5/14/2008

The doctor's in

So. The Doc Martens, yes? It seems there was much wonderment as to what I was going to wear them with, and I was admittedly perplexed upon receiving them. They're so..ugly. I mean in a cool way but still they're almost scarier than Uggs, and I will venture to say less flattering than the furry beasts too. But no matter! I was determined to figure out a way to wear them. Noting how unexplored this territory was, I went fleeing back to my favorites: floral, fringe, and light denim. I'll leave wild experimentation to another day.

Experiment #1 involved that infamous Kate for Topshop dress since my favorite vintage black floral was drying in the sun, and a secondhand jacket turned vest..thing. Sort of '90s grunge princess minus the tiara and glitter eyeshadow. I figured the colorful pansies would prettify.

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Experiment #2 was embarked upon after feeling the first look was too era-specific. I decided that if anything could make a little black fringe dress work for day, it would be the boots in question. I inappropriately threw in a vintage rosary and the same vest. I feel like this is more me, though I definitely don't feel like I've got my mind wrapped around the DMs yet.

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99 comments:

Anonymous said...

does the fringe dress come in xsmall? so lovely!

jessi said...

yay for ugly-cool! i like them. i think they look like marshmallows, and they remind me of Enid from Ghost World. :)

superumi said...

rumi, besides net-a-porter, where can i purchase marc by marc jacobs bowling ankle boots? what size do u wear in US if its was a nine west shoe n the marc ones? im having problem w measurement. thx a million.

NewlyInspired said...

Their cute still though! Love that blue balenciaga!

Dylann said...

A+ for effort!!! :) jk Even though there not my style I have to applaud ur eye for putting things together.... and u can pretty much pull off anything.

Anonymous said...

everything is cute but the shoes......when you said Ugly...you are right...:)..

Anonymous said...

Ugly shoes

wren said...

I think the fringe dress with the denim vest works the best with these. so far... :)

R said...

Ive been seeing a lot of people wearing these lately, and I must say Im just not quite on board, but I do like how you are always open to trying new things. And I want to come take all your balenciagas >=D don't you have a berryish shade as well? I havent seen you wear it for awhile

Neekoh said...

I'm not sure I'm feeling the vest with the black dress, but both dresses work with the Docs. My worry is that they will make my legs appear stumpy since I'm already kinda short. I think you've got a couple of good looks here, though!

Yoshimi said...

I love them. You look fantastic! Would they go with that white flowy dress? Or with those trashy acid-washed shorts?

Jennifer said...

Once again you pull it off! And I like how they use the black laces. God, I love the 90's.

apricot. said...

The shoes are hideous; only you could pull them off. If I wore something like that, I would look masculine.

Anonymous said...

good effort. I just can't seem to accept them

Anonymous said...

i like the DMs but i think they are still to clean and white..
like it..

Kim said...

i love the fringed dress/white docs combo...and the blue bbag is a great pop of color!

On Track said...

I love docs, they look great with those outfits and plus they keep you warm in winter ;)

Anonymous said...

Seems like everyone is wearing these now. Not sure I want to jump on the bandwagon. You make them work though:)

abisola said...

I agree, A+ for effort but im not swayed at all....they are. so. damn. Ugly, but for the sake of good feedback, it looks better with the finge dress minus the vest thing though:)
alhtough you may have more convincing options in store and i may be swayed then:)

Marina said...

I think the fisrt look so grunge!!!I remember first collections of Marc Jacobs. And Aerosmith videos Crazy, Cryin'. I love this style.secong outfit looks better without vest...
I love DM in white

WendyB said...

I really love that they're white.

Tali said...

maybe im tweakin but i think it looks the best with the vest+black fringe dress!! Those shoes are kinda different to work with, cuz they're not what we're used to as looking at as pretty, but I think that makes 'em more interesting!! Maybe u could resort back to the mini skirt + loose tee combo and some accessories since that seems like it was your staple, and move more and more crazy from there? Def gonna girl those shoes up tho.

lulu said...

Hmm...I really like the second combo the best.

I like that they are white too. maybe beat them in a little more?

shoebox said...

Ok, they are not the most beautiful shoes I´ve seen but you make them work!
Go girl!

tali said...

...on second thoghts i think the vest looks cute with the fringe dres cuz it looks more like a skirt than a dress in the position you're sitting in. lol i like the rosary w/it btw.

i lloove that u posted it even tho u werent sure, u look adorable as always anyway :)

Anonymous said...

You are amazing! Very inspiring. I liked them best with the black dress!

