4.2.10

on a mission

A Discussion that took place in my email last night right before I went to bed:


"Hi!
   I discovered your blog today and fell in love with your [entire] wardrobe and your inspiring photos and styling. Which leads me to my dilemma: I recently purchased a pair of Steve Madden Frenchh Engineer boots on sale.

In Cognac. 

BUT I have half a mind to return them because I have no idea how to pair them! I bought them because I've lusted over the idea of durable flat leather boots but I have no idea how to pair them. Please let me know if you have any ideas! Thank you!!!

                                                                                              Verdant boot-aficionado


                                                                                                         Alison"
"Allison,


Hmmm.  Lemme see if I can cook something up for you.  I have a pair of mid height frye moto boots that have a similar feel to these, more squared toe, but same chunky feel.  I have hardly worn them since I have actually had trouble styling them as well!  It is so sweet that you have faith in me though!  I will try a few things and get back to you!  Perhaps with some pictures even.  In the mean time, my inclination would be a floral playsuit, dark tights in gray maybe, and a layer of to the knee socks bunched down so they are just peeking over the boot, a warm, oversized cardigan over the playsuit and a brown scarf belted at the waist under a braided leather belt.  I Think you just helped me pick out my outfit for tomorrow!  I will try to get it posted before I am out the door at 8:00 tomorrow!  Hope it helps and thanks so much for finding me!

Christina Marie"

Any time you have a dilemma like this send me an email if you want to and I will do my best!  I hope this helps Allison!

{EDIT: An Anonymous commenter just stated that I don't return emails to other girls not asking for fashion advice, and that they are "Let down".  I am not sure what you are referring to exactly, but it hurts my feeling very much to know that you feel that way.  I must have failed to return an email to you.  It is absolutely possible.  I try as hard as I can to address specific questions and emails, but sometimes I miss things.  I never want anyone to feel I have over looked them or that I don't care.  I am just the kind of person that faces what is right in front of me and I try to hold all of the strings of things that get behind me.  Sometimes I drop strings.  I forget to put my husbands laundry in the dryer even though he asked me specifically to do before I leave the house. I forget to grab things to give to my mom when I go over to hers, I for get to return calls , schedule appointments, get milk at the store and return emails.  I am a human being.  With my odd jobs and family and friends and obligations, things are bound to be forgotten.  This doesn't mean these things are not important, (because the things that require the most grace are usually put on the back burner till I can be in the right frame of mind to address them, that frame sometimes does not come until another pressing thing enters my brain) SO ANONYMOUS, Please accept me as a human.  I am sorry I have failed you, but you are not the first and not the last and you are in very good company.   Trust me, I try, but I am not a super hero. }


COMMENT OF THE DAY: Anonymous, You are a human too! I Never intended to make you feel bad.  I just was hoping for a little understanding.  Please don't feel like you fail others.  I am sure you are under a great amount of stress right now.  I completely understand where feelings like this come from.  I hope you feel a little better today. 


Anonymous said...

Unfortunately I am the same anonymous from earlier. I am extremely sorry for the comment and regret it terribly. Sometimes I guess we all take our frustrations out on random people that do not deserve it at all. I apologize greatly and I will continue to be a loyal follower to your amazing blog. You have not failed me one bit, but reminded me that we are all human, and that I am truly the one who actually fails everyone else.

57 comments:

The Jazzy Belle said...

Awe.. that is really flattering, huh? You did a great job too. I love that outfit. I have pretty much everything you have on in some form or another.. working an outfit up tonight for the wkend. Thanks ladies :)
xo

Brittany said...

Awesome, Christina! Great ideas for the boots! Love how all of the girly elements neutralize the chunkiness of the boots. That reminds me of yesterday, this girl in my bio lab asked me if I could come to her house and style outfits for her! So neat!

K said...

Very cool looks! I immediately thought the cardi one was my favorite but I think I'm going with the green one on the bottom. I like the color it adds to it. That was so nice of you to put those pictures together for her. Her boots are great so I hope she finds a way to style them that she's comfortable with.

