Fashion

Caroline had class pictures at school on Thursday so I felt like we should up our wardrobe game for posterity’s sake. I had mistakenly thought we’d decided on an outfit a few days ago, but she informed me at 7:35 a.m. that she didn’t want to wear that particular outfit. I find that to be a confusing set of circumstances because she pledged her undying love and devotion to the aforementioned outfit when I brought it home from the Gap a month ago and asked her if she liked it. Apparently she is suffering from fashion schizophrenia.

There is nothing quite as enjoyable as a last minute scramble to get ready, so I was understandably totally relaxed and calm as I pulled out the rest of her fall clothing to find something suitable for her to wear in the picture. I laid four pretty outfits on the bed for her to choose from and she responded by wailing “WHY DON’T I HAVE ANY BEAUTIFUL DRESSES TO WEAR?”

“You do. They are right here on your bed.”

“NO. I MEAN BEAUTIFUL DRESSES.”

And by beautiful she means the six sundresses that she refused to wear all summer long in spite of the many bribes I offered in exchange for her agreement to wear just one of them. JUST ONE. FOR MAMA. PLEASE.

But, oh no, she didn’t want to wear them during the summer because she was saving them for school picture day in October on a morning when a pretty significant cold front had blown through the area.

She finally deemed one of the outfits I’d selected as worthy to be worn, but only because I threatened that I was about to make the final decision if she didn’t make a choice. Basically, the morning served as a catalyst for a new rule, if I buy it and you tell me you like it, then you’re wearing it whether you want to or not. Choose carefully because once it’s in your closet, it’s yours for better or worse.

As a bonus, think how well that rule will serve her once she’s married.

Be careful what you put in your closet, ladies. You can’t just cart him off to Goodwill when he begins to show a little wear.

You will probably notice that I’m just listing ten things again this week. I’ve decided that, at least for now, this format works better than trying to answer individual questions. It’s just too hard to pick and choose, plus so many of them are so specific and I get totally stressed out and might as well be trying to make one of Christopher Columbus’s ships out of thin air.

So I’m going with a list of ten things indefinitely. Of course it won’t always be ten things. Some weeks it may just be five or six things. Some weeks it might include some beauty products. There’s just no telling because I am flying by the seat of my pants and making it up as I go along.

1. Denim skirt

I have been on a quest to find the perfect denim skirt for many a year, only to find myself disappointed time and time again. However, I saw this one at Gap yesterday and knew immediately that we were meant to be together forever. It’s the perfect length, the perfect wash, the perfect fit. Plus it had a cute cousin skirt in a darling plaid material, perfect for pairing with a denim jacket, tights and tall boots.

It called out to me from the rack and I said, “Shut up, denim skirt. Just shut up. You had me at hello.”

2. Plaid double weave shirt

I’m a huge fan of the plaid shirt this season. In fact, I have always loved a good plaid shirt even when they weren’t cool anymore. Which is why I bought an old plaid flannel shirt of Gulley’s from a garage sale she had a few years ago. She’d totally forgotten about it until I reminded her the other day and then she was more astonished by the fact that she actually charged me $2.00 for the shirt than at my fashion foresight in knowing that $2.00 was a DEAL for a shirt that I’d be able to pair with skinny jeans and boots three years later.

I think a plaid shirt looks especially cute this season when paired with a tank or tee underneath and with a coordinating scarf wrapped around your neck for a little extra flair.

Unless you don’t like talking about your flair.

3. A thousand tiers dress

I don’t know where I’d wear this dress but I think it is totally and completely adorable. Love the ruffles, love the jersey, love the whole look. Adorable.

4. Maternity pleated ruffle jacket

See? This is how rumors get started and grandparents get excited.

I am not pregnant. I repeat, I am not pregnant. But I saw this jacket at Target the other day and nearly grabbed it to try it on before I realized it was maternity. And then I still thought about trying it on, but that would be a little thing I call tempting fate.

But it is just so cute and would be the perfect piece for any maternity wardrobe because you could dress it up or down depending on the occasion.

5. Patron party coat

How cute is this coat with it’s three quartered sleeves and button detail? It would look adorable paired with some black leggings and boots or even with some jeans.

You could even add a fun scarf for a little pop of color.

I have a thing for jackets. My closet is full of them even though I live in South Texas and I rarely get to wear them. I can’t help myself.

