If there was ever a day to read Fashion Friday then today is that day.
I have found a fashion item that has singlehandedly changed my life. And you might think I’m exaggerating, but I’m not.
Because I NEVER, NEVER, EVER exaggerate.
I wouldn’t exaggerate in a MILLION YEARS.
The other day I went into a local boutique called Adelante, which is one of my very favorite stores, and I was introduced to the garment I have been searching for lo these many years.
It’s called The Chickie.
What is a Chickie you may be asking? I’ll tell you.
A Chickie is your friend.
Gulley and I had spent the whole morning shopping and tried on several shirts like this one and this one. But each time we’d decide that it was too low cut and we’d have to wear a tank top under it to make it work.
This is unacceptable for two reasons.
1. South Texas is hot. Superfluous layers are of the devil when it’s 85 degrees outside and it’s only April.
2. Tank tops add an extra layer of bulk. NO THANK YOU, SIR.
The Chickie is just like wearing a sports bra over your regular bra. It turns any top that could potentially leave the girls hanging out there for the world to see, into a nice, modest top by providing cleavage coverage.
It achieves a perfect balance of fashionable yet practical that makes my heart sing. And oh, the shirts that I will be able to wear now without having to feel like a stuffed baked potato wrapped in foil.
Go here and get one for yourself.
All I can say is HOORAY FOR MODERN TECHNOLOGY.
The DVR. The cell phone. The Chickie.
Now for the questions.
1. Liz asks: ” I am looking for ‘the perfect white tee’. Does it exist? I keep seeing paper thin tees that leave me wondering, should I wear a flesh-colored bra underneath, white tank, etc.?”
I spent years, YEARS, in search of a white t-shirt that I could actually wear by itself without the whole world knowing what kind of bra I had on. Two years ago, I found it. The elusive, perfect white t-shirt.
The Banana Republic short-sleeve timeless tee made of pima cotton with just a hint of stretch.
I cannot express how much I love these t-shirts. I buy two new ones in various colors every Spring.
And while they are a little more expensive than a Target t-shirt, they are worth it. I have a hot pink one that I’ve worn for the last four years. It’s barely faded and hasn’t shrunk at all even though I just throw it in the dryer.
If y’all have any other recommendations, share the t-shirt love in the comments.
2. Christy asks: “In my opinion Crocs are some of the ugliest shoes on the market. Admitedly since the company’s getting creative, they’re not quite so bad, but the colorful clog versions look like garden shoes. Do you consider it acceptable to wear them to the grocery store, or as was suggested to me, to NYC?
Yes. I would wear them to the grocery store.
No. I wouldn’t wear them in NYC.
But, honestly, I don’t own a pair. Not because they offend me, but because I am partial to my Reef flip-flops.
However, I think these are actually pretty cute. I wouldn’t kick them out of my closet.
3. Cynthia asks: “I have horrible legs (varicose veins -thanks to three lovely children) so I DO NOT wear shorts except for at the gym in August. Can you suggest some fun, cheap, and stylish capri pants AND what shoes to wear with them.”
Oh pregnancy. It is the gift that keeps on giving long after the fun and the morning sickness is over. Don’t be afraid to use those varicose veins to your advantage. Someday when those kids stay out too late, don’t be afraid to greet them at the door wearing shorts so that you can point to your veins and let them know that it’s all their fault. Guilt is a mother’s tool.
When I think cheap and stylish, I think Old Navy. They have these cute capri pants on sale for $20.00. And for an even more casual look to wear to the playground, they have these.
I actually just bought this pair from Gap. They are on sale for $23.99 (We all know that means TWENTY-FOUR DOLLARS Gap. You’re not fooling us.) I like them because they are very lightweight, plus I like my capris to hit between my calf and my ankle as opposed to just below the knee which I think is a tricky length.
And a word of caution, be careful with the denim capri. That look can go quickly south and fly towards the land of bad before you know what hit you. If you want a denim capri, look for something like this. A darker wash and the right length are key.
As for shoes, see Crocs and Reef flip-flops in question 2.
4. Ruth asks: “What is the deal with long flowy skirts? I have several and I love them. I think they’re flattering and feminine, but I sometimes question if they are seriously outdated. But I see that Sundance and Coldwater Creek are continuing to sell them, so does that mean I can keep wearing them? I’m a youngish, not-heavy, not-short, 50 year old mother of 5. Your thoughts?”
Ruth included the link to this skirt and this skirt.
So here are my thoughts, since you asked. No, I don’t think long, flowy skirts are currently the trendiest thing out there. However, I think by the time you’re in your mid-30’s there is a line between being trendy and being age appropriate. I mean mini-skirts worn with leggings are really trendy right now, but you know what the odds are that I’d wear an outfit like that?
About the same that I’ll get to sleep through the night tonight with a 90% chance of serious thunderstorms that are certain to wake Caroline up. Never gonna happen.
Fashion should be about what makes you feel pretty and comfortable. Trends come and go. The important thing is to find your own personal style and go with it. I think both of those skirts are very pretty and feminine. Look at this beautiful long skirt I found at Anthropologie. I think the long skirt is beautiful, even if it’s not trendy. Plus, who can argue with Anthropologie?
And since several of y’all have asked about skirts, I searched for a few summer skirt options. This one from Boden. Here’s one at Target.
This one is a peasant-type skirt at Target. This one from Walmart is really cute. And here’s another simple one from Walmart.
Gap has some darling ruffled skirts right now that come in a bunch of bright, summer colors. Oh, and I have to show this one from Boden because, well, I adore it.
That’s all I’ve got for today.
Oh, except that I bought Caroline a pair of Jellies at Target today.
Jellies.
Next week we’re going to find her some twist-a-beads.
Y’all have a great Friday!