Yesterday, Carrie at Petal by Petal wore a dress that she
said was probably the “most impractical” item in her closet (she looked
gorgeous, btw). And that got me to
thinking about the practicality of my own wardrobe.
On one hand, I think that I have a very practical wardrobe. Because I commute by bike, the majority of my
closet is filled with clothes that are good for riding a bike in. But, I will admit that practicality isn’t my
only criteria when shopping. Hell,
sometimes it doesn’t even enter the picture.
However, for the most part, I try very hard to find items that are both
good for riding and that make me happy.
Like this dress:
It’s printed, which makes me happy. And it’s pleated, which is great for riding
my bike (and makes me happy). It also
gets practicality points because of its versatility; last time I wore it, here,
I paired it with sandals and a skinny belt.
This time I paired the dress (vintage, Goodwill) with tall, gray boots
(Circa Joan & David “Ralco” via Piperlime), the same skinny belt (Gap) and
a cuff (Goodwill). And I think this is a
piece that will work well into winter too.
On the other hand, I own some pretty impractical pieces too. For example, as practical as my dress is, these boots are just the
opposite:
They are suede, and light-colored suede at that. I’ve treated them, of course, but unfortunately,
even treated suede is no good during the Oregon winters, so these and my other
suede shoes have a pretty small window of wear.
I know I should probably stop buying impractical pieces, especially
given that my window of wear is smaller than most because I do commute by
bike. But I just don’t think it’s in me
to have a completely practical wardrobe.
The way I see it, it is entirely possible that I’ll need a mink-collared
cape or a sequined dress some day and I like to be prepared. And
preparedness is very practical trait so, yes, I’d say I have a very practical
wardrobe. On both hands.
What about you, Reader Friends? How practical, or impractical, is your
closet?
Happy Wednesday, All!
Gracey
Hmmm, "practical" is actually in my blog title, so I'ma pass on this one :P
ReplyDeleteGracey, that dress is so beautiful and makes me happy, too. Perfect with those gorgeous boots. Sometimes beauty isn't practical, it's just...fun, spontaneous, with a little short window of opportunity to show off. Which makes you appreciate it even more.
thanks so much for popping by my blog
ReplyDeletei adore this look and am totally jealous of your tallness!!
brett
Ooohhh... these boots. Are they committed to you or will they see other people?
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of your post. It's an interesting topic to reflect upon. While most of my clothes are practical, I enjoy a few frivolous pieces for their emotional appeal.
Practical or not, those boots are gorgeous, and they look perfect with that dress. I love this outfit on you!
ReplyDeleteI really like this outfit. It has a really funky, vintage 70s vibe without feeling like a costume. My closet is only impractical to the point that I have too many weekend clothes. I often find myself drawn to casual pieces that really have no place in a professional wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteI'm a librarian, so being practical is like breathing. It's just part of my life and personal perspective. But practical can be pretty, too! And I wear my few pairs of suede shoes with glee during those few days I can wear them up here in the NW -- it almost feels like we're getting away with something, doesn't it?! And I totally agree, being prepared for when you need that sequined dress does count as being practical. ;)
ReplyDeleteI definitely own a lot of impractical things, but I'll find a way to wear them eventually :)
ReplyDeletelove the print on the dress, and i can't believe you bike to work every day!
Chic on the Cheap
My closet is full of impractical items. I typically buy items that I love, regardless of practicality. I'm working on being a bit more balanced and thinking about this sort of thing before purchasing.
ReplyDeleteYour hair is looking great!
Who cares if those boots aren't practical? They're beeeeautiful..... (I know, suade. I've got the same problem, but it's just so lovely.)
ReplyDeleteThis outfit as well, oh my gosh, I'm in love with it. It is so streamline with the gray print and the gray boots and just wow. If I was on Pintest, I would pin this in a heartbeat.
Um, I meant suede. I'm a little high on the cold medicine right now. (Good excuse for bad spelling!)
DeleteAnd I love both the dress & the boots!
ReplyDeleteI have some very impractical things too.... and wear them to work sometimes, despite being on my feet for such long periods of time... :P
Oh but the boots are so pretty, Gracie.
ReplyDeleteI have a pretty practical wardrobe with a heavy base of black. I own several impractical items though...one dress is my favorite; its a pretty leaf green dress, one solid color and it seems to attract marks. I always worry that it will permanently stain. I love it so much but can't enjoy it because of the high risk of spots.
