I’d been dreaming about these pants…as you can see by the Polyvore set I’d created around them.
I tried them on at Anthropologie, loved them, bought them delighted thinking they made me look tall, thin and leggy.
Like this…
And now for your viewing pleasure, here is what they actually look like on me.
WTF?
Clearly something went radically wrong.
I had Lasik eye surgery about 15 years ago. They never told me this would be a side effect.
Even when I got these pants home and tried them on I swear I didn’t look like a hobbit.
I’m wearing platform sandals with them, I know they would have looked better with 4″ heels, everything looks better with 4″ heels, but it’s not realistic. The Clark sandals I’m wearing here I can actually wear all day without developing a brain aneurysm.
I was excited thinking I’d scored some super comfy figure flattering classic summer trousers.
This is when you must trust the camera not your mirror.
My camera captured the truth.
These pants visually add 10 lbs to my frame and make me look like I’m walking on two very thick, well aged, wrinkled tree trunks.
Needless to say when I saw the photos I screamed, ran to the kitchen and anger ate 2 pieces of cake, a handful of nuts and 2 protein bars cause, healthy packed up the trousers immediately to return them.
I always try to take photos of items before I commit to keeping them. It is shocking what a universe of difference there can be between the reflected image in a mirror and a camera lens.
The camera acts as the honest but well meaning friend that has the guts to tell you,
“Yes, those pants do make you look fat.”
Or for those of you that have polite friends & cameras,
” You can do better.”
I’ve known for a while that I think I’m 20 years younger, 20 lbs lighter and 6 inches taller in my mind. Normally people can live quite contently in ignorant self delusional bliss. The problem arises when you are a personal style blogger and are forced to look at photos of yourself regularly.
There have been many days when I would have much rather dressed up my pug for outfit photos than myself. Zoë is cool with her wrinkles, Buddha belly and hairy legs. I think I could stand to learn a thing or two from her.
Plus she snores and she doesn’t even care.
Do you suffer a delusional disconnect between what you think you look like and what you actually look like? Does that make it hard for you to purchase clothing?
Oh sweetie! I feel your pain!
But oh so funny. My hubby and I were rolling. xo Jazzy Jack
Glad I could put a smile on both of your faces : )
Oh the camera – it adds pounds (and in my case, loads of little wrinkles). How much do I need a fantasy camera! Anyway, these are cool and I like the wide legs and I don’t always follow “figure flattery”, so I’d wear them. But you have to love them and there are lots of trousers in the world. xox
PS: be more like a pug, or a cat today.
That is weird about the little wrinkles. Your face always looks super smooth to me. Cyborg smooth! LOL
I have to agree that the camera some how tells the truth. I like the idea of trying things on at home and taking photo for review before committing to them. I just usually wear it and take the outfit photo and have regrets.
What a bummer about these pants, that’s how I would’ve envisioned myself to be super leggy too.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
I’ve even taken photos of myself with my iPhone when shopping and they tell truths I can’t see in the mirror.
I understand your problem… I can so relate this one. In my head I’m a tall, skinny blond with cropped hair. Somehow that translates into a short, curvy brunette with frizzy hair in the mirror. There must be something wrong with the mirror. All mirrors, must be a manufacturing flaw… And fashion designers, I blame them: they think all women look like the teenage models they work with, or 12-year old boys. We should kidnap Karl Lagerfeld and only promise to release him when he makes us shorties look good, that’s the solution in my opinion.
Ha ha! I love how you describe yourself. I think you must be Charlize Theron in your head : ) Probably just as badass as she is in Mad Max as well.
This is such good advice! You have changed my life with this advice! Not only when buying new clothes, but also when planning travel wardrobes. Thank you, Suzanne!
I do this every time I travel. I’ve even been known to take photos along with me (I know…I’m weird like that) but it helps me get dressed extra quickly when I’m travelling, since I can see all my accessories as well.
You are so right (of course you are!) I really should take photos of my outfits. I think I’m bigger than I am and most of my clothes are too big for me. I really didn’t know that until I saw some photos and I was swimming.
So wonderful you stopped by Connie! I do hope you are feeling better. I think of you quite often, sending healing vibes your way : )
Hilarious! Both my mirror and my camera are very rude to me. I have at least half a dozen of this style pant and none of them are flattering, but I keep thinking they will be.
It would be great if our inner self image would align with our outer ones, although it might be a rather boring world of supermodels.
