I don’t know that I went into one single store this week unless you count the four trips I’ve made to HEB. It has rained and rained for days. And I have mentioned the rain?
I’ve spent most of my time trying to avoid leaving the house unless it’s absolutely necessary. Hence the trips to HEB because P and Caroline tend to be high-maintenance and want frivolous things like “lunch” and “dinner”.
The worst part is I’m pretty sure if I don’t see the sun in the next few days that I’m going to develop a raging case of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) if I’m not there already. And guess what the forecast calls for next week?
More rain.
And possibly some ice.
Which is why I’ve been searching the internet for raincoats for Caroline and me. P bought himself a new raincoat from Cabelas last fall because he believed the meteorologists when they said it was going to be a wet winter while I tended to fall into the I’ll-believe-it-when-I-see-it-because-weathermen-are-big-fat-liars category. Unfortunately this strategy backfired on me.
And I can’t really discuss the super cute raincoat that was way on sale at Boden last spring that I didn’t buy because it hadn’t rained in San Antonio in two years and why would I need a raincoat when I live in a desert?
I still haven’t ordered a raincoat for myself, but I found this darling one for Caroline along with some matching rainboots. Too bad it doesn’t come in my size.
Although I’d be perfectly happy with this darling hot pink one from Boden. Maybe it will go on sale so I can buy it thus ensuring that it will never rain in San Antonio again.
Anyway, I thought I’d answer some questions today since I really haven’t been out in the stores and all my online shopping has been dedicated to the pursuit of rainwear.
1. Commamama asked: “I was wondering if you could recommend a fashionable, small cross-body handbag (I spent a long time with my friend Google figuring out what to even call the object of my quest). Right now, I carry a glorified wallet on a string, and it isn’t pretty, though it does contain at least one dart from the recent Nerf toy Happy Meal series.”
You would be horrified if you saw the size of the purse I carry everyday. It really is just one step shy of a duffle bag. But it comes in handy on the days I decide to carry around my home phone. And someday there will be a lucky chiropractor who will profit from my need to carry around everything I own on my shoulder.
But if I decided to downsize and be sensible, then I would probably opt for something like this Betty Bag. It’s practical and cute all at the same time.
Or you could go with something like the No Mad or Saddle Satchel Kavu bag.
OH WAIT. I was just looking at Piperlime for something else and saw this ADORABLE Orla Kiely sling bag. I realize it’s probably bigger than what you are wanting but OH MY WORD at the cuteness.
2. Judith asked: “I’m going to the beach with my boyfriend’s family over spring break. Can you recommend any modest cover-ups or swim shorts to wear over my swimsuit? Any other spring fashion tips? What style flip-flops or sandals are in this year?”
Oh the beach. I would like to go to there.
Okay, a trip with the boyfriend’s family is kind of a big deal. Am I wrong? It seems like a big deal, but what do I know? The last time I had a boyfriend was thirteen years ago and I married him.
Victoria’s Secret is a great place to look for swimsuit coverups because they have a wide variety of styles and coverage. I love this ruffled kaftan, strapless smocked dress, and off-the-shoulder tee dress. They also have some cute cropped cotton cargo pants and smocked gauze shorts that you could throw on over your swimsuit with a tee or tank.
Athleta has the Surf Side Kurta that I have long adored and also this tunic-length rashguard that can be cinched up as much or as little as you want.
As for sandals, there are so many great options. You can never go wrong with your basic flip-flop, but you could also look for something with a little extra something like these with a little peony or with a fun print. You can’t go wrong with just a simple t-strap sandal
or maybe something with a wedge heel if you want a little height. I believe my love of the the wedge heel is well-documented.
Hope you have fun and, if you get a chance, mail me a picture of the sun. I can’t remember what it looks like.
3. Jayde asked: “I want to wear the tall boats but I need to know how and you can’t just tell me you have to show me. I work in a corporate setting and not sure what’s appropriate for work as far as boots go.”
The sad news is that I took to long to answer this question and I can’t find any pictures on the world wide web to show you some great looks with boots in a corporate setting, but I’ll do my best to help you out since you shouldn’t have to pay for my extreme procrastination.
