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