This is normally where I like to have some fashion story that may or may not relate to anything else I’ll write about, but I am at a loss right now.
I was so disappointed that Jim didn’t propose to Pam on The Office that it’s just hard for me to concentrate.
But on the plus side, I now know that if the devil explodes and evil is gone forever that it’s appropriate to throw a beach party.
And if you don’t watch The Office then you have no idea what I’m talking about. Please do yourself a favor and spend your summer in front of the T.V. catching up on the previous seasons.
Oh sure you could spend it outside at picnics, the beach, and pool parties, but that’s such a cliche’.
Dare to be different and just sit inside with the a/c blasting while you fall in love with Dwight Schrute.
Unless the devil explodes and we’re all invited to a beach party.
Now, on with the questions.
1. Shannon asks: “A lot of the tops and dresses you post are super cute, but i just can’t get the pregnant feeling out of my head when I wear something like that. I’m a size 6, but i still feel like they aren’t that flattering on me. Is there a certain body type these are best for? I am pretty curvy (dd chest and a little hippy). ”
There has been many a time over the last year of fashion that I’ve tried on various tops and questioned whether or not they made me look pregnant. Because if I bought a top, wore it, and had someone ask me if I was pregnant, then I would have to take it out in the backyard and burn it. While weeping and crying.
But the styles do invite that question and while it has always been my personal belief that you shouldn’t ask a woman when her baby is due unless you see her in a backless gown being wheeled into Labor and Delivery, there are always those people that use the question as a conversation opener.
I think there are a few keys to wearing the style. First, if you are busty, do not wear an empire waist line. It will just accentuate that area. Second, if you’re going to wear a loose, flowy top then wear some fairly fitted jeans or pants on the bottom. A long, flowy top will look much more flattering if it’s worn over something that’s more streamlined. Billowy tops with full bottoms will just look dumpy.
And last, if you don’t want to accentuate your hips (and really, who does?) then make sure the tops you choose either hit above the hips or well below the hips. A top that lands right on your hips will just make you look wider. This tunic top is a good example of a style that might work for you since it’s longer and isn’t fitted under the bust.
All that being said, there are a bunch of cute shirts right now that might be a more flattering style for you. Check out this. And this. And this.
2. Melissa asks: “What kind of jeans would you recommend for someone who is 30 and has no bottom to fill up the back of a pair of jeans?”
Oh Melissa. How I wish I were an expert on this topic. Unfortunately, with the exception of the fall I was seven years old, I have never suffered from the issue of not having a bottom to fill up a pair of jeans.
Although I spent a few years in college suffering from the opposite problem. Too much bottom, too little jeans.
However, I am going to make a few suggestions based on my five minutes of research.
Citizens of Humanity jeans are supposed to do wonders for your derriere.
On a completely random note, I saw a t-shirt the other day that had the outline of Wisconsin and said, “Wisconsin. Come Smell Our Dairy Air.”
It made me laugh for a minute and a half.
But that’s off topic.
I also love Joe’s Jeans because they come in a variety of different fits and styles for various figures.
Your best bet is to go to a nice department store like Nordstroms and ask the salespeople to help you. They are experts at finding the right jean for the right body.
And let me just say, you will NEVER EVER regret spending money on a great pair of jeans. A really nice, well-fitting pair of jeans will serve you well for years to come. In fact, I will even be as bold to say that if you are going to splurge on one fashion item, I would make it a pair of jeans. There is nothing else that you will wear more.
Unless of course you never wear jeans.
Anyway, if there’s anyone else out there suffering from the no bottom syndrome, please share if you’ve found a great brand of bottom-enhancing jeans. Or you could always order a pair of these. Sweet mercy, I can’t even imagine.
Oh, and check of Zafu.com. They will suggest the right brand of jeans based on your personal profile.
3. Judi asks: “I just started a new job. Trouser jeans and capris are acceptable attire, as well as dresses or skirts. My friends who work there assure me that most people lean towards the casual. I have always worn pantsuits or skirts with tailored blouses to work. I want to fit in, but I also want to ’stand out’ and appear professional. Plus, I don’t think I would be bringing my ‘A Game’ wearing jeans and flip flops. What should I wear?”
