The style I decided against buying was Yang Guang. A suede mary-jane with a lovely shape, but I just didn't take to the stitched-on pieces on the uppers. Instead I opted for Pin Yin, a rounded shoe-boot. I was really excited when I saw a glimpse of the 'beaded' back with the panda heel. Not quite as keen when I saw the rest of the shoe, but I decided to try them anyway. They come in black or yellow, so because I was unsure of sizing, bought the black in my usual size and the yellow a size larger. My initial thoughts were that the yellow were more eye-catching than the black, though yellow isn't really "my" colour. I loved the beaded section and quite liked the bird fabric, I just wasn't sure I wanted both on my feet at once. I also worried that the panda heel got lost in amongst all that colour and print. Perhaps it stood out more on the black?
When they arrived on Monday and I took them out the box, my opinion didn't change much. They are very striking and do appeal more than the black, which seems 'boring' in comparison. I thought the yellow photographed really well and I just feel you can't help but look at them. The prints and colours and textures seem to work better than I first thought, but I still at times think it's a bit of a mish-mash.
As for fitting them in with my wardrobe, because the yellow is so rich, my styling ideas haven't reached beyond an all-black outfit. Yes, not exactly inspiring! Perhaps a print with a little yellow in it, but do you really want to introduce another print into the mix? I just get so excited when I see them from the back, because I think the colours (in the beaded section) and texture work well with the panda.
Then here are the black pair. In person they came across as much more interesting than I'd given them credit for online. The trim is more colourful and metallic than I realised and there's the odd glimmer in the black beaded section. With the bird print being a black base, you don't run into as many clashing issues with this pair. I do kinda wish the beaded bit wasn't one colour though. It would've been nice to see a flicker of colour throughout it (I know I complain about 'too much' on one style then want it on the next). I could pretty much wear these with anything though.
Do you look at them though? Certainly when they're around the yellow, you just can't help but ignore the black. Obviously they wouldn't be side by side, when I'm only keeping one pair, but it does play on my mind that they are a bit dull and therefore not worthy of their £125 price-tag and fancy heel.
Size wise, the yellow are a 6/39 and fit fine. The 5/38 (my usual size) are too small. I managed to squeeze one foot in, but not the other one! It would be no trouble to exchange for a bigger size though, if I decide I prefer the black. I really wanted to get these photos up as soon as possible, last night unfortunately, I ran out of time after being distracted by a police raid, complete with helicopter, blocked off roads, plain clothed police with guns and 6 arrests, going on for a couple of hours in our supposedly 'quiet' town and the Winchester brothers and The 100 (sadly not in my town but on TV), but I do have further photos for you, more of a comparison between the two pairs, which I'll get to later. I'd love to hear your thoughts on which pair I should keep though, because I'm still feeling torn and keep changing my mind. I haven't spoken much about the actual design and details, but you can see all that from the photos. The heel height is 3 1/2" if you were wondering, but like my lamb heels doesn't feel unnaturally low, despite the fact I'm accustomed to higher heels.
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Ah, it's nice to see some more pictures of them. I have to admit, they didn't really jump out at me. I agree, the felt bits ont he other designs really put me off, too. The heel is probably too short for me, but I like the idea of the yellow. In person, I didn't realise how the bird fabric was textured as well. Maybe a little much, but the black don't stand out to me that much and I don't know if the panda heel would be that noticeable. Really not sure which you should keep. Sorry! x
ReplyDeleteI like and dislike bits on both, this is my trouble. It's a pity about the white bits on the mary-jane because I really liked their simple shape and would've gone for them had it not been for the stuck on bits!
DeleteIf it was me I'd stick with the black. I think the bird print and the beaded texture are enough to keep them from being too boring. Though I do agree that another colour of beads - blue to match the birds? - would have tied the design together better.
ReplyDeleteBlue beads would've looked awesome, that's a great idea. It is a pity they didn't do something a little more exciting with them, though they seem quite lovely in person (not sure they do in photos so much).
DeleteIf I had to choose, I'd choose the black, I just don't like the shade of yellow plus the combination of the birdprint fabric and the beads but the beads are aaaaaaaaaamazing- they look like hundreds and thousands!!!!! It's SUCH a pity the black don't have blue and white beads mixed with the black because they'd loook fab! Up to you my dear.x
ReplyDeleteThe birdy yellow is indeed very rich, a bit too rich for me really. The beads are great, such a pity the black didn't do like you say and have multiple colours.
DeleteThe pandas look very doleful. ;) I prefer the other style (the ones with stripes of fabric), especially the black and multi coloured ones. Since I walk like I've had a bathroom incident after 5 minutes in heels, I'll live vicariously through you. :) xx
ReplyDeleteThey are, the babies especially! I love the shape of the mary-janes, just don't like the idea of the random stuck on bits. Had they been bamboo leaf shaped or something, I'd have understood.
DeleteDefinitely the yellow! The black are boring- even though your pics are better than Irregular Choice's website photos, and show them off better. I got the yellow and I just adore them, one of my favourites (maybe even the favourite!) of all my character heels.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear. They definitely aren't up there in my favourites and this is what's bothering me. I purely want them for the heel but wouldn't have looked twice at any of the shoes otherwise. I think IC have a tough job though, trying to appeal to everyone and I like and understand that my favourite will be different to someone else and theirs will be the pair I didn't buy etc. I've since ordered a 3rd pair and will see how I get on with them!
DeleteI'm glad you got them (as they are a nice addition to your IC family) but I wasn't too tempted by them (I'm most in love with the bunnies and the unicorns), I don't know, maybe if it was just one big panda instead of mama panda and little panda?
ReplyDeleteI like that it's the two. As moody as that baby is, it's cute as hell! Just wish the shoe was more exciting. Been naughty and ordered a 3rd pair to try, so we'll see how I get on with them.
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