More K/R WHBM: Blue snakeskin stilettos, pleated skirt and cardi - YouLookFab Forum

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More K/R WHBM: Blue snakeskin stilettos, pleated skirt and cardi

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Maharani's post on her run-in with an aggressively solicitous White House Black Market SA cracked me up because I went there recently and got the same helpful suggestions from my SA, but I actually liked it, and ended up falling for those blue snakeskin stiletto pumps. They are actually pretty comfortable for heels because of the ankle strap and rounded toe--I've tried on lower spiked heels that felt wobbly but these feel pretty sturdy. But now I'm having second thoughts because Maharani mentioned how inappropriate for work these pumps are. If they were 2-3 inch and stacked heels, they'd be perfect, but they are 4.5 inch stiletto heels (with a 0.5 inch platform), and I've never had heels this high or spiky before. If I can't wear them to work I'm returning them because they're obviously no good for MOTG.

I also ended up with a blue pleated midi skirt because Una suggested I wear it with the jacket I bought to make a suit, but I'm not sure if the skirt looks too cheap and too matchy matchy paired with the jacket. It might not fit so well into my wardrobe, so the skirt may be going back as well.

And finally, I bought a blue cardi and T shirt. I know the cardi is very similar to the jacket (which went on sale so I ended up getting for 30% off, yay!) but I'm really lacking for cardis since I gave all my old ones away, so I don't mind having the duplicate color. I am rediscovering blue--I used to wear light blue but realized it doesn't go with my skin color, but navy and ink blue seem to work a lot better for me. I have a couple of orphaned skirts that I used to wear with light blue cardi twinsets--does it look fresher with the darker blue?

1. Blue snakeskin stilettos! (I'm wearing the blue pumps in all pics except 5-8).
2-3. The ink blue jacket and pleated midi skirt "suit" with the blue pumps (in the fitting room and at home).
4. Another blouse option for the skirt suit. I don't think I like this as much but if I tuck it, there's nothing to break up the solid blue.
5-7. Three other black skirt options if I don't keep the blue skirt: pencil, flared, and midi. With lower black pumps.
8. Jacket with white jeans for work or dressed up MOTG.
9-10. Two more options for blouses with the pleated midi skirt (although I'm not sure these work that well).
11. Ink blue cardigan and matching T shirt under the cardi.
12. Cardi with an orphan Ann Taylor skirt.
13. Cardi with a newer Anthro pencil skirt.

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24 replies

Latest reply was from Reneeb

MsMary

Veteran

I love all of it, Natalie! The "suit" is fab and each of the pieces looks like it will be nicely versatile in hour wardrobe! I especially like 9 and 10!

The shoes are fab, but are they a little big? I see quite a gap at the back of your heel...

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

To be honest I'm not loving the shoes.

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Wow - those are knockout shoes, Natalie! I think they look smashing with the outfits featured here (I envy your fabulous collection of skirts, btw!!!), especially in pics #5, 12, and 13. They're very dressy. and if you're comfortable and happy with the height, keep. (You can always insert an insole to help with the small gap). If the height is giving you pause (true, they're beautiful shoes but not the most practical items on earth, natch), I'd say return. The snakeskin really elevates your more demure looks to bombshell, IMHO -yet the sweet cut of them keeps them tasteful.

ETA: I'm not crazy about the green blouse paired with your blue "suit" in pic #4. The other blouses/shells work much better! You're in a brilliant blue phase!

Sona

Veteran

second MK: shoes look big?
I love the black pencil skirt best.
not a fan of the blue cardi-sorry GP: I know you so want to find cardis for your wardrobe but you look so much better in jackets that I have a hard time liking them as much as you.
on the fence about the blue pleated skirt?

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I love the skirt suit as you've styled it in #2-3. Yes, it matches, and it looks polished but not stiff; the flow of the skirt keeps it breezy and fresh looking. I like it with the heels, too. I'd say wear them around the house and see if they are comfortable for you, because that's key to looking at ease in them. They look work-appropriate to me, but you can judge whether they fit your workplace. Sounds like Maharani has a pretty conservative work environment. I love all the looks here, except #4 and #10; that blouse seems too unfitted to go with the skirt. You rock that pencil skirt in #5!

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Do you usually have that much space between your shoes and your heels? Don't they rub on your foot? That would make me nervous.

Very pretty clothes! It seems like you're adding a new color palette to your wardrobe. It's very flattering on you!

Fruitful

Veteran

I love those shoes! Very much to my taste. However the height could be a problem, and the gap needs correcting - preferably by sizing down, but you could try a shoe insert.

I love the pleated skirt, it looks wonderful on you and combined with the jacket, also without the jacket in 9 and 10. Very pretty, a little glamorous, a little fun too. I can't tell from photos if it feels cheap, so you have to decide that for yourself.

No.2 is my favourite - what an adorable outfit and so you!

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I love 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11 and 13. I think the shoes are quite pretty, and I don't see them as 'inappropriate' - they don't look like "stillettos" to me, perhaps because of the slightly rounded toe and because of the Mary-Jane style. If you can wear these, then I'd keep them.

By the way - this blue is quite special on you - it makes your skin glow! Not kidding about this, I think this is a really, really good colour for you, and personally - I'd keep everything. The only hesitation I have is with the flowy chiffon-y midi skirt, and that's only because it might the kind of thing that's hard to pair up with other items. It does look fabulous with the blue blazer and the black/white (or is it blue and white, can't tell) top in photos 2 and 3.

You have done very well with this latest round of clothes. I even like the dark blue cardigan on you (I have cardigan phobia after buying too many in the past few years) - it has more shape and structure than a lot of cardigans, almost jacket-like, and the colour is just excellent for you, imo.

