So let’s talk about how strongly everyone feels about velour. I had no idea I was courting such controversy by mentioning the full velour jogging suit.
First, I will confess that I still have both the velour pants and the jacket in my possession. I don’t know that I will ever wear them at the same time, but if I do I will keep in mind that many of you would tell me I look like either a cheap tramp or an octogenarian.
Secondly, I do tend to agree that the velour works better as separates. Although one of the girls on “Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team” (which really deserves a whole post to itself) had on a bright yellow one and I thought she looked darling.
Third, I don’t really have a third thing. Oh, except to tell you that I’ve also ordered some velour pants in hot pink. But did not order the matching jacket. I have my limits.
The good news is that every time I wear my velour pants, I will think of “Nacho Libre” and say, “When you are a man, sometimes you wear stretchy pants in your room. It’s for fun.”
Now for the questions.
1. TNS asks: “The question I want to ask is if you can wear black and brown together? Sometimes I pair it together and wonder if it’s a big mistake.”
A few weeks ago I stated that wearing brown and black together was a mistake and then I asked the stylist/color wheel expert while I was in Nashville and she told me that they can, in fact, be worn together.
The key is to keep it simple and make sure it all blends together. Don’t just throw on a pair of brown shoes with some black pants. Think along the lines of a nice black sweater with some chocolate brown pants and some black boots. Maybe throw in a leopard print belt for fun.
2. Nicole and Barbara both asked a similar question: “I’ve noticed that scarves seem to be really popular this year. I’m sure you’re not ready to wrap a scarf around your neck in Texas yet, but can you give me some suggestions for putting this look together?”
I am a huge fan of the scarf. The right scarf can pull a totally plain outfit together and make it fab. Plus, they are very versatile.
True story. I wore a hot pink scarf when I went to Deeper Still Las Vegas and then wore it on the plane on the way home. The plane got cold and I totally used my scarf as a blanket. It was brilliant and didn’t instill any kind of germophobia like when I consider using a blanket provided by the airline.
Here are a few cute scarves and some examples of how to wear them.
The best part is you can just throw on jeans, a long sleeve tee and wrap a scarf around your neck and you have yourself an outfit.
It’s almost as easy as a velour jogging suit.
3. Laurie and Rena both asked the same question: “Is there any type of shoe that is comfortable AND stylish for fall and winter?”
Oh yes, there is such thing as a comfortable shoe.
The sad reality is you won’t find it at Target. Or Payless.
The good news is I don’t think you have to pay a fortune to get it.
I just bought these the other day and they are very comfortable, yet totally affordable. They are basically the replacement for my black Reef flip-flops that I wore all summer long.
If you’re looking for some cute sneakers, you may want to try these. I tried them on the other day and they are so comfortable, plus they come in a lot of fun colors. I’m also a big fan of Converse, although they aren’t quite as comfortable.
But the real problem is that sometimes a girl needs something a little dressier which usually means something with a heel.
(Just for the record, when I just typed “heel” the first time, I typed “hell” instead. Coincidence? I think not.)
Heels are a little trickier. Part of the problem is that once your foot gets used to being in flat shoes all the time, it gets angry when forced into a shoe with a heel. It starts a revolt that begins in your toes and ends in your arch. Feet have to be heel-trained.
Back in my days as a pharmaceutical rep, I could walk a million miles in the highest heels you’ve ever seen while carrying a fifty pound bag filled with drugs. When I re-read that sentence I realize it sounds like I was working in some other sort of profession. Anyway, the point is it takes some dedication to wear heels on a regular basis.
However, here are a few pairs of boots and shoes that will hopefully prove to be fairly comfortable.
If not, you can always just carry these in your purse just in case.
4. Ashleigh asks: “What’s up with formal fashion these days? I don’t exactly want to look like I’m going to the prom, but I also don’t want to look like I’m 45 when… I’m not. Any ideas?”
Sadly, I don’t know what’s up with formal fashion these days, but I can assure you it doesn’t involve a velour jogging suit.
The last formal event I attended was close to a decade ago because P and I are very fancy people. But since I like to play pretend, I’ll show you what I might wear if I had an occasion more formal than say next month’s PTO meeting.
I love this. Or something simple like this could be beautiful with the right accessories. Or this is great because it is versatile.
And if this counts as formal fashion, then I would have to have it. I only wish it came in black or some gorgeous red color.
Really you can’t go wrong. Just find something that makes you feel beautiful and you will be.
Have fun. And maybe email me to let me know what people do at formal events.
And I’ll email you back and tell you what people do at crawfish boils.
