Last Saturday, Caroline and I went to Gap to return a pair of jeans I’d bought her earlier in the week and attempt to find a pair that actually fit. Note to Gap: If my 5 year old daughter, who is the skinniest kid I know and survives on one cheese cube a day, has a mid-section that won’t fit into a pair of 5 slim jeans, you might want to re-evaluate your sizing methods or check your denim labor force for drug use.
We carried about twenty different pairs of jeans into the dressing room because I was so thrown off that 5 slims didn’t fit and I had no idea where to go from there. 6 regular? 5 regular? 6 slim? Why is my life so hard?
This was really our first real dressing room experience because I know my emotional limits and had an inkling that letting her in on the decision-making process might put me over the edge. The surprise was that we had a great time. Honestly, I don’t know if she’s ever reminded me more of myself than when I watched her check herself out in every pair of jeans she tried on. The only thing missing was that she never asked, “Do these make my butt look big?”
True to her mama’s form, she chose the priciest pair and I was okay with it because they are a size 6 and are a little too long which means she won’t outgrow them yesterday. As we paid for them, I informed her that she might need to wear them rolled up for a little while because they are too long.
She looked right at me and said, “You know that is never going to happen.”
God bless her, she is my clone.
And, really, she’s right. Cuffed jeans aren’t really in right now, not that I don’t resort to it on occasion since all hems aren’t created equal.
Now for the questions.
1. Shawna asks: “Ok so if by some chance I get back to Texas is it ok to wear a scarf and plain shirt with flip flops and jeans….cause I love flip flops??”
It is totally okay. In fact, when Gap isn’t busy making 5 slim jeans that are too small to fit any human in existence, they’ve made some really cute lightweight scarves for spring like this one.
I think the scarf can be a year-round accessory as long as you don’t pass out from heat stroke. Because that’s never in style.
2. Nicole asks: “I am shopping for some warm boots that I can wear in the snow, and could use some suggestions. Any suggestions?”
I can honestly say that as a Texas girl I have never in my life needed snow boots, which explains why I thought it was a good idea to wear my running shoes as my after-ski footwear when I used to “ski”. Let’s just say that Nikes aren’t really snow-proof.
My point is I’m not sure exactly what a snow boot needs to be but I’ll pretend that I do and say that I really like these boots from KEEN or maybe these.
3. Emily asks: “Your thoughts on trouser socks…I have a huge complex about them. Do you match/coordinate with your shoes, pants, or shirt? Do you wear stripes, solids, patterns?”
I believe that trouser socks should be seen and not heard.
That makes complete sense in my head.
What I’m trying to say is that they should be an accessory that just kind of blends in to your outfit and doesn’t yell out “HEY LOOK! RED POLKA DOT SOCKS!”
Because if the best part of your outfit is your socks, you need to re-evaluate what you’re wearing.
4. Another Emily asks: “Super Bowl Sunday is fast approaching, and I do not have any idea what to wear! I realize the time tested answer may be “A jersey” or “team colors”. The females of the couples that we gather with from time to time are always dressed so cute and I always feel frumpy!”
My first instinct is to tell you to wear something that won’t show stains from superfluous Buffalo Wing sauce, but you’re probably looking for something more specific.
Also, I feel the need to say that I would NEVER recommend wearing a jersey unless you are planning to take to the field. I once broke up with a guy who wore an Aggie jersey to a football game. I realize this may not bother some people, but it was a deal breaker for me and I will own that shallow, superficial part of my personality.
I’d suggest a great pair of jeans (more on that later) with a casual sweater like this one or this one with a cute pair of boots and fun earrings.
Or you could go for a v-neck sweater layered over a tank with a scarf around your neck.
Y’all know I’m a fan of the scarf because no matter who wins the game on Sunday, the scarf is the real winner.
5. A LOT of people asked: “How do you find a good pair of jeans?”
Ladies, there is no easy answer. It requires work and dedication. Remember dating and trying to find the right man to marry? Yeah, that’s a cakewalk compared to finding a pair of jeans that will make you want to pledge your undying love.
You have to kiss a lot of denim frogs to find your prince.
Will someone please embroider that on a pillow for me?