6. Leggings

Okay, I know this is boring because it’s just a pair of leggings. But it’s a pair of leggings for only $10.00. And they are comfortable and well made and not so thin that your legs show through them when you sit down.

What more could you ask for in a pair of leggings? Other than maybe control top and built in Spanx material?

7. Faux leather jacket with ruffle

I realize a faux leather jacket doesn’t sound all that great, but this one is really cute AND it has a ruffle. How can you turn away from a jacket that has a ruffle, yet all the toughness required to be part of a motorcycle gang?

Actually, I feel fairly certain Harley Davidson would turn over in his grave at the thought of a motorcycle jacket with a ruffle, but let’s pretend otherwise because LOOK! A RUFFLE! ON A LEATHER JACKET!

8. Cap sleeve plaid coat

Even P just looked at this and said, “Cool”. And with some jeans and boots, it totally would be.

9. Ruffled open front cardigan

I told Gulley the other day that I cannot escape the ruffled front cardigan. It has stolen my heart because I am a fan of the sweater in any form, but especially when it’s extra comfortable and looks stylish to boot.

10. Kamischel suede lug boots

I’m not sure how I feel about these boots being gray since I haven’t seen them in person. But I love the style and the look. Plus, they’re only $39.99 which is a total steal for a great pair of boots.

And there you have it. Ten things.

I can’t commit to coming up with ten things every week because it’s a lot of work. Not to mention that Thursday is an unusually busy T.V. night and I hate to get behind on my T.V. Although I think I’m about ready to quit Grey’s Anatomy. There was a day that I would stay up until all hours to watch it and now I can hardly be bothered. I’m not sure what went wrong, but I think it all went wrong for me somewhere around the whole Private Practice spin-off nonsense.

I realize that without the concept of the spin-off we never would have had the television greatness that was The Jeffersons, but Addison Montgomery isn’t Weezie Jefferson. Or even Mr. Bentley for that matter.

Here’s an idea. Why don’t I go take some more cold medicine and quit typing?

Y’all have a great Friday.

Here’s to movin’ on up.

I got in the car yesterday to go pick Caroline up from school and the digital thermometer read 102 degrees. That is just so wrong. Of course I felt better when the weather guy on the six o’ clock news explained that it was really just 92 degrees, it just felt like 102 due to the 183% humidity. It’s beginning to feel like the summer that won’t end and I’m over it.

The biggest issue is that I have all my summer clothes in a pile and am longing to put them up in the top of the closet where they belong, but I can’t do that when it still feels like a fiery furnace filled with wet towels outside. So I stare into my closet every day and wonder what I can put on that looks a little fall-ish but won’t cause me to spontaneously combust later in the day. It is a feat of science and physics just to get dressed each morning.

I apologize for talking about the weather. I realize that if you wanted to hear someone go on and on about the weather then you could have just turned on Al Roker or called your grandmother instead of coming here, so I’ll quit talking about it.

For now.

Anyway, I’m not going to answer any questions today because I totally waited until the last minute to put this together. Between watching the riveting media coverage of the boy in the balloon who turned out to just be the boy in the attic and the season premiere of 30 Rock, I just failed to manage my time properly. And if I attempt to answer questions and do vast amounts of internet research there’s a good chance I may end up in the fetal position. In a corner. With a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard in my hand.

Now that I typed out that scenario, I don’t really see what the problem would be with any of that. However, I’m still just going to tell you about ten cute things I’ve seen this week. I should clarify that I mean ten cute fashion things. I’m assuming no one cares to see a box of puppies.

1. A plaid peacoat

Listen. No one is more frightened than me that I actually walked into the A’Gaci store in the mall the other day, especially considering that the front window was lined with enough neon and leather to reproduce a Pat Benatar video, but this jacket caught my eye from across the room. I went in to get a better look and it didn’t disappoint, especially since it’s only $29.50.

2. Julianna dress

I realize this is a sleeveless dress and you may be thinking that I have let the heat get to me since, rumor has it, winter will eventually come and the low temperatures may hover around the 60 degree mark. But I am picturing this dress with a long sleeve t-shirt under it paired with leggings and boots. Or maybe jeans and boots. Or maybe tights and flats. Whatever works for you. I just think it’s really cute.

3. Glisten loop disc necklace

I believe that a great necklace can totally make an outfit. This one is great in silver or in gold. I’m actually kind of loving the gold jewelry these days which is something I never thought I’d say since the downside of gold is that it brings back bad memories of the time I went out on a blind date with a guy who wore a gold pinky ring.