Madame Izma said...

You wear those boots very well, I don't find them that ugly! Docs are always a kind of cool... mine are black with the UK flag, I'm crazy about them!

Lucy-Jane said...

I like the first pic better.
I'm so jealous you can pull off the white. I would love a pair, for some reason the oddness of the white really appeals. But I'm too pale, they really don't go with my skin.

I like the idea of wearing them in summer too. My pair are 14 hole so they are really too hot. Sometimes I wear them anyway, in a sort of combatty kind of way. My boyfriend hates it, which makes me want to do it even more!

Ida said...

wow Rumi, you could make anything work!! so inspiring!!

Miss White said...

I really like the white DMs, they do look better when they've been beaten up a bit though! Either way I think you look fantastic.

Nina said...

I can't cotton up to the Doc Martens, but the second outfit is adorable!

sofie said...

Oh I am so jealous on you martens boots! The look to damn hot on you!

Curella said...

what u talking about? Those two outfits are HOT! I especially love the first outfit. Very Agyness! And u make me wanna get white coloured DMs now!! :-) I don't think anyone can wear Uggs & Muluks without looking like a fashion victim.

Tinky Minky said...

ohh I don't really like! Its so big, so white, so...! :-) However, your outfits are amazing! ;-)

susie_bubble said...

I'm loving them... you know me...ugly/pretty et all... I think the key is to wear them with insouciance like you have done in the 2nd outfit....

Erica said...

I think they look best with the floral dress. With the black I just feel that black dress is TOO pretty to dress down :)

Anonymous said...

Those boots are great. I love these looks.

Anonymous said...

Love your first outfit and your legs are to die for!!

Hugs from Sweden

Anonymous said...

You always look great Rumi and I'm a diehard DMs wearer from way back but I must say I'm not a fan of the white - but that's just me. Crazy about the classic 8 hole black. I'd wear 20 holes if they weren't associated with skinheads.

And sorry to be a pedant but Docs became a fashion icon in the 1960s and had a revival in the 70s, 80s and again in the 90s - so we were due for another! Long live DMs and I love your outfits!

Citona said...

I like the second one is definently best. And more Rumi like. I love the shoes on you, even though they are not typically you :)

Citona said...

I like the second one, it is definitely best. **

selinaoolala said...

ooo i love the shiny white with the blue balenciaga! are they hard to walk in?

Gośka said...

I like the shoes! Don't really like the first combo, but the second one is amazingly beautiful ;]

I think I would try some baggy jeans and tight top with them...

And a ring on every finger!

Kisses

Anonymous said...

Don't particulary like the shoes, but it really depends on who wears them as you make them work by paring them with gold jewlery and the floral and flapper dress makes them more appealing so the overall outfit works to an advantage.

Anonymous said...

I love your blog but I don't have my own blog as I am not as creative with my outfits.

Now that I see you with your Docs, I am sold for the idea of getting them too! I was hesitating but now - I think they actually looks good - they add that little roughness to the very girly pieces - I love how you've pair them, esp with the black fringe dress~

Please help me with this though - I usually wear size 8 in Nine West shoes - would I need to get a size smaller for docs?

THANKS!

Tavi said...

Wow, you did such a great job with matching those!!! I think the first outfit is my favorite.
I hate to say I agree, but I do! They are kind of ugly but in a cool and endearing way. I guess they're just more lumberjack than fairy princess, but that's stating the obvious. Point: I LIKE EM!

P.S. Isn't it sad that I could probably fit the entire bottom half of my body into those if I tried?

Anonymous said...

I usually like doc martens but they don't seem to suit you much, they look to clean and polished - especially in white. Maybe you should get them in black or floral print.



Good effort though.

Angela Adriano said...

So I wake up this morning to find you wearing rosary beads- like I did last weekend and Ally Hillfiger on WWWD wearing an outfit I planned to wear (before I even saw the WWWD) today! How weird. I must have tapped into some kind of collective fashion consciousness. I think these new Docs need more experimentation. I like the fringe dress and vest best. I'm sure you will wow us soon with some fantastic concoction!

Andy said...

I have to admitt that i think that doc martens are ugly lol but you did a good job. yeah yeah i like the way you wore them ! Especially the first outfit.
:-)

Anonymous said...

try lacing them up all the way and tightly (i think even the editorial you were inspired with the docs had them fully laced). it looks messy when their not. i just discovered that with my converse... the first outfit looks good

Caro said...

