Well, before we get started I feel like I need to tie up a few loose ends from the week since I just throw all these things out there and then have no follow up.
First of all, Caroline totally smoked those three year olds with her superior dance abilities and celebrated her victory by throwing her stuffed Barney prop to the ground and yelling, “How ya like me now?”
That’s actually not what happened.
In reality, the dance studio called and said Caroline could go ahead and move up to the big girl class without an evaluation. Clearly they just want to make sure they keep my monthly tuition money, but whatever works.
Also, I haven’t decided on a hiking shoe, but am seriously leaning towards the Keens because they seem to be a popular choice plus I can get them free from Cabelas because we have Cabelas Reward Points on our credit card.
This will be the first time I have ever benefited from Cabela’s Reward Points.
In fact, one time I mentioned to P that maybe we could get a card with Reward Points for something more useful like Disney Dollars or Southwest Airline tickets, but he looked at me like he wasn’t sure who I was and yelled, “BLASPHEMER!”
And that was the end of the discussion.
But now, not only will I get my Keen hiking shoes, I’ve discovered that Cabela’s also sells the Frye Harness boots that I adore so it’s just a matter of time and Reward Points before I make them mine.
Happy. Happy. Happy.
Now for the questions.
1. Becky asks: “I need some help with fall shoes. I love these shoes from Boden (Am I wrong to love animal print?), but need something a little more budget friendly. I would love to have the budget to buy them, but girlfriend is trying to put herself through school!!!”
Becky, if loving animal print is wrong, then I don’t want to be right.
Seriously, it’s become a classic and will never go out of style when used in moderation.
Here are some great leopard print shoes that will be kinder to your checkbook, but maybe not necessarily your feet. Just remember, the important thing is that you look good.
And maybe that you carry a pair of comfortable flip-flops in your purse.
2. Kim asks: “I just graduated from A&M at the beginning of August, and am starting a job in The Real Corporate World but my business casual attire is pretty sad. Can you suggest some places I can go to build a classy wardrobe?”
Congratulations, Kim! Welcome to the Real Corporate World!
It’s probably not going to be as fun as hanging out in the MSC and eating chicken fingers, but we all have to grow up sometime.
At least that’s what my daddy told me back in 1994.
The real key to building a great business casual wardrobe is to spend a little bit more money to buy some good basics. A good pair of black pants, a pair of gray pants, and a few other classic pieces that will last you for years.
Once you have these pieces you can mix in some less expensive, trendy things to keep it fresh and up to date.
One last piece of advice, buy some comfortable shoes. When I first ventured into Corporate America, I made the dire mistake of outfitting my feet in Payless Shoes. Let’s just say it’s hard to practice effective capitalism when you have huge blisters on your feet.
I wish you all the best. You’re going to be great!
3. Elizabeth asks: “Do you have any advice for maternity clothes for the fall and winter?”
The nice thing about being pregnant in the winter is that you really won’t need a coat because the hormones will keep you toasty warm all winter long.
I was pregnant in June, July and August. You know what’s nice about being pregnant in the summer?
Nothing.
Well, other than the fact you get a baby.
The good news is the maternity clothes just keep getting better. I’d suggest finding a good pair of maternity jeans and then I’d go find a few cute sweaters, jackets and tops because how cute is this? And this? And this?
Also, remember that accessories are the pregnant girl’s friend. You can buy some basic maternity shirts and then dress them up by adding a cute scarf or a fun necklace.
The accessories will be the gift that keep giving long after the pregnancy is over.
Oh, and so will the baby.
4. Becky asks: “If you were going to a Presidential rally what would you wear? “
No question.
You have to go big or go home.
Nothing says “I support the democratic process” like taking a hallowed symbol of freedom and turning it into some fine leather goods.
God bless the U.S.A.
One last note, several people have asked how to find a good pair of jeans. I have written about jeans extensively in the past as evidenced by the fact that at least fifty different posts came up when I searched for the word “jeans”. However, this is the best summary of how to find jeans that fit and look good. It’s from last fall so some of the links may not work anymore, but the denim wisdom still holds true.
Y’all have a great Friday!