I wish I were kidding.

Needless to say, it was the worst of times.

4. Ruffle cardigan

If I could ever actually commit to a pair of boyfriend jeans, I think this would be the perfect piece to wear with them. I love how the ruffles take it from ordinary to extraordinary, kind of like when you add ham to your eggs.

5. Argyle flannel pajamas

Yes please.

6. Crossover hoodie

I’m not sure this is the one I saw (and bought) at Gap last week, but it’s pretty close. The only difference was I found mine on the sale rack for $19.99 and it instantly captured my heart and soul and I have no doubt we will be in love all winter long. Or at least until my leopard print Snuggie arrives to take its place.

7. Gumshoe sweatercoat

I realize my relationship with Anthropologie is dysfunctional at best, but what am I supposed to do? Pretend that I wouldn’t adore this coat until the day I die? Even if it is in the color purple which I find to be a stumbling block since it reminds me of Dimetapp cold medicine?

8. Acadia National Coat

I have know idea why this coat is called the Acadia National Coat. Is it the official coat of Acadia? Is that like Narnia? All I know is that it is darling.

9. Members Only Vest

I don’t even know if this is my favorite fur vest, but I couldn’t resist that it’s Members Only. That alone tells me it’s as good as gold.

In all seriousness, I truly love the idea of a fur vest. It may be a bit much for lunch in the elementary school cafeteria which is my chief social function these days, but I could probably find a place to wear it. Perhaps the grocery store? Or maybe when I take the dogs to the vet? Of course I’d be sure to let all the animals know that it’s just fake fur. I wouldn’t want to start a riot.

10. Rain boots

It seems odd to think about rain boots since until last month it hadn’t rained in San Antonio in approximately forever. But the weather people who act like they know about weather are predicting that it’s going to be an El Nino winter which means it a wetter than normal winter. And since I am fundamentally opposed to waiting in a carpool drop-off line for thirty minutes every day, there may be a lot of mornings that Caroline and I are dashing into school with only our rain boots and umbrellas to protect us from all the wet.

We might as well look cute while we’re doing it.

Y’all have a great Friday.

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.

You know what I hate? I mean other than the fact that NBC won’t be airing new episodes of Friday Night Lights until next summer and the scene in Lonesome Dove with the water moccasins?

I hate when it’s 9:45 on a Thursday night and I realize I haven’t even started writing Fashion Friday yet, especially when I had grand intentions of starting much, much earlier but then my day ended up being busier than I’d planned.

I had an appointment to get my hair cut at 11:00 a.m. which means I dropped Caroline off at school at 8:00 and spent the next three hours doing significant hair research on the internet in the form of looking at celebrity hairstyles and trying to make a decision about bangs for the let’s-not-even-discuss-how-many time. Then, on my way to my hair appointment, I stopped by the bank to pulse some big money out of the ATM machine to pay for my haircut, only to discover that my car window wouldn’t roll down and I had to actually get out of the car in the ATM lane like a big goob and get my cash.

I drove to the beauty salon while attempting to get my window to roll down. How am I supposed to go to Sonic with any self-respect if I can’t roll down my driver side window to order a Route 44? The attempts at the window proved fruitless, so I went in and got my hair cut complete with bangs. They’re on the long side and not a total bang commitment, but they are most definitely bangs. I’d show you a picture but I’m sitting here in my pajamas, no makeup and a bun in my hair at this point and would frighten small children or anyone with 20/20 vision.

Caroline had early dismissal for school so I picked her up and she went over to Gigi’s house to play with her cousin for the afternoon. I headed straight for the car wash because I noticed my entire car was covered in some type of sticky substance that P told me was pecan tree sap and I thought it might be the reason my window wouldn’t roll down. My hypothesis was correct which means I am an automotive repair genius.

After running a few more errands, including a stop at Gap to try on the boyfriend jeans again (couldn’t commit), I went to get Caroline and my sister-in-law informed me that Old Navy has their yoga pants on sale for $2.50.

TWO DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS. If you think I’m not going to buy a pair for every day of the week then it’s as if you don’t know me at all.

Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to Old Navy because I ran out of time. And I didn’t get started on Fashion Friday until a few minutes ago because I ran out of time. The important thing is that I made the time to run by the Gap to try on a pair of jeans for the second time only to find myself completely unable to make a decision regarding said jeans. I’m all about prioritizing.

