Fashion

A few days ago I got into a lengthy, meaningful discussion with some friends about the appropriateness of wearing white pants or jeans after Labor Day. We agreed that it doesn’t seem fair to have to surrender the white fashion option when it’s still 90 degrees outside and I questioned whether or not it would be okay for me to wear my white jeans when I go to Orlando next weekend. I mean, it’s Florida for goodness sake. Anyone who’s ever watched an episode of Miami Vice knows they let you wear anything down there.

We never really reached a decision that I felt good about. I just wasn’t sure I wanted to wear white jeans and risk being mocked and ridiculed in public. And then I’d have to tell my grandmother that it’s a new day for fashion and the rules from the 1940’s don’t necessarily apply.

So when I got home I decided to turn to the internet for guidance and direction because heaven knows the internet contains only factual information. Thanks to the internet I know to never adopt a stray dog on the beach because I could get it home and bathe it only to find out it’s a nutria rat. I know this really happened to someone because I read about it ON THE INTERNET.

Shockingly, the internet was filled with conflicting information about wearing white after Labor Day and the origins of the rule. It made me feel tired and confused. So I did what I always do when I feel tired and confused and went to bed.

Then yesterday I received an email from my friend Holly and she was wondering about my decision to pack away my white jeans because she’d heard that all the fashion magazines are saying it’s okay to wear white year round.

This led me to do about four and a half minutes of further research and I’ve decided that the no white after Labor Day rule applies to handbags, linen, eyelet, gauzy sundresses, and shoes.

(Honestly, I kind of think the only time anyone should wear white shoes is if she happens to be a bride or a go-go dancer or three years old)

I’ve decided that today’s fashion climate allows for white jeans and/or pants to transition into fall and winter clothing provided that the rest of your color palette has a fall feel. Think white jeans with a black jacket or a charcoal gray sweater.

Of course maybe I’m just being swayed by the fact that I really want to wear my white jeans for a little while longer.

I’d love to hear what y’all think about the no white after Labor Day rule.

Now for a few questions:

1. Rebecca asks: “How do people make belts work when the dress doesn’t have belt loops?? I’ve seen it done and I just can’t figure out how.”

I wish I could tell you that there is some secret belt formula but, as far as I know, there’s not. The key for me is to find a belt that fits properly depending on whether I want to wear it cinched around my waist or slung low across my hips.

Or you could always take the dress to a tailor and have her add some belt loops to keep your belt secure. I will say that I don’t recommend trying to use double stick tape because, while it seems like a good idea in theory, it’s a good way to end up with little wads of tape falling from your waistline.

If anyone has any suggestions, I’d love to hear them in the comments.

All of a sudden I feel like this is the Fashion Friday that will finally expose the fact that I am really not any kind of fashion expert but, rather, a girl who just likes to shop and sometimes manages to look put together.

2. Maggie asks: “What’s a girl to wear to a semi-fancy affair such as a rehearsal dinner or a night out on the town/nice dinner with the significant other or an after-hours work party?”

Considering that I put on makeup for the first time in a week yesterday, I’m not entirely sure that I remember what a girl wears for a nice evening out on the town or any kind of party. I do feel fairly certain that it doesn’t involve Nike running shorts and an Adidas t-shirt.

You can never go wrong with a basic little black dress. The right one can be a timeless piece that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. I have a black dress in my closet right now that I bought at least seven years ago and I’ve worn it to everything from funerals to weddings. At the time I felt guilty because it wasn’t cheap, but I have more than gotten my money out of that dress.

But sometimes a girl isn’t in the mood for a basic black dress. You could always wear a printed maxi dress or a cute little one-shouldered dress in a fun print.

Something like this dress from J.Crew is also a darling choice. If you’re feeling really daring then you could go with a jumpsuit. (I know that’s a frightening word, but it can be a good look)

And finally, you can go with a great pair of pants and dress them up with a pretty ruffled top.

You also may want to put on some makeup.

I just added that last part for me because, seriously, physician heal thyself.

3. MIchelle asks: “How do you wear boots? Do you tuck the jeans in and if so, what jeans work best?”

There is really no right or wrong way to wear boots, but the trend right now is to wear jeans or leggings tucked into boots. The issue is that this requires a skinny jean unless you want to spend the better half of your day trying to stuff a flared leg into a boot. It defies the natural laws of physics.

Not that I know the natural laws of physics, but I feel confident that this goes against nature and may even cause you to throw a boot against the wall of your closet. Hypothetically speaking.

But if the skinny jean isn’t for you, feel free to wear boots with your jeans over them. You can always show off a cute pair of boots by wearing a skirt with them instead of pants.

