Fashion

This is such a weird time of year for clothes. I’m ready for Easter to get here so we can just wear white pants and sandals and get on with the summer festivities.

I mean, it’s been over 80 degrees here all week. Winter? Is done.

In fact, I’m not sure winter ever really showed up. We had a few chilly days but that was about it.

And now I’m ready for flip-flops and skirts and white jeans.

But I’m not ready for shorts. I don’t know that I’ll ever be ready for shorts again. It’s like I told a friend this week, shorts are tricky. When I think they’re a good length while I’m standing up, they’re going to be too short if I try to sit down. If I get them to a length where I feel comfortable sitting down, then I look like I’m on the LPGA tour when I stand up. Which is fine if you’re playing golf, but not if you just want a cute pair of shorts to wear to the grocery store.

Or maybe I just have shorts issues.

Anyway, I’m not featuring any shorts this week because I’m not sure they fit in my life anymore. Maybe the only shorts I’ll wear from here on out will be running shorts.

1. afternoon sunshine lace dress

This happy little yellow dress is so cute. And I love the lace. It would be perfect for Easter.

2. colored slim flare jeans

The other day I was talking to my friend Sophie and she mentioned that she was looking for a pair of colored jeans but with a flared leg. And I think I said something along the lines of “That doesn’t exist”.

But then curiosity got the better of me and I consulted the google. Lo and behold, such a thing does exist. You can also find a more expensive version by Elizabeth and James for $225.

3. busy week tunic

I really like this tunic. It’s different than other tunics with its cute button details and fun collar.

4. gold lauren sandals

I mentioned yesterday that I’m on the search for gold sandals. I know I want something really simple and so these are definitely a contender.

5. mediterranean sea necklace

Noonday has in their spring collection of jewelry and I saw this necklace and it was love at first sight. It’s so beautiful.

6. leather flip-flops

I looked for these in the store at Gap yesterday and they didn’t have them. But I love the way they look online. And they come in a bunch of different colors.

Of course I would like the gold.

7. crochet peasant blouse

Another Gap item. Dear Gap, Are you trying to woo me back after I’d sworn I was done with you forever?

8. mosaic cuff

Swoon. Love the colors in this.

9. rainbow bright top

This is just the cutest. Love the bright colors and think of all the variations of colored jeans you could wear with it.

10. one stop shopper tall tote

I thought this bag was a cute summer option. Love the hot pink detail on the bottom.

That’s it for this week. I’m about to head out for a night with the girls. Imagine how bad you’d need a night out with your friends after spending all day in a cave with a bunch of third graders.

And know that I need to go out even more than whatever you just imagined.

Y’all have a great Friday.

Well this has been a week.

It all started last week with my tooth pain. And then P went to the dermatologist and had a bunch of stuff cut off. And now Caroline has strep. For the second time in a month.

So now I’m not sure I’ll make it to Houston before Saturday. Which is fine because there’s nowhere I’d rather be than with my sick baby.

I also thought that I was going to write more about Spring trends today but realized that I don’t really like any of the other trends and they are all vague and use terms like “Preppy Casual” and “Safari Chic” and I just want to keep it simple and tell y’all that orange is really, really in this season.

And that’s why I’m leaving the trends with what I posted last week. Here are a few cute things I found earlier today before I picked Caroline up from school because she was sick and my whole day turned out differently than I’d planned.

1. pucker me dress

See? Orange. Or coral. Whatever.

I like this dress. It’s cute, seems to be a little longer than most of these tops that are masquerading as dresses these days, and the crochet sleeves give it a little something special.

2. colorful beaded necklace

I love this necklace. Bright and colorful. It would make even a white t-shirt feel pretty.

3. pick pocket dress

I don’t think this would look good on me because I can’t really do that high neckline without things looking awkward. But I love the yellow and gray and I’m sure it would be darling on somebody paired with some cute yellow sandals.

4. coral forever dress

Umm. Coral. Orange. Whatever? Do you sense a trend?

I love the lace on this. And the forgiving shape. I’m not sure about the length, but it could totally work with leggings or skinny jeans.

5. colored skinny jeans

If you decide to board the colored skinny jeans trend, then I am a fan of these from American Eagle Outfitters. They’re a good price, comfortable and fit well.

Sadly, they are out of a lot of sizes online but you might have luck finding your size in the stores.

6. minutiae dropwaist dress

This is a little fall-ish for this time of year. But I think it would look darling with skinny jeans or leggings and boots. And it’s on sale.

