I never in a million years would've thought to pair this polka dot shirt with orange-red, and that my friends, is why I love inspiration photos! The top half was decided, and pretty much any bottom would work (skinny, boot, flare), but I decided to pull out this old pair of Joe's. The story behind these jeans still makes me cringe. Four plus years ago I was in a pinch and needed jeans that were nice enough to wear to work. So I went to Nordstrom and bought my favorite pair, not thinking twice about the $175 price tag. I've only worn them a few times (they are slightly too long), and if I could go back in time I would tell myself three things: 1. don't make big decisions in a hurry (spend the extra time looking for similar jeans for less), 2. don't settle (especially with such a huge price tag! if anything is off, then don't buy that item), and 3. set a budget (so that you will have a scale to help with deciding when a price is outrageous and when it makes sense, see "How to Set a Clothing Budget"). Have you ever made a purchasing decision that you regret? How did you handle it?
ps. Today's shopping picks are dalmatian, another print I've been loving lately. That Old Navy cardigan will be mine!
Inspiration photo: Stella & Dot homepage
Jeans: Joe's/Nordstrom, $175 old (similar)
Necklace: b-day gift from my friends (inspiration, similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/TJ Maxx, $120 (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $69
Bracelets: Banana Republic, My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $69
Bracelets: Banana Republic, My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59
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| 1. DSW 2. Old Navy 3. Forever 21 4. Old Navy |
The jeans look great on you. I think it's worth it to have a couple pairs of more expensive, designer jeans. They hold the shape & color longer and wash better making it worth it in the long run. I've got a lot more wear out of my designer jeans (it's great to find them on sale at Nordstrom Rack or some place similar). Why don't you have them altered so they are a little shorter?
ReplyDeleteLove the jeans, but I would've cringed at the price tag! These colors are great together! I have that ON sweater in the leopard print, love the dalmation too!
ReplyDeletewww.everydaywitharedhead.blogspot.com
Love that top with the orange/red! That necklace is adorable too!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.natinlove.com?cm=1
You should just get the jeans hemmed if that's the only thing holding you back from wearing them!! For such a hefty price tag, such a simple alteration would make them much more worth it for you to have them sitting around in your wardrobe (and you'll get you money's worth out of them!!)!
ReplyDeletethriftthick.blogspot.com
Have them tailored...a good tailor will take the seam off and replace it.
ReplyDeleteLove the arm candy and the chunky necklace
ReplyDeletehttp://emmastyleguide.blogspot.com
This is my favorite outfit I have ever seen you wear! That sweater looks gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteDoes the color of the necklace have to be the exact same color as the cardigan? Love this outfit and wish I would have purchased the blouse. I put it in my cart and then didn't buy it and really liked it but didn't know what to put with it because I am always chilly.
ReplyDeleteI totally know what you mean! I had immediate buyer's remorse yesterday after a trip to Limited. I bought a shirt that is too big (I'd been looking for that style) and two pairs of earrings I don't need just because I had a coupon. I didn't spend that much and I did try the shirt with several outfits once I got home, but I decided it's not love and therefore not worth keeping. They're all going back today and then I'm going to hit TJ Maxx to serach for a similar shirt that actually fits!
ReplyDeleteMy other regret is one of my Coach purses... I budgeted it, researched which one I wanted, and carefully thought about it. I soon realized that I am too OCD about the lighter color, though, I never want to carry it in fear of getting dirty! It's a lovely purse, but not worth the money if it hardly sees the light of day!
I love this color combo, especially with the dark denim. Orange and gray are one of those combos that I occasionally pair during fall!
Oh, and the cardigan... I have the pullover sweater version from last year and it's adorable and surprisingly versatile!
those jeans are really flattering on you and I love this outfit! Why don't you have them shortened up a bit if they're too long? It doesn't cost much at all and then they'll be perfect!
ReplyDeleteIn love with this look just like all of your others!
ReplyDeletehttp://somuchfashionsolittlespace.blogspot.com/
I LOVE the polka dots with orange red!! Yikes 175 for jeans... I did the same thing a few years ago when I paid 160$ for a pair of boots. Don't get me wrong, I wear them EVERY winter (i kind of have to right?) But I regretted spending so much on one thing! AH!
ReplyDeleteLove the dalmatian print too!
xoxo
Dani
www.thatfitnesschic.blogspot.com
I have those flashback moments too...and I've learned the same as you that, especially on big ticket classics like designer jeans, they need to be perfect! The fit, cut, etc. should be on point before you spend that much.
ReplyDelete-Brittany http://suburbchicblog.blogspot.com
Love the colors!!
ReplyDeletePenny, I believe the inspiration photo might be an exact match but mine isn't. My sweater is more red, while my necklace is more orange/coral!
ReplyDeleteOrange-red and GRAY??!! *Amazingly* beautiful together!!
ReplyDeleteWith your orange-red cardigan and gray-and-white polka dot top here, white jeans and strappy gold sandals might also be cute for Summer, too (?); but I REALLY like your dark indigo Joe's Jeans and your taupe pumps for Fall, though!!