Seriously, this may be a future video blog if I can figure out how to try on jeans without showing my rear end to the internet. In the meantime, you just have to commit to trying on a million different brands until you find the ones that fit your figure. I recommend starting at a nice department store like Nordstrom because their associates can help you find a pair that is best for your figure, but don’t underestimate the power of finding high-end brands at discount stores like TJ Maxx or The Rack.
Have I ever said that a good pair of jeans can change your life? Truest statement ever.
That’s it for the question portion of this edition of Fashion Friday.
However, I have an announcement to make. Every week so many of y’all send me emails about things you’ve found on sale or a great pair of jeans or a kicky beret and I don’t have an efficient way to share all that information, so I’ve decided to start putting up a Mr. Linky at the end of every Fashion Friday post starting next week. If you have a blog, feel free to write about your latest fashion find and you can add the link to that specific post here.
I figure we’ll give it a whirl for a few weeks and see if we all benefit from more extensive fashion knowledge than whatever paltry offering I serve up.
Y’all have a great Friday.
Hi-I just read your fashion post. I love it. I have a 20 year old daughter who wears a size 0 slim petite…I believe there are exactly two pair in the universe. Seriously, can you even call 0 a size? She’s too adorable for words though and I like to tell myself I looked exactly like her when I was 20. I tell her I’m her future which I’m sure keeps her awake at night.
I’m an American living in the UK and they are all about the scarf here. It is one of the few/only items I can buy for a bargain price.
I love your writing….Cheers, Joyce
A good pair of jeans is worth any sacrifice made in other areas: food, entertainment, and even medicine.
I’m trying to get my doctor husband to write on the bottom of the prescriptions he writes: As needed, and only if patient isn’t in need of a good pair of jeans.
(He won’t comply. He doesn’t understand the healing powers of denim.)
SO I’ve decided that 2009 is the year of the scarf. You can never go wrong. They are the MOST affordable accessory and almost triple the size of your wardrobe. 2008 was the year of the hat…not as successful, but it’s all about taking chances!
Just a funny comment about jeans…..my 15 year old son is into “skinny” jeans….you know, the rocker edgy style. He totally fits the look as he has the long hair (styled, not slob style) and indeed is a musician.
Anyway…..the problem is that because he is such a rail (5’6 and barely tipping the scales at 93 pounds…..don’t worry, his doc reminds me he is still on his “growth curve”)….there are very few guy jeans on the planet to accommodate him. So we found that Pac Sun carries a girl style of stretch jeans that fit him pretty well. Size 00 slim Venice Bullhead……yes, double zero. I didn’t think that 00 was even possible. And the funniest is, they still are not tight on him.
I don’t think my upper arm could fit in the pant leg without cutting off my circulation…..but it works for him and a content teen makes for a more peaceful house.
Just thought I would pass along that tip when I was reading about how you had some problems finding jeans for your daughter…and in case anyone else had a super skinny rock and roll teenager.
Have a great weekend~
*~Michelle~*
ps. Now I am the one who needs to find a good pair of jeans….
Try http://www.zafu.com for finding jeans that fit.
You answer questions about your body type and fit preferences and they recommend brands and styles ( along with where to buy) that will work best.
It’s a good place to start.
Oh yes finding that perfect pair of jeans is unbelievably hard…I am super short and thus have no waist..however I found one pair they are awesome..
Slim jeans for kids I don’t understand, I too have one child who is tall and thin, and fitting him in jeans is crazy but the slim ones just are too small while regular too big…thankfully jeans now have thos elastic bands and buttons that help them from falling off.
this is my first fashion friday and I love it!
Fashion Friday is a GREAT idea. What great tips. You’re quite the fashionista ?
Great job, big mama!
As I am in the leagues of those without, “Look at me, can you even believe how great I look?” jeans, I am off to explore Traci’s linky to zafu….(thank you, Traci!)
And never fear, I will find jeans that’ll make Mama cry with pride.
Wish me luck…..
“Because if the best part of your outfit is your socks, you need to re-evaluate what you’re wearing.”
LOL!
Someone needs to embroider that on a pillow too!
Awesome blog, love your Fashion Fridays! Wanted to let you know that Old Navy (aka cheaper Gap) has the exacy same scarves almost for half the price. They are really cute!
Fellow Texan,
Summer
I think this might be my most favorite Fashion Friday yet. Between Caroline and kissing the denim frogs, I can’t stop grinning.