I think you already have most of the pieces you need to create the perfect business casual wardrobe. I would just mix and match the pieces you already have with a new pair of trouser jeans and a few casual shirts like this or this.
Then you can wear some of the tailored blouses with your trouser jeans and the pair the casual shirts with your suits and skirts. This will give you a polished yet casual look.
Here are a few great relaxed work outfits from Ann Taylor.
Good luck with your new job!
And that’s all I’ve got for today.
Y’all have a great Friday!
Shari says:
I LOVE your fashion fridays!
Since I am a jeans and t-shirts kinda gal what would you suggest for a summer wedding, at supper time at a golf club? I want to be stylish and cute but not over/under dressed.
Have a wonderful weekend!
May 16th, 2008 at 5:13 am
Mandy says:
I almost cried with Pam and Jim last night. And I wanted to pick Andy up and throw him off that stage.
I want Judi’s job. Oh, to wear cute trouser jeans and capris to work…I could SO bring my “A” game in trouser jeans.
Great post! I love the fashion Fridays.
May 16th, 2008 at 6:22 am
Loral says:
Great fashion tips- and nice links to the tops! Thanks
There were audible groans here last night over the ending of the Office. I think my exact words were ‘this is all so wrong!!!’ They really know how to get us to tune back in. The bright side….Ryan’s YouTube walk of shame!
May 16th, 2008 at 6:39 am
Ginese Wilmot says:
Love the fashion tips, especially because they are trendy, but still modest! Christian women need more advice like this on how to be righteously fabulous without showing off the goods.
May 16th, 2008 at 6:50 am
Staci at Writing and Living says:
I think the irony with the empire waist tops is that while they do tend to resemble maternity tops, people who are pregnant (I guess that should be “women who are pregnant,” since I’ve yet to see a pregnant man) don’t wear maternity tops. Pregnant women today seem to be wearing skin-tight tops that show the nuances of their belly buttons, while non-pregnant women are wearing the loose billowing tops that used to be called maternity tops.
May 16th, 2008 at 6:53 am
Sister Honey Bunch says:
YEA! Thanks for answering my Work Attire question. I start the new job Monday and I’m shopping today!!
I totally agree about Pam and Jim. I was sad.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:20 am
fara says:
you can all go fearless of the “are you pregnant” faux pa as i have a story that will make you feel better about any encoutner you may have had.
after my first child, and before my second child was even a thought, an aquaintance of mine from my son’s preschool approached me at a family night and asked THE question. mind you i was in no tell-tale piece of clothing, just an average sweatsuit. when i politely responded that “no, indeed i was not” with a trying-to-be-friendly smile, SHE, get this, wait for it,
ARGUED WITH ME and said, “no, yes you are!”
i’ve come up with polite remarks for the intial “are you pregnant” remark but was left absolutely speechless and just walked away from this. WHO argues with someone after they’ve said they are not pregnant! like this nutjob knew more about my current state than i did!
so go forth with dignity and confidence that the next time you find yourself in this situation you will think of my horror and just chuckle to yourself that nothing could be THAT bad!
May 16th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Stephanie from MO says:
I was so excited for Jim and Pam last night and I kept waiting for the sun to go down at their party! It couldn’t happen fast enough…oh the disappointment. However, there were enough twists last night to make up….a little. Was the beginning of The Office with Dwight and Jim and the phones not just hilarious! You gotta love Dwight.
May 16th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Carrie says:
The fact that you know and love the office makes me enjoy your site more. Thanks for sharing in the pain of the non-engagement of Jim and Pam last night. So sad.
On a side note, I think that there is a conspiracy among clothesmakers. It seems that when I am pregnant, empire waist shirts aren’t really fashionable, but rather, the body-hugging styles. Yet, when I am my normal self (around a size 4) it somehow becomes “in” to hid your pooch.
Funny.
May 16th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Shalee says:
To Melissa: I suffered from no bottom, too. I don’t know much about fashion, but the one thing that I remember about no bottom is to get jeans that distract well. Look for jeans that have pretty sewing on the pockets or pockets that have button-down flaps. It’s supposed to draw the eyes away from the fact that you don’t have a bum, but still leave a memorable impression.
