WIW :: Double Stripes + ExPearMent

I cannot believe how quickly the weather here turned to spring. And how soon. Last year we had the biggest snowfall on 1st March and the snow was on the ground until mid April. Endless Groundhog-day sort of winter. Then we had a short and intense spring. This year things seem to be the complete opposite.

I am not complaining, oh no...

Spring time means no more boots time. Shoes time - yay! There's a few needs when it comes to my shoe capsule, but I can also get by with what I already have. These ankle strap shoes, found thanks to Astrid, will be workhorses, I know that much already.

Spring time also means more hose time. Fun hose time! I have plenty that are waiting to be worn finally or again.

The Outfit

So today I started with the (new) striped hose which I wore with the black dress layered over the striped top. The colours are unusually muted for my palette and are the only things from taupe-ish end of the spectrum. And they are certainly not echoing glorious day we had, but they did not feel dull to me. Ever since I once tried one taupe tunic I loved that colour on me (no idea why it worked, but that shade certainly did) I have been searching for something similar.

The ExPearMent

I used the opportunity to photograph the outfit with two different pairs of shoes. In her recent post about dressing the pear body type, Angie wrote:

Wearing some sort of heel (even if it’s just an inch) whenever you can will give you the height that slims down curves...

Now, I am not after extra height as you might have guessed and both options are what I would wear (Mary Janes mostly when cycling - not in this dress btw - because the strap keeps the shoes on). But, ignoring the effect of the the straps of both shoes and the fact that the second pair ended up looking rather dull on the photos, I am fonder of the look with the striped ankle shoes purely because the small heel is dressier to me.

Any thoughts?

12 years ago

deb

Veteran

I like both pair of shoes but I love the wedges.

Suz

(website)

I agree, Ornella -- that slight lift just makes everything a bit dressier. Also, you do look good in taupe. It has cool undertones so it should work well. And looks so great with ink and navy and black.

Jenny H

I would wear either shoe but the slight heel does look better to my eye. I love the way you have the horizontal stripes in your top and the vertical texture in your tights!

Oh I love this outfit so much! I wish I had similar pieces in my closet to copycat. The wedges do look dressier, which I think matches your style a bit more. But they're both fabulous!

adorkable

I like the location of the lower strap, but it doesn't make a huge difference to me - I just love the outfit.

I'm totally doing a copycat tomorrow.

Sharon

I love the ankle strap wedges with this - the strap across the ankle picks up the stripes on the top. The black dress looks great- I always think you look terrific in these tunic styles.

rabbit

Gorgeous. Loved the striped tights with the wedge shoes. I'm going to try to copycat parts of this

lyn67

Wow, for the ankle strap wedges! Absolutely gorgeous! (A bit sturdier, but still glam and comfy, reminding me of the Okalas others have). I think the french stripe top and the texture on the tights do the same great work as some brighter colors, here, and black is also a bright!:-)

Jaime

Love the repeating stripes and I also prefer the wedges - gorgeous!

Anonymous

I love your outfit and I think the dressier shoe with the wedge makes it 'Pearfect'

leopardluxe

I agree with everyone else. Think the dressier wedge shoe wins out by hair.

...and the whole outfit is simply adorable on you. I love it!

Pretty outfit, Ornella!

Sara L.

The colors may be muted, but the stripes keep the outfit interesting. I like both shoes but I prefer the wedges with the ankle strap.

Beth Ann

It's warming up? Sniffle. Stifled Sob.

I admire your expertise with legwear, Ornella! It's such a fresh take on accessorizing! And I prefer the wedge ankle straps, too. They're strong enough to balance your height, but still refined and modern.

Patricia

Active Member

I love this outfit. The stripes in the shirt and on the legs, awesome. I kind of like the mary jane shoes because the make your leg line longer, but both are cute.

Lisa

I prefer the first shoe, because it looks dressier which works well for this dress.

Day Vies

I love the horizontal and vertical stripes especially with the maryjanes it's playful yet grown up because of the colors. The pinafore-esque look of the sheath dress suggest overalls without being literal or juvenile. I definitely think its leg lengthening.

Inge

Moderator

You can probably guess that you had me at the stripes, right:-) And how fun is the combination of vertical and horizontal stripes! Sweet look and I personally prefer the ankle strap wedges with the look. A little dressier with a fun playful ladylike vibe.

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