I'm not sure why it is, J., but~~in my opinion, only~~your Joe's Jeans............ (i.e., of ALL the stylish jeans you've modeled for us on your blog!!)............ *most* seem to make your legs............ look like a dancer's long legs!! (And, by the way, that's a very sincere compliment, too!!) Soooo, for THAT reason alone, it might be worth it, then, to have your jeans just very slightly shortened, simply to............ *r.o.c.k.* those "dancer's legs"............ (i.e., that God has truly blessed you with, you know!!)............ for as LONG as you possibly can!!
And, IF *I* personally could ever buy a pair of jeans for myself............ (EVEN WITH a $175 price tag; plus alterations, too, i.e., if they needed to be slightly shortened)............ which would make MY legs look like a *D.A.N.C.E.R.'S.* long legs when I wore them............ that would, no kidding, most probably be............ The Absolutely Biggest Score, Fashion-Wise, Of My Lifetime............ (and worth EVERY-single-little-nickel, too, haha)!!
J! Nordstrom's will hem those for free no matter when you bought them! Usually they can do it in just a couple days. Don't let the length stop you from wearing super flattering jeans. I'm also loving the polka dots :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I would totally get those hemmed, the look like good jeans. And I wasn't sure about the color combo, but I think I like it!
ReplyDelete-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com
Love your whole outfit. The colour combo is amazing. I definitely made my fair share of mistakes with purchases - mostly when I was younger. In such case where I could not return them, I just donated them or held on to them to see if I would like it better with time. Now I am so strategic about my purchases. Similar to what you do, I plan out what I want (according to staples and trend items), and I make sure whatever I buy fits within my budget.
ReplyDeletecoverupchic.blogspot.ca
Those jeans look amazing on you! and Nordstrom is really great about hemming pants. Other stores like Limited will hem pants also. My favorite quote from "What Not to Wear" is "Clothes are made for generic bodies, and no one's body is generic." I live by that quote when trying on clothes because sometimes things just need a little nip or tuck to be perfect for me. I do agree that it's hard to spend so much on one thing for it not to fit just right, but even expensive clothes are made to fit a generic body shape/size.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, though, to get a good fit you need to spend some $$. Those jeans look worth every penny on you. And, yes, they might need to be hemmed but why not get that done so you can get more wear out of them?
ReplyDeleteTotally agree that designer jeans can be a good investment. This was a "mistake" purchase for me though. Should've found them for less, and hemming them is a good suggestion (lots of readers recommended this below), but I also don't like the rise on these jeans so I hate to spend more on a pair I don't like that much. I will likely be selling them!
ReplyDeleteI have so many regrets on purchasing items on a whim. Hundreds dollars worth of stuff just sitting in my closet because they don't fit well, etc.
ReplyDeleteI adore this outfit. And I love the polka dots with the red cardigan. I have purchased things in the past, thinking that I would wear it and never did and regretted the money wasted. I agree with the rest of the comments, I would get the jeans hemmed. They look fantastic on you. Great outfit, one I will definitely pin and try to recreate.
ReplyDeleteAgi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com
I'm pretty sure I've made purchases that I regret but my Joe's jeans isn't one of them! I LOVE them. There jeans flatter EVERY figure, def worth the splurge.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I thought when I saw this outfit was "wow I love those jeans on her!" The solution to your "problem" is obvious- go to a tailor!
ReplyDeleteI think they look better on you than every other pair of jeans you have posted
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you get the pants hemmed if they are too long? The $15 in tailoring fees will make the $175 in pants cost worth it, plus then you would wear them more.
ReplyDeleteIt is super inexpensive to get jeans hemmed and still look professional. Might make the price tag worth it a little more!
ReplyDeleteLove this outfit! Your blog has such a great application of how to take a photo or outfit you like on someone else and make it work for you & your budget. I'm about to start the 30x30 challenge (from Kendi Everday) after a friend did it last year and you always have great inspiration in your outfits.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest purchasing regret? Not purchasing a staple item because it was too expensive and opting for a cheap version only to never be truly satisfied with it. Everyone else keeps telling you to get the jeans hemmed- bottom line is YOU need to love them, and if hemming wouldn't fix that, sell them and find a new pair you love :)
Stop on by sometime, http://laurenrebeccaelliott.blogspot.com/
Yeah, but the jeans look AMAZING on you!!!
ReplyDeleteI've never commented on your blog before, but this is the BEST pair of jeans I have ever seen you wear. They are super flattering and look like they fit you perfectly in every way other than the length. I wouldn't have noticed the length if you hadn't pointed it out since they are meant to skim the floor.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting Ana! My favorite pair of designer jeans is definitely my Hudsons (bought around the same time): https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=121954901163588&set=a.120092174683194.18614.120030604689351&type=3&theater These Joe's overwhelm me in every way - the rise is too high, the flare is too big, length too long, overall feels like wayyyy too much material. I think the most important thing about what a person is wearing is how confident they feel in that item, so these unfortunately are not a win for me!
ReplyDeleteHemming is so easy and afforadable! It should never discourage you from buying something great or wearing something that's just been sitting in your closet. Everyone needs a tailor.
