Closet Full of Misfits

by AlterationsNeeded on November 3, 2010

 

Clinton doesn’t know what to think about these shoes…

 

Jacket: Theory Amanda B, size 00
Shirt: H&M, size XS
Jeans: Paige Blue Heights, size 24 (hemmed & waist taken in) (similar)
Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana, size 35
Necklace: LOFT

Do you have items just sitting around in your wardrobe going unworn? I know I do. And I hate it!

Opening my closet day after day, I see these Dolce & Gabbana shoes I scored at an after Christmas Barney’s sale, just sitting there on the floor of my closet begging to be worn. I love menswear pieces, and these are a really great menswear inspired oxford style, but for some reason, I just don’t wear them! I think part of the reason is they are 4 inch heels, so I don’t walk in them as gracefully as my lower heel heights. Another reason is I have a hard time pairing them with outfits. They just never look right, and I end up putting something else on before walking out the door.

Yesterday, I was determined to pair them in an outfit.

While I was at it, I figured I’d try to pair them with another item I never wear…these gray Paige straight leg jeans. For some reason, the color of these just never look right with what I want to wear, and I always end up in boring old blue jeans. The straight leg style isn’t as fitted in the thigh and leg as my bootcuts or skinny jeans, so I feel a little self conscious in them too…like they look too big on me. That might just be my own insecurities about my scrawny legs coming through.

After I had on the shoes and the jeans, I needed a muted color top (the soft olive green worked well) and then threw on a Theory blazer. It looked okay, but still needed something a little tough to complete the outfit. Then I remembered a little forgotten necklace I got at the LOFT Fall preview, and dug it out of my jewelry drawer. Sure enough…it worked!

So…this outfit paired a pair of shoes, pair of jeans, and necklace that I never ever wear.

Did I successfully create an outfit out of my wardrobe misfits? Or am I just fooling myself? =P

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  • SugarNikita

    I think I like everything but the shoes. The whiskering/rouching effect of the jeans throws me a little, but I think you pulled them off. The necklace draws the eye up, and pulls everything together. But I do think the shoes would be better suited for a different outfit. The color and style don't really go with the rest of this ensemble.

  • kileen

    i love this outfit and think everything paired together really well! that necklace from the LOFT preview is so lovely!!

    i'm really loving the lace-up oxford booties look for this fall! in addition to pairing them with straight leg jeans, you could also try skinny jeans so that you'll really see the silhouette of the shoe. they'd also be great paired with skirts/dresses and a pair of tights too! you're so lucky to have found them at a Barney's sale!!

  • curls-and-pearls

    I like the shoes but maybe since they are so menswear inspired you could try pairing with a more feminine outfit? (Not that I can think of one LOL!)

    And I like the colour of the jeans, but they seem slightly long to me.

    I don't see anything wrong with the outfit as a whole, I just think this isn't my favorite one of yours :)

  • Jennifer

    I agree with the above-

    Those shoes are frickin adorable and would look best with tights or skinny jeans.
    IMO, I think the outfit would look great with flats.

  • Anonymous

    I Love it from the waist up but, I don't think I like the jeans or the shoes. You are adorable though!!

  • Jen

    This should be a future petite challenge. Making an outfit out of pieces you never wear! :)

    The only part of your outfit that I don't love are the jeans. If you kept everything the same but wore some fitted jeans that fit you perfectly I think you'd feel much less self-conscious! I'd say pass these on to another petite who will fit them better.

  • Amy

    I think this is definitely an outfit that you can get away with–but I think it would be so much better with a skinny jean or skirt instead of that particular pair.

    That's a good idea though! I definitely have some things that I've bought over a year ago but still haven't worn :\

    very♔aimée

  • PetiteAsianGirl

    This is a cute casual outfit but I think the shoes need more attention! I adore them and want to see them shine : ) Have you tried pairing them with a shorter, feminine skirt and black, gray, or brown tights? The rich burgandy color looks like it could go with a variety of tight colors. Oh how I would love to peek into/raid your closet and try on all your tiny things.

  • PetiteAsianGirl

    Oh, and echoing some of the others…I think maybe pass the jeans on to someone who has a "fuller" figure? They do look very loose on your slim legs.

  • MarieP

    Am I allowed to be honest? Especially if I first note that you almost always look like a million bucks and you definitely far out-shine my style on its best day? I adore the shoes! A-dore! And I like the outfit (especially the necklace) from the waist up. But I just don't think the jeans are doing much for you.