Anonymous said...

Great advice!! and I love that romper, so cute ^.^

chicfaced (Megan) said...

you styled the crap out of those boots! way to go. i think a pair of brown moto boots like that really go with anything...looks good w/just jeans or to toughen up a floral dress...classic staple. You did a great job giving lots of options!

Hannah | The Outfit Repeater said...

I absolutely love this outfit, the colors look so good together and everything is layered so perfect!

Anonymous said...

How fabulous! I've eyed those Fryes for ages, but never taken the plunge because I couldn't imagine how I'd wear them. These are some fabulous suggestions.

Secondhand Stella said...

I really like the last outfit... w/ the blazer. I feel like the boots would look great with jeans, leggings, and sweater dresses as well.

Stephanie said...

I think it's amazing that you take the time to help readers with styling. So cool!

Anonymous said...

You are sooo sweet! Great outfits!

Vera said...

That was so cool of you. Time to get me some of those boots.

Diana said...

What a wonderful e-mail to receive! I've been looking for some boots like that - I just need to find the right price.

arrow said...

Everyone on my campus seems to have boots like this (and I am jealous)! They look super comfy and stylish and perfect for bleh fashion days when you don't want to worry about footwear.

People mostly seem to wear them with jeans (I think they look fabulous with bright blue skinny jeans) and leggings with dresses.

Sara said...

Omg how cool! I love all the outfits, but the very first is my fave! :)

I got my shoes!! Thx soooo much you rock!!

Seval said...

Hey Christina! I should be packing for Paris at the moment, but you know, I'm the last minute person! :D We couldn't talk lately, I've seen all your posts but half awake :D

First I haven't got your mail yet, I think it'll come while I'm away and I'll find it on my desk on Tuesday. I loved every piece you've worn this week! Especially those blue tights and the little dress, you've posted yesterday! Wow! I think I should take my blue tights and my playsuit to Paris! :)

I'll miss you much, I'll send you a long long e-mail when I came back!

Love you!

E said...

very nice work!
togandtrappings.blogspot.com

ADJ said...

I love the last photo; that green is one of my favorite colors. You are really creative in your styling!

tess said...

love the green jacket combo

I have frye egineers, I think they work best with frilly items, its a nice contrast

Anonymous said...

oh but when other girls send you emails not asking for fashion advice you ignore them? letdown.

Jen said...

You're too lovely! I hope Allison is pleased with the look - I'll definitely use this as style inspiration in the future!

Jessica said...

I've been hesitant to try out rompers because I wouldn't know how to wear one, but this outfit is adorable! The floral print is so so pretty and all the other elements of the outfit make it look pulled together and chic.

Anonymous said...

Your killing me!!!

I just got home from target and almost purchased that same romper and the whole way home I was so full of regret. Looks like I'm headed back to target it looks too cute on you!

Trains and Sewing Machines said...

Cuuuuute romper!! So cute. The last two styles are my favorite. You looks gorgeous!

What we four say said...

I have similar boots to those and they ARE hard to style. I've had them for years and they have had lots of wear, I think I usually wear them with pretty dresses to counteract the "toughness". I love the look you came up with, that playsuit it so freaking cute!!

Kodi Fujii said...

seriously those boots are sooo perfect. cant find a pair of vintage ones. definatly not gonna go buy them. lol. and that romper.. one peice thing is absolutely amazing!! kudos sister.

Sidewalk Chic said...

I love how you styled your boots -- they are gorgeous. I've been thinking about getting a pair after seeing you and Jess of WIW rock them. You look so lovely!

- JoAnn, Sidewalk Chalk

graciela. said...

I think that was a great way of styling the boots. That way you can pair them with any dress, romper, shorts and blouse combo you want. Very versatile.

One question about the romper, and please hold your laughter ;-), do you have to get undressed every time you go to the ladies' room? I know it's a silly question but I don't have any so I don't know how they're constructed. If you answer, cool, if not, I won't hold it against you. :-D

soph // and other things said...

