I promised myself that should things go well at the interview, and well they went thanks to the formidable mojo you sent me, I would get myself a little reward for enduring the interview process. I still have to go through seven layers of background checks–but once I am through that the job is mine if I want it. Do you hear the ambivalence?
Back to my treat—I have something in mind, other than Roxy, I found these Favorite Fit Academy Trousers in Sweet Potato. I tried them on the other day and I found them to be swoon worthy. However, I am new to colour—as you know I am a gal with a wardrobe of mostly black—so I just am not sure what goes with Sweet Potato pants. When cooking a sweet potato I know what to do—I turn it into a soufflé and top it with a Jack Daniels Cream sauce. Just the thought of which creates visions of cranberries dancing in my head.
So, dear reader, I turn to you for your advice on what to wear with these gorgeous trousers. My one thought was to pair it with a navy blue merino v-neck sweater and a necklace with a bit of orange in it. But, I am still at a loss with what to do with shoes. I am indeed an amateur with colour. I need your help.
Oh, and, today is the first football game( the American variety) of the season for the Oregon State University Beaver’s and my woozle is out of his mind with excitement. There are rituals involved for the first game of the season. I have to make He-weasel a pot of my famous chili (and by famous I mean it is a He-weasel favorite) and then there are the assortment of orange foods( Cheetos, cheddar cheese, and Beaver bomb martinis). The eating of these foods some how miraculously help the Beaver’s have a victorious outcome. Another key element to the ritual is to yell at the television so loudly that you might actually be heard at Stanford which is over 350 miles away.
No, I will not be wearing the orange cashmere sweater or my orange wellies. It will be in the high 70′s today in L.A. and it is a little too warm to be making chili in cashmere. Instead I will be a vision of OSU licenced apparel, from my OSU sweats to my OSU tee-shirt all worn with my orange accented MBT’s—aah, the things we do for love.
Oh, and, Go BEAVS!!!!
Congratulations on getting the job! Do you think you are going to take it? How will it change your life if you do? Now onto the orange trousers – what a terrific cut, they are gorgeous. I think you are spot on with the navy top to go with them and I’m thinking a tan, nude coloured shoe, let the trousers be the star of the show.
Cybill: Thanks! I am not sure. I am proceeding with the background check and I am also applying for a few other jobs and I am even considering continuing as an unemployed, overeducated, blogger and consumer. I like to keep my options open.;-)
As to how it will change my life? Well, I haven’t had a full time job in many years so that is a bit of a shock. The upside is that it will lead to some good networking opportunities, nice salary and I think I am happier when I am working.
Yes, onto the orange trousers! Good suggestion with the shoes. I have been in the market for a nude shoe and I haven’t even known why. Now it is all clear. Great suggestion!
Thanks again, Cybill!!
You’re making me feel guilty for not having done a shoe post with these continuous references to college football.
Stop it!
I’ll leave the fashion advice to others far more qualified.
Oh, sort of congratulations on the job. I want to match your excitement.
Randal: Yes, that was my sole intention. Hey, did you notice the shoe pun there? Yep, please feel guilt and then let that guilt motivate you into action. Shoe post, please and then I promise to stop talking about college football.;-)
And, thanks for the congrats. Yes my enthusiasm seems to be on mute mode. Time will tell.
I love the pants. I just wish pants would look on me like they look in that photo. I don’t have good advice as to what to wear with them though. I am still trying to figure out how to quit wearing my j crew flip flops. I think it is great that your weasel loves his team so much. What fun to have a themed party and watch the games. I will have to be creative and do some red and white stuff for NCSU, go Wolkpack! Ok, I must go post. Oh, what’s the word on Roxie?
love the pants…have them! So comfy and great fit too. You could pair navy with orange (they are complimentary colors), but I looked at this color and didn’t go with it for the same reason you are blogging about, what to wear with it. Not black, unless it’s Halloween, navy works, white works or a pattern shirt, but that’s basically it.
unless you have a sorted past…well, an illegal one that is, you’ll be fine with the background check.
