Caroline had class pictures at school on Thursday so I felt like we should up our wardrobe game for posterity’s sake. I had mistakenly thought we’d decided on an outfit a few days ago, but she informed me at 7:35 a.m. that she didn’t want to wear that particular outfit. I find that to be a confusing set of circumstances because she pledged her undying love and devotion to the aforementioned outfit when I brought it home from the Gap a month ago and asked her if she liked it. Apparently she is suffering from fashion schizophrenia.
There is nothing quite as enjoyable as a last minute scramble to get ready, so I was understandably totally relaxed and calm as I pulled out the rest of her fall clothing to find something suitable for her to wear in the picture. I laid four pretty outfits on the bed for her to choose from and she responded by wailing “WHY DON’T I HAVE ANY BEAUTIFUL DRESSES TO WEAR?”
“You do. They are right here on your bed.”
“NO. I MEAN BEAUTIFUL DRESSES.”
And by beautiful she means the six sundresses that she refused to wear all summer long in spite of the many bribes I offered in exchange for her agreement to wear just one of them. JUST ONE. FOR MAMA. PLEASE.
But, oh no, she didn’t want to wear them during the summer because she was saving them for school picture day in October on a morning when a pretty significant cold front had blown through the area.
She finally deemed one of the outfits I’d selected as worthy to be worn, but only because I threatened that I was about to make the final decision if she didn’t make a choice. Basically, the morning served as a catalyst for a new rule, if I buy it and you tell me you like it, then you’re wearing it whether you want to or not. Choose carefully because once it’s in your closet, it’s yours for better or worse.
As a bonus, think how well that rule will serve her once she’s married.
Be careful what you put in your closet, ladies. You can’t just cart him off to Goodwill when he begins to show a little wear.
You will probably notice that I’m just listing ten things again this week. I’ve decided that, at least for now, this format works better than trying to answer individual questions. It’s just too hard to pick and choose, plus so many of them are so specific and I get totally stressed out and might as well be trying to make one of Christopher Columbus’s ships out of thin air.
So I’m going with a list of ten things indefinitely. Of course it won’t always be ten things. Some weeks it may just be five or six things. Some weeks it might include some beauty products. There’s just no telling because I am flying by the seat of my pants and making it up as I go along.
1. Denim skirt
I have been on a quest to find the perfect denim skirt for many a year, only to find myself disappointed time and time again. However, I saw this one at Gap yesterday and knew immediately that we were meant to be together forever. It’s the perfect length, the perfect wash, the perfect fit. Plus it had a cute cousin skirt in a darling plaid material, perfect for pairing with a denim jacket, tights and tall boots.
It called out to me from the rack and I said, “Shut up, denim skirt. Just shut up. You had me at hello.”
I’m a huge fan of the plaid shirt this season. In fact, I have always loved a good plaid shirt even when they weren’t cool anymore. Which is why I bought an old plaid flannel shirt of Gulley’s from a garage sale she had a few years ago. She’d totally forgotten about it until I reminded her the other day and then she was more astonished by the fact that she actually charged me $2.00 for the shirt than at my fashion foresight in knowing that $2.00 was a DEAL for a shirt that I’d be able to pair with skinny jeans and boots three years later.
I think a plaid shirt looks especially cute this season when paired with a tank or tee underneath and with a coordinating scarf wrapped around your neck for a little extra flair.
Unless you don’t like talking about your flair.
I don’t know where I’d wear this dress but I think it is totally and completely adorable. Love the ruffles, love the jersey, love the whole look. Adorable.
4. Maternity pleated ruffle jacket
See? This is how rumors get started and grandparents get excited.
I am not pregnant. I repeat, I am not pregnant. But I saw this jacket at Target the other day and nearly grabbed it to try it on before I realized it was maternity. And then I still thought about trying it on, but that would be a little thing I call tempting fate.
But it is just so cute and would be the perfect piece for any maternity wardrobe because you could dress it up or down depending on the occasion.
5. Patron party coat
How cute is this coat with it’s three quartered sleeves and button detail? It would look adorable paired with some black leggings and boots or even with some jeans.
You could even add a fun scarf for a little pop of color.
I have a thing for jackets. My closet is full of them even though I live in South Texas and I rarely get to wear them. I can’t help myself.
6. Leggings
Okay, I know this is boring because it’s just a pair of leggings. But it’s a pair of leggings for only $10.00. And they are comfortable and well made and not so thin that your legs show through them when you sit down.
What more could you ask for in a pair of leggings? Other than maybe control top and built in Spanx material?
7. Faux leather jacket with ruffle
I realize a faux leather jacket doesn’t sound all that great, but this one is really cute AND it has a ruffle. How can you turn away from a jacket that has a ruffle, yet all the toughness required to be part of a motorcycle gang?
Actually, I feel fairly certain Harley Davidson would turn over in his grave at the thought of a motorcycle jacket with a ruffle, but let’s pretend otherwise because LOOK! A RUFFLE! ON A LEATHER JACKET!
Even P just looked at this and said, “Cool”. And with some jeans and boots, it totally would be.
9. Ruffled open front cardigan
I told Gulley the other day that I cannot escape the ruffled front cardigan. It has stolen my heart because I am a fan of the sweater in any form, but especially when it’s extra comfortable and looks stylish to boot.
I’m not sure how I feel about these boots being gray since I haven’t seen them in person. But I love the style and the look. Plus, they’re only $39.99 which is a total steal for a great pair of boots.
And there you have it. Ten things.
I can’t commit to coming up with ten things every week because it’s a lot of work. Not to mention that Thursday is an unusually busy T.V. night and I hate to get behind on my T.V. Although I think I’m about ready to quit Grey’s Anatomy. There was a day that I would stay up until all hours to watch it and now I can hardly be bothered. I’m not sure what went wrong, but I think it all went wrong for me somewhere around the whole Private Practice spin-off nonsense.
I realize that without the concept of the spin-off we never would have had the television greatness that was The Jeffersons, but Addison Montgomery isn’t Weezie Jefferson. Or even Mr. Bentley for that matter.
Here’s an idea. Why don’t I go take some more cold medicine and quit typing?
Y’all have a great Friday.
Here’s to movin’ on up.