My 8-year-old is a jeans nightmare. Every 60th pair of 10 slims fits her. My 6-year-old has a boatload of jeans–all her sister’s rejects fit her perfectly. Everything fits her perfectly.
And I’ve GOT to find a life-changing pair of jeans for myself. I think I’m finally ready.
Ross is a great place to find High-end clothing at a discount too! LOVE that place!!!
Many a denim frog I have kissed. Now, I would just like to add that you can go to Nordstrom, try on a bunch of pairs, figure out which works best, then set out to TJ or the Rack to find that pair for a bargain.
Are you on facebook? I ask because Lucky magazine has a facebook widget that is revolutionizing my life. It’s in my bookmark bar at the top of my internet. When I’m online shopping and find something I like, I just click the widget, and it’s saved to my Lucky Wish List. It’s even saved on my Facebook profile so friends can peruse it, and I now have high hopes for my birthday in a few months. Not to mention, everything I like from however many different websites is saved in ONE PLACE. Just search for “Lucky Wish List” and add the application. Seriously.
I totally remember those days of shopping for jeans that never fit my children. Fortunately, until they were in about 4th of 5th grade, leggins were popular with little girls, and my twin girls had them in every shade and color imaginable. After that I had to special order them from Levis. My son now has the same problem (he’s 5’8″ and maybe 110lbs). They definitely don’t take after me!
I love the snow boots that you picked out I live in upstate New York and have some LL Bean boots but they are not in any way shape or form fashionable! I’ll have to save up to buy one of the pairs that you suggested, I love them both! I just spent 45 minutes trying to get the two inches of ice off of my driveway and oh by the way Prestone Driveway Heat pellets are not all that they are cracked up to be.
Oh, the jeans issue. I wish I could figure that out!
I wrote about it here: http://ranclan3.blogspot.com/2008/12/jeans-issue.html
I’m laughing at your breaking up with jersey-wearing guy! I totally dumped a guy in the 90s for wearing black high-top Reeboks.
Ok Big Mama –
Parts of this post were very informative. However parts I must refuse to follow.
I’m 5’3″ and I will be cuffing some of my jeans until I get a sewing machine and learn how to use it. Because as you said, finding jeans that fit in the waist, butt, leg is soooo hard. I don’t want to even think about adding length into that equation. So I may look a little out of style, but if my husband thinks my butt looks good I’m ok with that.
Aaaaand that husband got me this really cute PINK Polomalu jersey for Christmas that I so will be wearing on Sunday. Tho I have this great black grey and yellow dress I’ll be wearing to church. How cheesy is that?
I wish I could have been in the next dressing room to listen to you guys. You and Caroline sound like you’d be histerical together.
For Nicole, a GREAT company for winter boots is La Canadienne. They have sleek, weatherproof styles and you can find them on sale.
As for finding a perfect pair of jeans, I’ve determined that for me it might just be easier to have a body transplant
I’m glad you and Caroline had such a tender time in the Gap dressing room.
In response to #2, I live in Colorado and I love my Keen Salem Boots (http://www.rei.com/product/758787). I’ve worn them for 2 winter/fall seasons and they go great with jeans or cords. Pair them with some thick hiking socks like Thorlos and your feet will be toasty warm without the snowman look going on.
Another comment about jeans… if you find the very best pair, and you love it, and consider buying more than one, even if it’s the same style, fit, size, brand, wash… try them all on. They may be equal in name, but I have fallen into that trap many a time.
About the year-round scarf. Last summer I was in Chicago in JULY and a girl on Michigan Avenue had a scarf wrapped around her neck like it was January. She looked very stylish in her skinny jeans, boots, blouse and scarf. Go for it!
Your Caroline sounds a lot like my Tyler! Ty is a skinny minnie and is currently sporting 5 slims from Old Navy, but they are getting a little snug — and I am just not sure how with her teeny little waist!
I agree with you 100% — jersies should never be worn by anyone except for the players on the team! Yuck…
I’m loving the whole scarf thing and your video blog was very helpful. However, I have a follow up question on scarf tying.
What do I do with a 2 ft square scarf? I have a GOR-GEOUS Chinese silk scarf that a friend brought me back from her trip home, but I hardly ever wear it since I have no idea how to tie it. Suggestions?
