C4 Belts

I caved. I've heard so much about the C4 Belts that I finally had to try one (or two!) for myself. I find it hilariously funny that I am willing to spend "so much" on a belt when just last year I only used a belt when showing. And that's really stupid because when you have a coat on, the judge can't even see your belt.

Thanks to the suggestion of a friend, I now wear a belt every time I slip into a pair of breeches, and I even tuck in my shirt. I was alternating between two belts: a brown leather job that I've owned for years, but it must have been a a quality item when I bought it because the leather is buttery soft and the belt has taken on a curve to match my shape. I also use the Embrazio Curva Belt which I love as it came with that wonderful shape out of the box. 

I recently purchased a white Tackbox Silicone Belt that I really like. I ordered that particular belt while my C4 was on backorder, but I am glad to have it. It's actually a really comfortable belt.

If it hasn't crossed your radar yet, C4 is one of those hip, online stores that all the cool kids know about. Although if I am shopping with them, they're probably not as cool as they used to be. Because really, I am 45 ... I don't exactly roll with a hip crowd.

This is the second one I ordered.

This company has landed on an extraordinarily clever sales gimmick. Every belt they sell is a "custom" order. If you visit their home page, you'll land on their "build a belt" page rather than a traditional home page. You can't help but click on one of the cool designs. What???? Bacon? Be honest, you checked it out. 

How can you resist pairing your favorite color belt with a coordinating, or not-so-coordinating buckle? The build-your-own-belt-and-buckle-combo is like crack for both fashionistas and the um ... less inspired, like me. I tried out EVERY combination possible. That California Bear Flag design? I am all over that thing. Only slightly better is the strap with the Texas flag. That thing is AWESOME!

So very far out of my comfort zone ...

I went completely out of my comfort zone with my first purchase - orange with a white buckle. The belt is totally Walowitz worthy - Big Bang Theory for those of you that don't get the reference. ​

Walowitz is in the middle.

The belt is a lot of fun, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting. Number one, it's a lot taller/thicker than I thought it would be. Since it's a unisex belt, this shouldn't have been such a surprise. The buckle is also huge. And plastic. And huge AND plastic. It's almost cartoonish. This belt takes a bit of an attitude to wear. It feels like something Superman would wear.

The buckle is larger in person.

Initially, I couldn't figure out how the heck to assemble the thing, but once I saw that the buckle has teeth that flip open, I felt stupid. It's quite simple to attach if you're not an idiot. I know some people feel hesitant about cutting it to size, but I found it quite easy to make the first cut. I may actually cut it again as it seems like it needs to be a bit shorter.

Impromptu bathroom selfie ... ignore the love handles - I am trying to suck them in!

As soon as I dumped it out of the box and strapped it on, I heard my computer calling me over to check out even more colors. I don't even know how well the buckles last. Apparently my wallet does not care as a second belt should be arriving any day. I went sightly more conservative for the second choice - khaki plaid with a black buckle. You can see it pictured above.

I was so enamored by the belt that I wore it to work on Friday with jeans. That's not such a big deal as I can dress pretty casually, but I was sorely disappointed that my colleagues didn't point and laugh, or at least beg to know where I had purchased such a HIP and fashionable accessory.

Once Khaki Plaid arrives, California Bear Flag is totally qeued up! Come on, tell the truth: which combo is calling your name, or which ones do you already own?