You know those moments in your life where someone says something to you that proves that they really know you? That they have seen deep into your soul?
I had one of those yesterday.
I have been putting off going to get my hair cut because I’ve been lacking a clear hair direction. It’s grown out quite a bit since I got it cut in early February and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to cut it off again or just add some layers.
It’s a wonder I sleep at night.
But I decided last week that I needed to do something because the South Texas humidity has officially set in and my hair gets very large in the humidity, so I called my hairdresser and scheduled an appointment.
And because I was so desperate, yea even frantic to get my hair cut, I scheduled an appointment for Thursday at noon even though I knew I’d have to take Caroline with me.
Anyway, she was actually really good other than the fact that she wanted to collect all my hair trimmings and take them home.
After my hairdresser had blown my hair dry, we began to have the discussion I dread.
Bangs. Do I still want them?
How far back do I want them to go?
How long should they be?
Just remembering it makes my head hurt.
So I finally just told her to cut them like she did last time even though I know they’ll need to go through two weeks of intensive flat iron training and some growth before I really like them again.
As she clipped them back to start cutting I heard Caroline’s little voice say, “Mama? Are you sure about this? I don’t know if I’m sure about this. Are you sure?”
I know that over the years Caroline and I will have many times that we won’t understand each other. Times where we will frustrate each other to the point of weeping and gnashing of teeth. But in that moment we were one in the spirit of wanting to prevent a coiffure tragedy.
I love her.
And I realize this has nothing to do with fashion, but it does have to do with beauty and external appearance so just go with me here.
On to the questions.
1. Erica asks: “I’ve recently lost 30 lbs – going from a size 10 to a size 4. For the first time in a long time, I’m able to wear flattering clothing, however, I’m a little discouraged with the Spring styles (i.e. trapeze/swing tops, madras shorts, etc.) In addition to that, my budget is limited, so forking out $60.00 for a shirt is out of the question. Can you give me some classic, but trendy must-have’s for this (and next) season, that are flattering for a 35 year old mother of two?”
Congratulations, Erica. That’s an incredible accomplishment!
It’s hard for me to know where to start because I don’t know what you already have in your closet, but I’m going to assume you don’t have too much at this point.
I would start with a great pair of jeans. For me personally jeans are the glue that hold my closet together. Once you have a great pair of jeans then all you need are a few cute tops and you’re ready for anything.
Except maybe a formal occasion.
Since you don’t like madras shorts, I would suggest some dark denim shorts like these. Gap actually has another pair very similar to these that are on sale in the store right now but I couldn’t find them online. And while you’re at Gap you may want to get this skirt and you can wear it with t-shirts or tanks all summer long.
Here’s a cute skirt from Forever 21, which is also a great place to find affordable, trendy blouses like this one.
I also love these simple knit dresses from Old Navy. Since I haven’t seen them in person I’m not sure about the length but they would look cute with some leggings if they’re too short.
Have fun shopping.
2. Nicole asks: “My husband and I were invited to a gala, which not something we’ve ever attended. What in the name of the Clampetts do I wear? I want something more trendy than a black cocktail dress, but I don’t want to be out on a fashion limb, either. Any ideas would be fantabulous. Thanks!”
Is it a Regatta Gala? Because I’ve always wanted to attend a Regatta Gala.
And I hope I’m not too late answering this question because then I’ll just feel terrible.
If I ever had to attend an event in the evening that required anything dressier than my hula girl pajamas, I would wear something like this dress because hello gorgeous. Or this one.
This one is also really pretty and I adore a little drama in a dress.
Here’s one that is just a gorgeous color.
I’ve now spent the better part of an hour looking at evening dresses and am now wondering if P would think it was weird if I just delegated one night a month as Black Tie. Can you wear a cocktail dress while you watch The Office and eat leftover fajitas?
Okay that’s all the official questions for today, but several people have emailed me and asked about the shirt I was wearing in my post from earlier this week and wanted to know where I got it.
I fell in love with that shirt when I first saw it in the window of a little local boutique. I knew we must be together forever. And then I fell even more in love when I found out it was handmade by a woman right here in San Antonio and she only makes a few of each shirt design. Then I saw the price and knew that I was seeing the hand of God’s provision in my fashion life, especially since I have seen shirts kind of like it at Neiman’s right now for well over $100 American dollars.
So I did a little research for anyone who may be interested and found some similar shirts.
The internet is a marvel.
You can find them here or here. Or even on Ebay.
And they won’t set you back too many pesos.
Neiman’s has this embroidered t-shirt for $110.00.
Or you can just come to San Antonio, head down to the market and buy one for less than $20.00, then head next door for chips and hot sauce.
God bless America.
Y’all have a great Friday!