Since you work in a corporate setting, I’d recommend investing in a good pair of black boots with or without a heel depending on our preference. Corporate America thrives on the color black so it’s a safe bet you’ll be able to find plenty of clothing options to pair with your boots.
You can wear them with tights and a shift dress or a skirt. They’d also look great with a classic wrap dress or worn under your favorite pair of dress pants as long as you choose a style that’s dressy enough.
And the best part is that a great pair of boots can easily transition into your casual outfits as well. They’re the fashion gift that keeps on giving.
That’s all for today. I’m off to see if I can find some sort of Vitamin D supplement or a tanning bed.
Y’all have a great Friday.
I was just driving along today in the 20 degree weather diagnosing myself with SAD. I am pretty sure I have it. I drove by a beach yesterday and near broke down sobbing. Why, oh why, do I live in New England? I can’t take the cold and lack of sunshine anymore. I am happy to say I have a super cute raincoat for when the weather finally turns around here. It was 80% off last year at Macy*s!
Happy Friday!
seriously! i just saw the weather report, and we’re told we can expect on-and-off rain and cold for at least the next TEN DAYS here in dallas! i almost cried.
seems like the weather gods really took me seriously when i was wishing for cold weather last august!
i love the VS cover-ups. they are SO cute!!! makes me want to hit the beach!!!
-erika
theurthmama.com
I hear you about the SAD. I was stuck in the Nashville snowstorm you wrote about it and ready for spring. I found a moment of happiness when Neilsen ratings called me to take part in Feb. sweeps. I remember you getting excited about that a while back.
For rain gear, check out http://www.cocobonbons.com/. They have great stuff and usually run great deals! Our $10 raincoat has lasted several seasons and was originally priced around $50, I think. You can get great quality at low prices when they run specials. They do great warehouse sales in Nashville.
Hope some sunshine is headed your way soon!
Oh, honey, I hear you about the rain. I’ve been cold since September, which should not be surprising, except that I live in Dallas. It’s now complicated by the fact that I have developed some dread disease like swine pneumonia, so as I raise my fevered head to look out the windows for a ray of hope, I see dispair instead.
I will try ever so hard not to complain about sunny hot days this summer.
Land’s End is having a raincoat sale too. Very cute things usually. Free shipping too!
I was just going to say Lands End had the cutest selection of rain coats/jackets in a lot of colors, but they heavily featured orange and I loved them! I have a cute bright yellow one I got from Gap last year and it has definitely made this rainy winter in Louisiana a little brighter!
http://www.landsend.com/pp/SunShowerSwingRaincoat~206659_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::OSP&CM_MERCH=IDX_00002__0000000141&origin=index
(look at the back of this one – it’s what makes it super-cute!)
The closer to forty I get, the bigger my purse becomes. I just don’t think I could ever carry a small one again, even for the sake of fashion.
I too think I have SAD. I’m just down the road in Houston and this weather HAS GOT TO GO.
Here in TN we were without sun last week because of snow. This week we are without sun because of rain. I’m pretty sure the bags under my eyes are a direct effect of the lack of sun. It’s really a lovely look… if you like The Munsters.
I’m in love with the Boden jacket. And slightly curious about how old the VS models are.
I got the Kavu Keeper for Christmas and love it. It’s cute and casual and big enough for an extra diaper and thing of wipes, yet not bulky.
Happy weekend Melanie!
Just ordered myself a cutie polka dot raincoat on Landsend. It was an overstock so oh-so-cheap! For what it’s worth, I got a Boden one last spring for my birthday. Loved it–except it just didn’t fit right. A little snug on top, too big in the body. And I had waited soooo long to pull the trigger!
Boo for rain!
You need a raincoat, I need snow gear. A blizzard is on its way to Virginia, and I have no snow pants. NO snow pants! And my kids are going to make me go outside with them, I just know they are. And tights under some jeans aren’t gonna cut it in a blizzard. Plus, I don’t want to mess my jeans up. Meh.
I also carry a large purse…it’s big enough to fit at least one of my kids inside. I like it that way. My husband is too scared to dig through it, which is nice, b/c then he can’t find my Target receipts in there.
Love what you chose for Caroline, and the Boden is great.
I looked at the title and really did LOL. I guess because it’s 38 degrees and raining here in Tennessee. I’m with you-I desperately need to see the sun and feel its warmth.
