I have an outfit that I want to wear, but it is fairly dramatic, and I'm uncertain about the particulars, so I'm asking for your advice, Hatrack Fashion Mavens!
It's mostly a pale yellow satin in a very oriental style, with a patterned... over-thingy. My fashion vocab is very limited, sorry. This is the outfit.
I went around about the shoes. I wanted to wear sandals to show off my nifty pedicure , but I stelled on THESE because of the color and their vague resemblance to shoes I have seen in kung fu movies.
Se how skewed my reasoning is?
My big question now is HAIR, How to wear it? (anyone who says "on your head" gets a smack)
In the long veiw above, you can see I have my hair up. Here is a detail of a proposed hairstyle. Using hair sticks.
My hair is so long, I sometimes have issues with what to do, plus, I suck at styling it. So here is one of it loose.
What do you think?
[ September 02, 2005, 02:57 PM: Message edited by: Olivet ]
Posted by bunbun (Member # 6814) on :
I like your hair up, personally. I would opt for sandals, but not the ones pictured--they are a little granola for the sleek satin ensemble. I would go with something strappy and minimal. I also like the flats, but think the sandals would also be better for summer.
I love this outfit. It's interesting without being overwhelming. Very nice!
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
I have no clue on the shoes, but pile your hair up and stick some painted chopsticks in it.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
I think is unfair of you to post pictures of you looking stunningly beautiful in a gorgeous outfit under the pretence of seeking fashion advice. You are clearly trying to make us all jealous.
Wear the hair loose. The sticks are cute, but loose is much sexier.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
The sticks are cute, but you know what might really go with your outfit? One of these neato things. Too bad I'm too far away to run over and loan you one... Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
I'm not much of one for knowing much about fashion, but that outfit has enough of an oriental tone to it that I think the hair up on your head looks more in line with the outfit. I would wear it up.
You look stunning both ways, of course.
Farmgirl
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
I never wear this outfit out, because I feel like I just can't get it right. It's so nice... but it is a bit out of the ordinary for the suburbs, and I can't go out in it with complete confidence.
bunbun, I have looked high and low for just the shoes you describe. My strappy sandals are all brown or black... or white, and just seem wrong. But I haven't been able to find something that works better. *fidget*
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
kq- that is exactly right! I suppose the painted chopstics will have to do.
Rabbit, it's for a semi-work-related occassion, so I don't want to go too sexy. Not that I really have to worry about that.
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
I'm voting for closed shoes and sticks on the head.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
Bah, Olivet. You definitely look sexy with your hair down in this outfit.
But your right, for a work related occasion I'd wear the hair up. It id definitely more professional.
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
What they said.
And I kind of liked the first set of sandals, personally... the gold ones.
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
The probelm with those sandals is that they have a really thick, platform sole. They make me six feet tall. You can't see that from the picture, though, that's my bad.
Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
I'm no lady, but should you ever need help undressing yourself, gimme a holler.
*hides from Ron*
Posted by bunbun (Member # 6814) on :
quote: I'm voting for closed shoes and sticks on the head.
I admire Tante's succinctness, and I agree with her. Especially since it's a work occasion--you will look perfect with head sticks and no visible toes, faboo tho your pedicure is.
Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
(I'm so going to get punched for this...)
I don't see why the guys can't help you dress yourself.
Ok... now thats thats out of the way, would you care for a guys honest "I'm really not hitting on you" perspective?
My personal preference is the sandals and the hair with the chopsticks. Don't ask me why. My wife will agree that I am not exactly a fashion guru, and I'm pretty sure Rivka will verify that I would wear a tent if I had the option. But I like the sandals. So kill me.
Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
See what happens when I get clever and over winded? Frisco beats me to teh punch.
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Well... hmm. I mean, there's nothing necessarily wrong with being six feet tall, but I can understand that may not be necessarily what you're going for...
Posted by Bob the Lawyer (Member # 3278) on :
Shouldn't these be the kinds of questions you ask Ron so you can get a thrill from the wild look of panic in his eyes while he gropes for the answer that will lead to more groping?
Tell me that you're going to at least ask him if the dress makes you look fat.
(I'm of the opinion that when you go out you should make your hair as little a distraction as possible. If keeping it up will require constant fixes and touch ups, wear it down. If not and wearing it down is going to be more annoying because you're constantly brushing your hair out of your face, wear it up.)
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
The platform soles are covered in a hemp-like braided stuff, which seems coarse with the satin. But yeah.
