Well, before we get started I feel like I need to tie up a few loose ends from the week since I just throw all these things out there and then have no follow up.
First of all, Caroline totally smoked those three year olds with her superior dance abilities and celebrated her victory by throwing her stuffed Barney prop to the ground and yelling, “How ya like me now?”
That’s actually not what happened.
In reality, the dance studio called and said Caroline could go ahead and move up to the big girl class without an evaluation. Clearly they just want to make sure they keep my monthly tuition money, but whatever works.
Also, I haven’t decided on a hiking shoe, but am seriously leaning towards the Keens because they seem to be a popular choice plus I can get them free from Cabelas because we have Cabelas Reward Points on our credit card.
This will be the first time I have ever benefited from Cabela’s Reward Points.
In fact, one time I mentioned to P that maybe we could get a card with Reward Points for something more useful like Disney Dollars or Southwest Airline tickets, but he looked at me like he wasn’t sure who I was and yelled, “BLASPHEMER!”
And that was the end of the discussion.
But now, not only will I get my Keen hiking shoes, I’ve discovered that Cabela’s also sells the Frye Harness boots that I adore so it’s just a matter of time and Reward Points before I make them mine.
Happy. Happy. Happy.
Now for the questions.
1. Becky asks: “I need some help with fall shoes. I love these shoes from Boden (Am I wrong to love animal print?), but need something a little more budget friendly. I would love to have the budget to buy them, but girlfriend is trying to put herself through school!!!”
Becky, if loving animal print is wrong, then I don’t want to be right.
Seriously, it’s become a classic and will never go out of style when used in moderation.
Here are some great leopard print shoes that will be kinder to your checkbook, but maybe not necessarily your feet. Just remember, the important thing is that you look good.
And maybe that you carry a pair of comfortable flip-flops in your purse.
2. Kim asks: “I just graduated from A&M at the beginning of August, and am starting a job in The Real Corporate World but my business casual attire is pretty sad. Can you suggest some places I can go to build a classy wardrobe?”
Congratulations, Kim! Welcome to the Real Corporate World!
It’s probably not going to be as fun as hanging out in the MSC and eating chicken fingers, but we all have to grow up sometime.
At least that’s what my daddy told me back in 1994.
The real key to building a great business casual wardrobe is to spend a little bit more money to buy some good basics. A good pair of black pants, a pair of gray pants, and a few other classic pieces that will last you for years.
Once you have these pieces you can mix in some less expensive, trendy things to keep it fresh and up to date.
One last piece of advice, buy some comfortable shoes. When I first ventured into Corporate America, I made the dire mistake of outfitting my feet in Payless Shoes. Let’s just say it’s hard to practice effective capitalism when you have huge blisters on your feet.
I wish you all the best. You’re going to be great!
3. Elizabeth asks: “Do you have any advice for maternity clothes for the fall and winter?”
The nice thing about being pregnant in the winter is that you really won’t need a coat because the hormones will keep you toasty warm all winter long.
I was pregnant in June, July and August. You know what’s nice about being pregnant in the summer?
Nothing.
Well, other than the fact you get a baby.
The good news is the maternity clothes just keep getting better. I’d suggest finding a good pair of maternity jeans and then I’d go find a few cute sweaters, jackets and tops because how cute is this? And this? And this?
Also, remember that accessories are the pregnant girl’s friend. You can buy some basic maternity shirts and then dress them up by adding a cute scarf or a fun necklace.
The accessories will be the gift that keep giving long after the pregnancy is over.
Oh, and so will the baby.
4. Becky asks: “If you were going to a Presidential rally what would you wear? “
No question.
You have to go big or go home.
Nothing says “I support the democratic process” like taking a hallowed symbol of freedom and turning it into some fine leather goods.
God bless the U.S.A.
One last note, several people have asked how to find a good pair of jeans. I have written about jeans extensively in the past as evidenced by the fact that at least fifty different posts came up when I searched for the word “jeans”. However, this is the best summary of how to find jeans that fit and look good. It’s from last fall so some of the links may not work anymore, but the denim wisdom still holds true.
Y’all have a great Friday!
That USA flag jacket reminds me of a guy representing Texas who competed on “Deal or No Deal” wearing a long-sleeved Texas flag shirt. I love my state and all, but it was a little much.
I desperately need your shoe advice. I wept when I saw today that I still do not have an answer. Please, please, what sort of shoe can I wear with these pants? They are not a dressy material, so I cannot go too dressy with the shoe. (And they are black, not sure if that shows up in the link.)
Thank you!
Boy, I’m relieved that your daughter got to move up to the older class. How ridiculous is that! I remember ballet, I hated it.
Thanks for the tip on maternity clothes, I haven’t really found anything good over here, but we do have a GAP in town that just startd carrying maternity so I will have to check it out!
My husband HOGS all the Cabela points in our family! He saves them up (he is so patient that way) and then buys big!
Whenever the Cabela catalog comes in the mail, I put a 3×5 card over the name and write “Coveting Catalog” just to remind him it is a sin to covet (and hog the points) (the two shall be as one..you know).