That dress is wonderful, I am not at all surprised it is a favourite.
ReplyDeleteAnd the boots are great, despite their impracticality issues.
I understand that clothing has to be practical as a primary function, but it is also about display and adornment and expression, hence I am drawn to many impractical things! A nice balance of both is good, so you are ready for whatever an occasion demands, as you say! xxx
Thanks for the mention, Gracie! I was wondering why that post jumped from 11 views to 70 in just a day ... :)
ReplyDeleteHmm, I can't resist suede shoes, so enjoy those boots! :) They look beautiful with the dress.
I'm about 80% practical/20% unpractical on my wardrobe, I'd say. Naturally, I love my unpractical pieces the most.
ReplyDeleteI love this dress you're wearing so much! I've got one in a similar colour scheme, which I thrifted years ago, and have yet to wear, but love so much I've never even considered wearing it. (It's a silk wrap, so not the most practical, heh.) I'm pretty convinced the weather in NW England is almost identical to the weather in the PNW, and I have that tiny suede window, too. Treating suede only goes so far, alas.
Er, never even considered getting rid of it, that is. Duh, pre-coffee. :)
ReplyDeleteI have a full range; from very practical black pencil skirt to a vintage purple and black leopard fur jacket (so impractical, I haven't even worn it yet).
ReplyDeleteDiggin' your practical pleated dress and impractical boots.
love those boots!
ReplyDeletefrom helen at www.thelovecatsinc.com // @thelovecatsinc
ps. i'm launching a new giveaway to win 30 beauty products tomorrow inc. essie etc. make sure you stop by! :)
I fully believe that as long as you love something, it's no longer impractical. This is my perfect explanation for sheer kimono jackets and sequined shoes. And as for suede, you can always bike in something else and wear your suede shoes/boots at work!
ReplyDeletewell, sometimes things will enter my closet that are so not practical, but who cares :) They are pretty. And maybe good for the weekends? Isn't that a reason to allow them to enter!? I do agree that those pieces need to be limited, otherwise you end up looking the same every monday. I can understand the issue with suede boots, but yours are still so pretty. Make the most of them!!
ReplyDeleteYou look fabulous in this practical outfit! Well, the boots are practical for dry, colder weather, right?
ReplyDeleteThe dress has just the right colours for you and for the season, and the cut is great on you. I think you've styled it to perfection with your beautiful suede boots!
I don't believe practicality should have first priority. First your clothes have to suit you, fit you and make you happy. Sooner or later you'll find an occasion to wear it, if not almost every day. Then you can begin to consider if it's practical or if it's too beautiful to care! That's what I believe. My closet is about to explode by the way.
I don't have a definite life routine ever so my closet is teeming with things that don't look like they belong in the same person's wardrobe. Out with friends, translation jobs, interviews, restaurant work, back to an interview, lunch plan with the ladies, fancy party, back to everyday Sarah... it's exhausting for one closet. Having three jobs is hard for it, too, haha.
ReplyDeleteSuede. Oh, suede. I know the pain of that material--why are the BEST shoes only offered in suede? I'm curious to see how my non-student status changes my shoes. I used to walk outside SO much that it was unrealistic to wear suede as soon as the rain starts (AKA tomorrow) but now I'm not sure what'll happen.
Finally, your dress is very you. And I really like it with the boots, impractical or not.
I LOVE your reasoning!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you bike to work. That's crazy (but so good for you and the environment). I hear you on the window of time though - wisconsin is like 9 months of winter (or so it feels. it already feels like winter)
ReplyDeleteThe dress is adorable, but I am totally swooning over your 'impractical' boots. I frequently buy things that aren't entirely practical, but I'm getting better at telling myself no!
ReplyDeleteComfort is practical so I guess mine is practical for the most part. I think. Anyway, gorgeous dress and boots. I love gw. Dawn suitcase vignettes
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my absolute favourites of your great dresses, and those boots are luscious!
ReplyDeleteI certainly have my share of "impractical" garb, it's definitely an aspect of privilege to be able to enjoy limited-usefulness clothing.
Aw you deserve to treat yourself to some impractical items! I tend to buy an impractical piece here and there so as if to dare myself to wear something I wouldn't otherwise would. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. I tend to have a very practical wardrobe that I spice up with accessories.
ReplyDelete