It isn't exactly work, per se, but my husband will not be with me. So that's kind of why I decided on the closed shoes. I have discovered that some men, um, really like feet.
T-smith, your wife will beat you, you know. But seriously, no offense taken.
Ah, Frisco, you naughty, naughty boy.
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
Bob, yes, I have asked him, but as middle age approaches he has either become so careful of my feelings that his comments are useless, or he really is so stupid in love with me that he's blinded to my faults.
That's why I need reliable femmes to help me.
That said, he liked the closed toe shoes and the hair down. Me, I think I look better with it down to hide my face a little, but long and loose is probably a bit sexy for where I'm going. Maybe.
Posted by Hamson (Member # 7808) on :
Definitly hair up. Sandals seem a little too open for a work related occasion, but I think I like them better than the shoes.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
It's summer in the South. What's wrong with sandals at work? Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
What you really need, though, is these, but in yellow. Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Oooh, those are CUTE!
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
Nothing at all. Those sandals have beads on them and I may be doing a bit of walking around... I like 'em, but I'm not sure they 'go'. I should post a better picture...
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I know you have different issues with the sandals, Olivia. I was just confused by Hamson's assertion that sandals don't belong at work. But now I see Hamson is from Michigan. It all begins to make sense.
For the record, I wear sandals to church all summer, every summer. Dressy sandals, but sandals nonetheless. Sandals were also my wedding shoes, since I got married in LA in June. Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
Aww, those are cute. I wish I had the time and money to find some better shoes for this outfit, but I don't. Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
I say choose your shoes based entirely on comfort. If there's no appreciable difference, then go with the one YOU think looks the best (since you have misgivings about the sandals, I guess that'd be the other ones). Hair...I think it looks fantastic either way, but I agree with Rabbit: for a work function, up would be better.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Do you have a Payless nearby? Looking at their site, it says these are "pink and cream", but I think they might work anyway (would have to see them together in person.) And then there's these (although, again, I'd have to se them in person.)
In any case, you could try...
Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
What a pretty outfit!! I wish I could wear it! (too bad it would be all wrong on me )
As far as shoes go, I thought the closed toe shoes looked better, but you should go with the ones that feel best, especially if you're going to be walking around. In a perfect world, you could go shoe shopping and find the perfect shoes. But since this is not a perfect world, go with what feels best.
As far as hair goes, you look lovely either way. Since it's a workish function, I second the suggestion that you wear it up.
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
If you wanted to go with the hair down, how about one of those things where you put part of it in the middle up with something similar to what kq suggests (either leather or silver would work) -- or that thing with the two small braids that meet at the back of the head (I have no idea what you call these things)?
Or is that to faux medieval princess?
EDIT: I think the sandals are fine -- but then again I'm a Californian. As long as the feet are pedicured and the sandals aren't ratty old Birkenstocks, I think they work for almost any occasion.
Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
I love sandals, especially when the woman has a nice pedicure. I also like the hair up.
That is a pretty cool outfit already.
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
Brettly, when I had post-partum depression, I chopped off my own hair with scissors (it was actually a big part of me finally admitting I needed to see someone) and it took forever to grow out. Several people told me it looked better very short, but when the boys said, "Mommy has 'Daddy hair'" I just couldn't take it. Kept it mid-neck for a long time and then decided to let it grow.
Ketchup, theres also the money and the time issues...not feasable right now, but those DO look great!
Megan, lusti , luckily, the closed shoes are also the most comfy, so there you go.
Zal - That's a great idea. I have been doing my hair in some interesting updos lately, so my choices are quite varied. I just thought the chopsticks went with the oriental theme of the outfit.
I suppose I could do an Odango... Nice and tight, it would be like a face-lift! Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Brett, that isn't SHORT.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:theres also the money and the time issues...not feasable right now, but those DO look great!
I wasn't sure if you had any extra time or $20 you were willing to spend on shoes just for one outfit (well, actually, around $15 if you take the actual prices and subtract the AAA discount). Oh, well, it was worth a shot. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Oh, and my hair suggestion: a tight, high bun or possibly French roll, secured with pins or a hairband, with the sticks to accent it. It's hard to get hair sticks to stay as tight as your 'do should really be with that outfit.
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
I was shaking the couch for my kid's lunch money today. Ron had a very bad year last year, which wiped out our savings, so we've been very paycheck to paycheck lately. Even though business has picked up... I'm being parsimonious to make sure we don't run short on things the boys need.
Plus, my stupid boss owes me two weeks' paychecks. Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
Yeah, It does need a tight 'do, doesn't it? Hmmm...
Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
I had to google Odango to see what it is...I like the idea, but I think it would come off much more like a costume then, rather than a classy outfit.
Another hair idea might be back in a chignon with a net. I used to do my hair that way a bunch; it's a REALLY easy way to get an elegant look with practically no effort.
Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
I like the chop stick thingy and it works with the outfit "theme", but I would put the "bun" more on top of your head rather than in back. This gives it a little height and make it look more formal. The easiest way to do this is to make the bun while bending over (so your hair is hanging down.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
No, no, no. You bend over, gather your hair (slightly off to one side) then stand up and then make the bun. Otherwise it settles funny.
Posted by Hamson (Member # 7808) on :
quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen: I know you have different issues with the sandals, Olivia. I was just confused by Hamson's assertion that sandals don't belong at work. But now I see Hamson is from Michigan. It all begins to make sense.
Hey! I wear shorts 10-12 months out of the year! But yeah, I don't know. Wear what you want Olivet, you'll look good in whatever.
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
Geez you guys are a lot of help. *snort*
I'm also going to buzz through the convention center this weekend. DragonCon, you know. So looking like I might be in costume wouldn't be all that bad. But no, I do not actually plan on doing the Odango. It gives me a headache. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:I was shaking the couch for my kid's lunch money today. Ron had a very bad year last year, which wiped out our savings, so we've been very paycheck to paycheck lately. Even though business has picked up... I'm being parsimonious to make sure we don't run short on things the boys need.
Plus, my stupid boss owes me two weeks' paychecks.
I know how that is. (((hugs))) The only shoes I've bought for myself in the last two years are two pairs of flip-flops (when old ones that I'd had for 5 years wore out, one of sneakers (ditto, on sale at Payless) and one pair of boots (Payless, on sale, when I was pregnant and my regular church shoes didn't fit any more.)
Hey, at least you don't live in New Orleans. Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
Oh, no . I totally didn't mean to 'poor mouth' as my dear Granny used to say. We're FINE. I'm just... you know how it is to be a mom, and not want to buy stuff for yourself...
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
No, I totally know.
We buy shoes for Emma on a regular basis. We just don't buy things that we want but don't need so we can be sure to have the money for her to have shoes that fit.
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Olivia, you are gorgeous.
I think a Chinese (a.k.a. bird's nest) bun would look smashing, and they are so easy to do. Even though they don't look it. It is a very secure style, too -- distributes the weight nicely.
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
This, my friend, is one of the many reasons I love you. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Oh, that's perfect!
And you could even put a cross-stick in if you wanted to, for an accent.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
I agree with CT. The Chinese bun is the perfect thing to go with the outfit.
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
I also have a variety of hairsticks and Amish pins that I can mail to you, Olivia, if there is time.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
What's an Amish pin? *curious*
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Amish pins are hair physics in action. *grin
Traditional hairpins are bent tightly in half, and they rely on pressing down on hair to hold it in place. They are like clamps. This means that a very few hairs end up bearing most of the stress, and it's a recipe for hair breakage and slipping of the pins.
In contrast, Amish pins rely on pushing out against the hair, distributing the stress over a much greater area. They look like "V"s -- bent pieces of very smooth metal, but with more of a "U" shape at the tip of the bend. You pinch them shut before putting them in the hair, then let them "spring open" once inserted in the hair. Much, much more secure and hair-friendly.
So, instead of prying them open and clamping them down on little sections of the hair (as traditional hairpins do), you press them shut and then let them open back up in the bun, distributing the stress throughout the wrapped hair.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
OooOOOOOoooooooOOOOoooh.
I need me some of those. I wonder where I can get them around here?
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
I can hook you up with a place to do an online order, if you are interested. If so, remind me tomorrow -- I'm getting all groggy. Bedtime. Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Ah! And I can mail you some to try first, if you like. But I'll probably want them back. Good stuff.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
It might be good to try them first, since my hair has a history of defying even wonderful products. Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Ah, then I have several things for you to play with. I've been meaning to send Olivet a toybox for awhile -- I should do one for both of you.
Remind me!
Posted by Sartorius (Member # 7696) on :
I really like the Chinese bun. You totally have the right look for that outfit. It's gorgeous.
Posted by human_2.0 (Member # 6006) on :
Hey, my mom wants amish pins too.... she doesn't mind ordering online but doesn't know where... google wasn't much help.
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
CT, that Chinese bun is absolutely gorgeous! I'm bookmarking the site so I can explore! (hope my hair is long enough, though....)
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