I have the exact same size delusions as you! My (tallish) family jokingly refers to it as my superiority complex. I got my growth spurt early, and in 4th grade was one of the tallest kids in my elementary school. Apparently my brain imprinted on that personal size, because now I think of myself as pretty much the same size as everyone else, despite reaching a height of only 5’4 on a tall day. My closest girlfriends tower over me, but part of me thinks we can still share clothes like we used to in 7th grade.
5’4 women unite! We are in fact, the “average” height for women in North America. Your girlfriends are above average. Lucky bums.
Oh, goodness, yes. Trust the camera. Part of that too is also how you move in clothes are captured on film better than a mirror too…. Ugh, hate when that happens. I had these pants I absolutely adored- these high-waisted skinny jeans. Wore them on my honeymoon and all over the place that summer but then when I did a photo shoot to them I realized…. they made me look like like I was so. much. more heavyset than I was! And shorter. Like a short, heavyset Steve Urkel. Oh, golly. I never did post those photos. That’s something I’ve really admired about your blog- you don’t shy away from posting photos and talking about what you learned from an outfit- what makes it work or not, so we can share your wisdom! Plus, you do it in such an entertaining fashion 😀
Ha ha! It is so hard for me to imagine you looking even remotely like Steve Urkel…but it sure made me laugh trying : )
Bwahahahaha! Am I laughing at your pain? Well, what do you expect when you put it so hilariously? Sometimes humour is the ONLY way to get through a bad clothing experience.
I never trust my camera. If I did I’d run to the kitchen screaming, just like you. But I DO trust the camera if I happen to catch one of those great shots you wonder, where in heck did THAT come from? I want to build a shrine. And quickly TRASH all other evidence.
I suppose the best thing to put our trust in is a good return policy. I like the pants, by the way. I’m going off now to be a big highly annoying poodle (think hair) with puggish tendencies.
PS I’m still laughing. You’re the best!
A poodle with puggish tendencies? Wow, you surprise me Melanie. Here I had you pegged for a dashound with whippet tendencies. Fast, sleek and hard to keep up with.
I’m just trying to keep up with your brilliant writing. You always make me laugh.
You are both very original bloggers and great writers, dears.
Oh my, it’s like you jumped into my brain and said what I’ve been thinking. I just hope you don’t see all that other stuff in my brain…or if you do see it, please keep it to yourself. There is some seriously bizarre stuff happening in there. In less than 3 weeks I will be 50 (and boarding a plane to Europe for a month, so there is a perk) but in the happy places in my mind I’ve NOT morphed into my apple shaped mom and can still turn a head or two while I’m strutting in a bikini. Well turn them for the right reasons.
Now that I’m about to enter the “wise” years, I say, if you feel like a schlub in an outfit, then no amount of cajoling will or compliments will unschlub it. Plenty more pants in the store! Send them away!
If only we could photoshop reality….sigh
I want to come along in your brain…just for the trip to Europe! Beside it sounds like I’d fit right in, you wouldn’t even know I’m there!
I’ve learned that as we grow older we can still turn men’s heads. Of course the men are 90, and are really twitching more than they are turning…but nonetheless…
Oh my dear, you are so funny! Yes, we all have such illusions sometimes, but you know, I’m much more like Zoe lately – I snore and I don’t care, I have wrinkles, and don’t care, I’m fat and don’t care. Cameras also can be tricky – we tend to choose only those shots where we think we look our best, don’t we? In real life, there are so many more poses and moments when we just look as we look, and we don’t know about them because we don’t see ourselves, and that’s a great thing!
I have pants very similar to yours, and I wore similar pants for years, both when I was slim and when I was/am fat, till they fall apart, and maybe it’s not the best look in terms of flattery, but they are comfy and relaxed, and there is elegance in them, and I love them! I would not bring this pair back, you look wonderful. But that of course if you don’t believe that only a tall leggy person can be attractive (in which case, I guess the rest of us better go kill ourselves forever ;))). xxx
You are of course so very right Natalia. The voice of reason and calm. Have you ever thought of giving self help, self acceptance courses? You own it.
I think we all have our own personal expectations and ideals of how we see ourselves. We are far less judgmental when it comes to others.
We find what we are looking for, be it beauty or faults.
Also, I will always play up anything for a laugh. Life without laughter isn’t a life.
Thank you, Suzanne. No, teaching isn’t my thing at all. I can only express what’s on my mind, but I don’t have a passion to teach.
I struggle with self acceptance as much as the next person, that’s why I write about it a lot, Writing is my tool to learn.
