Basta! ETA Muji jeans? Pix in comments

Analysis Paralysis.
Die Qual der Wahl.
I bet many languages have an expression for that happy torment of searching for just the right object; leaving no corner unsearched, allowing oneself just a hint of a dream about the miraculous improvement that just the right item will bring to one’s life. It can be a pleasurable way to pass the time.

However, by the time our sublet ends Sept 30, I hope to have a job and that my son will have learned enough German to transfer to a regular school, so those things can guide my decision of where to live. That requires lots of decision-making power.

In the last few days, I’ve posted about several things I think I ought to get—a bigger bag that will work for work & play, a transitional jacket, a pair of shoes to wear for low impact exercise and for casual wear. I’ve gotten lovely, thoughtful responses.

I hope people won’t feel put-upon if I raise all of those questions again in this post. I’ve done some looking online, guided by your suggestions, and am in the mall now. I should end all this by this afternoon, and free my brain up for those bigger decisions. There will be ample opportunity to get the best briefcase/backpack and other items in the future.

I’m seeing lots of white sneakers, but honestly, I’m a little scared I won’t keep them clean enough, and maybe I should get a stronger color.

The sandals are nothing I’ve thought of until now, but the Tamaris in the find are the only sandals I own in the world.

The backpack is not professional, but it is cute, available and not that expensive.

Here is what I’m seeing here. I’m also going to add links to a pair of jeans and two jackets. Which, in each category, do you think is best, I should I really back away for now?
Jacket #1 lightweight puffer with hood https://www.peek-cloppenburg.d.....ize=40%2C0
Jacket #2 bright blue & floral hoodie https://m.hm.com/de/bag/edit?a.....ckSize=005

Jeans: #1 is the Desigual pair pictured. #2 is from Muji, their boyfriend jeans in a dark wash. I didn’t take a pic, thinking they’d be easy to find on their website, but they aren’t.

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Custom Find

by Stagiaire Fash

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5 years ago

LaPed

Veteran

The Pikolinos sandals are beautiful and look really good on your feet. Of the sneakers, I'd go with whichever pair is most comfortable. White is versatile and seems to be perennially popular -- unless you dislike the way it looks, or there's another colour that really makes your heart sing -- so you could just round up the white options and try them all on.

Joy

Summer is nearly over. Sandals don't make much sense right now. You have other priorities. Probably getting the job and then figuring out what you need as well as for a cooler season should mean back away from the sandals for now. Plus the rest of your closet needs to arrive before making too many decisions. Your son may need some new things to feel confident.

SarahD8

I’m with Joy. Until the rest of your things get there I would only buy to fill immediate needs. I’d be especially wary of prints as they could be hard to integrate with your existing things (hard to remember the exact colors of things stuck on a boat in the middle of the Atlantic). Of the shoes, I like the navy sneaks — they seem both practical and versatile.

rachylou

I do like the sandals a lot, altho summer is close to ending. I also like the darker sneakers with white soles, the more ‘urban sneaker’ ones, because I feel they’re more versatile. And, of course, I think a puffy would be a good and useful choice...

Stagiaire Fash

Good thoughts on the sneaks. Idk why, but I simply did not want to look at them yesterday, even though they were the most practical of all. I wanted to be all done in the mall yesterday, but am going back today—AFTER the employment office, which is nearby. I got the red puffer, thinking I’m in a cheery red mood, but then realized that if I get a red bag, KS or otherwise, a red jacket isn’t the best idea. And then I saw that several other colors are on sale at that store, so back to the mall I go, and I’ll do the shoes too. Should I pick up these jeans while I’m there? I don’t love them, but I don’t hate them either.

I did get the Pikolinos. That’s a brand I’ve admired from afar, the sandals were on sale, and having jettisoned all my sandals at home, I know I will use them next summer, as well over the next couple weeks. I was tempted to get some of their winter shoes, but saw a lot of overlap with the things that are on the way. I will wear the sandals today, as it is 91 out and they are less casual than the pink strappy ones I got a couple weeks ago.

Joy, thanks for thinking of my son. Being a mom, I got him outfitted our first few days here, at Hollister and H&M, which look exactly like those stores at home.

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Kathie

If you don’t like the jeans, don’t buy them. Of the sneakers, if you’re worried about white, then focus on the darker colors. The navy Eccos look versatile, and I think those are a repeat top pick. Otherwise, either of the darker pairs in pic 2 of your first post look useful. I’d skip the floral jeans and bag. You seem to really want a red bag, so I’d focus on that. It will make you happy every day. And you could pair it with a puffer in teal or turquoise, if you don’t want completely neutral outerwear.

Ya is lookin’ totally German to me with your pretty skirt and sandals I don’t put a lot into jeans, so take this for what it is... if the jeans are comfy, I say might as well. I like Muji.

...It kills me tho how the stores are the same everywhere. This may be why travel isn’t a thing for me anymore. I no longer feel like I’ve gone anywhere when I do... because yeah, I’m really all about the shopping, lol.

Rachylou, I so agree with you on the shopping! I don’t like supporting a big ole mall in Europe, which has fought to keep small enterprises alive. But it was just so convenient when I needed a bunch of disparate things and don’t know where individual stores are yet.

I thought about the jeans, then went back for them. I’m not thrilled about them, but I doubt any would thrill me right now. Even if there is a pair out there that would, I don’t want to take the time to look. These are fine. I wound up keeping the red jacket. There were a few colors that looked perky online, but dead in the store.

Funny thing about this skirt—I didn’t intend to bring it, because I didn’t think it looked “Berlin” enough. It was one of several odds & ends that got stuck into a bag at the last minute, and I have been very glad to have it! Only negative is it isn’t swooshy enough for Angie’s formula.

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