Loving Against Type - YouLookFab Forum

A couple of weeks ago, I came across these great Dansko clogs. I love the combo of the Mary Jane style with the classic clog base and the way that the strap drops down across the clog heel. They go with jeans. They go with dresses and skirts. So cute. So comfortable to wear. So practical. I have visions of wearing them with rolled boyfriend jeans and layers this winter. Lurv.

*Sigh*

However, the rational part of me says to send them back. At my heart, I'm a girly girl right now. I love flirty looks. I love classic looks. I love mod looks. And 1960s James Bond girls looks. And I could go on, but the bottom line is that my core is all about something slightly romantic and slightly classic. These clogs are neither.

Any outfit I envision wearing with these clogs would be even more me with my Jeffrey Campbell wedges. I think these clogs just represent a look that I love on others. In my heart, I know that they'll be semi-orphaned. I'm about to send them back to Zappos.

How do you handle those items you love against type? Do you buy from love and try to make them work in your closet? Do you just flirt, then pass them by? How do you decide when it is time to take a leap and buy something outside your range and when to just let it go?

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13 years ago

Anonymous

I've learned from past mistakes that it's best to let them go if not your style unless you want it to be your style and are working toward it.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Oooh, I love those Dansko clog pumps! Right up my style alley! My feet are starting to hurt in traditional pumps so I may need to check those out. Do you have a link? I think they're great but if you won't really wear them, there's no point keeping them.

K. Period.

Yeah! Someone else loves my clog crush. Here's the link:

http://vip.zappos.com/dansko-r.....in-leather

That's for the Reeny in brown. They also have it in black.

I'd love to see someone else in a happy relationship with these sweet clogs. So cute!

They are cute, aren't they?

Here's the magic word: juxtaposition. Can you combine these shoes with some of your classic or romantic outfits and make them work? I'm betting it's possible. Sometimes things go together almost because of their different vibes. And these shoes are really special. I don't like Mary Janes, and am iffy about clogs, but these I fell in love with as soon as I saw them.

Have a play session in front of the mirror, and see if there's anything that makes your heart beat faster. If all or most of the combinations make you unhappy, then return the shoes.

Please note, I think it's fun to do surprising things sometimes and to swap out my style persona on occasion. If that's not you, you probably should not listen to me, because it won't work for you.

Caro in Oz

If you have something else that works (better for you) then send them back. What is it you love about them? If you answer this question you might be able to find something that expresses this love in a way that is more you.

catgirl

This is why I started doing Pinterest, to see how random things I love might have a common theme or fit together. I really am planning to do an "anti-style" board of items I love that are NOT me, just to see what that's about.

I think these are cute, FWIW.

Suz

I think they are cute, too. And it's funny you don't think they are "girly" because I think they are! Because they are Mary Janes. Maybe they're girly with a dash of irony or something like that....but still a bit girly. You could EVEN make an argument that they are classic....but actually, they feel "funky retro." And they aren't refined.

What do I do with those items I love that don't express my style persona? I really try to admire them on others but sometimes I succumb and buy them, and then I feel like an idiot and they are orphaned or I give them away. (I am looking at you, steampunk skirt.)

I'm beginning to think I have a new answer for what to do: Post here and find someone else who loves them so that you can live vicariously!

I really do like these, but I think that they aren't meant for me. I've actually printed out the return label to send them back. I'm so happy that GP is considering them and I love that JR loves them too--also against type.

Suz, I predict that these would have the same future with me as your steam punk skirt did with you. Loved, bought, adored but unworn, quietly disposed of.

Una, love the idea of creating the me/anti-me pintrest board. Awesome! I envision a picture of good Kirk/evil Kirk looking down over it all....

Oh, I didn't realize you actually bought them. Sorry, I'm gonna say send 'em back. There are Fluevogs with a Mary Jane style that are good, but I think you're steering away from femme style right now, yes?

LOL, Una! I am the queen of the return. I bought a month or more ago. I figure that if it hasn't been worn and worn successfully within a month and it is for the right season, it needs to go.

Definitely Fluevogs that are more my style, which is just a little sweeter and a little less earthy than the Danskos. The Danskos are funky and fun to me, but neither sweet nor avant garde, so they are from where I have been in the past, not where I am going now!

Totally love these Fluevogs, for example, which are much more me!

MsLuna

I actually purchased and wore 2 pairs of Dansko's from the Rio collection and realized that I've been wearing the wrong size (I should've gone with a 37 instead of a 36). Otherwise, they were cute - definitely some good arch support

I ended up not wearing them anymore not only due to the discomfort of the smaller size, but also because Mary Janes really aren't my style.

It's good to mix it up though and experiment to determine what works for you. From my experience, I realized that I can be aesthetically drawn to something yet it's not really my style in the end. I learned my lesson not to go with them (unless you really love them and CAN make them work on your personal style).

Deborah

Firstly I like the shoe. To my eye there is an element of the 1940's about them. I think these could work with your style (from what I have seen) and in fact add a point of interest or a "twist" to your classic, ladylike style. I feel these could be a good step toward 'edging' up your style and adding a little of the 'unexpected' to your outfits.

I don't know about you, but I heart these!

Carole

This is something I struggle with, also. I'm about to return the famous Python Sam Edelmann boots everyone, including Angie, loves..but I know I wont wear them enough to justify their cost. I have done this before with shoes, and I have learned my lesson. I'd rather experiment or test the fashion waters with something less expensive.

Scarlet

Hmm, I think they are girly, sweet, classic, romantic, and retro. But if you are not envisioning the many ways you will wear them, absolutely send them back. I know what you mean about loving against type though. They are super cute but not my style either. I would never feel like myself in them. I also keep admiring brogues in shop windows but just can't envision them in my current style. Maybe in the future though.

CocoLion

I do this all the time -- buy something that's pretty or interesting but not my style (or color or silhouette) and is orphaned. The other thing I do is buy the same thing again and again but in a slightly different color or shape.

Ah the shame inside my closet...

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