Just Buy The Shoes!

March 22nd, 2014

I recently did a show where a woman was just standing there so ensconced by one of my necklaces.  She kept looking at it and trying it on and finally said to me, “It’s just not something I would normally wear, but I love it.  I don’t know what I would wear it with, though.”  After about an hour of putting it on and taking it off, I thought…wow.  It was interesting to me.  Like an alien, I stood there reflecting upon her statement and her clear draw to this piece.  I don’t ask why I like something.  I don’t ponder it, or wonder if I have anything to wear it with, I just buy it.  My mother would not be happy with that statement, but it’s the truth.  Life is too short.

The point is, is that it’s great to have a “look.”  A look that is yours and everyone knows you when they are standing behind you at the post office, but wouldn’t it be great to really surprise someone by wearing something a little different and daring?  Why not surprise people! 

I have customers tell me, “I pick out a necklace by Spitfire and then I put an outfit together that matches it.”  They are not bothered that maybe they don’t have the right outfit for it when they are looking to buy it.  They are moved by  the piece.  It’s art to them.  Fashion is art.  There are plenty of things that I love that I may think to myself, “That isn’t me, but I love it.”  I am the kind of person that if I like something enough, I will make it work. 

It’s good to step out of your comfort zone and shake things up a bit.  I love seeing someone with a new haircut that makes them look 10 years younger and a whole lot better.  It’s that little tweak that can bring a world of difference to their lives.  It opens them up to the fact that maybe they don’t have to live in that nice tidy comfort zone that they thought was the answer.  It’s a big world, with lots of choices.  Jump on that horse and saddle up!

The same can be said about jewelry.  Jewelry reflects who you are as a person.  It says something about you.  I love all kinds of jewelry.  I love demure, I love skulls…yup, skulls, Buddha’s, big stones, long Sterling necklaces, The Prescription, something that speaks to me and it may not make sense with anything I own or have, but I don’t think that way.  I don’t live in “the box.” There’s no fun in that.  I pick up something that moves me and I make it work with what I have, or I go and find something that works with it.  It’s that easy.  High-end consignment stores are a great place to find new outfits.  How many people who have “lots of money,” buy something and wear it once only to discard it?  Lots.  And major labels.  Hello, Trina Turk and Tory Burch.

 

Some clients love beads and they love all colors.  Some love more of a chain with a tassel, or they like long necklaces.   All are great.  But, every now and again, you need to spice it up. 

I was thinking this when I was staring at a pair of Sam Edelman shoes today.  They are a copy of a Valentino pair of shoes that I have been coveting, but for a fraction of the cost.   They are the hottest thing and you can wear them with so much.  They aren’t too high, like the real Valentino shoes, but they are fun.  I don’t even think they are really that comfortable, but they spoke to me, “Holly, buy us.  You know you love us.  Just do it!”  I love all things accessory.  Shoes, purses, jewelry (clearly), socks, makeup…and to me, shoes and purses, like jewelry are art.

I picked up those shoes and like Carrie in “Sex in The City,” I just held them and all I could think was, I want to put them on a shelf on display in my room under glass.  Crazy, I know, but that’s what shoes do to me.   Where am I going to wear them?  I don’t know, but believe me, I will find somewhere even if it’s to the grocery store, or out with a friend to a bar to have some peanuts and play darts.  Bring it! I will make it happen.

It’s the same thing with jewelry.  Step out of your comfort zone, don’t think about what will match that necklace or earrings, just BUY THE SHOES.  You’ll figure it out.