7. pintucked shirt dress

To borrow a phrase from Janet Jackson, Gap hasn’t done much for me lately. But I went in there the other day and tried on this shirt dress and, LO AND BEHOLD, it’s really cute.

I’d wear the white one with all turquoise accessories.

But I also love it in the royal blue color with all silver or gold.

That’s all I have today because I am off to medicate Caroline with antibiotics and to medicate myself with chocolate chip cookies.

And maybe a glass of wine.

Y’all have a good Friday.

So yesterday morning I thought it was probably a good time to work on a post about trends for Spring and Summer. And then my day went on and I burned my arm pulling a pork roast out of the oven and my front teeth continued to hurt and Caroline spray painted her hair pink.

Thankfully, it was temporary hair color spray.

But the point is that I started to get overwhelmed with my day. Yet it felt like now or never for the trends because fashion waits for no man. Or something like that.

Anyway, here are five trends. I’ll wait until next Friday to write about the last five.

1. colored denim

I think this is universally known at this point. You can’t throw a rock without hitting someone in a pair of colored jeans. And, really, you shouldn’t throw rocks at people.

Unless maybe they’re a size zero and look perfectly darling in a pair of tiny hot pink jeans.

There is also another level of this trend to enhance denim. It’s known as the printed jean. I’m just not sure I can go there because it brings back memories of some pinstriped Guess jeans I had in eighth grade.

And, also, because I’m forty.

Yet I could be persuaded by something like this pair of stilleto polka dot jeans.

I also tried on a pair of celebrity pink jeans the other day and they are so soft it’s unbelievable. But I didn’t buy them because the hot pink color was just a little too hot pink.

And my friend that works at Nordstrom told me that not your daughter’s jeans come in a million different colors and are so comfortable. Plus you don’t have to worry about your rear end hanging out. Which is always a bonus.

But you can find colored jeans just about anywhere. Gap, Target, Old Navy. They’re everywhere.

2. embellished flat sandals

I’m in desperate need of a new pair of flat sandals that I can wear all summer long because my old ones are literally hanging on by a thread. It’s just a matter of time before they give out on me.

I really like these grason sandals.

And I ADORE these braidey sandals. But they’re a little pricey.

But the good news is that Target has these darling emeline braided sandals in a bunch of cute colors and they’re only $14.99.

I may also be leaning towards these jessica sandals by Yellow Box.

I’m very indecisive.

3. blazers

Blazers are a big trend right now. And I am ALL ABOUT the blazer in the cooler months. But blazers don’t really lend themselves to summer wear when you’re in South Texas. Unless you’re inside in the air conditioning.

But this isn’t just about me. And I do love the way they look paired with a pair of cuffed jeans, sandals and a tank underneath. Or maybe with a pair of shorts if you still wear shorts.

This pop color blazer is great and comes in a few different colors.

And I love this vintage eyelet blazer from The Loft.

This linen one-button blazer from Nordstrom is also a good option.

Or you could go with something like this color-tipped blazer that is a huge hit with people who normally shop at Brooks Brothers. Which is to say that it would look great if you have any yachting trips in your future.

And I realize this isn’t a blazer, but I kind of like this green denim jacket for something a little different.

4. lace/eyelet

Lace is a big trend. Or eyelet. Or basically anything white with holes in it. Except for underwear.

But it looks great dressed down with colored jeans. Or you can dress it up with black pants and heels.

This eyelet bateau dress is so pretty.

I believe we all know I’d wear it with some turquoise jewelry.

And this dollface dress is really cute and comes in lime green or red.

This vintage eyelet dress is a really affordable option.

Or you could go with something like this lace flutter top from Forever 21.

Speaking of, I just bought a dress that’s really similar to this tulle lace dress from Forever 21. I’d show it to you but I can’t find it online. Anyway, it’s too short for me to wear as a dress but I’ve worn it with leggings and boots. I’ve also worn it belted with skinny jeans. Either way works.

I keep waiting for this watermelon ice dress to go on sale because it looks so cool and comfortable for summer.

And if I had ANYWHERE to wear a one-shouldered dress, I’d buy this karlie one-shouldered dress in a heartbeat. I’m looking at you, Auburn and Florida girls.

5. bold prints

Prints. It’s all about the prints. Graphic prints, floral prints, geometric prints. It doesn’t matter. They should be bright and bold and maybe a little mod.

I love this windblown anemone dress from Anthropologie. But it doesn’t go with my life.

But you could do something like this smock waist printed dress with a bright foliage print.

Or I love this soul to steal dress with all gold jewelry.

And this in her own league dress is so different. I love the blues.

Or you could always just go with a geo print blouse. There are a million different tops out there with various prints.

