I Never…

Inspired by Jessica at What I Wore, and the critique I did of her list of items she avoids, here’s my unconscious list of Nevers, which only becomes evident while shopping with a new partner, during which trip, I’m bound to say, “I actually try to stay away from…” and “____ doesn’t really work on me…” more than my fair share of times:

• Trapeze/swingy tops – I occassionally pick one up, with the intent of either belting it, or wearing it under a fitted jacket, but the majority of time, they go unworn.  Why?  Because I’m thick and on the busty and hippy sides, with a small waist.  Although a belt/jacket helps, the blousiness from chest to waist makes me look huge; blousiness from chest to hips is even more obnoxious.
• Ankle-strap shoes – In addition to being the opposite of thin, I’m also short, and even luckier-short-legged.  Thick, short legs (actually either of these on its own as well) + ankle straps = cankles.  HOT.  Actually, I do break this occassionally – but usually only for either straps close to my leg color, dark straps worn with tights, or shoes I know I’ll wear only with pants.
• Overt matchy-matchiness – the epitome of non-chic, to me.  I appreciate that you’ve taken the time and put in the effort to find a pale peach carpis to pair with your coral and peach floral top, BUT matching does not equal style.  I was raised to match-match-match (my mom still gives matching socks along with any gift of clothing that she gives – she’s so cute!), but now think that pairing items because they “go” rather than match, somes across as more cohesive and put-together – in a casual, organically stylish way.
  • The blogger over here, bless her heart, is adorable and has potential, but ALWAYS falls into the matchy-matchy trap (and the too-young trap, see below): http://whatiwore2day.blogspot.com/
• Chunky knit or ribbed sweaters – First let me say, I adore sweaters – ALL sweaters!  BUT, I know me, and I know that a hugely cable knit crewneck or a ribbed turtleneck sweater will do my body no favors (I should say, I know this now…as both of these items were staples for me in my college years…the horror…).  Thin, preferably consisting of Merino wool or cashmere, and v-neck is what works for this girl.  On occassion, I will work a boucle sweater, but it’s bound to be body-conscious in cut, and paired with a slim bottom – and be during a ski weekend or to lounge at the casa.
• Over-accessorizing – I typically wear pretty classic sillhouettes (although I’ve been trying to be more risky with proportion lately), so I really count on my accessories to punch up my outfits.  Long, chunky gold pendant necklaces and gold watches are my biggest weaknesses, and I like to think, part of my style signature.  To keep from going overboard and costumey, I wear the same tiny hoop earrings nearly ever day.  On the rare days I do pick loud earrings over a necklace (oddly, on my wedding day?), I opt for a barely-there necklace or no necklace.  We hear and read about balance in accessorizing constantly, but I see this out far too frequently – especially with matching jewelry “sets”!  Just because it comes together and you like the pieces, doesn’t mean they all have to worn together, at one time!  Each piece would look that much more special if worn as the sole statement item of your look, no?
• Finally – too-young pieces – So, truth is, I haven’t been 21 for 5+ years…does that stop me from hitting up Forever 21 EVERY time I head to the mall?  no.  it does not.  However, I go in, knowing I’m too old for lots of their wares – and I’m okay with it.  I typically have expensive taste and like well-made items, but when I’m looking for a trendy (i.e. dispensible) item, I know where to go.  Teeny-bopper stores are great for funky accessories and even some “going out” pieces – just don’t wear them all together in your post-college days!

Whew!  What are your “Nevers”??