  • Laura Lee

    Nice post. I know you feel I have the same problem. I have stuff in my closet that I NEVER wear. So recently I have been doing closet rehab- if I haven't worn it in a year (or two, or worse, 4-6 years!!!) I donate it to goodwill, or if fit is a problem, I decide if it is worth it to get it altered. More often it isn't. Now that I have been doing that my closet has more space for the clothes I actually love and getting dressed is easier. Those shoes are awesome! But the pants, yes I think you should pass them on. I know what you mean about your legs- mine are so horribly skinny that most 8 year old girls have thicker legs than mine. It is very difficult to find jeans/pants that fit well. Even 'skinny' jeans on me are often too big!

  • Banhannas

    Oh boy. I am usually the odd ball when it comes to comments so hopefully noone would get too angry that I disagree. I like the slouchy feel of the jeans, I think it goes well with the masculine touches of the blazer and shoes.
    I adore the piano necklace! I was thinking that I wanted to grab it when it went on sale but it never did. =0(

  • Leena

    i love it from the waist up–the necklace really makes the outfit. the jeans and shoes work, though they are not really in keeping with current trends. i know oxfords are really big now, but i think the heels are throwing me off here. but you still look great!!

    http://leena1021.blogspot.com/

  • good girl gone blog

    1. Great shoes
    2. I love how Clinton poses with you! He and Zooey need to have a play date and do fashion photos together
    3. Love the necklace- I saw it at Loft and wasn't sure if I could pull it off, but you totally do!

  • Nelah

    I like everything except the lenght of those jeans, they appear too long for my liking. Perhaps you can pair those shoes with a skirt and black tights, I think that would look good. I like your top, jacket and necklace though.

  • Really Petite

    I like everything on top…the jeans are too big on your tiny frame and the shoes just didn't do it for me with this particular outfit BUT I want to see it with something else!!! :)

  • Tamara

    I am going to disagree with the comments that you should pass the jeans on – they fit fine, albeit in a casual relaxed kind of way. I think that's the style – although it may seem contradictory to the ubiquitous skinny jean. I do agree the blazer and shoes seem a bit dressy for the jeans. How about hem them and pair with really cute flats peeping out and a fitted top or sweater? Perfect for nesting at home or running errands about town.

  • littlenashua

    Love the shoes, top, necklace and blazer. The jeans look a bit off to me, and I usually love (and covet) your jeans. You wear jeans better than I do because you have a smaller waist so jeans look better on your figure than mine. But something about these jeans I don't like. Maybe the whiskering, which makes them look dated, as well as the color.

  • Callandra

    I think this outfit would be fine if you cuffed the jeans up to look like the "cuffed boyfriend" jeans that are being pictured in so many of the Loft ads. Also, Jcrew ads have a lot of the more masculine footwear and it seems like they usually pair theirs with a short skirt, cropped skinnies or cuffed boyfiend jeans. I'm thinking of that fabulous jcrew skirt you just bought over a pair of tights with these shoes….. ;)

  • Aida

    I think that everything works pretty well together. If anything a less baggy jean would be more flattering to those gorgeous shoes.

  • PetiteXXS

    I think I agree with most of the comments… the jeans are probably the problem! Don't love the color, whiskering, or overall fit of them on you. I think the shoes would look better with skirt & tights, and the blazer looks great (I thought you had a problem with the blazer… i was going to say, hey, I'll take it off your hands :P).

  • SewPetiteGal

    Ahhh so many cute things to comment upon! The necklace, the shoes, the blazer! I also agree with the comments, the jeans look a bit too loose particularly around the hips?

  • hugstiem

    I looove the shoes!! Ahhh!!! Please wear them with skirts or skinnies and take pix! :D Necklace looks awesome on you too.

    I have no idea what I would do with a pair of jeans like that. The bunching makes them look too long, even though they're not hitting the heel on the shoe in a particularly bad place. I almost think they'd be better hemmed to wear with flats for a relaxed look.

  • Cee

    I think the outfit has potential, but could be improved upon. Are the shoes more like booties? If so, I'd probably wear a skirt to show them off. But I do like the red shade with the outfit. The bottom of the jeans hug the shoes kind of funny, so I'm thinking they would look better with flats. The top is gorgeous, pretty theory blazer and lovely necklace =)

  • I am Khatu

    I love the shoes. I would love to see you pair it with a above the knee skirt and scrunched socks? I always look at the j. crew catalog for inspirations. The jeans are at a weird length, I can see why you don't wear them. Maybe they'll look better if you turn them into skinny jean?

