That certain sale…
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/eileen-fisher-crop-wool-lantern-pants-regular-petite/5932652
This post is a little late, one might say. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ended on Sunday. But, this isn’t about the sale. It’s about what happens when influencers influence. Like many of you, I read a lot of blogs. I love reading those shopping haul, insert store name try-on, and unboxing posts. And, maybe like many of you, I purchase things on the basis of those posts. One of the hot items in the NSale this year were these pants from Eileen Fisher. I have been lusting after something, anything from Eileen Fisher. I guess just so I had a piece from Eileen Fisher. I’ve been looking for years and never found that just right thing. Well, when I saw these pants, I thought, “Aha! Those are for me! Look how cute they are on ______!” So, I ordered them. I knew they would not be cropped on me because of my perpetual vertical challenge. But, I didn’t want them cropped; I wanted them to be full length.
https://www.springstepshoes.com/collections/lartiste-boots/products/rodehadrive-bootie
Having never worn Eileen Fisher (or even tried it on), I ordered a small. They were a little big but the length was good. Remember, I’m only 5’1″. But, after seeing this particular silhouette on my body, I knew I would be returning them. This is the barrel leg silhouette AKA lantern pants. This means they are rather full at the top and through the legs and then taper a bit into the ankle. These particular pants also had an elastic waistband with some gathering at the top, a lot of gathering at the top. There was just so much material at the top and through the legs…so much material (though this picture looks a little like I have a wedgie!).
When common sense prevails, though…
The pants (or maybe they’re slacks…what do you call them?) themselves are very nice. The fabric is 100% wool and are not lined. But, they are soooooo soft, luscious in fact! Oh, golly, I wanted to love them so much. But, the price tag…it usually comes down to that for me when I’m on the fence about something. In the NSale, these pants were $149.90. I was going to pay that! I really was if I’d looked like those influencers who had influenced me to buy them! Honestly, these pants could have been $29.99, and I still would have returned them. I would never wear them. They are just so unattractive on me. So, back to the store they went! I hope someone who was looking for them snapped them up!
This is what we call saggy dancing bear butt.
https://www.garnethill.com/signature-eco-merino-cardigan/378431?searchTerm=merino+signature+cardigan
https://www.springstepshoes.com/collections/lartiste-boots/products/rodehadrive-bootie
I wore them for this photo shoot with an old tank and belt from Talbots and a signature merino cardigan from Garnet Hill. If you’ve never shopped Garnet Hill, I can highly recommend these cardigans. I have, well, let’s just say I have several! They are 100% merino wool and so very soft. Every year, they come out with new designs. The sweaters have a grosgrain ribbon placket and wear like iron. Some of mine are over 10 years old and look brand new. Wait for a sale, though!
Obligatory dog photo…
https://www.springstepshoes.com/collections/lartiste-boots/products/rodehadrive-bootie
And, this is Jack, my little guy! Jack Skellington Banks was born on December 25, 2018. He is my third Westie. Max and Pete were my little buddies for several years. After Max, who was diabetic, passed in January 2016, I swore I’d never have another pet. It took me almost three years to welcome another dog. Jack is MY dog. All of the dogs we’ve ever had preferred my husband or kids. Look for him in future posts because it’s always easier to play to a dog, right?
If you like these boots, check out my post featuring another pair. You can read it here: https://marshainthemiddle.com/finally/
Will I continue to be influenced?
Well, of course I will! I like reading blogs because it’s fun to see trends, upcoming colors, and styling tips. It’s important to recognize, though, when you’re buying something just exactly why you’re buying it. Are you purchasing that top because someone on Instagram was wearing it? Is it FOMO? Are you trying to keep up with the Joneses? Or, are you buying it because it fills a certain need in your closet? Are you dipping your toe into a trend? Did you lose or gain weight and need to replenish items? Or, does it make you feel like Vivian in “Pretty Woman”?
Thank you for visiting again!
As always, thank you so much for visiting my blog! If you’ve been influenced by a blog, Instagram, TikTok, or some other social media, leave me a comment! Let’s have a conversation. Have you bought something that made you feel like someone needs to roll out the red carpet just for you? Tell me about it! And, if you’d like, go ahead and tell a friend about my adventures in the blogosphere!