I love that you wear them with something not punk-ish. You always see DMs with pink hair and a lot of safety pins :) and it's charming in a way, but I've never seen them with a floral vintage dress and bare legs :) it's lovely and creative!

mel xx said...

Just wondering how you experienced the sizing... i'm a 6.5US and i don't know whether to get the 4 or 5 UK
Any suggestions?

Anonymous said...

Unforntunately,they look like you're trying too hard.

Anonymous said...

Unforntunately,they look like you're trying too hard.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I think you made the DMs as good as they will ever be. But they are so ugly. I feel like both outfits would be infinitely better with other shoes. Depends on how much aesthetic merit you're wiling to trade for the ugly-cool factor.

Mimi said...

I used to have a pair of black 8-hole that I wore ALL THE TIME (back in the day) but what I always wanted was these white ones - enjoy them for me :)
I like the first outfit best...something about the balenciaga that I don't think goes with the docs.
I changed my morning routine to reading your blog last....I love the build up LOL - thanks!!

Kiz said...

I agree. The first outfit is best. Amazing how you make those things look good.

miss milki said...

I think you've done a great job with them. First outfit is very 90s but thats ok, love the second outfit. I'd love a pair! Was a big fan of docs in my early teen years, had doc sandals but never boots...I'm very tempted now but I have very short legs so I'm not sure I'll pull it off as well as you and your perfect tall, tanned legs! I'm a bit jealous! ;)

Sarah said...

Maybe this is too obvious, but you can always try pairing the shoes with your luella-inspired outfit. And is it just me or do you think it'll look like ice skates when you lace up all the laces?

I really like the shoes, thanks for pushing the fashion envelope on a daily basis and sharing your outfits with all of us.

alex said...

I definitely think the best of all is the dm-fringed dress combination . Anyway the flower dress and doc outfit would be beautiful without the vest.

i like your blog. :)

Anonymous said...

i love ur style, but i hate these shoes, one shouldnt wear anything thats trendy just becuase it is...they r sooo ugly in the ugly kind of way nothing else!!!

punky said...

I think they would be way better in black, I have a pair and they are way easier to pull off.

JBinTokyo said...

They're stupid. Return them.

tova said...

i like how they go with the black fringe dress. i think it's a touch too dated with the floral and such. however, i still love those shoes even if everyone else finds them ugly. i think you'll def be able to incorporate them into some awesome outfits once you get more used to them. =)

annah said...

i love it with the fringed dress!
oh, you're such an icon! seriously.

Anonymous said...

I think that if you got them kinda roughed up a la Wasson and made them kind of worn in they might look more interesting. I love them and I could never pull them off since my legs aren't long enough but I definitely think you do.

Nita-Karoliina said...

okay, now i am sad, about 8 years ago or so when i was 15 i had these brand new dr.martins boots (before them i had these underground labeld,same kind of like martins, i wore them to death)and i wore them a while and then i sold them,oh why did i do that! :D

Emily said...

eek! rosary as a necklace? i love you, rumi, but... i always hated it when people did that. it's kind of cliched and, if nothing else, somewhat offensive to the true purpose of a rosary. you're better than that!!

Anonymous said...

clown shoes much?

bee said...

i probably prefer the first outfit. they're soo shiny and clean and new looking wowzie

Amber said...

Very cool! I think you may need to romp around in those woods in the background tho. They need a little dirt on them! I also love the highlights in your hair!

alis said...

There is no pair of unflattering shoes on this planet to make you look bad, but apart from your natural coolness/beauty these docs are hideous. These two must be your first ever outfits I don't adore, and the docs are fully responsible for it. I do love your rough vintage lace-up boots, but these are a bit clown-ish.

Daniela said...

I LOVE them and wish I was daring enough to wear them! I think they would look freaking outrageous with your cut off jean shorts...the ones with the pockets hanging our from the bottom.

Daniela said...

oh...and when i say freaking outrageous....i mean that in a GOOD way.....

Selinas said...

i do not really like this martens shoes, and i wont like it, i think. buuuuuuuut! when i saw this little black dress- martens boots combination i thought: oh myyy! it looks soooo good!!

Selinas said...

sorry, i didn1t mean exactly this boots, i mean just martens.. ;-)

Luxe. said...

I love them, especially with the Balenciaga bag

Runaway Gallery said...

The Balenciaga strikes again! I love it, though, really.

Anonymous said...

hmmmm.... well everyone is allowed a fashion faux pas

Anonymous said...