I am feeling a bit more comfortable with posting feedback after reading what Queen Mum said on the thread about critiquing - I liked what she said about not needing to be an expert - I'm not one of those Just the same, take a really close look at what the blue does for your skin - it's reminiscent of those pearly highlighter type makeup items...in my opinion, this blue is pretty incredible on you. Just fabulous!!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Hmm. I see what you mean about the gap in back. I can try the 7 (I'm usually 7-7.5) but I'm worried my toes will be too cramped if I size down.

Jjsloane

Veteran

Too much gap in the shoes and if they are too high to be wearable please return. I like 2, 5 and 13 best. I still love this skirt and jacket together, but can't feel the fabrics so if you feel it doesn't work then you know better.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I love everything, I loved the shoes with the first set of WHBM photos. I would try to size down if you can. I always have to size down in heels compared to flats.

Jem

Veteran

I love everything and agree that the blue looks lovely on you! I would like to have all of it! I do think the green top looks too blousy under the jacket, but I do love the colors together. Can you wear the green top with the jacket open or with the cardigan? I think the shoes look appropriate, too, although I was also wondering about the gap at the back.

Anonymous

The shoes themselves are pretty and not to much spiky or stiletto-y to wear to work. But that is a big gap there. Are they walkable? Can insoles fix the problem?
I like the cardi. It's never gonna be a jacket, but it shouldn't be. It's really a good fit. All the other stuff is great to my eye, but the skirt. I;m on the fence. It looks good in the pics, but you said it feels cheap? Definitely like it with the blouse in 9 and 2.

Isis

Veteran

The gap in the shoes concerns me, and make sure the height and walkability are good if they are for work.....but I think they are totally appropriate.

I love everything else! Including the cardi, and I remember that you've been searching for a cardi! Yay! Great finds!

ETA: read your comments and you also ask about styling. I think the midi skirt needs a tucked in top. otherwise it's too much volume on volume. It does not strike me as too matchy matchy with the jacket....

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I think the shoes look about a half size too large Natalie - can you walk in them without the shoes sliding around at all? They are pretty and I think they can be appropriate for work, but would they comfortable for work after a whole day?

I love the pleated blue skirt and it looks fab styled with the blue jacket and polka dot top. I'm not crazy about it with the top in #4/10. Love the black pencil skirt and the patterned skirt in #12/13. I love the cardi.

nancylee

Veteran

Wow! #5, #8, and #13 are my absolute favs, but you look fabulous in all of these looks. That ink blue jacket is fantastic on you, but I'd avoid wearing the blouse-y tops under the jacket with the pleated skirt.

fauxpas

Love the blue on you. The shoes are darling but do look a tad big so if you can size down (and they are comfortable), go for it! Woud be cute dressed up or down. My favorite skirt is the slim black fitted pencil skirt---the white jeans are a great high contrast to the blue and I do like one of the floral skirts if you don't have something like that. Very snappy!

rae

(website)

Veteran

I LOVE everything except the gap in the shoes, and skirts 6-7.

I think you definitely have to keep the blue pleated skirt to wear with the blue jacket - looks amazing that in #2! The skirt looks best with fitted, knit untucked tops, IMO. Would look fab with the blue cardi as well. Awesome-o. And that black pencil skirt is hands down the best pencil I've seen on you.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

#3 and #5 are awesome!! I like #6 and #7 too.

maharani

I like this collection a lot too and think the blue pieces not only suit you, but constitute a versatile new color! As a matter of fact the dress I bought was from this collection and I am tempted to return to WHBM despite all the hassle.

All the outfits are good. Like Sweta, I think you look better in a jacket, but the cardis are good and sometimes we just dont want to wear a jacket. Im a bit on the shelf re the blue pleated skirt, but its a nice option to have-I might style it slightly differently, but hey, when did any of us have a pleated skirt? So retro yet practical, but also new and refreshing without being stuffy.

I do have a peeve about the shoes. First the positives-its great to have a blue shoe that isnt too bright. But the gap in the back of the heel is really obvious: it might be fixable if you size down or put a cushion in the toe to push your foot back-I think it happens because the heel is just too high, forcing your feet downwards-it would be worse if you wore hose as they shrink your feet further. Despite the round toe I found the shoes stiff and uncomf.

I am sorry, but in my book these are just not work appropriate-Id keep them for going out. They scream junior staffer, and I care more about fashion than my job. That said, that is the dress code I work with-also I walk on cobbles to get to my lunch daily-10 mins-and these shoes would absolutely kill me. However, their Mary Jane styling is more restrained than some, so they might work in your workplace. That said, if you intend to keep them, you should correct the fit, something your feet will appreciate-my age is when years of wearing bad shoes manifests as foot problems! As you know, a central tenet of looking well dressed and polished is fit-this is one thing I have learned from working with a professional and now insist upon at all times. They will draw the eye less if the fit is fixed. Also, they should be OK with pants that are hemmed correctly to wear with a higher heel-another issue I now insist on.

rachylou

Veteran

Love the blue suit! Don't fancy the green shirt with it, tho, from #4. I like the color match with the shoes.

mamaKate

Veteran

Natalie, I am tickled by how your style has evolved over the course of the last 6 months or so. You are really honing in on what suits you (excuse the pun) and flatters you. Among this set of experiments, every single look is cohesive and harmonious, whereas only a couple of months ago there were usually a couple of incoherent combinations. I hope you are sensing how well you're in the groove, and keep up the great work!
PS IMHO the shoes are great

catgirl

Veteran

You know I love the skirt and jacket together! The shoes are totally out of my area of expertise or style. I'm so over all my cardis right now that I prefer the jackets by a mile here... And yes, this blue is your color!

Reneeb

Veteran

I love that jacket and pleadted skirt in pictures #2 and #3.