May you have a sunny encounter soon.
I am tired of cold and rain. I live in a “warm climate” area for a reason. It got cold earlier this year, so this winter seems to be lasting FOREVER. I know that all of my family on the East Coast is rolling their eyes at my whining, but really, its ridiculous to have this much cold, wind, & rain in the South. I’m over it. (Now please ignore me in August when I am complaining that I might die of heatstroke.)
Try Lands End for rain coats for you. I just got my catalog yesterday and they were oh so cute!!!
Ok, that Orla Kiely bag is the CUTEST. LOVE it. And I’ve already checked Ebay and found some more of her cute bags there. Fabulous find!!!
)
Oh..I hear ya on the SAD…it snowed an unbelievable amount for GA last Friday and then by Saturday it was gone and replaced with ice. By Monday, it was rain and that is all it has been since then.
Love the fashion tips and I think I might need a raincoat, boots and a boat for life around here!
paige
Feeling the pain of the rain here in ATL too. Love the discussion of coverups and flip flops, though!
Lands End just emailed me to say they are having a sale on Spring Rainwear. Just FYI =)
Get some sun!
Love the sling bag, and I heart wedge heels too. Sarongs are great as well!
Ginger
You should grab a full spectrum light bulb. It’ll help you not miss the sun so much!
@commamama: you can try your local tjmaxx, too…I’m a big fan of cross-body purses since I have little ones’ hands to hold. I found a tiny LUG one, a medium Tignanello, and another larger one (forget the name) for excellent prices in the past year or two…
I just love that Orla Keily bag! And the Jessica Simpson boots are to die for.
I also definitly have SAD I am so sick of winter!!
WOW! Boden is new to me – and those trenches are super – love the line. Need to put it on my wish list plus lots more!
It has been raining constantly in New Orleans – for days at a time. Least I don’t have to water the new cypress tee I planted. Thankfully it isn’t snow and ice!
We are getting 24inches of snow as I write this! I’m so ready for the sun. I saw a “Happy Light” for sale at Cosco and I almost bought it!
Okay ladies, where I live we aren’t going to see the sun for about another week. Yes, it’s a little depressing but according to our groundhog friend it’s only 6 more weeks! (and I started counting that on Tuesday so it’s actually less – right?!?)
I know I have SAD, but the sun has FINALLY come out this afternoon in Dallas! It won’t last long, but it’s nice while it lasts.
I was going to recommend the Vera Bradley Hipster handbag as a FABULOUS cross-body bag. Lots of pockets and truly a timeless accessory. My grandmother, my mother, my two younger sisters and I all have one, each in different colors
We all LOVE ours, so thought I would pass along the suggestion!!
http://www.verabradley.com/product/Category/Handbags/Hipster/154815/defaultColor/Paprika/pc/638/p/154815/pageSize/15/sc/641/c/0/currentIndex/0.uts
don’t forget the cute rain boots to go with your coat… Dav boots kick SAD to the curb and make you look forward to a rainy day just so you can wear them http://www.davrain.com/main.html
Here’s what i struggle with in regards to wet weather – timing. I teach and if I know it is going to rain I would like to wear my raincoat (from old navy) and cute rain boots. But in the afternoon it won’t be raining – so i think i look silly wearing the rain gear.
such dilemmas. I do love these coats that are on sale at Victoria’s secret. http://search.victoriassecret.com/exec
Have a great weekend.
OK all you SAD folk…I know how to fight this! I’ve lived in Seattle my whole life and don’t really mind the rain…until about Feb when it starts to get to me!
Of course we are having a weird, dry, sunny (for us)winter…but normally we have rain, drizzle and gray from Oct-June.
Strawberries, lemonade and fresh flowers on your table…it’s the best remedy I know. Also..Close the blinds, crank the heat and play some Beach boys while your kids run around in their bathing suits.
At least you all can be pretty sure that May will be warm…I’ve never NOT needed to wear my wool dress coat going out for dinner on my MAY birthday!
I’ve been in San Antonio for the last few days to enjoy the rain. I’d planned to take my little one out and about while my husband attended a conference, but driving around a strange city in the fog and rain with a baby that may or may not be crying wasn’t high on my list of things to do this week. So I’ve managed to stay in the hotel since Tuesday. Today it was actually sunny for a bit, but I was already too depressed by the weather to go anywhere. So I tried to think of the name of that thing where you’re depressed by yucky weather and couldn’t think of it, so thank you for solving that mystery for me. I’m sad to say that thanks to SA I will never forget SAD again.
