Is it Friday already? I’ve been so busy scanning pictures of my former hairstyles that time has gotten away from me.
I’m also not sure if any of y’all still want to read anything I have to say about fashion after seeing the Laura Ashley sailor dress and the white hose.
Not to mention that from my junior year in high school through my junior year in college, I probably owned no fewer than fifteen Leslie Lucks dresses. There are a lot of foam shoulder pads sitting in a landfill somewhere, contributing to global warming and the melting of the polar ice caps, due to my need to wear dresses with huge bows, big collars and puffed sleeves.
But oh they looked fancy with white hose and matching shoes.
Although I do feel bad for the polar bears who are watching their ice caps melt away.
The other day Caroline and I had to attend a Kindergarten preview, which is so weird because she was only born three months ago and there’s no way she is starting Kindergarten in the fall.
Anyway, I decided to follow the advice I received from some of the lovely internet people (that’s y’all) and started laying outfits on her bed that she could choose from in hopes of eliminating Wardrobe Crisis ’08.
I put two outfits on her bed while she watched me and then I went back into her closet while I said, “Okay, I’ll give you one more to choose from…”
She interrupted and said, “Well, I hope it’s better than either one of these.”
I think maybe she was hoping for a Leslie Lucks dress.
Now for the questions.
1. Erin asks: “I just found out that I am pregnant for the 4th time!!! This is good news, but the downside is that ever since my second pregnancy I have struggled with varicose veins – while I am pregnant. I have worn support hose throughout my last two pregnancies for comfort – the ability to stand and hold and take care of my other children, etc. So, Big Mama, what do I wear this summer? How can I hide these awful hose while everyone else is wearing sandals and flip flops??? And, what can I wear to church and on dates with my husband?
Oh sweet Erin. Is there a possibility that you could join the polar bears on the melting ice caps for the summer? Because otherwise I am not sure how you are going to survive the heat while wearing support hose all summer.
Air-conditioning. Lots of air-conditioning.
Since I have an August baby, I do understand the summer pregnancy. I spent a lot of mine doing my best imitation of a beached whale in a maternity swimsuit. Which doesn’t really work if you’re wearing support hose.
I don’t know how orthopedic your hose need to be, but my first thought is to suggest footless maternity hose by Spanx. They could give you the support you need, but still allow you to wear capri pants, skirts, and, most importantly, flip-flops.
If you need more support than the Spanx can offer, I wonder if you could make your own version of footless tights with a pair of scissors?
The good news is maternity wear has never been better. I’d get yourself a pair of denim capris like these with some cute shirts like this. Finish it off with some cute sandals and great jewelry.
Oh, and how much do I love this maternity wrap dress from Target? It would be perfect for date night or church.
I hope that helps, Erin. If anyone has some better advice or personal maternity support hose testimony they’d like to share, please leave it in the comments.
Because you know, when a girl is pregnant she needs all the support she can get, fashion or otherwise.
2. Holly asks: “I have a problem that I hope you’ll address at some point on a Fashion Friday. This is something that has frustrated me for years… I can’t seem to find underwear that I like the fit or feel of. Th*ngs are not even a consideration. I don’t want to resort to “granny panties”, so what is out there that is comfortable yet stylish and a little sexy? What do you recommend?”
Well, I realize I have just shown the entire internet some horrific pictures from my high school years, but some things are sacred including what kind of underwear I prefer. Plus, like choosing the right breakfast cereal, it’s all about personal preference.
I would recommend that you buy a pair of a few different brands until you find something you like. I know I have had times where I’ll buy five pairs of something, then realize later they are unbearably uncomfortable and it’s not like you can return them.
Thank goodness.
Maybe check out Target, Victoria’s Secret and a local department store to find a few options that appeal to you. Also, don’t ever underestimate the power of body-shaping undergarments to wear under certain outfits. They are often a good option that not only will make you look slimmer, but eliminate those unsightly pantylines without having to resort to a th*ng.
By the way, I just checked out the Victoria’s Secret site and they are having a panty clearance. Which just sounds wrong.
3. Barbara asks: “I like really feminine, floral, flowing things, but as I am getting…older….I am concerned that some of those things will look little girlish or look like I am trying to make myself look younger. Do you have any thoughts for those of us in the middle of middle age?”
I think just the fact you’re aware some things may not work as you get a little older means you aren’t going to make a huge fashion faux pas. If you like feminine, flowy things then I think there is no reason why you should stop wearing things like that. The good news is flowy tops and tunics are really in style right now.
Be careful to choose skirts that are not too short, but at the same time you don’t want to wear a dress or skirt that’s too long. For a modern look, choose things that hit right at or slightly above the knee. Don’t wear things that are too tight, but be careful not to wear things too loose or it won’t do your figure any favors.
Remember, too much of any print isn’t a good thing. Limit the pattern to just a shirt or just a skirt instead of an entire coordinating, matchy-matchy look. And if you’re wearing a flowy top, balance it out with some simple pants or jeans.
I love this feminine tunic and it would look great with either pants or jeans.
The most important thing is to wear what you love and what makes you feel attractive. It doesn’t matter if it’s the height of fashion if you don’t feel comfortable in it.
4. Kathryn asks: “Here is a question for your readers, at what age is long hair no longer appropriate? How long is too long? I just turned 37 and still get carded more than 50% of the time.”
Let’s talk about what’s really important here. What kind of moisturizer do you use and where can I get some?
Seriously.
I think if long hair looks good on you then you can wear it long indefinitely. I think the days of getting your hair all chopped off at forty and getting it set by your hairdresser once a week have gone the way of our grandmothers. My advice is to re-evaluate every year and see if your current style is still flattering.
And if we’ve learned nothing else from this past week, don’t be afraid of change. If not for change, I’d still be carrying a teasing comb and a can of Aquanet everywhere I go.
If y’all have any thoughts on the long hair issue, I’d love for you to share with the group.
5. This isn’t a question, but I have to share. Groovyoldlady sent me this link.
And here I thought a man wearing a sweater vest was as bad as it gets.
Of course, I’m not sure it’s really any worse than some of the Leslie Lucks dresses I once owned.
Y’all have a good Friday.
Next week’s Fashion Friday is going to be a special edition about kid’s clothes. If you have any questions, send me an email.