    **if you don't want the shoes, I'll gladly take them off your hands :)

  • Michelle

    Great job! I am in love with this outfit!! The oxford heels are gorgeous! I thought of you this weekend…I bought a pair of oxfords. I was also able to get that necklace this weekend for less than $8!! It is too noisy to wear for work, but great for going out.

    I had a question about the giveaway…is my name "Michelle" or the sign-in email address I use?

  • Stylepint

    I adore your outfit and the necklace is amazing! How did I ever miss that one?!

    I think the jeans are fine, maybe cuffed or rolled up to show off those lovely oxfords? I like the straight leg look on you, it's more relaxed and casual than the bootcut or the skinnies.

    Btw, it's so adorable that Clinton is in your photos…he's so cute! =)

  • Alterations Needed

    Wow, looks like you guys aren't liking the jeans…I might have to pass these along to another petite that can do them justice!

    kileen, Jennifer, PetiteAsianGirl, Nelah, – I like all your suggestions about the tights! I just bought a pair of thick ribbed grey tights from Nordstrom B.P….now I have to try them out with the shoes!

    Jen – That IS a great idea for a PFC. Anyone out there thinking of a PFC topic? Here's a great one!

  • Canadianpetite

    Have you tried folding the hem a bit? There seems to be too much pooling around the shoes that makes the jeans look messy. I adore the shoes. Can you work it with a skirt and tights?

  • Alterations Needed

    Laura Lee – Hey there fellow scrawny leg sufferer! It makes pant shopping so hard doesn't it?

    good girl gone blog – Clinton would looove to play with Zooey! He loves dogs so much, but most of them don't want anything to do with him b/c he's such a frantic little puppy. LOL. I was skeptical about the necklace and wasn't really feeling it, but I think it looks cool paired with the black blazer! This outfit changed my mind.

    Callandra – I like your rolling the cuff to look like boyfriend jeans idea! I'm gonna try it!

  • Alterations Needed

    PetiteXXS – I don't fight over many things, but I think I'd have to go toe to toe if anyone tried to take my black Theory blazer…LOL.

    Cee – Yup, they're a bootie style. I bet they would look good with a skirt. Another outfit idea to try them with! =)

    I am Khatu – LOL…I probably won't be giving these babies up any time soon…although they are your style. =)

    I'm determined to find a good outfit for them!

  • Alterations Needed

    Michelle – Yeah, the necklace is a bit noisy isn't it? LOL. RE the giveaway, it's the name "Michelle" and then whatever email address you want to be contacted at.

    Stylepint – I really like the cuffed idea for the jeans. It kinda falls in line with my love of menswear looking items too!

    Canadianpetite – I just bought a cool pair of tights, so I'm going to give it a shot!

  • Mix and Match

    I like this outfit! Very comfy and chic! I didn't see anything unfit until I saw your last picture. Guess I'm used to the loose fit boyfriend jeans. It would be paired perfectly with the shoes if you roll it up.

  • Stephanie

    Yes yes I think you did really great trying to make those misfits work together. Boy do I have lots of unworn clothes!

  • Lady Cardigan

    Well, I'm going to disagree with some of the other posts – I love the outfit and wouldn't have guessed it was made of "misfits." Funny, though, the jeans don't look grey to me.

    I have scrawny legs too, so I know EXACTLY what you mean about the jeans, but personally I think they work with the outfit. Maybe they look a little odd with the shoes but I like the color of the shoes with the rest of the outfit. I think you look pretty, relaxed and put-together.

  • Cindy

    I like the whole look. The jeans fine perhaps, more because I, myself do not like snug fitting jeans.

  • TinyInTexas

    I think from the waist up your outfit looks amazing! I do agree with everyone else that the jeans aren't very flattering. I think some of your fitted jeans would look really cute with the blazer. Also I agree with everyone that the oxfords would look amazing with a feminine outfit! A floaty skirt, tights and lace would be very cute.

  • Vicky

    Oh, am I the only one here who like these jeans? Yes, I don't think it's form fitting, but I like its relaxed look. The oxford looks just gorgeous. I agree, you need to show it more and not cover it. All in all, I really love how the outfit turns out.

  • Angie

    i love this casual outfit on you. great blazer and i'm totally envying your shoes! thanks for following, kelly :)

  • Alterations Needed

    Mix and Match – Rolling the jeans seems to be a popular suggestion. Haven't tried it yet, but it's on my list of "to-do's" this weekend.

    Stephanie – Don't we all! No better time than the present to bust them out.