Kelly S.
I’m so glad your daughter graduates with no test! I can’t wait to see her recital costumes. I’m sure you will have some great things to blog out. ha!
I didn’t know you were such a fashionista. Yeah, how could it be a question of what to wear to a political rally? Great find:-)
I’ve only been to two presidential events.
One was when then Senator Gramm announced his bid in the primaries on the A&M Campus. Being a student at the time, I wore shorts and a t-shirt. I was so naive.
Then we attended the inaugural parade in 2005. Being in Washington DC in January, it was all about the sweater, full length coat, hat and gloves. I know that Mrs. Laura Bush thought I looked stunning.
That picture could only be better if she had a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Stephen Colbert’s Americone Dream in her hand.
Thanks for the fashion advice Big Mama! I was so excited to see you picked my ? and love the items you suggested, especially the sweater at Gap! Thanks again!
P.S. I love that American Flag Jacket- you’re right nothing says USA like leather!
ANN TAYLOR LOFT HAS MATERNITY CLOTHES? Where was THAT when I was pregnant? I suffered through 3 pregnancies without the cuteness of awesome stuff like that.
Dang it.
One election event, inaugural parade of Mr William Jefferson Clinton, January 1993. I was in college in Baltimore, a couple of friends and I decided to go in for the parade on a whim. We wore blazers and turtlenecks, jeans, and booties. It was a great great day; I don’t have much memory of the train ride back to Baltimore late that night. I do remember having to haul my friend up off of the pavement of Pennsylvania Ave as we rushed to make the last train out of town. Lots of cackling going on. Kelly’s Irish Times was good to us with margarita’s and Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow.”
Be careful with the Keen’s. I ordered a pair hiking boots a year ago and they seem to run about a size small. Love the look of them, as far as hikers go.
Happy Football Friday!
Oh BIg Mama, you made me laugh many times this morning. ANd for Becky #1 – don’t forget the leopard clogs. They have been a hit. ANd I want girlfriend to have her animal print shoes.
i just love your flair, big mama! i am pregnant right now and fell in love with the red, big buttons, 50s top you showcased.
also. cabelas, yeah, glad you could find some good in a gift card for there. i seriously think i could not even spend $100 in a GC for there if i was given one.
oh, but i could give it to my hus for christmas!
Ok, now I have to get pregnant so I can wear those cute things.
I know, that’s TOTALLY a good reason to have another baby.
That jacket is HAPPENIN.
Thanks for the bright spot in my morning!
Dear Kim,
If you splurge on anything you simply must buy those Martin Pants from Banana Republic. Big Mama linked to them in Grey. Martin and I, our love affair is long and deep. I also have some friends who have a love affair with Martin as well. Tramps.
Joy
Oh my…that jacket…a good laugh to end the post. Thanks!
I’m pregnant & due in late Dec. I LOVE the tops that you picked out!! Time for some shopping!
Wow. Looks like Cabela’s was a win-win for you! I’m sitting her speechless, and a little jealous, that you might get those Frye boots for free with reward points.
We have a Cabela’s catalog in our magazine rack, and when I was purging old magazines one day, I had that one in the ‘throw away’ pile. My husband (Army officer, loves to hunt and fish…) just about had a heart attack. Apparently, Cabela’s is as distinguished and respected as the Bass Pro Shop. (the 1st time my dad came to visit us in Atlanta, I couldn’t wait to take him to church, my dtr’s ballet recital, and my son’s baseball game. The first thing my husband did was take him to the huge Bass Pro Shop. They were gone 3 hours).
And men say they don’t enjoy shopping.
Hi! I love your Fashion Friday posts. I’m a lost cause when it comes to fashion, so they’re really useful.
Just some advice, if you’re doing any difficult hiking at all, you’ll want a shoe with ankle support. Otherwise it’s really easy to twist your ankle just by slipping or landing wrong. I twisted my ankle in Death Valley when I was wearing regular sneakers. I wouldn’t have made it back to the van except that someone else loaned me their boots, which provided enough ankle support for me to walk, even with a busted ankle.
For example, these would work: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0047319812737a&navCount=3&podId=0047319812737&parentId=cat600751&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat20564-cat600751&catalogCode=QX&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat600751
Kim, sales at the Ann Taylor Factory Store should be your new best friend. You can find great business attire for prices that are almost reasonable.
Big Mama, you know i love your fashion sense. I’ve just entered the realm of The Third Trimester, and I’m DROOLING over that peacoat you found. HOWEVER, for the love of all that is comfy, PLEASE direct Miss Elizabeth to her nearest Motherhood Maternity. They have these new “secret fit belly” denim items that are AMAZING. The belly panel is more like really stretchy nylons than anything else, and I have never seen a pair of jeans that were more comfy!!
Omg….i am soooo loving that Gap maternity sweater….Thanks so much for answering elizabeths q…i am due in late dec and while in OK a coat isnt really needed the sweaters will be well used.
thanks so much for your help…
steff
I’m sure you have thought of this but just in case you haven’t…..please, please wear your new boots for several days before your trip….I am speaking from a very painful-recent- bloody, blisters on BOTH of my heals….don’t let this happen to you. God Bless, Pam,
South Bend
Pair that patriotic jacket with the line about good shoes and effective capitalism, and I believe you’d be on the campaign trail for McCain in 10 seconds.