Julianne: The pants are really slimming. I was surprised. I was afraid that the orange would accentuate my figure in unflattering ways. Not so. And, to your flip-flop dilemma–I can be of no help. Hey, have you ordered the fit-flops?? Mine are on their way to me. I cannot wait to get them as I am loving the MBT shoes.
I do find my weasel’s passion for his team to be endearing. Actually, in general, I love it when people are passionate about anything( unlike me and this job).
I am calling the people to see if I could put a hold on Roxie. I doubt they will–but it is worth asking.
OJL: They are a nice shot of fall colour. Actually, this fall has lots of great colour options. But, yes, I sometimes wear a black sweater with my persimmon felt skirt and I always feel a little Halloweeny.
But, it is good to know that my instincts are right about the blue. I don’t often do patterned tops as I feel like with longer red hair it is just too much going on in the top area. I could be wrong about that.
And, yes, I do have a bit of sorded past;-) but nothing illegal–so the job is mine.
If you were my eldest you would live by the mantra, ‘clash to match’ and wear a lurid patterned top along with far to much jewellery and patterned Vans.
Lucky for you, you are far more stylish and the Navy sounds lovely. I would skip the matching beads and go for either a big chunky gold bracelet or some Navaho Turquoise.
I saw someone on holiday wearing amazing stove pipe trousers in yellow, not too bright, but in the adriatic light they looked amazing. I think you may get braver by the month with colour in the L.A light.
Indigo: No, I am more prone to over matching than to clashing. I LOVE your advice about turquoise necklace with a navy top. Brilliant!! I would have never thought of that. I also have loads of chunky gold bracelets–that is a great way to go.
I hadn’t realized that the impact of the light might be impacting my new attraction to colour. I am astonished that in the last month I have bought a purple dress, a blue/gray top, and now orange pants.
Thanks for the tips, Indigo. And, it is so good to see you back after your lovely vacation. You were missed.
Those are fabulous pants — I hope you get them and show us how you put them together. It’s a colour I love but can’t wear anywhere near my face, so I’m interested to see what happens with you wearing it on the bottom half instead. I like Cybill’s shoe suggestion and Alison’s jewelry. I also think a classic white shirt could look sharp with the orange — but it wouldn’t tone it down the way the navy would. Congrats on the job. And today my fingers are crossed for Roxy and you having a future together. Bonne chance!
Materfamilias: I do orange tops and I probably shouldn’t. But, I have never done an orange pant before. Strangely, for me, a coloured pant feels harder to carry off than a brightly coloured skirt ( not sure why that is).
I agree that navy tones down the orange more than the white. I think I would feel better in the navy.
I will post tomorrow what I learn about Roxy. Thanks for the well wishes. Keeping my fingers crossed too!:-)
I am of no help. My solution to everything is black
Love the orange trousers! I think the nude shoe is a good suggestion, and I’d probably stay away from orange jewelry just to avoid that matchy-matchy look. A turquoise necklace would look chic. And either light camel or chocolate brown on top would work well with the orange too.
I just found these shoes to go with the sweet potato pants. What do you think?
WendyB: Would you wear black with orange?
Hey, what about eggplant or some plummy-purply color on top? Of course, take that for what it’s worth; you know I’m a nervous nellie about deviations from black on black on black.
That is great about the job. It’s always nice to have options.
Well, I have two hours to decide what to wear to see my boyfriend Obama at Invesco tonight. I have a black shift from J.Cruel and a very cute “snap cardigan” by agnes b. that is currently the outfit in the lead.
My husband faces no such sartorical dilemma: he’s going with cargo shorts and this shirt:
http://tinyurl.com/6k4h5q
xoxo –
Marsi
Iheartfashion: See, this is why I wear black. I cannot make as many mistakes in black.
I don’t have a turquoise necklace —but I am strangely excited to find one. Great suggestions on colour combinations. I am loving all the neutrals these pretty pants will go with.
I vote for blue with the orange pants. Go Gators!
Marsi: I have bought some pretty plummy purples this fall. But, I have to work on my colour confidence before I mix two bright colours together. I am a bit of coward at this point.
Yes, I am feeing much better than if they hadn’t offered it. I am hoping job #2 calls and I have 2 choices.
Speaking of two great choices, Obama and Biden!!! Lucky you!!