That being said, I’d probably slap some man (other than Mr. Right, of course) who was checking out my tush when he should be looking elsewhere - like my pretty eyes (because not only do I not have a bum, I don’t have a chest to speak of either, so there’s no point in trying to draw attention there either.)
May 16th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Amanda- VintageDutchGirl says:
Resounding ‘bottom’ line? Time for Amanda to go get more jeans!
May 16th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Linda says:
Oh, Fara (and Shannon)…I’ve got one to add. When my husband and I were engaged, the empire waist, prairie style dress was very in style, so of course I had one. And, I might have been packing a few extra pounds…after all, I had just graduated from college. We went into a jewelers to look at engagement rings and the man that waited on us looked at me in my aforementioned dress and then looked at my man and said “so, you’re going to make an honest woman out of her, huh?” I was so embarassed, for myself and for him. I also became deeply concerned, on a number of levels…like, this poor guy is going to have to find another career to support his family; and Rats, what am I to do with the virtual closetfull of dresses that I just bought to begin my teaching career in?
May 16th, 2008 at 9:20 am
gulley says:
To Judi: My mom always said ,”dress for the position you want”. So, look what the bosses are wearing and go that direction. Also the direction Big Mama said to go.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Moriah @ Please Pass the Salt says:
In reference to the first question, I think the key is trying each top on that you like and deciding if each one makes you look like you might bepregnant - some will, some won’t. You never know ’till you try it. And it seems like I have better luck with these styles of shirts if I buy a smaller size…
May 16th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Kimberly says:
My grandmother used to wear a butt enhancer. She told a hilarious story about when she went to buy it. She leaned out and scanned the street for anyone she knew, then hurried into the store, because in those days NO respectable woman shopped at Frederick’s of Hollywood! In her later years, she just had her pants tailored to fit her no-butt situation. (I guess after a certain age, you just stop trying to fake it.)
May 16th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Stick O'Dynamite says:
Judi, I agree with the advice Gulley gave you. I student teach at a college and it is awkward for me to dress up because I am only about two years older than the people I teach. However, my supervisors note that my appearance is professional (even if what comes out of my mouth when I teach makes no sense) and they respect that. One of the things I hear from people a lot is that people dress much too casual to work. My mother always asks, “Why do these people go to work dressed like they are going to the beach?”
May 16th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Superchikk says:
I too was disappointed at the non-engagement of Jim and Pam. But Cousin Mose appearing with a caged raccoon beforehand almost made up for it.
I have the same problem with the trapeze style tops. I bought several “regular” tops of that style and wore them while I was pregnant. And now that I’m back to my normal size, I can hardly bring myself to look at them, much less wear them. But everything I find in the store is of that same style. I just need to buy a new pair of jeans and forget it, I suppose!
May 16th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Stephani says:
Yes– I totally agree with you, I was sad Jim didn’t pop the question last night too! I love the office.
I also love fashion Friday!
Thanks!
May 16th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Heidi says:
Big Mama - Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for Fashion Fridays! I am a girl who wants to be cute but has no desire to spend hours in the mall to see what cute might currently mean. I really appreciate your tips and love that you link us to examples.
Last week’s Fashion Friday when the internet shared their tips was incredible. I took notes and even bought a few things! However, I haven’t been brave enough to try the Oil Cleansing Method yet. But, I have read enough on the internet to believe it might really work, because - of course - if you can substantiate a fact at least twice on the internet, it must be true!
Have you tried it yet?
May 16th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Melissa H. says:
Well, I must say that you are changing my life with Fashion Fridays!
I tried the OCM last night for the first time, and my skin feels so smooth this morning! I’m also looking for a good body brush. I’m all about anything that may reduce the hail damaged appearance of my thighs and rear! Thanks for the advice on the jeans today - I’ve been searching for a good pair that will last! Have a great day!
