So, before I even get started with this week’s Fashion Friday, I need to say thank you for all your coffee table support. It’s nice to know that most of you have very similar coffee table issues. I have long suffered from coffee table insecurity and am comforted to know I’m not the only one who uses it as some sort of catch-all for candy and remote controls.
March 2 is Texas Independence Day and Caroline’s school had Rodeo Day yesterday to celebrate the occasion. I signed up to volunteer for the festivities because I had some vague notion that it might be like all the Texas Independence Day celebrations I went to in college. A case of Lone Star Light, some lawn chairs, Robert Earl Keen blaring over someone’s stereo and, if we were really feeling festive, a bucket of fried chicken.
Apparently, that’s not how Kindergartners roll. I ended up being the DJ for the dancing portion of the festivities, which basically involved constantly pressing rewind and play on a tape called “The Wagon Trail”. But because I like to shake things up, we also did the Chicken Dance. I feel that it embodies everything that those men fought and died for at the Alamo.
Anyway, yesterday morning I was pulling out Caroline’s Western apparel for her to wear to school and realized her Wrangler shirt was terribly wrinkled. I tried to ignore it, but I knew I needed to pull out the iron. So I dragged out the ironing board and began ironing the shirt into some semblance of respectability.
About that time, Caroline walked into the kitchen and saw me ironing in the laundry room. She cocked her head to the side as if she had stumbled upon a freak show and said, “What are you doing, Mama?”
“I’m ironing.”
“Oh. Hey! I saw somebody do that on T.V. one time.”
What can I say? I am a firm believer in dry-cleaning. Or wrinkled clothes.
Now for the questions.
1. Melissa asks: “I’m flying to LA this weekend to see a guy I went to high school with and recently reconnected with on Facebook. So I need ‘don’t I look fabulous and wouldn’t it make a great chick flick if we fell in love because of Facebook’ outfits for the trip. Seeing as I’m not 25 or a former DCC I’d like to avoid the scarf and tank top combo a la The Bachelor..any great looks for me?”
Melissa, I don’t even know if I have any great fashion advice to offer you, but I am so fascinated by the whole possibility of a Facebook romance that I’m a little bit giddy. Facebook is a wonder. How did we ever live before we could look up the boy that was mean to us in third grade and rest in the knowledge that he is now totally bald?
Hypothetically speaking.
I think the key is to go cute and casual. Maybe a cute printed trench or a cotton blazer with a pair of jeans for the plane ride.
Depending on your plans for the rest of the weekend, you could put together an outfit like this one (love the statement necklace) or maybe something like this if you’re feeling brave.
And you can never go wrong with a versatile dress that you could dress up or down.
Most importantly, I am going to need a full report on the weekend and whether or not your life will eventually be the subject of the feel-good movie of the year. I know you don’t know me, but I am incredibly nosy.
Hence, my love of Facebook.
2. Angie asks: “My brother got me a $50 gift card to Old Navy for my birthday. If you had $50 to spend there what would you buy for your spring wardrobe?
Too bad I can’t buy a brother because I could seriously use a $50.00 hookup to Old Navy.
But enough about me.
If I had a $50.00 gift certificate to Old Navy, the first thing I’d do is wait for about another month before you buy anything. The upside of these horrible economic times is that they are going to have to drastically reduce prices to move merchandise. Not to mention the fact that you should never pay $26.50 for an item of clothing you buy in a store that has shopping carts.
That being said, I love this skirt and it comes in various colors and patterns. I also really like this tunicswimsuit coverup. These short-sleeve henleys or ruffled front cardigans would go great with jeans, shorts or skirts all summer long.
And if I had any money left over, I’d buy two pairs of flip-flops because if you buy two, they’re only $2.50 a pair.
$2.50 for flip-flops?
Is this 1974?
That’s all the questions for today. I was hoping to answer more questions, but I’ve stayed up way too late every night this week catching up on all the DVRed television that isn’t going to watch itself and I am exhausted. Not to mention that our Spring Break officially starts tomorrow and I’m going to need all the energy I can muster to serve as Caroline’s cruise director for the next ten days with no Kindergarten.