I also think that we all can learn from Zoe (maybe she’ll give courses?). 🙂
And yes, you are funny and love a good laugh, there is no doubt in that! xxx
Ahhhhh, finally a moment to catch up with you (it’s been crazy with the end of the school year here). This was worth the wait! You usually bring a smile to my face, Suzanne. I have been known to consider the 8 inch heels just to even out the proportion in a pinch! Your summer event sounds fantastic. Wish I was going to be around in July-I’d consider joining.
Happy June!
xx, Heather
PS-Our Lifestyle Linkup goes live again on Friday-hope you can join us!
Eeeek! 8 inches? Wasn’t that banned with the human torture devices of the middle ages?
Yep, I can soooooo relate.
Those trousers don’t look bad, they just look ordinary and on a beautiful woman like you that is a crime. Your clothes are always spectacular so you did the right thing and banished them from your life.
xxx
Thank you lady ; )
What a great post that had me nodding and smiling in agreement! ‘Delusional disconnect’ – what a fantastic phrase. Where did that come from?
I’m afraid I too, suffer from it. I’m a willowy, blonde, Swedish gazelle, really I am. But I see a short arse, silvery brunette, English owl. I must buy a new mirror.
And this owl covets your beautiful owl t-shirt.
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk
I’ve tried buying a new mirror…doesn’t work. I’m looking for the kind they sell at circuses or the ones in Anthropologie stores. They often make me look taller and thinner than I am.
No not really. No disconnection. But I do experience the same as you do. I buy something which looks good in the mirror, I take a photo and it turn out to be horrible. So I make mistakes too. And I applaud you for putting this mistake on your blog. Many bloggers would not show pictures which are less favourable.
You can but love you.
Greetje
Well I figure it can’t all be good all the time. Plus, like you, I will do just about anything to make someone else smile.
Again, I was laughing hysterically —it’s like listening to Bill Cosby…it’s so funny because it’s all so true!
And I sorta agree with the camera thing (although having an unbiased opinion when you’re shopping is way better), but one also should realize the camera picture is only 2-D, so there is some non reality there. I can easily turn a hip and make the camera like it better! And the picture you’re comparing to…notice the photographer was probably on the floor (from the angle we see), so of course her legs look super long!
The other thing I’d like to propose is that maybe it’s what shirt you’re wearing. Maybe the peplum is too loosey goosey with the looser pants. I do like the pants better with the red t-shirt! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Except I hope I’m not Bill Cosby…cause I didn’t get up to any of the stuff he did! (yikes)
Yes, you are right about the camera trick.
Hmm, those trousers look like they crease really easily, which never looks good on anyone. Sorry that they didn’t work out for you! Your perfect pair is out there somewhere. I loved this post, it made me laugh and I loved the illustration, good skills on the photo editing there!
I agree that the camera is a harsh fashion critic, I have let a few items go from my wardrobe recently because I realised that they didn’t flatter me, whether it was the colour or the cut. Blogging’s good for wardrobe editing, that’s for sure!!
xx
Lol! My camera is so honest that I pretty much think it’s a jackass most days. Although it’s sometimes painful, I do appreciate it’s candor so that I know what to do better next time. There are days I’m wearing something and I think I’m killin’ it. Then I take shots for the blog and all I can think is, “Did I seriously walk around looking like that all day?!” Just last night I deleted an entire shoot from my computer because, well, nobody needs to see that. In any case, if you’re not loving the pants most definitely return them for something fabulous.
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Ha, I do know what you mean, Suzanne – I’ve worn things which looked fine in the mirror (I thought) but the photos told a different story. And I believe the camera. It works the other way too, though – sometimes an outfit I think is meh in the mirror looks far better in photos. Not sure why…
Those trousers aren’t nearly as bad as you think they are, but if they don’t make you feel great, then there’s no reason to keep them. There are so many other fantastic pierces in your wardrobe that make you look – and feel- amazing!
And really, what human who isn’t part giraffe has legs the length of that model’s? She’s probably over 6″, extremely thin with no hips at all, and in addition, the proportions look so out so kilter, I suspect the image has been altered. She clearly hasn’t sat down in those pants either, there’s not a wrinkle on them! xxx
That’s pretty amazing…all your photos previously made you appear taller. This is the first photo where I have noticed that you are petite. Love the top you paired with it!
Darlene
When someone invents a camera that takes off ten pounds instead of adding ten pounds, I will nominate them for a Nobel Peace Prize! I’m pretty sure that leggy model isn’t human :)!