That playsuit is so sweet! Love how you've styled it in all your outfits.

chelsea lee said...

Absolutely adore the styling! I found your blog yesterday and I'm having such a blast perusing your looks.

I have a similar pair of boots with the same dilemma. I've tried them with jeans but they hit mid-calf and make me look stumpy. I've worn with skirts and always get tons of compliments. Definitely need to try the romper/tights look too!!

http://spicklebee.blogspot.com/

MeganHowell said...

UGH you have the greatest style in the world! i yearn for it, i am in love with it! thanks for keepin it real cute girl.

ps people who leave rude or mean anonymous comments are chicken!!! that is all :)

Desiree said...

I am dying for a romper like this!

As for the anonymous comment - nothing irritates me more than when people say things like that yet remain anonymous. If "anonymous" truly believes that you are neglectful of your followers, then "anonymous" should stand behind what they say and put their name to it. I realize that sounds harsh and I don't mean it to. It is just a pet peeve of mine.

Nevertheless, you were one of my first "friends" in the blogging community and to tell the truth, it upset me to see that comment when anybody can tell from you blog that you are a busy person, but not anywhere near neglectful.

Sorry for the longest comment in the world, but I thought you should hear that.

my healthy twist said...

gorgeous outfit! xoxo

Coco said...

You look lovely as always! Love this floral jumper on you, and you definitely know how to style boot!


-Coco from Our Paper Moon

Amanda said...

I love that jumper! I've been looking around for one ever since I missed out on that one in your shop a few weeks ago.

As for "anonymous", I think you've always done a great job at responding to ANY of my questions. Plus, can't they tell from reading your blog how friendly and helpful you are to your readers? Guess they just don't pay attention...

amber said...

Just wanted to say that I back your blog to the end BABY!!! It rocks and as far as rude commenters are concerned- you are only human PLUS your a mom and if your anything like me you get "mommy-brain" several times during the day-HEE HEE! So hold your head up high and know that you make hundreds and hundreds of other people happy-me included!!

anon said...

It's so sweet that you would do this for someone else when you have so much going on. It's unfortunate that someone feels that way but I hope you're not blaming yourself in any way. You are by far one of the most sincere and earnest people I have been lucky to encounter online.

p.s. I love the blazers.

Victoria said...

Second Skin certainly is an inspiring blog, but you, miss, are an inspiring woman.

That you are a working woman, a mother and a wife, and somehow you find the time to do the things you love doing, is truly admirable. You also always have the most charming smile on your face in these pictures; so genuine and sweet.

Confidence, brilliance, and most importantly, modesty. These are rare charms when it comes to internet identities.

I recently found you through "What I Wore," and am so excited to see what you have in store for me. As someone who has always been interested in unique fashion perspectives, naturally I follow a lot of these blogs. However, yours was the first to plant the seed of optimism in my mind, and made me think that perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to start my own one, too.

Thanks.

Catherine Shu said...

I'm amazed at the hubris of certain people! I keep a blog about living in Taipei and I've gotten letters from people asking me to translate things for them, give them vacation advice a couple days before they are supposed to leave (guaranteeing that they won't hear back from me in time), demanding that I link back to their blog even though they've never commented on my site or otherwise interacted with me... one guy wanted to study Mandarin at the school I used to go to and basically wanted me to pick his courses for him and find him a place to live. I understand that some people find it frustrating when they don't get an answer ASAP but, like you, I'm busy and I don't live in front of the Internet (I guess the latter is also hard to believe if you only know someone through their Web site).
Don't let feedback like that get you down! The person clearly has poor impulse control and would probably not have sent that letter if they thought things through. I don't think you owe him or her an apology. I can tell from your blogs that you are a very kind person -- the fact that you take time to answer styling questions (with photos!) is a testament to that.
the renegade bean

Little Miss Lee said...

I hope to find a romper one day that will suit my *booty*, because this one looks FAB on you!

I love that tights and socks look. It feels so pulled together in a casual way.