May 16th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! says:
I’m still so mad about the Jim / Pam situation that I wouldn’t even answer when Dwight called my cell this morning.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Kerry Gibson @ Colored With Memories says:
Yeah. My husband is the proud owner of the “Wisconsin: Come smell our dairy air.” t-shirt. We’re Texans, but have a ton of family in Wisconsin, so he loves to parade it for them.
http://www.justusgibsons.blogspot.com
May 16th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Kerry Gibson @ Colored With Memories says:
Yeah. It would be my husband that is the proud owner of the “Wisconsin: Come smell our dairy air.” t-shirt. We are Texans, but have a ton of WI relatives, so he really enjoys parading it when we’re there.
May 16th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
dcrmom says:
I’m a member of the no tushy club. I like my Luckys best. I also have Seven trouser jeans that make my tushy look amazing, but unfortunately I feel rather dressed up when I wear them, and the opportunities I have to dress up are few and far between.
May 16th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Sara says:
Help me! I recorded the darn thing last night and it cut off at the end right when there were strange noises coming from behind a closed door. What was going on???? I’m guessing that it was Dwight lamenting Andy and Angela’s engagement but…..
I’m surprised you didn’t hear my wail of despair all the way down at your house.
So…what did you think about the silicone primer?
May 16th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Lavender Chick says:
Hi there! I’ve been checking in, just not commenting. I’ve been too busy NOT harvesting lavender…
Wanted to let you know that you and Oprah think alike. Don’t know if you catched her today, but she had her Summer Favorites. The Covergirl LashBlast was one of her favorites! Of course, I figure she probably read your Friday Fashion Post and stole this from you…
May 16th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
k&c's mom says:
Here is the link to watch last night’s “The Office”:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/20137/the-office-goodbye-toby
Ryan is gone. Jim can take his job in New York and be there while Pam does her class at The Pratt Institute of Art.
I am talking about fake people like they are real. I need a life and I will have one when school ends in 12 days and I get the summer off. Teachers don’t get paid much,but June, July and August are good perks.
PS: No jeans on our campus. DRAT!
May 16th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Jessica says:
I feel your pain with Jim and Pam. The Office is the only show I watch and I can’t wait for it every Thursday. Another good part was the Angela-Dwight liaison at the end - keep us waiting ’til next season!
May 16th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Sheila Gregoire says:
Thanks for all this great advice! I have a fashion crisis of my own. I dress well. I’m not the problem. I like looking good. It makes me feel better about myself so I’m less likely to sneak chocolate.
My daughters take after me. Their favourite show is What Not to Wear. We are a good looking family.
Until you get to my nieces and nephews. I have a 16-year-old niece who won’t dress like a girl. She wears boys pants and oversized sweatshirts and her hair is in her face. I took her shopping last week and we got some lovely things for her to wear to a job interview, but I saw her again yesterday and she’s back to looking like a boy. I thought she was huge, but when you put real clothes on her she’s only a size 8. How do you help someone who doesn’t want to be helped? And who looks awful? AAAGGGHH!!
Visit To Love, Honor and Vacuum today!
May 17th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Jen @ Daily Mish Mash says:
Not only am I sad about the Pam and Jim non-proposal, I am also really sad that Toby is leaving. I enjoyed his character and the way Michael got so angry about him. I guess we won’t be seeing too much of Ryan anymore now that he was arrested.
May 17th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Lucy says:
I’m busty and I like the tops that are shirred above the bust. It draws attention up past my bust. I like the tunic length, too, since normal length shirts tend to hang shorter in the front than the back for me. I also tend to wear shirts that have a little lycra or spandex in them. I like the stretchy because it lets me wear shirts that fit my waist and shoulders but still have room for the girls.
And I finally went to Anthropologie! I totally thought of you, Melanie. And can I say, I’m in love with that store? I couldn’t afford anything in there, but now I know where I’d like birthdy gift certificates!
May 18th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
CptMom says:
That Wisconsin shirt has had me cracking up all through reading your post!
In fact, each time I think about it, I start laughing again. Thanks for indulging my junior high humor.
May 18th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Magen says:
I’m sure (or at least hope!) that I’m not the only one taking notes!
May 20th, 2008 at 10:25 am