Note to self: It’s just a pair of jeans, not a lifetime commitment like joining one of those music clubs where you buy ten CD’s for 99 cents and have to buy four more before the end of the year.

(They probably don’t even have those anymore do they?)

Now for the questions because I have exhausted even myself:

1. Several people have asked about Uggs: “How do I wear Uggs? Do I roll my jeans or tuck my jeans in? What are your thoughts on Uggs with tights? Am I tool old for this look?”

I do my best to avoid controversy and, therefore, wanted to stay away from any discussion of Uggs, but it’s the number one question in my fashion folder right now. I know many of you will want to comment and say “Uggs are hideous. They are the devil’s handmaiden trying to lure you in with comfortable sheepskin!”  But have you ever actually put on a pair? Because, oh my word, they are so dang comfortable.

I resisted the siren song of the Uggs for many a year, but finally broke down and bought some last year. Actually, I bought mine with all the Cabelas bucks that P had accumulated but whatever. They are my favorite shoes. I know they’re ugly, which is why I refrain from wearing them to weddings and bar mitzvahs, but give me some Starbucks hot chocolate and a pair of Uggs this winter and get out of my way.

Personally, I usually wear mine with my jeans tucked in, but I’ve also been known to do the messy, casual cuffed jean with them. The trick is not to make your rolled jeans look too precise. It needs to have a casual, I just threw this on, kind of feel.

I’ve never worn mine with tights and don’t really know how I feel about that. I think it’s a look that could be cute with the right skirt if you can pull it off. I just don’t know that I’m a fan. Uggs are comfortable but they are essentially glorified house shoes which, in my opinion, means they look best with only the most casual of outfits.

I could see wearing them this winter with leggings and a jersey dress or a casual sweater dress for a change of pace, but only for running around and doing important errands like getting the pecan sap off my car.

And, remember, Uggs come in lots of different styles. If the classic Ugg isn’t for you, then you might want to try another style.

2. Several people have asked: “What should I wear to my 10 year or 20 year class reunion?”

The thing about reunions is that the appropriate dress is going to vary depending on all the different activities. Some people have a football game on Friday night and then dinner on Saturday, while other people have a mixer-type function on Friday and a more formal event on Saturday.

All I know is that I’m slightly bitter that my twenty year reunion wasn’t this fall instead of in the dead heat of August. My hair would have held up a lot better and I wouldn’t have had to drink eight pitchers of ice water throughout the evening just to stay hydrated. Not to mention that I adore a high school football game and all the free drama that can be found observing teenagers in their natural habitat.

Anyway, let’s break it down (yo) into categories according to dress code.

For a casual event I would go with a great pair of jeans and a cute top or loose cardigan. You could also go with a fun jacket if it’s a little cooler outside. That’s the beauty of the FALL reunion as opposed to the I-have-never-been-hotter-and-I-don’t-mean-that-in-a-good-way summer reunion.

If you’re event is more of a mixer thing but still leans towards the casual side, then you could still do jeans but dress up your look with some cool jewelry.

Another option would be a pair of velvet jeans or nice pants paired with a dressy top like this one.

Or you could go with a tunic/dress with leggings/tights and boots. Maybe something like this which is darling.

Last but not least is the dressy dinner event. Part of my reunion included the Saturday night dinner at the Elegante Hotel in Beaumont, Texas and you should know that there is an invisible accent mark over that last “e” in Elegante so you pronounce it El-e-gan-tay which makes it much classier than if it were just the Elegant hotel with no “e” on the end. Never mind the fact that part of the roof of the Elegante was missing and that it used to be the Hilton.

The dressy event is a little easier because you can assume that most women will be wearing a dress. I would stick with a cocktail-type dress because it’s a safe bet that you won’t be the most casual one there nor the dressiest one. Something along the lines of one of these dresses would be perfect.

Hope everyone has a great time reunion-ing. P’s twentieth reunion is in two weeks but he has no desire to go. He’s really sentimental like that.

That’s all for today because did I mention how busy I was fixing my car and trying on boyfriend jeans? I need to be rested and refreshed so I can go buy ten pairs of yoga pants bright and early. FOR $2.50 A PAIR. I feel the winter of the never-ending yoga pant coming on.

Y’all have a great Friday.