So, in fashion terms, that means it’s time to put on my big girl pants.
I’m putting up Mr. Linky if you have any fashion tips you want to share or feel free to leave them in the comments.
Y’all have a great Friday!
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dear julie (the love boat) –
some fridays, the only good thing about
sleeplessness is checking out f.f.
this early.
thanks for the humor — just what we all need to start our day! and remember, it’s your spring break too — so grab some lone star light (or capri sun) and
some sun-in (name of hair bleaching spray, please) and you and caroline have a blast!
Goodness, it’s been forever since I thought of Sun-In! I can remember the smell just thinking about it.
Now why in the world can I not find Old Navy items as cute as the ones you’ve linked to? I am an avid ON shopper, but I can never find anything I want on their online page, much less something that I want that is in the color I want, in my size, AND in stock! Both the skirt and the cute ruffled front cardigan are now in my virtual shopping cart. FF success!
I have 2 words for you – Wrinkle Releaser. You spray it on, smooth it out and you’re good to go. No more ironing required.
Blessings – Lisa
“You should never pay $26.50 for an item of clothing you buy in a store that has shopping carts”
you are so right… I do, however love the cheapo flip flops! They would move a lot more items @ 2/$5!
So I actually went shopping in Old Navy yesterday and can I just say that their “perfect khakis” aren’t really that perfect?
However, I do love the voile skirts and purchased one (for $26.50, yes, I did it) in the purple color block pattern. It has a stretchy waist (LOVE IT) and is flowy and fun. It may be worth the $26.50, honestly.
I just helped out with my kindergartener’s class trip to the livestock show and rodeo and was so glad I opted with comfort footwear over rodeo fashion footwear! The mothers that wore their cowboy boots and then had to chase, and I mean literally chase for some of them, those kids around for 4 hours, well, their feet were hurting just a little bit by the bus ride home! The wrong fashion decision can make or break your entire day!!
First off, as a transplanted Texan in Hoosierville, I was so happy to read about your Texas Independence Day celebration. “Texas, Our Texas! all hail the mighty State! Texas, Our Texas! so wonderful so great!” (I mean, really, Texas has such a great state song, much better than: “‘Round my Indiana homesteads wave the cornfields,…”) Anywho, thanks so much for your Fashion Friday editions. Now I know what to do with some of our tax refund! Old Navy, here I come!!!
“Caroline’s Cruise Director”. Classic.
I forgot to mention in the pod-cast comment that my fella is just like P with watching any TV or movie that involves a gun. “That’s not accurate” or “It’s World War II, and they’re using a gun that was developed AFTER WWII”. I’m with you–annoying. : )
So I just put two of those Old Navy henleys into my virtual shopping cart. Now what to go with them? Capris? Haha.
And I just realized I’ve had your blog open on my computer since last night. Um. Stalker much?
Enjoy your warm weekend! We’re supposed to be getting a hint of spring up here in the frozen tundra. FINALLY!
You had me laughing out loud this morning!
Thanks! I needed that!
Marilyn
Oh my stars, Melissa!! I hope she’s sharing the update, because this could be like our own reality tv. I too am fascinated. It could be a bachelorette episode.
I gave up buying clothes and things for lent, and can only comfort myself with the fact that buy the time I can shop again the entire retail world will be on clearance.
Oh. That, and Jesus loves me.
You never cease to make me laugh. Love your fashion advice
)
If this was 1974 we would be calling those, $2.50 flip-flops, thongs!
Wow! Facebook romance, rodeo advice, AND flipflops for $2.50.. all in one post! THAT’S a bargain, my friend. Have fun on spring break.. I feel sure it will provide much bloggy fodder….
I am totally interested in the Facebook romance! I also have to say I love the new linky links. I don’t let myself look until the weekends when all my bloggers are taking their well deserved breaks. It has given me something to do besides look at foodgawker. THAT was leading me down a bad chocolate baking and indulging excursion every weekend.
