i’ll wear it with everything
I cannot even come up with an estimation of how many times I used this line in stores with my mother to get her to see my desired purchase as a practical one. Clearly, though, it wasn’t a practical purchase or I would not have had to use it. If I had to guess, I would say it was most often bags or jewelry that were my object of desire, because the line makes sense with accessories. You probably wouldn’t say “But Mom, I’ll wear this floral appliqué shirt with everything,” because if you did, people would begin to wonder if you wore the same shirt everyday as a choice or if it was the only one you owned.
But a bag doesn’t necessarily have to match each outfit perfectly. People don’t spot your dark brown leather satchel from afar and say, “Oh, dear God, that girl is not wearing anything dark brown to match her bag.” When I was in those stores I probably did believe I would carry the light blue accordion purse with the chain handle all the time. And the salmon pink leather bag with 12 zipper pockets. And the boho printed pastel tote. And the Dooney & Bourke multi-color hearts bucket purse. And the sunshine yellow clutch. And the tiny turquoise cross body bag. I’d like to say I learned from my mistakes, but on it’s way from Japan is my new Louis Vuitton speedy bag. Although I’d like to think I’m getting there, at least this one is a neutral color…right?
It’s a style though, the mismatched look. We’ve grown out of the stage of those pant leggings that came in every color to precisely match the colors of our tops and the shorts and shirts that came together because the pattern continued without pause from one piece to the next. Now, you throw on a pair of denim shorts and layer a few tank tops, not caring that the rose pink in one isn’t the same as the pale pink in the other. And while it’s possible to spend 30 minutes creating a perfectly planned-to-not-look-planned outfit, the same look can be achieved in 5. What better style for rushed, sleep deprived college students?
Despite my mother’s qualms about my recent wardrobe additions, I do believe I’ll wear these things a lot (with the Louis Vuitton of course). A few of my wear-with-every-things: a black cardigan blazer, mocha leather over the knee boots, a wide metallic clasp belt and a royal blue button up shirt. Next on my wish list: a ballerina skirt, Carrie Bradshaw style. What’s on yours?