That’s it for this week.
Y’all have a great Friday.
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I just have to say, any Fashion post that can squeeze in ANY Nacho Libre quote, is worth reading to the very end.
You made my morning.
I am far from fashionable, but I am glad to see you’ve amended your position on black and brown together. Just like eating chocolate, it’s fine as long as it’s done in moderation.
I would love to wear a scarf… if it wasn’t 84 degrees here in SC yesterday. It is so hard to dress for fall in summer temperatures.
I love the comfortable Reef shoe alternative. A good black shoe with get you from work, to grocery store, through homework, soccer game, and dinner. And that, my friend, is about as “fancy” and formal as we get around these parts!
I’m always on the lookout for cute yet comfy additions to my pregnancy wardrobe. It’s nice to have a little variety from my normal casual wear {otherwise known as my pajamas}. I think I’ll have to check out some velour pants.
I’m glad you mentioned the black and brown thing. Who knew?
I love love LOVE your fashion posts. Everytime I read them I find myself loudly say “Yes, yes, and YES!” Actually, you inspired me to do my own fashion posts here and there. I’m a huge fan of classics and making them “hip” and stylish with the right accesories such as scarves, jewelry and belts.
I just did a post on belts only:
http://chuckandjoshiella.blogspot.com/2008/10/belts-belts-and-more-belts.html
One on scarves and “staples” for a woman’s closet:
http://chuckandjoshiella.blogspot.com/2008/09/darn-90s.html
And accesories, including broches:
http://chuckandjoshiella.blogspot.com/2008/09/fashion-mommyhood-saving-money-and.html
Let me know if you ever need a break on a Friday and need me to write one up. It would be my pleasure.
Ok, who knew I’d be so passionate about the dang velour jog suit, but Eva Longoria would not wear them if they are not stylish. I’ve seen lots of pictures with her wearing both pieces together, as I most often do. I have to say, this seems more stylish to me than workout clothes. As for the scarf, we just got back from NYC & EVERYONE was wearing them! Very cute with a basic tee & jeans. Ed Hardy makes a cute one (without the skull & crossbones of course.)
I have a fashion question – where can I find LONG tee shirts. I know Old Navy has long tank tops and they are divine. I need some long, long-sleeved tees to go under sweaters and such this winter. Any thoughts?
BigMama,
I can’t tell you how glad I am to see you flip-flop on the black and brown issue. I read it when you posted that a few weeks ago, but didn’t have it in me to disagree. Because, being the Stacy and Clinton junkie that I am, I know that they say black and brown can go together because they are both neutrals. I do agree that it has to be done with purpose (so to speak). I often wear black jeans, white shirt, sable riding jacket and similar color of brown boots. Pop of color with a scarf/neckerchief and voila.
~Donna
Om my WORD, that Calvin Klien. I’m in love.
But I don’t think my hubby’s going to be so in love with the price tag. Think I could get a sponsorship from CK if I promise to live-blog the Ball with a zillion pics of the dress?
Hmm… I doubt it.
Go ahead and tell me if this is such a lame question, but… If they sell a complete velour outfit at a store, say at Target, why is it considered so out of style to wear the pants and top together? I’m completely puzzled by this, but then again I hardly have a fashion bone in my body.
I have no problem with a velour suit and wouldn’t think twice if I saw a gal wearing the top and pants together. In fact, I’d probably covet her comfyness, being dressed in her velour suit that probably feels like jammies.
Okay, I have three full velour suits in black, brown and cream. Honestly, there are those days when I just want to put one of those on, my hair in a pony and head out. I still think I look cute, and even get the “you look cute” complement from my 14 year old and husband. It makes me look younger (and we all need that occasionally!) Do I think they are at the height of fashion .. no .. but some days just warrant bringing them out. They do look cuter as separates, in my opinion, and are worn as such also.
On the “formal” note, be a regular at TJMaxx! They have really cute stuff and I always try to think of somewhere I could wear things. They have a dress there for $19.99 I think I’m going to go back and buy this week “just in case”. My husband and I are heading to Vegas in January for a conference .. it would be great for a night out!
You know, those pink Rocket Dogs would go well with your hot pink velour pants. Those WalMart greeters will just love you!
Hi Melanie,
Well, since you like to play pretend maybe you can help me out. My daughter is going to be married in July and I am in need of a mother-of-the-bride dress. The bridesmaids will be wearing tea length dresses (in olive green) so I think mine should be knee or tea length instead of long. Can you help a mama out?