The Circo brand at Target is the best I have found for skinny tummied kids with long legs. They are great. And cheap. (and you can’t tell about the cheap part!)
My second fav. is from Children’s Place. They have the little adjustable tabs inside and come in a cute boot cut.
i’ve come across your blog from angie’s “bring the rain” and love your humor! in fact, i saw my 17-year-old sister last weekend and she had a scarf tied really well and cute. funny thing is, i instantly knew how she learned to tie it…she watched your video on angie’s blog like i did! (i have angie’s linked to mine) we both busted out with laughter over the fact that we had new fashion knowledge from a blog…your blog!
also, my husband and i are moving to texas this summer (he is also an aggie grad)…any advice?!
It’s a tough decision! They all three look really interesting. If I had to choose one, though, I would choose “From Blushing Bride to Wedded Wife.”
“My first instinct is to tell you to wear something that won’t show stains from superfluous Buffalo Wing sauce” – oh, you’re funny!
For the faithful Big Mama readers in the Denver, CO area…I will help you shop for the perfect pair of jeans!
http://savvyshopperfriend.blogspot.com/
Dealing with the same thing in little girl jeans at our house too. That one of my children actually fits into something witht he word “slim” on the tag is mind boggling to me. Then there’s the 2 1/2 year old with impossibly long legs…2s don’t fit at all, 3s are bordering on too short and slide off her (diapered!) tush and 4s are way too big but long enough. Sigh…. She’s getting good at fastening her little belt!
The other day I was in the Christian bookstore and I thought of you…there’s a new book out called, I kid you not – “All I Need is Jesus and a Good Pair of Jeans”. That made me giggle and think of you right away.
I have a God-daughter who is impossible to fit for jeans. She’s tall and skinny – age 6. I strongly recommend trying Target or Old Navy kid jeans – they have the adjustable waistbands – so you can go up a size for length and still adjust in the waist – Addison could easily still wear a size 5 in the waist – but not length – but at Old Navy & Target they carry 6 slims and I can still tighten up the waist!
It may not be here yet, but get ready for many years of sitting in the Gap dressing room “Mama chair” and watching your daughter’s feet as she tries on outfit after outfit after outfit and your eyes glaze over or you turn into the gofer, scurrying around getting this size and that style and trying not to hyperventilate when the pants are too tight, the shirts too low, and the skirts too short. I miss it terribly.
You must be so proud taht Caroline has claimed her fashion inheritance. This post made me LAUGH!
Okay, it would not be right for me to move on without personally thanking you for that link to Sam Moon. They have some seriously cute jewelry for SO cheap!! Oh ya…stocking up NOW!
Thank you, thank you!!!
I totally agree about finding the right pair of jeans. I am a stay at home mom and I live in jeans. Right now Joe’s are my favorite. Do you know about the sites.. gilt.com, ruelala.com or hautelook.com? They do sample sales from high end designers (everything from sun glasses to perfume to childrens, men and women’s clothing.) If someone finds a pair of jeans they love and does’t have the $200 to shell out on them. If they wait, they will probably show up on one of these sites. It is awesome. You can put my e-mail address as a referral – nacarrozza@aol.com. Rue La La is by invitation only, so e-mail me if you want to join. These websites will change your life.. (well, in the scheme of eternity… not really).
Hmmm, yes, the never-ending quest for the perfect jeans. It is unfortunate that Wranglers seem to be the only jeans that fit me well. Because I don’t always want to look like the rodeo mom that I am – sometimes I want to look a little hip and edgy. (grin) So when I found a cute pair of hip jeans from Marshalls I snatched them up for a mere $16.99. I absolutely loved those jeans and decided I should look for another pair. I innocently Googled “Seven” jeans and what did I find? My $16.99 Marshalls score was actually retailed at up to $200.00. Dern, I guess it’s back to Marshalls or back to the Wranglers!
You are such a gifted writer! What a hoot!
LOVE your blog….so glad to be a daily reader now
Old Navy has their cashmere on sale for just under $20. The sweaters were originally just under $80. They have crew necks, zip-up hoodies, and something turtleneckish. Basic colors and a few vibrant colors. I just picked up a mandarin orange color and it just puts some spring in my step!