I will be looking for you.
And, I love S’s t-shirt. Perfect choice.:-)
xo
Karen: Of course you do!! Black and orange are the Beaver colours.
A rich chocolate brown would be lovely with those trousers. I tend to veer toward matching, so I would wear a brown sweater with matching shoes. Maybe add a scarf that blends the colors together.
I forgot the OSU game was today. Go Beavers!!!
Definitely go with a black top!
I love the Halloween look any times of the year..
What can you do? You’re in LA for Gawd’s sake!
These insane people insist on wearing color. You’re stuck so compromise is how I would go.
I’t hard to give up ole pal black.
Kristen: I love velvety chocolate browns.I am a matcher too. But, I love having the options of doing more matchy, as you suggest, and the other ideas of blues and purples. I am really loving this!!
I need to ask you all for your opinion more often. I learn so much more from you lovely bloggers.
You must watch the game. There is strength in numbers.Go Beavers!!!
Bonjour, LBR! I really can’t help you on that front, as I find orange to be a very challenging color, but I’m sure your other readers can give you tons of good advice.
It is B’s favorite color, though, so you do have his vote on the color choice!
And congratulations on the job! I can’t wait to hear more about it. Is this the kind of job where you can wear orange trousers?
Salut,
Marjorie
CarolG: I do feel Halloweeny in orange and black–but I still often wear it. And, as it is my husbands team I wear it a lot. But, as a SoCal gal I cannot wear black every single day without fear of looking like a gal who has outgrown the goth.
Brown. Black. Gold. Cream. Yellow. Navy. Certain shades of green! White. Off-white (is that the same as cream?) Beige.
Think of all the colors that go with fall maple leaves.
I can hear the ambivalence about the job . . . . I won’t ask if you’re going to take it, because cybill’s already asked, but I still want to know. I’m sure you’ll report to us later on what you decide.
Congratulations on doing so well in the interview process. I knew you would.
excellent suggestions about the plum color (not a material as shiny as the pants, then you’ve got your tone-down)but i *love* colour (and me a new yorker!). i have a redheaded friend who looks spectacular in oranges and a certain shade of green that also goes well with orange… but if you’re not that daring just yet — navy is always good.
or you could definitely do the cocoa brown thing… and how about linen shoes with a brown or navy leather edging? or two tone brown and cream? i have a passion for two-tone shoes.
by the way — you have my total empathy on the job ambivalence … i hate having to work every day. it definitely takes away from real life. and new puppies require lots of attention, you know!
my father told me when i started my first real job: “Going to work cuts into your whole damned day!” and he was soooo right.
Oh well done on job and those trouers are SO FAB! I want…
Congrats, ma belle!!!
It’s soooo good to have options, and you were needing that feeling.
And despite what you do about the job you should feel proud because they were interested in you working there.
As for the pants…. what can I say… what do you think I’m going to say. But off course!!!!
Glab them!
Orange… let’s see… purple, navy, brown, yellow, green, fushia, caramel, white and even black, and maybe if I try more I could find some more colours
Love, darling
xoxo
love the pants.
wear them with yellow, green, purple, red, white, light blue or pink tops.
too scared?
grey would look beautiful too.
if you get a job, when will you blog??
Ok, I’ve been lurking for a while and had to weigh in on this one….
I think they would be great with chocolate brown or the rich purples that are going to be popular this fall.
Bonjour, Marjorie! So good to see you!!! I have missed you!!
B and He-weasel have a lot in common—a love of orange, cats, airplanes and beautiful francophile bloggers.;-)
Thanks, and I would never take a job that would not allow me to wear orange trouser.:-)
ENC: I cannot believe what a limited colour palette I have had—I feel like I am somehow actually really and truly interested in adding more colour and I am so grateful to have such fantastic teachers in colour theory.
I just talked to a supervisor who told me that based on everything I said to her that this job is not for me. I know it is true and yet, grr, it is hard to decide.
But,as soon as I have I will let you know. Thanks for asking!:-)
Bonnie Ann: I have a new painters tee shirt from Jcrew that I got in eggplant and I love it. I might get a few more becuase I feel certain I will wear it to death. I am loving purpley plums!!!
