I spent most of the day yesterday getting ready to leave for the airport. In the midst of my packing, I realized I faced a huge dilemma. I wanted to pack my black boots and my brown boots, but, alas, there was no way both pairs were going to fit in my carry on bag unless I left out other important things such as my travel-sized hot rollers, curling iron, and Ziploc bag full of toiletry items. I debated leaving one pair at home, but that would be like a scene from Sophie’s Choice. I wasn’t emotionally prepared to make that kind of decision, which is why I ended up wearing my brown boots as part of my travel attire even though it was 95 degrees when I left San Antonio.
Also, you know what’s a real pain in a security line? A pair of tall brown boots and people who don’t realize that it’s a bad idea to purchase your coffee at the Starbucks located in the terminal area because there is no way the airport security is going to let that Grande Vanilla Latte get past them because, you know, coffee equals potential explosive device.
The thing I love about airports, other than the ability to purchase a bag of overpriced trail mix and keychains in the shape of whatever state you happen to be visiting, is the people-watching. It was especially good yesterday because there was an abundance of super cute outfits wandering around as opposed to the kind of looks I often see while traveling, looks that make you wonder when some women decided it was okay to leave the house without wearing proper undergarments or changing out of their pajamas.
I just kept thinking how cool it would be if I could take some pictures and do a whole series on fashion do’s seen in the San Antonio airport, but ultimately decided against it because I have a fear of random people thinking I’m some sort of weird stalker. If anyone’s going to think I’m a weird stalker, I’d prefer it be my closest friends and family.
Also, you know what gets kind of hot in an airplane when they cut off the air before takeoff? A pair of tall brown boots.
Now for a few questions.
1. Several people have asked about flats: “Help! I need to find a cute pair of flats that won’t make me feel like I’m back in eighth grade and it’s 1985.”
A few weeks ago I said that I just couldn’t get into the ballet flat trend. I have to retract that statement. It was made in haste and after an unfortunate shopping trip that involved seeing way too many pairs of flats that looked a little Connie-esque. (Remember Connies? Plain faux leather? Came in colors that matched every Laura Ashley dress ever made?)
But then there came a day that I wanted to wear some leggings with a tunic-type shirt. If San Antonio wasn’t the hottest place on Earth then I could have worn boots, however, it is the hottest place on Earth and I needed a fashionable alternative. Which led me to flats. Specifically, these black suede-ish flats that I found at Payless on sale for $15.00, but are a pretty good knock off of these flats that are significantly more than what I wanted to pay to revisit trends of the ‘80’s.
Once I dipped my toe in the pool of flat shoes, I became a fan. They are versatile and an excellent alternative to the flip-flops I wore all summer long, therefore I reverse my earlier feelings of ambivalence and perhaps even intense dislike of the flat. However, I will always be a heels kind of girl at heart.
So if you, too, are ready to embrace it and let Connie bygones be bygones, I’d suggest looking for a flat with a little pizzazz. Personally, I wanted to stay away from anything that was a solid color with no embellishment. Look for something in a fun leopard print which is surprisingly neutral or something fun like this or this. I am especially fond of a bejeweled flat because there’s nothing wrong with a little bling (except for me actually using the word bling).
And in related news, it turns out that I am a full three inches shorter than I believed myself to be.
2. Jennifer asks: “I enjoy a yoga pant. Even on days when I’m not taking a yoga class. But footwear has me stumped. Now that it’s freezing cold, I can’t do a flip flop. Running shoes feel too big and bulky. Any ideas?”
Let me pause for a moment and think about what it means to be freezing cold. I can’t remember the last time I actually felt cold.
I think what you need is a really cute sneaker. They are sleeker than a running shoe, but provide full coverage for those freezing cold days. Look for something like this or this.
Or you could go old school with these Adidas or Nikes
3. Sherry asks: ” I love the dress, tight, and cowboy boot look but was wondering if I’m too old for this. I am 48 and while I like to dress up to date I don’t want to look like I’m trying to be 20 something again. What’s your opinion?”
In theory I like all the pieces of this outfit. Dress? Good. Tights? Good. Cowboy boots? LOVE.
However, as darling as the look can be, I believe there is an age limit. But I’m not totally sure what that age limit is. Honestly, I think it’s the cowboy boots that are hanging me up. I think the dress, tights, and a tall riding type boot would look fine, but the cowboy boot might be too much. The other factor issue is to make sure that your dress isn’t too short. It should hit right above the knee and the tights need to be opaque.
But that’s just my opinion. I have always believed that the most important thing is to find your own style and go with it. Some of the women whose fashion sense I admire the most are the women who don’t bow to every trend and determine what works for them.
Before I wrap it up for the week, I have to share the greatest discovery of my life. Well, life might be overstating it, but it’s definitely the best discovery of my week. It’s a site called Shop Style. You can search for any specific item of clothing such as a sweater coat, jeans, blazer, or what have you and it will show you a variety of different options available at various stores in various price ranges. It’s like your very own personal internet shopper and I adore it.
I’ll tell you what else I adore, a barbecue sandwich with coleslaw on the top. I’ve only been in Memphis for six hours and I’ve already learned something new about myself.
Y’all have a great Friday.