2014 - The Seventh Sphinx

I have a theory that you could pair any two plaid patterns and it would work. It’s the kind of choice that could only be purposeful, that projects purposefulness. This kind of choice is immune to color disasters, I find, as my impression upon seeing a poor color pairing* is generally that the wearer was somehow blind to the combination, that it was not consciously done (or that their taste is entirely distinct from my own). I think you can wear anything and look put together, look good [or look at least like you think it looks good, which is an excellent beginning], if only you can make it look like you are wearing everything on purpose.**

*This is rare, though, I realize midway through the sentence. I think most colors can pair with a massive range of other colors, if not well than at least without jarring.

**That said, there is much to be said for a certain air of carelessness in dress.

Decided to go to town with the pearls. Faux choker with genuine strand and studs. I have no qualms mixing authentic and costume jewelry. In this I follow in the estimable footsteps of Coco Chanel. There is only a 2mm difference between these two sizes but it looks like much more, doesn’t it? Here is some math explaining why 1mm differences have such a significant visual impact. Found this so interesting.

Zara scarf, Kenneth Cole coat (thrifted), plaid shirt (unlabeled, thrifted), Express leather-look leggings, Sorel Tofino boots, Pearl Paradise 8mm necklace, Pearls of Joy 10mm studs, Mulberry Roxanne bag (thrifted). On the lips: MAC RiRiWoo lipstick.

Free shipping and free returns? Perpetual promotions? Solid customer service? Asos, you are a my kind of vendor.

I usually end up returning something from any given order but I usually end up keeping something, too. The quality of the asos brand stuff is hit or miss but they carry a lot of other brands as well (a number of European brands it is otherwise tough to acquire), and there always a sale on, and usually a promotion on top of that. I like this site for lingerie especially.

Today’s choices, I realize, are almost all for when winter is a distant memory…

It’s a little strange to shop for the distant future. It’s an exercise I enjoy, though. It encourages me to be aspirational in my style choices, and forces me to ask myself the very useful question “Am I going to like this in 4-6 months?” (answering which question is a more rigorous process than answering “Do I like this now?”). Usually I want to be able to say I will like something for many years (which may or may not be correct), though I will now and then yield to the whim of the hour (which may very well stand the test of time better than the more carefully chosen pieces).

Shopping is a tricky business.

Images (from asos) link to item pages