It’s a good thing I’m headed back to Houston tomorrow where the weather is only partly cloudy.
Here in southeast pennsylvania we’re having a nice blizzard right now…expecting 12-20 inches of snow before it’s all said and done. According to Dr. Oz the remedy for SAD is staring at a fluorescent lightbulb for 10 minutes a day, eat some peppermint, use hot peppers in your cooking, take gingko biloba and drink ginger tea. I don’t know if it works but what the heck, it can’t hurt. Cheer up Honey, spring’s comin’. One of my facebook friends saw a robin the other day. :0)
The sun is finally shining this morning in Aggieland. Whoop!!!!
I just LOVE your blog because you bring so much laughter into my day. Thank you! Because of that, I’ve given you the Sunshine Blog Award. You probably get these all the time, but here’s one more to add to your blog award collection.
See it at my blog: http://carriesbusynothings.blogspot.com/2010/02/sunshine-vs-sonshine.html
And thanks for keeping this blogger laughing! Blessings!
I realize I am I commenting a few days late but I figure you will understand with all your own technical difficulties… My computer is officially dead. Even after spending WAY too much to try to get it revived. Thus I can no longer browse the internet at my leisure when sharing one computer with my husband. Apparently writing his thesis is more important that Fashion Edition Friday!
Also, I definitely have SAD. We just moved to Missouri this fall, so I am experiencing my first real winter. Yesterday while driving home in the snow like I did pretty much every day this week, I balled my eyes out and cried, “I just want to go HOME to TEXAS!”. We haven’t seen the sun or temperatures above 34 in MONTHS, snow is has been on the ground for weeks and shoveling snow (Not that I’m even the one doing it, thank God!) is getting OLD. At least you can comfort yourself with quality Mexican food – there is none here. Eat a few tamales for me please!
Oh, and say hello to HEBuddy for me on your next trip to HEB, cause I miss it oh so much! Even with crowds, I would give up just about anything to have an HEB. You have no idea how great it truly is until you are without.
SAD for sure, Seriously Amazingly Damp! I live in North Georgia and could swear we have been transplanted to Seattle. Floods, freezing temperatures, ice and very very gray days.
I bought a yellow umbrella which seems to help….
Sandi
http://emptynestart.wordpress.com/
Melanie, for real about the SAD. I was so pumped about leaving Wales for 6 months to live in TX and it’s been cold and wet since I got here. I am sick of it. And, we had to have physicals done and we are all Vit D deficient. Lovely. It better warm up soon is all I got to say.
I’ve been looking for a raincoat, too! Let me know if you find one that brightens up those rainy days.
I live up here in American Siberia, AKA Minnesota. And I do have, actually diagnosed, SAD. It’s no picnic and I hope the sun shines soon for you my friend! Ugh!
I actually wanted to leave a comment because I have a fashion question…and I apologize if this is something you’ve already addressed.
Here is my question…it’s about the leggings….what age people are approved to wear them. I wore them the last time they were in style (in the 80′s) so I’m guessing that takes me out of the running for this go round…
Are they cool? Are they not cool? One of my other fashion friends almost had a stroke when I asked her. I hope I don’t contribute to your already fragile state by bringing up leggings.
Any advice is appreciated.
Ok: “Orla Kiely Multi Scribble Stem Print Super Maxi Sling Bag” ????? That’s a TEN word name for a PURSE!
I met my parents in San Antonio this weekend while my dad’s company was having a business conference down here on the river. The people in his company come from all over the nation and have absolutely love the sun shine and warm weather since most of them have been snowed in their homes all winter. Hope the little bit of sun shine has helped your SAD diagnosis!
I am a scrapbook blog follower and I somehow stumbled on your blog. Great stuff and a nice change from paper, paper & more paper (I am kind of obsessed)! I now have you on my blog list. I am a San Antonio girl and we are not supposed to have weather like this. I need my sunshine! I refuse to believe the ice thing they are forcasting. Is that denial?
Enjoy your Sunday !