You know what’s awesome? When I realize it’s 10:30 p.m. on Thursday night and I haven’t even started writing my Fashion Friday post. And really, the whole thing usually only takes about two to three hours.
Perfection.
Once again, procrastination has been totally worth it.
I’m so glad I decided to spend that time looking through back issues of Paula Deen’s magazine, filing my nails, and eating Red Hots.
But, seriously, you know what’s really awesome? All the comments y’all left yesterday. There is no way I could be that honest if y’all weren’t the best. THE BEST. Thank you.
So remember how last week on Fashion Friday I said I believed that white patent shoes are best reserved for girls under the age of ten? Well, I was out walking Scout and Bruiser on Monday morning and noticed an empty shoe box on the top of somebody’s recycling bin.
Go green, neighbor. Good for you.
And because I have some sort of voyeuristic fashion tendencies, I glanced to see what kind of shoes were once contained therein.
WHITE PATENT, WOMENS’ SIZE 9.
Well that is just unfortunate.
I’m going to get straight to the questions because I’d like to get to bed before 3 a.m.
1. Pinkmommy asks: “I am 5 months pregnant. My little sister’s best friend is getting married at the end of June, and the Princess is the flower girl. I will be 9 months pregnant. At a wedding. In the middle of summer. I don’t know what in the world to wear!!! I don’t want to look like a whale, I don’t want to stand out, and I don’t want to look like a whale. Please help!!!
Bless your heart. Being 9 months pregnant in the middle of summer is miserable enough without the prospect of having to get dressed up. I know of what I speak because Caroline was born in August and I spent most of the summer in a swimsuit sitting in a plastic kiddie pool while drinking out of the hose.
Not looking at all like white trash, by the way.
I think your best bet is to check out the Liz Lange maternity wear at Target because you don’t want to spend much money on a dress you’re only going to wear once.
I really like this one. And this one.
And if pregnancy has taken its toll on your arms and the sleeveless makes you cringe, then look for a lightweight wrap like this one to cover them up.
Although if memory serves, you’ll be so hot already that the thought of another layer will make you want to buy a bag of ice to sit on throughout the ceremony.
2. Amy asks: “My husband and I are traveling to New York with my dad in mid-April for a fun weekend. The typical highs that time of year are in the upper 50’s. When we go there, we walk A LOT, and I need a cute comfortable shoe.
I totally understand your pain. When Gulley and I went to New York a few years ago, I wore running shoes the whole time which were basically a neon sign on my feet saying TOURIST! TOURIST! But I couldn’t figure out what else to wear for all the walking.
Many people believe the cute, comfortable shoe is an urban shoe myth. But it exists. It really does. The trick is that you have to spend a little more money to get it. Any shoe that bears a Merona label is not going to cut it in New York. And Payless will make you search for a butter knife with which you can just amputate your feet on 5th Avenue.
You mentioned that in the past you’ve always worn a mary jane type shoe, but didn’t know if it would work since the weather will still be cooler. I think a mary jane would look great, but the problem may be that it won’t work with jeans because you may need a slight heel to compensate for longer hems on the jeans. Something like this might be perfect because it has a slight wedge heel.
It would look equally great with jeans or black pants. And really, that’s all you need. Some nice jeans and black pants with a few cute tops and jackets and you’re all set.
Or if a totally flat shoe would work, I adore these. And since animal prints really are the new neutrals, they’ll go with just about anything.
Hope y’all have a great time!
3. JanMary asks: I am going to Paris for 4 nights with my husband in May – for this 40th birthday – NO KIDS! I always hear about a capsule wardrobe – but I tend more to bring everything I might possibly need, to cover all eventualities. Can you help with how much I would actually need?
Hey, I have a question. Why is everyone taking fabulous vacations except me? You people are leading some jet set lifestyles. What is up?
Really, it’s totally fine. Really.
But on a serious note, I cannot tell you to what extent I am the wrong person to answer this question. I know there are people who can pack everything they need for a week-long vacation in a backpack, but I am not one of them.
My worst nightmare is being away from home and not having wardrobe options. Seriously, I have had nightmares about this. Think of me what you will.
So, my best advice is to pack a lot of black. It goes with everything and you might be able to get away with only packing one pair of shoes.
You may want to check out Chicos. They have an entire section of clothing called Travelers that is wrinkle-proof, plus it’s all 30% off right now. This dress might be a good basic that you could dress up or down.
Have fun in Paris, say hello to the Mona Lisa, and if you need me I’m sure I’ll probably just be at Target.
4. Full Hearts and Hands asks: “I have a 6 week old and she is my third. So, my belly looks like jelly. That is to say I have a belly that is bigger than usual and a budget that is small. But, I have to go to wedding in April and I’d also like to have a dressier outfit or two for church. But, I’d like the clothes to still look decent when I lose the weight (hopefully soon).”
Oh, you are in luck. This is a great fashion time to find clothes that are friendly to the belly area.
You could always do something like this dress. The black would be slimming, it can be dressed up or down, and it would still work after you lose some weight because it’s meant to be worn a little loose.
Or you could do something like this shift dress.
Dresses like these look current and pretty with the added benefit of not being fitted at the waist. If I were you, I’d go look at TJ Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls to see what you can find.
If you’re willing to dig through some of the yuck, you can usually find some cute dresses for great prices.
5. Ranelle asks: “Is it true? Are pegged pants coming back?! Please say no!!”
Ranelle sent me this link to J.Crew featuring the pegged pant.
No. They are not coming back.
Just because some YAYHOO in the J.Crew catalog department decided to torture that poor model, doesn’t mean that it’s a trend. It’s just J.Crew’s way of trying to strike fear in the heart of American women and men (admit men, you did it it too. Just own it.) everywhere.
J.Crew has a sick and twisted sense of humor as evidenced by the fact that they think any man would wear these pants.
And that’s all the questions for today. However, I have two pieces of Fashion Friday business.
First, several of you have emailed and asked if I can do the links as some sort of pop-up instead of sending you to another page. And the answer is, I have no idea.
You people vastly overestimate my technological prowess.
But if someone out there will tell me how, I’ll gladly do it. Otherwise, we’re stuck clicking over.
Secondly, next week on Fashion Friday I’m going to announce a fun little spring fashion event. So be on the lookout. There will even be a prize.
I KNOW.
It will be hard to sleep between now and then.
Y’all have a great Friday!