We do the airline credit card thing. But, who really wants to fly with three children three and under? Really? I’d rather have the free shoes.
I know this is going to sound CHEAP (and maybe it is)…but, for me it is also realistic….I can’t afford to pay that for a nice pair of black pants.
Just can’t.
But how I would love to have a nice pair of black pants….does anyone have any other suggestions?
Thanks!
You had to bring up the jeans, didn’t you.
I own exactly one pair of jeans. They are levi’s 515′s, 77% cotton, 23% spandex or lycra or some other stretchy thing. They fit like a slightly loose glove, don’t have a big gap in the back of the waist, are the perfect length, and I got them used at a consignment store.
Levi’s doesn’t make these anymore. I know because I have called and talked to a person in upper management at the Levi Strauss Company (the things we’ll do for jeans). I have spent two years buying and throwing away jeans that I get because I have to have something then wind up hating because they don’t really fit right, the pockets are too small, they’re too long or whatever.
I hate jeans shopping.
I’ve even looked for Sevens (I know – with two kids in college that’s just dumb, but I’m desperate!). I’ve found them, looked at the price tag, and chickened out. Never even got them to the dressing room. I’m so afraid I’ll love them!
I’ve developed jeans-shopping-phobia. I need prayer.
Okay – I really have been a frugal shopper (cheap!) my whole life, and for all you out there thinking the pants are terribly expensive, you can get great pants at lowly places like Kohls, and JCPenney that will look good and last a few years. Go for their more expensive lines and watch for the sales and coupons.(I’ve even been known to buy dress clothes at Target – and their better brands will last a couple years looking nice too!) And for suburbancorrespondent – dockers type pants look great with short boots for winter, or flats are very trendy this fall. Just my humble opinion here in MN, where soon – even though my clothes will be covered by a huge parka, I will look good once I get indoors and take it off!
Here’s my Fashion Friday question. Every year I dread cold weather because I’ve never solved the shoe question. I live in Wisconsin. There’s snow…lots of snow. High heals are out. What can I wear with skirts while tramping through a foot of snow and slush?
As a pregnant girl with 5 weeks to go (meaning I have a pretty big belly at this point) I have to tell you that the one pair of pants/jeans that you NEED to have are the Secret Fit Belly pants from Motherhood. Seriously, once your belly starts to get big the other types of waistbands end up digging into your belly and making you VERY uncomfortable. I own exactly 1 pair of pants with the Secret Fit Belly and the rest have the uncomfortable waistbands, and I have been wearing that 1 pair of pants every day now for the past few weeks. I think I am going to go buy another pair even though I only have 5 weeks left because they are so comfortable, and trust me it is all about the comfort in these last few weeks. Please trust me on this…you will thank me later
I’ve started to suggest switching to something other than the REI credit card we’ve been using since we got married–air miles or something… but, my goodness, if we didn’t have all those REI points to spend each year, how would we ever have bought all that camping gear we’ve used all of twice in the past four years?! Silly me.
You may have already heard of this, but this website http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/home is very fun to make little wardrobe images of and might be helpful on your Fashion Fridays. (Which I love by the way)
Who knew Gap did maternity?! Good stuff…
Yay, thanks so much for the advice! I can’t wait to go shopping!
Thank you for answering my question, Big Mama! (Becky #2) I didn’t “go big” but I was glad to “go home!” : )
We stood for 4 hours!!! I think it will be something my kiddos will always remember though.
Since I read somewhere that liberals wear pantsuits to rallies and conservatives wear skirts and heels, : )
-I went with heels but I was WISHING for tennis shoes by the end!!! UGH!
Dear Elizabeth looking for winter maternity clothes – Don’t bother with the cute Old Navy maternity sweaters that are oh so soft and lovely. You will feel like you’re in a sauna when you try to wear it to a family gathering such as Christmas, where there are entirely too many people crammed into one room.
Love,
Someone Who Didn’t Heed The Above Advice
Go with the Keens!!! I have the same pair and LOVE THEM!!
I’m curious. How do you know all this fashion stuff, like animal prints are becoming classic and can always be used in moderation? I’m in the dark about all things fasion — except what I see on the street and in magazines!
I took your jeans advice last week. I walked into Macy’s, tried on about 30 pairs of jeans, and picked the best 3. I didn’t care about the size on the tag or the cost, I just bought the 3 that felt and looked the best.
I wore one pair out this weekend and had people compliment on how nice I looked and wondered if I had lost weight, it was all the jeans…
you get Cabela’s points? i’m so jealous. that’s much better than our Bass Pro Shops points, they lack in the ladies footwear selection. dh always threatens to get me a camo teddie, so i said, go ahead, if i wear it you’ll never find me.
and don’t you know that those pesky airline points are never good for what you want them for?!
fightin’ texas aggie class o’ 1994…WHOOP! i’m just sayin’!