As for your negative comment...
How irritating! I just don't see why people would put things out there that they know will hurt someone's feelings... Jealousy? Beats me.

△▾christine▴▽ said...

soo glad i can across your blog! you have AH.MA.ZING style! :D

shoeless simone said...

Great way to style them!! I love the romper

-Shoeless Simone

Wardrobe Warrioress said...

Lovin the romper with the fuzzy sweater!

Check out my blog! :-)
http://wardrobewarrioress.blogspot.com/

Annie, Time Enough for Drums said...

You look great here, and sorry you were sent that not so nice message. I, however, wanted to convey some thanks to you. I've had several bloggers say they are now following my blog, after having found it through yours. So thank you!!! See you soon, yay! Annie.

Jenny said...

Whoa. Why do people comment anonymously like that? Uncalled for.

We're all human. I am constantly forgetting that ONE thing that was so important not to forget. But it happens. I'm glad you can acknowledge this and not beat yourself up over it. So not worth it.

closet365.wordpress.com

guildedsecret. said...

don't sweat the small stuff! there's not place for "anonymous'" negativity on your blog. i just started following and you've been nothing but sweet and supportive, especially about my "alter ego" post.

your personal style is fantastic and surely evident through your various remixes of this adorable romper! i especially love your jewelry in the first photo :)

xo.
princesspolitico.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately I am the same anonymous from earlier. I am extremely sorry for the comment and regret it terribly. Sometimes I guess we all take our frustrations out on random people that do not deserve it at all. I apologize greatly and I will continue to be a loyal follower to your amazing blog. You have not failed me one bit, but reminded me that we are all human, and that I am truly the one who actually fails everyone else.

Lauren @The Little Things We Do.... said...

i think you're lovely...we're all a bit forgetful sometimes, but it's not a crime. sometimes reader e-mails get forwarded directly to my spam folder too, so it's quite possible that this maybe happened to you as well.

whatever the case, you look lovely.

hope you have a great weekend!

xo
{Lauren}

thelittlethingswedo.blogspot.com

Healthy and Homemade said...

eeeek you look amazing! and anonymous can suck it! it's not like you don't have a life or anything better to do with your time.

love your blog =D I think we're all human, and I'm sure anonymous is just as busy as the rest of us and can understand that sometimes emails get skipped accidentally!

Kate said...

It's heading towards winter where I am and I have been checking out all the boots coming out in the shops....I have just been looking at black (staying in my comfort zone), but now I may be able to expand my (fashion) horizons!
Thanks!

I forget to do all the same stuff you do, I have swiss cheese brain!

Madame Bovary said...

i love your blog, your style, your cloths... everything!!
xoxo

Anonymous said...

Are those knee socks or leg warmers? I can't find any knee socks that bunch up like that and still stay tall.

And yes, you are human. I, on the other hand, and super woman. Didn't you get the memo? ;)

Anonymous said...

Oh, and please please PLEASE tell Alison that I almost bought the exact same boots she has, but changed my mind and got these: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2956230?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=intyce&origin=searchresults

I'm absolutely 100% irrevocably in love with these boots and she should know it! They are relatively flat (slight wedge heel) and can be dressed up or down. They are perfection! She can see some outfits with them on my blog.

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I haven't gone back to target yet, I couldn't justify the trip across town, plus the MR. would think I've really lost my marbles if I made a special trip for this. I was afraid the jumper might fall down the font and I would spend the day tugging on it. I thought about sewing some cute tie straps on it to keep the sucker up.

May I borrow your son? I love that he is your little enabler!!

Christen said...

I'm totally inspired now to winterize my jumpers - love these looks!!! Off to play in my wardrobe right now - such great inspiration!

Abigail said...

I'm constantly impressed with your grace, humility, and amazing style.

Mamie Girls said...

Love the way you have styled these boots and playsuit! Especially the relaxed feel of the second look with an oversized cardigan. A great way to wear rompers/playsuits in the winter!

Teresa Tran said...

you are so cute! how do you find these winter outfits ?

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