I think..ok know I’m pretty sure I HAVE to have both scarves you linked to..in every color they’re available in. I’m addicted to scarves. Yes, I need help.
Your blog is so much fun!
So how’s the weather in your part of TX [[i'm not sure where that is]]? It’s finally warming up here in the metroplex.
Have a great weekend!
Going to http://www.zafu.com/ will make your jean-finding journey MUCH easier.
LOVE the scarf. I am soooo into scarves right now, thanks for the tip. Oh, and who does wear those tiny gap jeans?????
Kissing denim frogs! That’s wonderful! Ha! Melanie, I am glad you had a wonderful time with Caroline. So glad!
For Nicole and the snow boots: Check out Coldwater Creek, too. They have a wonderful line of warm weather boots and clothing. You may need to still use some water proof spray on the boots to seal in their lovely leather look.
About the time I finally figure out the jeans that fit me best, they change their sizing parameters. Makes.Me.Crazy.
I have to say this. I love reading Fashion Fridays. Although I worked in retail for 17 years I have been in a medical office for going on 3 now and I feel like every bit of fashion since I might have once had is completely gone. I don’t get much chance to dress in anything other than scrubs except for church but just reading about it is fun.
What a relief! I thought I was the only one who noticed that GAP stopped making pants for anyone with legs wider than a length of PVC pipe. Something’s wrong with a store when you’re a 5’8″ person who wears an 8-10 sized jean and just walking inside makes you feel like Carnie Wilson.
Little daughters in dressing room mirrors. Totally hilarious!
You are not kidding about the Gap Skinny Jeans. My Son is a bean pole and they are too tight on him.
or actually, it was slim jeans. Skinny jean are a whole other thing that really, I don’t get.
Well I am a Texas native and in Ms. now but you you what they say about Texas women. I have never had any reason to look at a tag with skinny written on it. HA! I have a couple that are my favs. and thats what I stick too. My daughter has always been full figured also and soo hard to fit. She is 17 now so she would die if mama tried to pick out anything….
Wait till then. But the shopping is still fun with her.
This made me laugh because my daughter is wearing her 5 slim Gap jeans today. She is 5 years old and weighs 35 pounds. They are to first jeans I’ve found that don’t slide down all the time…I love them! So now you know who wears them!
I have a question for you. What kind of tops is one supposed to wear with a scarf? I have this really cute pink scarf that I LOVE LOVE LOVE but I have no clue what to wear it with. Am I supposed to wear sweaters with it? Or can I wear t-shirts with a scarf? I need some BigMama fashion guidance.
Maybe you can have a stand-in rear end. You do the talking and pointing to someone’s bootay of what to do or not to do.
OK, I need a little girl. Shopping with little boys is no fun.
Anyways, the Internet is dying to see your rear end. I know I’m looking forward to the video, I could use some help in the jeans department. It seems that they fit fine until I wash them and then either the hem line does something weird or the waist band drops three inches.
Yikes, $160 for boots and $90 for a sweater that won’t be in style next year???
Loved the visual (and would have LOVED the audio) of you and Caroline working it out in the Gap dressing room. I just know the bond you share was plunged even deeper by the denim discussions you shared.
I have a similar jeans ordeal with my 5 year old. She is tall and skinny and my favorite jeans for her are at Osh-Kosh – cheap, cute and fit well. The 6 slims fit her perfectly and the length is great too. My younger daughter does well in them too, but they don’t have adjustable waist until size 4.
thanks for your great posts. i first started reading your blog when you did the scarf video—-loved it. thanks so much. if anyone shops at plato’s closet, they are advertising a $10 fill your bag sale. i don’t know if it’s all locations or just dallas area. have a great weekend!!
If you find jeans that fit your daughter PLEASE let me know. My skinny minny 5 year old can’t keep a pair of jeans up. She has no hips, no bum (didn’t take after her Mama there) and and I can’t find a single pair of pants that will stay up. Yes she is that girl in Kindy who always has a lil crack showing. I can’t even find sweats or leggings that will stay up. Poor girl is too tall and too skinny. What’s a Mom to do? Maybe it’s time for a Kindy Fashion Friday!
Big Mama, you are soooo cool!
Can you please come to Alabama and go shopping with me? Pleeeeaaase???