Thanks, Diana
Melanie-
I haven’t commented here in a long while so I thought I’d stop in to say thank you for these FF posts. They’re so fun and I know they must take a long time to craft.
(Also- because I read your blog in a reader, I hadn’t yet noticed the fall color change – looks great!)
Hi Big Mama,
I am 48 and with each passing year, my feet seem to resent the fact that they can’t wear flip-flops all year long but our North Georgia winters won’t allow that. I have a hard time wearing heels to church for a couple of hours on Sunday mornings. So, all that to tell you about the new ankle boots I just purchased. They are by Born and they are so comfortable. They come in black, brown and red and have just enough heel. (The name on the box says Biddy. That is the only thing I don’t like about them.)
Hope you have a wonderful day.
Cindy
I’m with Johna. The Nacho Libre reference made me laugh out loud! That is one of my very favorite lines from one of my very favorite movies!
Ok, first of all when did they Dallas Cowboys cheerleader show come back on? I thought they canceled it! That is the perfect example of who wears velour still {people in their 20′s}.. I wear it, and wear it proud.. I have a pink juicy couture one and it has a crown on the back of the top, i LOVE it. I think it would be weird to mix velours? Anyway, I think everyone who still rocks it should be proud of themselves because they obviously don’t follow the crowd.
I also think when it’s between wind pants and velour, go for the velour.
Anyway,
I love what you said about not finding comfy and cute shoes at Payless or Target. I definitely am not fashionable enough to give advice, but I have learned something recently. I wait until Dillards puts their shoes 75% off (Valentines, for winter, and Labor Day, for summer, is what seems to be the days) and buy expensive shoes for Payless prices.
This year, I got super cute red peep toes heels that were BCBG for $17. They used to be $70-75. For the first time, I made the statement that my heels were comfortable.
Unless one is just so fashionable that they change out their entire wardrobe each season, then it is worth waiting for these sales, in my opinion!! I have a small clothing budget, but this makes it go way farther and still be super cute!!
Because I have learned you get what you pay for!!
HI THERE BIG MAMA I TAGGED YOU CLICK ON MY SITE TO SEE WHAT I HAVE IN STORE FOR YOU..MICHELLE
BIG MAMA U HAVE BEEN TAGGED CLICK ON MY BLOG SITE TO SEE WHAT UP FOR YOU!MICHELLE
You had me at “black Reef flip flop.”
I’ve been looking for it’s wintertime equivalent for far too long. Can’t wait to try it out!
Mine aren’t Juicy Couture (?) but I can promise you, every single time I’ve worn my Liz Claiborne velour jogging suits (few times a year in the winter) I get loads of compliments. Plus I’m extrememly comfortable.
And I’ve never separated them… ??
What in the world do you pair with velour??
Regarding the formal wear — yikes. This one always makes my blood pressure go up. We have one or two military formals a year to attend and I always stress about what I’m going to wear. Don’t want to look too young, but don’t want to look like the older wives with the sequnied blazers either. One time, J. called me at home to say, “Do we have a babysitter for Saturday night’s formal?”
a. it was Friday afternoon when he called
b. no, we didn’t have a babysitter lined up because
c. this was the first I’d heard of a formal the NEXT NIGHT.
Yes, friends, 24 hours notice to find a dress.
And to lose 10 pounds.
Dillards was my friend that weekend.
My old fallback.
So trustworthy and consistent.
(That’s also where I bought those LC velour jogging suits).
Melanie, you have good taste. Keep up the good work. I enjoy reading your blog posts on fashion.
Today, I saw a girl coming out of Target wearing a scarf. I stared at her for a second, b/c this is SE Texas and it feels like August. Maybe she read your post this morning and decided since Bmt got a cool front(as in 70 degrees)she should jump into fall fashion?
I can’t wait to wear a scarf & get some of those darling converse shoes! I love your taste and you work really hard.
I am the opposite of a fashionista. It’s all about the comfort for me. And ever since wearing a back brace during my last year of high school that went from my chin to below my hips, I haven’t been able to wear anything with a heel over 1/2″ high. Princess Reboks have been my constant friend since discovering them 12 years ago. But recently I found a pair of black shoes similar to the ones you bought and they are quite comfy. So now I don’t have to look like I’m getting ready to run a marathon all the time.
And it was fun looking at all the cute scarves and how to wear them. If only we weren’t heading into summer here in the southern hemisphere. Hopefully they’ll still be stylish next winter (July/August).