And I believe God intended for us to wear our prints on top. Not on bottom.

But maybe that’s just me.

Y’all have a great Friday.

You know what dawned on me as I worked on Fashion Friday this week?

I haven’t written a post about trends for Spring and Summer. And so I thought about doing that this week but then decided I didn’t have that kind of time. Gulley and I are hitting the road with the kids tomorrow and I have to finish doing laundry and pack and take enough nerve pills to survive the trip.

But I will tell you that one day this week I wore skinny jeans with a navy and white striped shirt and silver flip-flops. I was a little self-concious all day because I always worry that the skinny jean combined with a shoe that’s not a boot can create an optical illusion in which the wearer resembles an ice cream cone.

I’m trying to move past this. But I think it’s rooted in the fact that I last wore skinny jeans with flats when I was twelve years old and had no hips to speak of.

Anyway, I was finally feeling a little more secure about the whole thing when P got home from work, looked at me and asked if I had a little white cap to go with my sailor outfit.

Some people just don’t understand the trends. Nautical. It’s a trend.

Here are a few cute things I’ve found this week.

1. fold over jersey skirt

It was love at first sight when I saw this skirt at Old Navy. And then it even looked cute on. So I bought it.

I’m still not entirely sure what I’m going to wear it with. Maybe a white t-shirt and denim jacket. Or maybe a bright orange or yellow tank. Or maybe even emerald green. I’m not sure. I need to play around with different options.

2. elegant errands top

This is such a great top. Perfect with shorts or white jeans during the summer. Or you could wear it under a jacket while the weather is still cool.

3. athena sandals

Such cute sandals. And they come in an array of colors.

4. chambray shirt

Even though I never dreamed I’d be back to shopping for anything chambray at this stage in my life, I would really like to find a cute chambray shirt. It’s the perfect thing to wear with all those colored jeans that I don’t own yet but am planning to buy at some point.

5. linda tunic

This would be so cute with white skinny jeans and turquoise accessories.

6. big buddha katy tote

This purse is great. And it comes in so many bright colors.

7. sandra straw fedora

I don’t know that I can pull off a fedora. Much less, a straw fedora. But I’m tempted to try it.

8. tea party clutch

I’ve seen a lot of cute summery clutch purses recently. I really like this one.

9. turquoise and gold scale earrings

I ran in World Market the other day to look for a lamp and to check out their Easter decorations. But then I heard the accessories calling to me. And so I answered. And found these darling turquoise earrings that I will love forever.

10. manngo woven sandal

There are so many cute wedge sandals out that I can hardly stand it. I don’t know how I’d ever choose which ones I like the best, but these are a definite contender.

That’s it for today.

Anchors aweigh, my friends.

And have a great Friday.

Listen.

Y’all are passionate about your blenders. And I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. You are my people.

In fact, all the comments made me want to run straight to Bed, Bath and Beyond and buy a Ninja immediately. But then cooler heads prevailed and I realized I should wait until I get a 20% off coupon in the mail. However, I’m pretty sure my old blender knows I was talking bad about it because it started to leak on me this morning and made a terrible sound when I threw in some frozen blackberries.

I also saw that several of you advised me to spend the big bucks on a Vitamix. But I just can’t do it. That kind of money needs to be spent on fabulous boots or a great purse, not kitchen appliances. It goes against everything I am.

Not to mention that at some point I will certainly burn myself out on smoothies and won’t make one again for three years. That’s what I do.

Okay. Speaking of spending money, about six months ago I was looking online for some cool bracelets for a friend and ended up at Noonday Collection.

Y’all. It was love at first sight.

And the best part is that Noonday Collection is all about being an advocate for orphans. You can read the whole story here, but the bottom line is that they are giving women a way to provide income for their families. And you can read all about the artisans here.

So I became a fan of Noonday Collection. And then I found out that my friend, Paige, had become a Noonday ambassador and I emailed her and told her I absolutely wanted to feature Noonday stuff on Fashion Friday.

(By the way, this is Paige that I’ve never met in real life. But who I want to meet. Because we would totally be friends.)

Anyway, here are a few of the gorgeous things on their website.

1. dainty everyday necklace

I love this necklace. It would be the perfect thing to wear all the time. That’s probably why they call it the everyday necklace.

2. light layers necklace

This was one of my favorites as soon as I saw it. Love the layers and the colors.

3. tagua seed bracelets

These bracelets were the first thing from Noonday Collection that I ever saw and I cannot express how much I love them. They are bracelet perfection.

4. blooming chandelier earrings

So pretty.

5. embellished belt

These belts are gorgeous.