ReplyDeleteThese jeans fit you really well overall. Maybe you could get them tailored? I have been loving dalmation lately too. I have the Old Navy pull over dalmation sweater from last winter and I love it! Heather
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with everyone else...those jeans look FABULOUS on you! Love the color, shape, everything. I don't think you should regret it at all! I'm loving the dalmatian print too...I bought that H&M dress you were in NYC and got tons of compliments :)
ReplyDeleteI am loving the dalmation print, ordered the ON cardigan this evening. Cannot wait to rock it the way they have it styled with a purple t-shirt and black jeans. Thank you for inspiring me to try new things!
ReplyDeleteI have the dalmatian cardigan and really like it. It is super soft and stretchy. I haven't washed it yet but it feels really great on. For the money it seems a lot more expensive than it is. I plan to wear it with a dressy dress for a friend's rehearsal dinner. Love your blog. Please keep posting. It is one of the highlights of my day to read it.
ReplyDeleteI wore this top today! I paired it with my deep red/almost burgundy skinnies and a hot pair of heels and got tons of compliments! I love those taupe shoes you are wearing in the pic, as well. :)
ReplyDeleteI love how I always get great ideas from your blog! I wouldn't have thought to pair these colors either, but you look fabulous as always. =)
ReplyDeleteAvec Amber
One time I bought a pair of designer jeans and only wore them once. They were low rise so I was paranoid when I sat down. haha. I bought them based on name alone and regretted it for so long! Also, I love dalmatian print! H&M has really cute pants with that print.
ReplyDeletewww.pocketsandprints.blogspot.it
love this color combo!
ReplyDeleteamy
Leopard and Lillies
Why not have them tailored to fit you perfectly? Then, you might wear them more, they look good on you.
ReplyDeleteI love the color combination. And those jeans look fantastic on you!
ReplyDeletehave you tried wearing them with a higher shoe, like a stiletto? Paired with a form fitting top and a blazer? just try it and see.
ReplyDeleteI love dalmatian print! In fact, this weekend I found a pair of dalmatian print shoes at Target for $7.48.
ReplyDeleteThe Joe's look fantastic on you. Nordstrom will alter for free for full price purchases. I get my Joe's with an original hem when I shorten them. I adore my premium denim, they last a long time, and don't bag throughout the day.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, spend the $10 to get them hemmed properly and wear them!!! Nice jeans are worth every penny!
ReplyDeleteDon't waste the money you spent originally: hemmed and slimming the leg can be done by any tailor. Also, these actually fit you. They are pulling across your thighs the way cheap/too tight jeans do and they make you look great!
ReplyDeleteI love this top with the orange-reddish cardi! And I also LOOOOVVEEEE dalmatian print right now! Just this weekend I was eyeing the two Old Navy pieces and the Forever 21 skirt you showed here. That skirt would so be mine if it were longer. I might be getting that cardi, though!
ReplyDeleteold navy is having a sale right now. 20% off!
ReplyDeleteI got that old navy sweater a few weeks ago...I wore it with a royal blue top and loved it. I like your color combo
ReplyDeleteI just bought a similar dotted cardigan last Wed. from our local Goodwill. It looks brand new and was $4.99. I don't remember the brand on it right now though.
ReplyDeleteYour inspiration picture from Stella & Dots home page was from my Instagram picture they liked!!!! So cool! Thanks for posting & being inspired by this! Love your blog.
ReplyDeleteThis is actually the nicest outfit I've seen you post, by far - those jeans look amazing and are definitely worth getting hemmed.
ReplyDeleteWow, I love this outfit!! This is my first visit here and I will definitely be back!
ReplyDeleteI love the polka dots! Also, those jeans are super cute and a great fit on you. Even if they were really expensive.
ReplyDeleteI love this outfit. I'd never have put those colors together either but they work great!
ReplyDeleteI love this combo too!
ReplyDeletehttp://work-it-blog.blogspot.com/
Love everything about this! The colors, the cute print of that top and that great statement necklace!
ReplyDeletecreamyclothes.blogspot.com
Haven't seen you in bootcut jeans in a long time! Looks good.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say thanks. I get way more compliments on what I wear now because of all that I've learned here. I tend to er on the side of too minimalist which turns into looking unfinished and well boring. Not any more i mean I bought two polka dot shirts and for a printphobe that is a big deal hahah. Anyways just wanted to encourage you to keep doing what you do 'cause your awesome.
ReplyDeleteHem them yourself. Just google hemming jeans preserving the hem. So easy if you can use a machine.
ReplyDeleteAww, thank you so much for this Katrina! I'm honored to have had a small part in you looking and feeling fab! Thanks for saying hi!
ReplyDeleteHey J, I know this is late, but did you find this top sliding down (in front) on you? It wouldn't stay in place for me, so I didn't know if you had to safety pin it in back or whether it's just finicky for me? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am wearing similar outfit today for casual Friday at work.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this outfit
ReplyDeleteNordstrom does free hemming. Take them back and have them shortened a little for free!
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