Navy, purple and orange are a whole lot of colour for this gal who has a closet full of black. I have to work myself up to bolder color choices.
Your dad is very wise. I am feeling only dread about the job. I just want to stay home with my dog and write. But then where would I wear my orange pants??
Bonnie Ann: Oh, and where can I find these amazing shoes you describe? I have clearly been shopping at the wrong places.
Make do: They can be yours–just head over to Jcrew and don’t forget to use the 15% off code of FALL.
So happy to see you on my little blog. Can’t wait to see yours!!:-)
Seeker: Merci! Yes, always better to have a job to turn down. I was definitely needing that feeling. It is great to be wanted.
I thought of you as soon as I saw them. I bet you could wear them with almost any colour and make them work. I am a mere beginner. But, you have to admit, this is big progress.
Big hugs to you.
xo
UAD: So glad you like them!!! I was drawn to them as soon as i saw them. When I tried them on they fit like perfection. Then I scanned the store looking for something to wear with them and that is when I walked awy from the pants.
But, thanks to all of you, I feel sure that there are lots of option. I like all your suggestions. Only the pink scares me. Hmm, maybe grey too. I look horrible in grey.
I know, why can’t we get paid to blog???
Morgans Mom: Thank you so much for delurking. I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE that this post inspired you to delurk!!!!
These colours are so delicious, aren’t they?? Chocolate, sweet potato, and eggplant/plums. I am getting hungry!!!
Since you have lots of great advice on the pants (smashing) I’m weighing in on the job:
1. No place is exactly as they represent to you, and no job is perfect.
2. Focus as much on what you can bring to them as what they will provide for you; if you really don’t want to contribute to the success of their enterprise, don’t take their money.
3. Becoming an employee (again?) will be a major adjustment. You have to pretty much act like a grown up at work unless you work at some very unusual place. Since one can’t act like a grown up everywhere, this means you can let loose at home, and only occasionally at work. This is called “business culture”. OK with you?
Belette, this is what I tell all my freelance friends who are courted for a “real job”. Fond wishes for a decision you are thrilled with.
OK, I’ve read through all the comments twice. I love all the “what to wear with orange trousers” helpful hints. But am I the only one who wants, no needs, to know what is in a Beaver Bomb Martini? Let’s get our priorities straight, ladies! Sorry Randal.
~Tessa
Duchesse: Thank you so much your wise council.
I do feel like I have a lot to offer them and should I take the job I would give the job 100%.
That said, I am a person who tends to make the best decisions with my gut and my gut is saying no—but my head is saying yes. After all we have been through in the last year I am having a hard time in trusting my gutt. I am a bit off. I think part of the issue is that my internal GPS is a bit broken–and that total certainty or total doubt is not there like it usually is.
I have no concerns about the adult part—I have worked for years in a field that demands a high degree of professionalism. But, I have gnawing concerns that are almost wordless–meaning I don’t know what feels wrong, but something does.
I am grateful for the time I have to make the best decision for all involved.
And, I am very grateful for your very kind and thoughtful note and your sincere well wishes for my happiness.:-)
Tessa: Thank you for asking!!! It is nice to see a blogger with her priorities straight. It is 2 ounces Absolute mandarin vodka, 2 ounces Meyers spiced rum, 1 ounce of Tanquiri gin, 4 oz. orange juice and 1 scoop of orange sherbert. I add a cinnamon stick to the glass and pretend that it is wood for a beaver to chew on.
If you should dare to make a Beaver Bomb do not serve it in a wooden cup as the Beaver Bombs can gnaw their way through wood.;-)
a slim-fitting crisp cotton collared shirt, french cuffed, sans links… and a big jackie o sunglasses…
but proceed cautiously on any advice i dispense…
[are you sure you are not getting color hints from the hillary + her orange pantsuit the other night?]
Those trousers look absolutely fabulous. I think you’re brave to branch out into this color if your wardrobe has been mostly black, but what a great color!
Congrats on the job interview!
SUR: Actually, I saw the pants the day of Hillary’s speech and then I came home and saw her in power orange.