Is it sad that my daughter knows that in order to get the wrinkles out, we throw everything in the dryer? Or that my son walked by the ironing board the other day that had been in my room for a week and asked me, “What is that?” and proceded to use it as monkey bars?
Ok if Melissa reports back to you could you report back to us? Because that sounds like a great adventure. Seriously, what DID we do before Facebook? And to think I rejected it for so long…
And the other day I was cleaning the mirror in the bathroom when my 3.5 year old walked in and said, “Are you cleaning? Are we getting a visitor today?”
I guess I should clean more often on days when we aren’t having company drop by.
Chicken dance…fried chicken…it’s all the same.
Texas Independence Day, Lone Star and Robert Earl Keen–all in the same post where you help ME out! I don’t know what’s going to happen in LA, but you’ve certainly just gotten my weekend off to a great start!
So I love your suggestions. And apparently have a little shopping to do today. Y’all are so nice to want to know how it goes–I promise to leave an update!!
If it makes you feel any better, we moved a year ago and I still haven’t found my iron. I thought I should at least buy a new one when my husband started wearing suits to work every day, but he won’t let me touch his shirts even if they come from the dry cleaner’s with a wrinkle. I’ve told him, “But I ironed my father’s shirts! And he was in the Air Force! So they HAD to look good!” But still no love. I’m so conflicted – I don’t know if I should feel relieved or insulted.
Ironing is over-rated.
The trick to clothing in Los Angeles is always, always layers. The temperature changes throughout the day here, all year long. Even in the summer it’s hot in the day and cooler at night. Right now the highs are supposed to be in the mid to upper 60s, with lows in the 40s. Fortunately for Melissa, it’s not supposed to be rainy this weekend–although that’s less fortunate for Los Angeles.
Somethings wrong with the links or you just suggested that this poor girl wear a long sleeve shirt and undies to meet her facebook love!
Alright, I agree, 2/$5 flip-flops are pretty fantastic.
HOWEVER, I currently have a MAJOR bone to pick with Old Navy over their new ad campaign (Supermodelquins). Last Saturday my husband and I stopped in an Old Navy where they were serving ‘mocktails’ as part of a promotional event. Even worse, they were luring people in with children’s candy. I felt this was totally inappropriate for a self-proclaimed family store. You can read the whole story on my blog (#10 on Mr. Linky).
ohhh… I’m a big fan of Old Navy because you can stretch that $50 bucks pretty far. Granted it’s not the greatest quality, but if you’re looking for something trendy and cute, it’s perfect!
I am also nosy and would love an update on Melissa’s weekend. I also need pictures of the outfits that she went with. Thanks! Have a good weekend.
Melanie!
Thank you soooo much again!
Melissa,
I’m about too giddy for my own good. Please please report back on your FB weekend. Love my facebook. Is that sad?
Will be thinking of you!!
Lori
I must admit, I am addicted to both Facebook and Old Navy. My son refuses to wear anything but Old Navy pants and socks, and outgrows them long before they are worn out!
You can check out my little fashionistas on my blog The Crab Chronicles, linked under Dee on the linky thingy because I am Ms. N. Ept.
I love Carolines comment about the ironing. I do that more now than I ever have for some stupid reason.
I just recently got on facebook I will have to look you up. I have a picture of me and my son on mine and you need to see him. (I am not a proud momma)
When my daughter was 10 (30 years ago) I was cleaning out our linen closet and she said “what is that?” I explained it was an iron….an old iron with settings of cotton, wool and silk I think…..anyway for her 11th birthday she asked for a STEAM IRON!!!! and that child (adult now) has ironed everyday since….jeans….tops…you name it…it gets ironed….I guess I didn’t get that gene.
Love fashion Friday! You are just like Nester – you remind to “shop the closet.” I have a black tunic top kinda like the one you featured. I am trotting that out tonight and wearing my own famous trouser jeans and I’ll look and feel fab!