Up here in the snow and ice stricken Midwest – Uggs are the only snow boots to have. Once treated – they are worn all year. YES – ALL YEAR. The sheep skin wisks moisture in the winter and the summer.
Google Overland Sheepskin Company – they have all the Uggs a person could want and then some!
~Kate
Fun read.
I really enjoy your site… and your insight.
Big mama, If you give me 3 months I will volunteer to be your jean shopping model…I just had babe #3 in Dec. I am currently down to 10 pounds below pre preg weight. I just got a Wii Fit and I am really working on my weight for the first time in like ever….I want to be able to pick some jeans that will knock hubbys socks off as he hasnt ever seen me smaller than a size 14-16 and I am almost back down to those now.
Steff
I am SO embroidering that on a pillow for you.
I love reading the interaction between you and Caroline. Seriously, almost every day you make me laugh.
I second the UGG boot!!! They last FOREVER… well I have had mine for 18 years and I still wear them all winter!!!
You are too cute!! The thought of jeans right now is not good, as it has been a HOT week here in Melb, Australia – 43 degrees C, 3 days running…so I have had to resort to the jean skirt (but not too short!!) I LOVE denim
Someone already recommended zafu.com and that is a great site to get a jean fit for your body type.
My high school girls do cuff their skinny jeans – they are tiny and look so cute! Would not work for me tho!
The scarf is the real winner….LOL
I have literally not worn a pair of jeans in about 6 years. I am horrified to even attempt to shop for a pair. The last time I shopped (6 years ago)…. it depressed me beyond words and scarred me for life. I’m so afraid.
Try target for girls jeans. We have a hard time finding ones for my 5 yr olds as well and I really like the circo regular fit ones. They have an adjustable waist to make them slim and they seem to fit better than the slim. Also, what is up with “low rise” jeans for 5 yr olds. We just got my daughter jeans because we were tired of looking at her butt crack – of course you can buy tinkerbell low rise panties in her size as well. It was so much easier when she was a toddler and all pants were elastic waist bands!!
Love all the advice. I was debating on getting another scarf this weekend and you just sold me. Thanks!
Hello!
I just went scarf shopping for the first time! I’m excited to wear my new pink or green scarf with a black tee and jeans!
LOL about the “video blog” of trying on jeans! I agree that one’s rear end should not be shown on the internet.
I had a pair of jeans that changed my life. Well, three. SMACS or maybe SMACKS in the third grade. Guess jean overalls for $80 for which I saved my babysitting money; I finally told my mom she could give them away about 5-6 years ago- I’m 35- it was just the principle of it. And some Levi’s. I was recently forced to throw them out because of holes in the knee (and the style is now out), but thankfully they lasted long enough so I could tell I had gotten baby #3 weight off.
I totally agree with you on the jersey thing. It’s cute on children but not grownups unless they are on the team! Serious pet peeve of mine. And I see grown men wearing Cowboys jerseys around here all the time. It looks ridiculous!
Oh Melanie. Great post. And great idea for adding fashion suggestion links. I, too, blogged about the perfect pair of jeans I found — at the Buckle. Wahoo!
I normally wouldn’t comment this late in the game but I had to add my 2 cents on kids jeans. Be thankful Caroline is a girl and can wear capris. Trying to fit the skinniest boy on the planet is no easy task. Neither is trying to fit his brother that is HUGE but not quite husky, (which is not husky anymore. Most manufacturers should just call it fat. I have fat pants; why not the kids? Oops, so off topic.), and anything that fits is 4 sizes too long.
We are single-handedly bringing back the cuff, my friend.
If you find a pair of jeans you love and they’re just not right in the length (depending on the leg style) or waist – a good alteration will make them fit right and feel great.
It’s worth the money.
You are the first blogger that made me laugh out loud in the annoying way that my Dad does when he’s reading a book in the middle of a room full of people…you know a totally boisterous, “Hardy Har Har”, to which the room full of people stop and look up, and my father ignores them and continues reading. So I had to say thanks!
I just want you to know that I read your blog for the humor…don’t get me wrong…you have some good tips sister…but you’re hilarious!
This:
You have to kiss a lot of denim frogs to find your prince.
Will someone please embroider that on a pillow for me?
is what made me laugh like I haven’t laughed in a long time. And if you ever get that pillow made…order an extra one and send it to me…please!