6. malachite maze earrings

Love these.

7. inca steps necklace

This is another of my very favorites. It comes in three different colors, including a turquoise color and I think we all know how I feel about that. LOVE.

8. rainy day tea towel

I realize these are towels. And towels aren’t necessarily fashion. But they’re too cute to not share them.

I mean, y’all, it’s shopping for a cause. It’s fashion that gives back. What’s better than that?

And here are a few things from other places that I liked this week. None of them have a social conscience, but they are cute.

1. color block tank

This also comes in shades of pink and coral. I love this by itself with white jeans during the summer, but it would look great with a jacket or cardigan over it too.

2. whimsical tale crochet top in pink

This is so pretty and feminine. And it’s a great house elf.

I didn’t mean to type house elf. I meant to type “price”. But we’re in the midst of Harry Potter and P was talking to me about house elves while I was trying to write.

3. grass court dress

Love the color of this. And the eyelet. I may be tempted to replace that belt with something else. Maybe one of the embroidered ones above?

4. strapless ruffled jumpsuit

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but jumpsuits are in this season. My friend Steph showed me a denim jumpsuit that I can’t quit thinking about even though it’s way above my normal price range and I’ll never buy it unless it goes on sale for 75% off.

This black one is really cute. I have nowhere to wear it. But maybe you do.

5. bcbg blue & white striped shirt

I ordered this shirt for myself last week and got it yesterday. It was a great price and I knew I’d love it with white jeans this summer.

Wow. We’ve covered a lot of ground today.

That’s it for this week.

Y’all have a great Friday.

This is going to be a quick Fashion Friday because Caroline still isn’t feeling well and, frankly, I’ve had better days. I don’t know if it’s all just hypochondria on my part, but my throat feels sore and my head is a little achy.

We spent most of yesterday in my bed watching movies and American Idol, but at some point I got on the computer and started looking at swimsuits for Caroline. Yes, it’s February. However, it was 85 degrees here.

And then Caroline started chiming in on what swimsuits she liked and ultimately took over the computer. She entertained herself for the next hour finding all sorts of clothes and shoes and swimsuits she’d like to own and asking me if she could “add them to the cart”.

I told her that was fine because I knew she could “add to the cart” all day long but that it wasn’t going to translate to actual buying of anything. It’s like the Seinfeld rental car episode. I know you can take the reservation, but can you HOLD the reservation?

Except it was clothes.

By the time I got back on the computer she’d added about $400 worth of items to the cart. So, note to self, make sure she never actually learns how to PURCHASE the things in the cart. And now I’m conducting my own private experiment to see if she realizes none of those things ever turn up on our doorstep.

But enough of that.

Let’s talk about one of my favorite stores.

The nice folks at Ruche are giving one of you the chance to win a $50 gift card. Which means you can actually put things in your cart and BUY THEM if you win. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post to enter. I’ll keep comments open until Monday at noon and then choose a winner at random.

And if you win, then you might want to spend the money on one of the following:

coral flair mary jane peep toe heels

A friend of mine emailed me and made me aware that these shoes existed. And now I can’t quit thinking about them. Even though my life doesn’t really go with shoes with a heel these days.

galant strapless dress

Love the green. And would love it with some gold sandals and accessories.

enchante magenta dress

This isn’t a dress unless you’re in your twenties. But I would love it with skinny white jeans and all turquoise or silver accessories.

sea flower caged ring

See? This ring would go with that magenta dress/top.

peacock quill earrings

And I think we all know that Caroline would choose this pair of understated peacock quill earrings. She would totally put them in her cart.

Here are a few other things I liked this week. There were going to be five of them but did I mention that I might be getting sick?

1. wagner tunic

Again. Perfect with skinny jeans in white or some other color if you dare.

2. top with waist seams

Zara needs to work on coming up with better names for their clothing because, seriously, top with waist seams? That sounds so industrial.

I have a top that’s similar to this and I adore it. It’s perfect under a jacket or sweater, but great on it’s own when the weather warms up. Of course you’ll need a cami under it.

3. bedecked flounce tee

I like this tee because it’s business in the front and party in the back. Just like P’s hair circa 1988.

4. colored skinny jeans

Another friend told me about these jeans at Nordstrom. (What would I do without my friends? Especially when I’ve been a shut in since Wednesday and have no idea what the world has to offer?) They are an inexpensive way to capitalize on the colored denim trend without a big investment. I just have to decide if I want yellow or turquoise.

That’s it for today.

Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a $50 gift card from Ruche. And remember that they have a great selection of curvy items, too.

Have a great Friday.