Hi, Marsha! I have subscribed to your blog and am really enjoying it. I laughed out loud when I read “saggy dancing bear butt.” Priceless! I am 5’2″ so I feel your pain about sizing and pant length. Just love those boots you are wearing but of course, they are sold out in my size. I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, so will try to find this brand here, Best of luck with the blog!
I can’t claim the saggy dancing bear butt. A long time ago, a friend complained about it, and I had to ask what she meant! I’ve rarely had that problem. Oh, I hope you can find those boots. Beyond being fabulous, they are downright comfortable! Thanks for your support. I guess this means I’m now an international blogger!
We are all influencers in that regard, and sometimes it’s a win and sometimes it’s a fail. I have learned that it’s a crapshoot, LOL!!
I love those Garnet Hill cardigans. I know I have at least one still. I used to wear them a lot at work.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I do try to buy only items I see on people who are near to my shape, but sometimes… Ah, well! Yes, I wear those Garnet Hill cardigans still! I wish they would make them in a long sleeve version. I have to layer them under warmer cardigans in the winter!
Thanks, Jodie!
Love it. Influencers do influence. I will have to try the Garnet Hill cardis. I love a good cardigan and have never looked at theirs. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, Julie, you would love those cardis! They would be perfect for a Texas winter. See, here I am influencing (or, maybe it’s enabling) you!
Marsha, great post and cute pup, too. I feel your frustration in hoping that something will look as good on me as it does in the ad or on the influencer. It just means that you have to keep shopping.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
It took me a few years after retirement to realize I didn’t need “those” kinds of clothes anymore! So, I’ve definitely kept shopping! As long as I can return items, I don’t mind trying new things! Thanks for visiting!
Saggy dancing bear butt just cracked me up! Although you aren’t loving the pants, I really like the outfit. The belted cardigan looks so great and this color palette is gorgeous on you! I also really enjoyed meeting sweet little Jack the Westie! We had a Westie for most of my childhood. Her name was snowflake and I just had some nice memories triggered! So thanks for that. And thanks for linking with me!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
You know I’d only ever seen Westies in ads and such until my daughter-in-law asked me to dog sit for her parents’ dog. I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s funny how many people I come across with histories with them, though. These purples are definitely my colors (I so wish we had adopted the our instead of or cuz colour just looks so much cooler). Would you believe I never, and I mean never belt a cardigan? I guess maybe I should start doing that! And, yeah…saggy dancing bear butt was a term an old friend used to call it…once you see it, you can’t unsee it, right?
Thanks, Shelbee, for commenting and visiting!
Ha. Knowing how people feel in their bodies, I wonder if even Vivian in Pretty Woman felt like Vivian in Pretty Woman!
I do find myself influenced by style I see on bloggers/IG/etc…not SO much about specific items, but more about styling. “Oh, look at that grey sweater with the olive green pants, I wouldn’t have thought of it, but they look great together,” and off I go to recreate a similar look. Sometimes I have the proper ingredients in my closet, sometimes they go on my wish list.
But I try REALLY HARD (though I am human) to not lust over SPECIFIC items because I know They Will Not Look the Same on Me as the person wearing them in whatever picture I’m looking at.
I feel you on the Eileen Fisher cravings. I’ve only had a few items, bought secondhand from thrift stores. Nordstrom Rack used to carry quite a few things in plus sizes and they’d get marked Way Down…but they never fit me right.
Jack is a doll <3
Bettye
I doubt Vivian felt like the old Vivian, at the very least. But, I guess I meant how she felt as she “bloomed” into that new Vivian! IDK…I just know when an item is perfect for me (even when it isn’t). I have to admit I’m a buy the whole look kinda person…not that I buy the whole look. I do recreate it from stuff in my closet. But, I hadn’t thought about the styling aspect…as in does this kinda thing go with that kinda thing. Now, I’m gonna start doing that!! I don’t usually lust for much (cept Johnny Depp), but I just want some Eileen Fisher (insert whiny voice). But, you’re 100% right…her stuff really is just shapeless. I think that’s why I don’t ever buy it, but then I see it on someone else. Such a vicious cycle!
Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, particularly since I was investigating for thoughts on this matter last week.
Thanks so much! I guess that’s why they’re called influencers, right?
Thanks for coming by!
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