I went to Target yesterday because we needed a new non-stick skillet, a birthday present for a party on Saturday and an extra pair of soccer socks for Caroline. In addition to these must-have items, I also ended up with a pair of sparkly silver shoes in a girls’ size 13 and some yoga pants in a womens’ size none of your business. It took all the self-restraint I could muster to not purchase these really pretty bubble glass goblets, but then I remembered that we eat off paper plates almost every night of the week and don’t really need any more elegant glassware that we don’t use.

Then I made my way over to the clothing section and saw these:

Somewhere Grimace is walking around without pants.

These are sweatpants with elastic at the ankles. For sale. In a store.

I was ready, in the spirit of George Costanza, to declare it the winter of Melanie where I would do nothing but eat cheese and grow a mustache, except without the growing a mustache part because I have standards. Not very high standards as evidenced by the faded black yoga pants that I wore to drop Caroline off at school yesterday, but standards nonetheless.

I also saw some lace leggings and a pair of mustard yellow ballet flats. Then the cashier asked for my I.D. when I tried to purchase a bottle of wine (every serious wine connoisseur knows Target has the best selection when you’re willing to spend $5.00 and possibly even $6.00) and I got in the car to head home and A-HA was on the radio singing “Take On Me” and I seriously wondered if I was being punked and somehow ended up back in 1988. But without the perm and the acid-washed denim jacket. And possibly the fake I.D.

Not that I was ever party to any sort of shenanigans involving fake identification in 1988. I just heard about it from some friends.

Anyway, I’ve never understood when women talk about how they can’t repeat a trend they wore when they were in middle school, but this fall I’ve realized it’s because I’ve never really lived it. All I know is that a 38-year-old woman has no business wearing neon plaid and lace leggings. NO BUSINESS. I’ve officially crossed over to the other side.

(I originally accidentally typed “crossed over to the other size” which is also true but more painful to admit)

Now for questions:

1. Erica asks: “Can you recommend some boots that look like Fryes but cost way way less? “

There was many a year that I searched for a pair of Frye boots that cost way less and I was totally and completely unsuccessful in my quest.

However, this year is the year of the boot. There are fabulous boots everywhere, but I’ve discovered that you need to look online and not just in stores. Most stores are woefully lacking a decent boot selection.

Here are a few great pairs of boots that look similar to various styles of Frye boots, but without the price tag.

2. Kelli asks: ” I loved the Gap essentials jeans and now they are discontinued. Do you (or any of your readers) have any ideas of a similar fit jean?”

All I know about jeans is you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince.

In other words, the best way to find a pair of jeans is to devote an afternoon to your quest for denim perfection and bring a friend who’s not afraid to be honest.

I’ve heard good things about Gap’s Long and Lean jeans and that you don’t have to be long nor lean to look good in them. It might be a good place to start.

Do y’all have any suggestions?

3. Priscilla asks: “I will be attending two weddings in early October. I would like to try something strapless or maybe one-shouldered number. What would be fall appropriate?”

The one-shouldered look is a big trend right now, even though I am struggling because all of a sudden I feel like shoulder is a funny word. Shoulder. Think about it for a minute.

Strapless or one-shouldered (I think it may be the source of a new word phobia for me, kind of like “ointment”) dresses are absolutely appropriate for fall as long as they are in a color palette that’s not too summery and you remember to carry a light wrap in case there’s a chill in the air.

Nena would refer to this as a “stole”. She was just sick when Gulley wore a strapless dress on an 80 degree October night last year without a stole.

Here are a few beautiful dresses that would work depending on how formal or casual your events happen to be.

I also love something like this even though it is neither one-shouldered nor strapless.

That’s all the questions for today, but I do have a few other fashion-related things I want to share. I tried on this black cowl-neck sweater dress at Old Navy the other day and was surprised that it was actually made fairly well. It would look great with tights and boots. I also thought these drawstring waist dresses were cute and would be the perfect piece to wear with leggings and a denim jacket. And Gap has their boyfriend sweaters on sale which are the perfect casual piece to pair with jeans and a scarf.

One final thing. (I know, what else could I possibly have to say?) I almost never do stuff like this, but one of my friends is a jewelry designer. She entered one of her designs as part of a contest through Kendra Scott Designs and is now one of the top three finalists nationwide. If her design is chosen then it will be worn on the red carpet at the People’s Choice Awards in Los Angeles and become a permanent part of the Kendra Scott collection. You can click on this link to go see the three finalists. She designed the one with the turquoise, orange and black detail. If you agree with me on its total and absolute super-coolness, you can vote for her design.

Stay classy.

And y’all have a great 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.