Haha… I can so relate to this. I bought a cute dress from a thrift store for $1.98. I put it on and it made me feel sporty, carefree and the pleated skirt on it made me think tennis whites. However, the arm holes on the dress were WaaaYYY to big so I paid $5 to have it taken in. Yesterday I got the dress back from the tailor and put it on and went about my day. When I caught a glimpse of myself in the store windows or mirrors…. OMG the dress was way too short and the top made me look stumpy. Did I mention the pleated skirt; it would catch a breeze and show my undies to the world…. NUMEROUS times. The final straw was a picture my husband took of me from behind… Is my @$$ really that wide? It is going back to said thrift store.
This post made me laugh so hard! I love your sense of humor and trust me, we have all experienced the sensation that these pants have caused! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Chelsea
Ginger Side of Life
yes, the mirror lies, at the darn time!
And I agree, the camera is the truth teller, and I will be honest, this is not your best look.
But it is a great post!
Now i must tell you that I add 5 inch heels with a 2-3 inch platform. This makes the arch tolerate and give me height, ( much needed) a blocky sole with rubber bottoms and I can actually walk with relative ease, two blocks or so…or to a restaurant and back . That is how I manage looking tall without sadly knowing how to photo shop..one day. soon…
Still I like the look…. I can see it as you did!
xx, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Oh and PS, LOVE the top!
Happy almost Friday !
xx, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
LOL I like the photoshopped image of your torso on the model legs. That’s how I always envision myself wearing wide leg trousers. And then the reality is horrifying, even in the mirror. Can you imagine how scary it’d look in photos? I see these pants on plus size women and get encouraged that they’ll work out for me. I don’t think six-inch platforms could help me. These pants just aren’t for me.
Outfit photos are great because they really do show us the truth, like it or not. I’ve blogged so many outfits where I reflect and tell myself “never again.” But then there’s the handful where I say, “Yes! Nailed it! Looking like your best self, Liz!” And those are the silhouettes I buy again and again.
<3 Liz
http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com
This is absolutely hilarious and I cannot tell you how many times this has happened to me! I cringe when I think of what I would wear before I started blogging and had to view my clothes not in the mirror but from the camera. How brave, wise and creative this post is. Bravo!
Accidental Icon
http://www.accidentalicon.com
I love this post!! YES I am on the same page as you. Thats actually even why I still blog. I dont really consider myself a blogger but having an online catalogue of my outfits helps me to SEE objectively what looks good and what isn’t flattering. And the ISNT flattering is coming from real seeing and acknowledging that the cut/shape/length, etc doesn’t work versus my internal dialogue just telling me I’m fat, I’m fat, I’m fat. I’ve even sometimes taken my photo in the morning before work, looked at it and realized SHOOT, I’d better get upstairs and change the heck out of this terrible outfit. Thank goodness otherwise I’d be out in public looking like that!! Those pants are really cute. I love them and likely would have hoped they looked the same way on me only to find out they dont…. I totally relate 🙂 Can’t wait to meet you in person 🙂
You had me at the title and then I was laughing in empathy and complete understanding at the actual post. Oh girl, I know just what you mean!
Yes it’s a good thing these were returned even though I still think you could make similar pants work if the cut is right. It made for a great post though! I also think these pants look best with a tucked in or short cropped top.
Hahahahaha, I love this 🙂 I often purchase clothes which are several sizes too big. I then get far too lazy to return them and, throw in the fact that I’m only 5′ tall, I end up looking like a munchkin in a sack. In a bad way. Not in a Kate Moss does bohemian gypsy ever so beautifully way. Big sigh. Those damn mirrors are always propped at an angle to make our legs look endless, I discovered that when interning at a retail store many decades ago, so you’d think I know better than to trust what I see, huh. I’m glad you were able to return yours 🙂
LOL! Love this…!
In my mind, I’m 30+ –
(except that was 30+ years ago -oops!)
🙂 Chris
Nope, these pants don’t do anything for ya. Good that you returned them.
I think seeing yourself and your outfit on a picture is a good ‘tool’ for everyone. It makes you see yourself in a more objective way, apparently.
It works this way for me too.
For me it’s like: I know my body with all it’s flaws. Then I put some clothes on and may think: “Oh, that’s quite nice. My body is not as ‘bad’ as I thought.” And then I see myself on a picture and with disappointment I see the body I already knew I had. Bummer…