Edition 66: Fashion Friday

I have no idea how much fashion I’m going to discuss this week because I’m scheduled to fly to Orlando at 8:00 a.m. and have a list of all kinds of things I need to do between now and then.

1. Think about packing.
2. Do laundry so I can pack.
3. Decide what to pack.
4. Eat Mexican food since I’m going to be out of Texas for 48 hours.
5. Watch The Office.
6. Go to bed at a decent hour.
7. Lay awake and obsess over things I might possibly forget or that the alarm won’t go off.
8. Wake up exhausted and head to the airport at an obscene hour.
9. Get Starbucks.
10. Purchase some sort of periodical to read on the airplane.

It’s a lot for one girl to accomplish.

On an entirely different, but packing related note, I so appreciated the zeal so many of you felt regarding the Liz Claiborne bag at TJ Maxx. I was tempted to go back, but decided that I didn’t care enough to make the trip. Thus, TJ Maxx lost upwards of $15.00 that was theirs for the taking. And I’m also holding onto that cute vest for another week or two in the hopes that Caroline might change her mind. Although since she is so much like her daddy, I’d say it doesn’t look good for the vest. Which I guess makes me the loser in this scenario. Actually our Christmas card is the real loser because it would have been so CUTE.

Now for some questions.

1. Stacy asks: “What about bright colors? Near the end of the summer I picked up two beautiful dresses in bright colors. Both are kind of a jersey material. I love them and want to keep wearing them on dates with the husband or whatnot. Your thoughts?

I am a fan of bright colors. Not that anyone would know that based on the seventy-two black shirts I have hanging in my closet.

I believe it’s totally acceptable to wear bright colors into fall and winter. It’s more about the dress style. A hot pink linen sundress? No. Just no.

But a lightweight sweater in a bright color or a corduroy skirt in a fun shade? Yes. Totally yes.

2. Shelly asks: “I bought this denim jacket at Old Navy and I’m trying to figure out what I can pair it with. Will I be ostracized from the fashion community if I wear it with dark jeans?

Yes, you will be ostracized.

I’m just kidding. A little. Last time I checked there was no island of fashion where well-dressed members could inform you the tribe had spoken and you were voted off. Which is good because I could have totally been voted off yesterday when I was running all over town wearing faded cargo shorts with a hot pink t-shirt that is no longer hot pink. It was a sad display.

A denim jacket with denim jeans is a look that can go so wrong. I feel your pain because I adore nothing more than a good denim jacket (I’ve loved them since my very first Liz Claiborne version that got stolen out of my locker) and wish I could wear one with everything, but it’s a look that’s best paired with something other than jeans.

Try wearing it with a pair of cords or a skirt.

It’s also can be a great piece to help you transition your wardrobe into cooler weather. Layer it over a summer dress, add a fun scarf, and you’ve got the perfect fall outfit.

Or it would be darling with a tweed or velvet skirt paired with tights and boots.

3. Jenny asks: “If I were to buy two pairs of shoes for fall, what direction should I head in? I’m a mom of small kids, and don’t have much occasion to dress up, so we’re talking jeans most of the time. Not to mention, I’m pregnant and I’d rather invest money in shoes I can wear after this baby, not maternity clothes that I’ll just give away.”

You are a wise woman.

I remember that I couldn’t believe how many people offered me their old maternity clothes the minute I found out I was pregnant with Caroline. Everyone was so generous and giving. Of course now I realize that they just wanted to get those dang things OUT of their closet. Nothing is sadder than looking at a pair of black pants with an elastic panel that is totally shot because they were the only thing that fit during the last six weeks of your pregnancy.

My point is that shoes are an excellent choice. Just remember that your feet may grow during pregnancy. It’s just one of the many glamorous benefits. See also: hair falling out and crying for absolutely no reason.

If I were to buy two pairs of shoes for the fall this year, I would purchase a good pair of sneakers and a comfortable pair of boots. Of course if you’re not a sneaker kind of girl, you could always go for some sort of loafer.

Part of me wants to suggest a clog but given the fact that your center of gravity shifts during pregnancy, it’s just asking to fall over. Also, I can’t get behind the ballet flat. I know they’re in style, but they just take me back to a bad place that I like to call 1984.

That’s all the time we have today. Actually you may have more time, but I don’t. It’s not like The Office is going to watch itself.

Y’all have a great Friday.