I’m all for velour sweatsuits as long as they don’t have Juicy splattered all over the arse. I hail from Soprano’s New Jersey and ever since Carmella started sporting one years ago, these were the rage. Honestly, last year Neimans had them all on sale, so their popularity must be waning. I digress, they are comfie. I bought some for my daugthers and I was surprised by how well they held up after wash after wash after wash. So they are worth it!
To Lori, I just bought some nice layering tee shirts (long sleeved) at Target for 12.99. A lot like J. Crews, but cheaper.
i LOVE scarves too!! i’m in TX too, and often it’s not cold enough to wear a coat, but i’m still cold-natured enough to need something extra warm on in the “winter” (which is a joke in TX). so a scarf is perfect–it keeps my neck warm, thus my whole body’s more comfortable! (plus, i have serious turtleneck claustrophobia issues, so those are out as a warm shirt choice.)
ok, and the shoes. i LOVE those black loafer-ish shoes from Rack Room! but the dilemma? do you wear trouser socks with them? my preference is always a “loafer” with no socks, but what if it’s cold? i guess at that point you leave them in your closet and opt for a cute boot…
and you typing “hell”? the other day i was typing a message on facebook that included “Marble Slab Creamery”. i accidentally typed “Marble Slap”! made me laugh out loud!
man, i’m chatty today!
OH Big Mama, I have learned alot by reading your Fashion Friday blogs and certainly appreciate the cool info, however, please inform Ashleigh that looking like a 45 year old is not always a bad thing. I am 46, will be 47 in a couple of weeks. Fashion isn’t just for you 30 somethings. I think in your 40′s you can still dress fashionably and do it with confidence that younger women sometimes lack. Ashleigh, believe me you will turn around and you will be 45 before you know it. The best part is you will probably still feel 30. . . . I know I do.
Hey, Big. I tried to put on my velour pants about an hour ago and wore them about 10 minutes before changing to my A&F yoga pants. The discussion has made me paranoid. Maybe they will become a home-only uniform.
About DCC. I’m so excited it is back on and have it set to Tivo from here out. I, too, like the cute girl in the yellow suit. Had to cheat and get online to see who has made the team but I WILL NOT miss an episode. They teach many valuable and useful life lessons—how to open sweet and low is one from the first season’s etiquette class I still remember. Please do a post about it whenever the Texas wind blows your boots! Tootles, Jill
I in on the velour pants controversary. I own a pair of basic black velours, eggplant ( not Barney purple), and eggshell color pants. They are very comfy on cool days and I typically wear a nicer T with them. I own the jackets too. But, then I’m 50ish and I can get away with it!
I’m the old lady at college (at the ripe old age of 30) and I often clutch my pearls at the scarves the girls wear. People wear stuff like that ruched one from Nordstrom or these enormous fringed window-treatment looking cowl-neck things. Blech.
This comes late as I am JUST NOW FINDING OUT THAT YOU CAME TO MY RESCUE.
So, THANK YOU!
Love, love, love the Mary Janes! The boots are begging for my feet! I just know it! Thanks a million!
And those slippers will definitely be great back-up!
Rena
This was hilarious since I am actually WEARING velour today. I don’t usually wear it and I certainly don’t usually leave the house, but this was the first day of my monthly time and my jeans were all in the wash and well, sometimes a girl just needs to be comfortable. For what it’s worth, they’re black and I wore them with a black long-sleeved shirt and faded purple short sleeve shirt with a weird graphic on the front that says “Rock n Roll.” I am the ultimate in trendy.
And someone asked about long-sleeve shirts. So far, I like Target’s Mossimo the best. They have a nice cuff and this week they were on sale for only $7!
Please, please, PLEASE do a post on “DCC: Making the Team.” And something on how they more-or-less sanction eating disorders by telling 110 pound girls that they’re fat.
oh how timely today’s post was for me. A. I was changing over my closet the other day and debated over what to do with the black velour sweatsuit that’s a couple of years old. Comfy as all get out but I wasn’t sure. I’m 50 and extremely paranoid about crossing over to old ladydom.
B. I bought 2 scarves today and can’t wait to try them out! Does that prove that I’m not dressing “old”?
I am totally sitting here in hot pink velour pants with beading on the side. And yes, I love the matching hoodie. When I wear them, I feel like I should be hanging out with The Cheerleaders, no joke.
I also love the big scarf/sweater/wrap things that area everywhere. I do not know their technical name, only that I can’t live without them.
This was brilliant as usual. The heel/hell line made me laugh!
I definitely need to look into the first pair of black shoes you suggested. I’m having a hard time saying good-bye to my flip flops, but I don’t think frost bite is ever in fashion.
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