Practicing what I preach

I've had it in my head since Labor Day: I will will will wear these blue suede sandals, and I will wear sandals with tights.

So here's what I'll be wearing to a holiday concert tonight:

Nothing drives me more crazy than owning an article of clothing--especially one somewhat expensive--that I haven't worn yet. Those of you that followed the dilemma of the ruffle that used to grace these Anthropologie blue sandals will see I did take a knife to them, and I've been much happier. Here's what they used to look like:

And here's the post about them: Too blue



Still, I hadn't found a way to wear them until now.

Anthropologie Gem Chroma T-Straps, no longer available

Outfit and photo from Garnet Hill

Readers had mixed reactions about whether or not we might look like old ladies or little girls wearing sandals with tights. Here's the post about this topic:
Sandals + Tights = :-)

I'm excited to say that tights make bright sandals easier to wear. I tried the sandals with a variety of outfits--from dressy black pants to maroon cords--and the outfit above was the only one that felt right.

The skirt (Athleta Strata Skirt), if you're interested, is a go-to item for me. It's one of the 5 Solid Seasonless Staples I posted here.

The tights were a splurge--they cost about $20 from J. Crew. I typically buy $5 Target tights, but it's hard to find light heather gray (charcoal is everywhere). These tights are called urban gray, and they're super soft and very hardy.
 
Here are some additional looks to try with them:

J. Crew urban gray tights, $20

Athleta Printed Hot When You're Not Dress, $74, with light heather gray tights

Aerosoles Tintessential boots, $79.99, with ribbed heather gray tights

Are you taking any risks this holiday season? What's one item in your closet that you can't seem to wear? Maybe I can help you come up with ideas on how to style it...