Just because something is trendy.... does not mean you have to go out and buy it..... just saying

Poetic Fashion said...

i think the black dress works better, and I would lose the vest. Other than that I think you did a fab job at pairing these with dresses. Docs are hard to make feminine. I wore them everyday for like 2 years when I was 8. I was a bride gor halloween and have a picture with a beautiful brides dress my mother made me, and black docs underneath. so hilarious. either way, still love docs. they're classic. ;)

catpower said...

Rumi, I adore you, but I think the doc martens are a little, uhh strange, i think the classic black would be better. But if you like them thats obviously all that matters. other than that you look amazing as always.....now the question on my mind is will you keep them?

xxx

Shen-Shen said...

I'm getting into the whole denim as something other than jeans thing right now.

Although I can't say the same for Doc Martens.. Although I think your long legs can pull them off better than most people!

Rumi said...

WOW thank you for the (widely varied) comments, I'm sort of torn on them..on one hand, I'm not sure they're me...but on the other I can kind of see them looking better with time etc so they weren't so blindingly bright (hahah agree with you jessi on the marshmallowiness)..my first instinct with fashion is to only keep things I love and perhaps they are indeed overly trendy. Plus they're sort of insanely uncomfortable, the tongue area cuts into my leg every time I move unless I forcefully bend it outward. Not a good sign. Hmmmmm...

kirsten said...

Aren't those Kate Moss for Topshop tea dresses the best? I have the poppy/chain-link/barb-wire print one from that first collection and I have worn it to death since the day I got it. I really wish they would do more of those. I swear it took me all night to decide between the one I got, the pansy print one like yours, or both. In the end I had spent so much I decided to get the one dress and go back and order the other one later. Naturally the pansy print one was gone practically overnight. I am still wallowing in my regret from not ordering them both that night. Oh yeah and Rumi I was wondering what size you have in that Luella-style floral Forever21 skirt because mine finally came and its way too short and I'm trying to decide what size to exchange it for before I send it back.

Anonymous said...

not sure if it'll grow on me like most things. but they just seem too (cool) ugly to me. ;p you actually work it though!

Anonymous said...

not sure if it'll grow on me like most things. but they just seem too (cool) ugly to me. ;p you actually work it though!

camille said...

hm, have you tried lacing up all 8-holes? i feel like in the white, since the laces don't blend in with the leather they look like those 'creeper' shoes with a really thick sole... don't know if you've seen them before. you totally pull them off as is, but you might want to play around with lacing it up more just to see how it looks?
as for styling ideas, maybe look to chloe f/w 07 or luella s/s 08 collections? i'm also trying to figure out more ways to wear mine...

Anonymous said...

apologies but i don't think they suit you at all. They are uglylish looking shoes but i believe a select few people can really pull them off, they definatly don't look right with the last outfit, the first is okay though.

poppy lee said...

love the first outfit. i think when they're worn in a bit they'll be much easier to style as at the moment the white just jumps out so much. but it's the same with white trainers, you just have to bash them up a bit

i really want some myself - probably black - but i'm worried about the stumpy leg effect. i'm thinking about waiting til after summer to see if i'm still in the mood for them then.

anyway, i say hang onto them. don't you find that certain things take a while to get used to but when you've figured out how to wear them you'll wonder how you did without?

Vix said...

Don't like the Doc Martens at all. They can't even be considered "pretty" ugly. I've been following your blog since its inception and your style has changed alot in such a short period of time. I find you used to be more streamlined and chic. Whereas your now crossing over into overly trendy, scenester territory. Don't get me wrong I still visit your blog religiously but I do miss your old outfits.

Inspire Me Today.... said...

i think they look best with the kate moss outfit and denim vest. then for the fringe pic i prefer the one with the vest. <3

yuly said...

i think this would have worked better if you got them in black

Anonymous said...

hahahah that last picture is hilarious...you look like a little girl in her big brothers shoes...id say--- send them back!!

stylemagnet said...

I want to get the floral-printed ones. My GOD I love them. And the half-tied look is super-cute.

Anonymous said...

hmm I actually think your style is pretty consistant. Not to trendy or anything. I do think it suits you but it's not something I would ever dare to wear. Simply because I mostly can't pull it off.

Kate said...

i love the docs! people that don't just do not understand fashion. my boyfriend said they look stupid but he knows nothing!

Charlotte! said...

I have this dress! Love it so much, I have worn it to death! Love the way you wear it though, I usually wear mine with black ankle boots with lots of buckles... new Kate Moss collection coming to Topshop soon!
xxxxx

JackieGloves said...

I really love your boots I want a pair of the black ones!