I must say I adore the skirt you linked from Old Navy. However, I would like to share with Angie that if she is 5’3″ or shorter and has a butt at all, this is one of those skirts that moves in total opposition with your body giving that ring-the-bell effect.
Can you guess how I know this?
I hope to goodness I’m not the only person who understands what I just said.
Love Old Navy! I agree give all the stores a couple of weeks to mark all that cute spring stuff down!
At our house there is a wonderful little notch on our dryer marked “tumble press” that’s our version of ironing in the OC – turn, toss in and hit the button, 20 minutes later… well, less wrinkled is at least achieved… that’s how we roll.
What kind of G-rated Texas Independence Day party would NOT include the chicken dance?! Seriously, it’s an icon. I’m sure that Santa Anna was distracted by the Texans doing the chicken dance rather than the Yellow Rose.
Downy Wrinkle Releaser – the best thing ever invented – spray it on, smooth it out, give it a shake and presto – no wrinkles!! Love it!!!
I just have to say that Melissa had better have a guest post set up for after that trip…
When I first starting reading your blog entry I thought someone was playing a cruel joke on me. My name is Melissa and I am going to LA NEXT week to meet up with an old boyfriend who I found through facebook!!! Though I am not hoping to create my own chick flick (I am happily married with two children) I just find it VERY ODD that someone else with my name is doing the exact same thing I am doing…what are the chances?!
For the record, I’m not going out there just to see him…I have to fetch my car from the port in Long Beach which is being ferried across the ocean from Hawai’i. But, I have done some shopping to make sure I look my best! We haven’t seen each other in over 15years! I do hope there is an update from this “other” Melissa!
I somehow missed yesterday’s coffe table lament post so after I read that hilarity and caught my breath, I was able catch up with FF. Yes, Melissa needs to tell us if her weekend will be Nora Ephron’s latest contribution to cinematic history. Facebook is a wonder of our age!
And I’m with Lisa on the whole Downy Wrinkle Release suggestion. It actually does work and to top it all off, it smells “yummy” according to my nearly 5 year old. I can get her to wear practically anything if I’ve sprayed it with “yummy smelling spray” first. And it really helps when ironing little girl (or big girl) ruffles.
I hardly ever iron either- like probably once a year if my hubby has to speak somewhere & needs a tie or shirt ironed. I just throw everything in the dryer.
Haha, that’s funny about Caroline’s party. You probably had a flashback of when you were in college celebrating Texas Independence day…and laughed a little.
I need a $50 gift card to Old Navy too.
Not too long ago the kids came home from school, and I was ironing. My seven year old looked at the iron and ASKED ME WHAT IT WAS. He had never *seen* one before.
Seriously, if I am having a bad day, i come to your blog for a good laugh! You are freakin hilarious. ON a different note, why did you have to go to the trouble to put up links where we can see what you are talking about? I love that skirt from Old Navy, now I wanna buy it! I am trying not spend money here! but I guess I will do my part to help the economy!
Thanks for sharing!!!
Hi Melanie,
Just left my link. It’s not like your traditional fashion friday posts, but I thought it fit in with the theme:) As always, thanks for the tips. I must say buyer beware with regard to the old navy flip flops. I had more than one near death experience while wearing them last summer. According to my husband, it was user error.
I think I just “Linky-ed” instead of commenting. Hmmmm. Hope the Linky doesn’t mean I’m volunteering for something!!! Love the painting the house comments . . . and the coffee table too. Join the rest of the world…who keeps “Coffee” on the coffee table??? Naw! We all use them for junk except those special people who are waiting for GoodHousewives Magazine to come take pictures. Who has time for that? We real women are busy using our college degrees painting the house — or looking up fashion advice on the internet!!!
Melanie,
I think we are soul sisters! I too am an Aggie, class of ’03. Tried and true Texas girl, have BFF’s that talk and joke just like you, and enjoy every one of your posts. Thank you for entertaining me daily!
XOXO,
Tiffany
Hello, I’m new to your site. Very nice.
I recently bought a printed blue version of the skirt you linked in #2 and I love it.
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