    Lady Cardigan – The jeans do look a little blue…or maybe even slightly purple in the photos. Weird huh? They are a dark grey, but maybe the lighting on the balcony reflected funny.

  • Alterations Needed

    Vicky – LOL. Don't worry, my boyfriend likes the jeans too. =)

  • Elle

    I am a big fan of the shoes too but the jeans can be more flattering? They seem really baggy on you but maybe I am just misinterpreting the pictures. You look so effortlessly chic and I love that you can pull together a look from rarely worn pieces…I am still working on trying to do a better job of that!

  • Rainy Days and Lattes

    I love your shoes :) Menswear inspired pieces are great. You look so put together with the blazer and jeans :D Great combination!

  • Anonymous

    I agree with Tamara '…the blazer and shoes seem a bit dressy for the jeans. How about hem them and pair with really cute flats peeping out and a fitted top or sweater? Perfect for nesting at home or running errands about town.'
    Love that idea. And I must say, you do look like a million bucks on any given day :) I'm lovin your blog!!!

  • Em

    Ahhhhh! I saw those shoes at Century 21 here but they were still too pricey so I passed. They're amazing! I just love wingtip details. And that necklace! I've never seen it at LOFT…it's so pretty and art deco-ish. The jeans are a bit loose, but I don't see that as a bad thing – it gives your outfit a laidback vibe. Thumbs up!

  • simplyvonne

    the outfit looks greatttt on u!

  • Miss. Studios

    If you don't wear that necklace more often, I will go and steal it from you!:) I love how everything fits on you! They are perfect!

  • Alterations Needed

    Wow, looks like you guys aren't liking the jeans…I might have to pass these along to another petite that can do them justice!

    kileen, Jennifer, PetiteAsianGirl, Nelah, – I like all your suggestions about the tights! I just bought a pair of thick ribbed grey tights from Nordstrom B.P….now I have to try them out with the shoes!

    Jen – That IS a great idea for a PFC. Anyone out there thinking of a PFC topic? Here's a great one!

  • hugstiem

    I looove the shoes!! Ahhh!!! Please wear them with skirts or skinnies and take pix! :D Necklace looks awesome on you too.

    I have no idea what I would do with a pair of jeans like that. The bunching makes them look too long, even though they're not hitting the heel on the shoe in a particularly bad place. I almost think they'd be better hemmed to wear with flats for a relaxed look.

  • Aida

    I think that everything works pretty well together. If anything a less baggy jean would be more flattering to those gorgeous shoes.

  • Cindy

    I like the whole look. The jeans fine perhaps, more because I, myself do not like snug fitting jeans.

  • Nelah

    I like everything except the lenght of those jeans, they appear too long for my liking. Perhaps you can pair those shoes with a skirt and black tights, I think that would look good. I like your top, jacket and necklace though.

  • Laura Lee

    Nice post. I know you feel I have the same problem. I have stuff in my closet that I NEVER wear. So recently I have been doing closet rehab- if I haven't worn it in a year (or two, or worse, 4-6 years!!!) I donate it to goodwill, or if fit is a problem, I decide if it is worth it to get it altered. More often it isn't. Now that I have been doing that my closet has more space for the clothes I actually love and getting dressed is easier. Those shoes are awesome! But the pants, yes I think you should pass them on. I know what you mean about your legs- mine are so horribly skinny that most 8 year old girls have thicker legs than mine. It is very difficult to find jeans/pants that fit well. Even 'skinny' jeans on me are often too big!

  • MarieP

    Am I allowed to be honest? Especially if I first note that you almost always look like a million bucks and you definitely far out-shine my style on its best day? I adore the shoes! A-dore! And I like the outfit (especially the necklace) from the waist up. But I just don't think the jeans are doing much for you.

  • Jen

    This should be a future petite challenge. Making an outfit out of pieces you never wear! :)

    The only part of your outfit that I don't love are the jeans. If you kept everything the same but wore some fitted jeans that fit you perfectly I think you'd feel much less self-conscious! I'd say pass these on to another petite who will fit them better.

  • Jennifer

    I agree with the above-

    Those shoes are frickin adorable and would look best with tights or skinny jeans.
    IMO, I think the outfit would look great with flats.

  • SugarNikita

    I think I like everything but the shoes. The whiskering/rouching effect of the jeans throws me a little, but I think you pulled them off. The necklace draws the eye up, and pulls everything together. But I do think the shoes would be better suited for a different outfit. The color and style don't really go with the rest of this ensemble.

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