Love your vision of it. I see the white shirt open at the neck with a mound of pearls. Perhaps my Greek He-weasel will take me sailing on the Agean on one of his boats. Oh, you said Jackie-O glasses and not that I become Jackie-O.
What did you think of all the baby blue ties at the DNC? And, what about Obama’s shock of fuschia rep tie?
Tattingchic: I do feel rather daring about these trousers. I fear that they will still not be worn as with as much frequency as my collection of black trousers.
Thank you. It is a relief to be done with the interviewing.
Belette, you are breaking away from black in such a wild way..orange for a redhead is so fantastic…that I feel you might love my beloved grandma’s advice.
“When in doubt, with a bright colour, wear paisley or leopard print.”
I wish I had the courage to wear orange!
Congratulations on your 200th post (I bought a red purse in your honour), your job offer, and Roxy is adorable. Look at that face! I’m a dog trainer, and fancy myself a bit of a dog/owner matchmaker and she looks like she’d be perfect for you…yup, even over the internet, having met neither of you.
Christine xo
la belette: les shoes at Zappos, you must check. zappos.com, just type in “two tone women’s shoes” and you get about 1000 suggestions, including the following:
http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7443531/color/3827
http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7419695/color/152510
http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7471124/color/742
http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7432899/color/3111
http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7451139/color/181128
http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7346857/color/12011
http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7410252/color/163715
http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7458901/color/3031
http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7419914/color/152631
http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7465685/color/180092
shipping is free and sometimes you can get *incredible* bargains. not always of course. i myself wear two-tone shoes but only golf shoes, because i can’t wear high heels. but i take off the cleats and the shoes are great. although it is getting harder to find ones that look like *shoes* and not like sneakers. i have some hidden away in the closet as an emergency stash. but if i *could* wear two-tones, i’d wear some like the ones i suggested here.
sorry: just have to add one more — if you’re afraid of too much colour too soon, why not start at your feet?!
http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7232056/color/15489
Christine: Really, if I can do it anyone can. I LOVE your grandmother’s advice–especially about the leopard.
I am delighted that you got a red bag to celebrate my 200th post. Please, I beg you, send me a picture of it. I would love to do a post of every red thing people bought to celebrate my post. I cannot wait to see your gorgeous red bag.
I absolutely trust your doggy/human match making skills. I think Roxy and I would be a match made in doggy heaven. xo
Bonnie Ann: Woza!!!! OMG you are amazing. SO far, I love the Moschinos and the Taryn Rose( and her shoes are usually kind of ugly). You are clearly a serious shoe shopper. I cannot thank you enough for taking all the time to send all these shoes to me. I am impressed!!
I have a lot of red shoes, some pink, orchid, and green. I want some orange, blue, and yellow. I am not afraid of a colourful shoe. But, a two-tone is new territory for me.
Thanks so much!!
Big hug,
xo
I would love to send you a pic of my new bag. I’ll try to find a way to post it here, or you could send your email…I’d really love to see all the 200th blog purchases.
I’m glad you liked grandma’s advice. Mom once bought her a gold Gucci sweater, the only designer item Grandma ever owned, and I think it would qualify Grandma for WendyB’s fabulous Golden Girls club. I think Grandma should have been a burlesque dancer or a dancer for Les Balettes Russes.
Christine
Christine: You kind find my email address if you click on the about me section of the blog. Well, if I space it out maybe I won’t get spam. Here it is, it is la belette rouge at gmail.com.
I can’t wait to see your red bag! And, I will post all the other purchases that I know about. Should be a fun post. I am so delighted that you got yourself a red treat! Merci!!!!!
Your grandmother sounds like she was a hoot. I love that she had a gold Gucci sweater. I am sure WendyB would have loved to have her in her golden girl gang.:-)
oh god, I suppose I should read all 50+ comments first … but no. I’m just going to tell you I have a suit that same color and dark burgundy/maroon/wine colors look trés magnifique with it.
now I’ll go read the comments… smiles
JNRR: I would never have thought to match it with wines/plums/burgandy—so happy I asked all you lovely bloggers. I am ordering the pants today. I think I will start with the navy with the pants and then work my way up to an eggplant top to go with.
Merci for your suggestion!!