God bless America, land of the free and home of people who can wear boots however they choose.

That’s all for today because I’m exhausted from the minutes of research I did for the great white jeans debate of ’09.

Y’all have a great Friday.

So this weekend is Labor Day weekend and, while I’m looking forward to having a long holiday weekend, I’m a little sad it’s time to put away my white jeans. I feel like we barely got to know each other and now I have to put them away until next spring. My heart breaks a little.

On the other hand, it’s hard to be sad for long when this weekend marks the official start of the college football season. There are few things in life that bring me more joy than a Saturday spent watching a football game while eating some sort of dip. (Sidenote: Go check out the DipTacular going on at Boomama’s.) The only thing better is if it happens to be the Aggies participating in the aforementioned great game, but I’ll take what I can get.

And while we’re on the subject of college football, I was in Banana Republic yesterday (it’s all in the name of exhaustive research for you, internet) and saw this really cute top. The only problem was it came in burnt orange and I just can’t wear burnt orange this time of year because it would be considered sacrilege. It’s bad enough that I have to endure all the Longhorn love in the press (get a room); I certainly don’t need to contribute to it by wearing their colors, even if it is in the form of a kicky little blouse.

However, I felt like I wanted to pass it on to some of my friends who cheer for the school in Austin because I know the pain that comes with trying to find fashionable items in college colors, says the girl who went to Texas A&M and has conducted massive searches for maroon items that aren’t football jerseys.

(By the way, I was going to post a link to the top but it’s not online. I guess it’s just in the store.)

As I was standing there in Banana Republic pondering the dilemma of whether or not I should help the folks in burnt orange and thinking about how hard it is to find clothes in school colors, I received an email from my friend K telling me about a new website called Team Colors Couture. It’s basically a place where you can find fashionable items in your college team’s colors. Right now it’s only Texas schools, but they’ll be adding new schools over time and obviously there are many schools that share the same colors. It pains me that there is an appallingly low selection of maroon merchandise, but that’s an Aggie’s cross to bear. The fashion world is just generally not a fan of maroon or her slightly more attractive half sister, burgundy.

I’d cry discrimination and start a huge campaign to change things but that would take a lot of work.

My point is Gig’em Aggies. I love you and will always cheer for you even if the fashion world and the sports pages neglect you.

Now for a few questions.

1. Karate Mom asks: “Could you please link to the fabulous scarf video that you did last year? My mom got the most beautiful big scarf faux pashmina thingy for me, but I need to know how to wear it!”

Well, yes, I certainly can even though I cannot watch that video without cringing. However, of all the stupid things I’ve ever done in the name of this blog that one gets the most requests, so here’s the link.

And, by the way, the scarf is still totally in for this season. I plan on wearing all of mine if the temperature ever drops below 100 degrees again.

2. Amanda asks: “Can you suggest any ways to wear leggings for those of us who have not used our Shred DVDs yet?”

Are you trying to imply that I haven’t been using my Shred DVD? Because I have. I TOTALLY HAVE. Maybe.

The key to wearing leggings for those of us who are mere mortals and enjoy the occasional bowl of queso or bag of M&M’s is to think about proportions and the use of color. Clearly, most of us will not be wearing them this way. But if you can pull that off then God bless you and may I suggest you go eat some chicken fingers?

Buy a pair of leggings in a darker color because it will give your legs the illusion of slimness and then pair the leggings with a longer cardigan, jacket or top in a pattern or a lighter color. This will allow you to rejoice in the comfort that is the legging while drawing the eye away from your booty region. Just make sure that your top isn’t too big or loose because you don’t want to look sloppy, which can actually make you look bigger.

Here are a few outfits that show how to make the leggings look work in a tasteful way. I realize most of us aren’t going to throw down the coin these particular outfits cost, but I needed something to use as an example and they were all I could find. Just remember these looks and head to TJ Maxx or wherever you like to bargain shop to replicate them.

3. Kristen asks: ” I finally bought some Frye Harness Boots, (YAY!), but now and trying to figure out how to wear them. I’ve got some good jeans that I can put them with, but what else could I do? I’m a mid thirties average sized girl and I’m willing to take [some] fashion risks.”

See above discussion on leggings.

You know I have long been a fan of the harness boots and the good news is that Target is selling the knock off harness boots in both black and brown this year. You can pair them with jeans or try them with leggings for something different and slightly edgier.

And we all know I’m a fan of edgy because I’ve been known to skip breakfast even though it’s the most important meal of the day.

4. Cody asks: “We’re heading off to a wedding in Puerto Rico in December. My husband’s in the wedding and they’re wearing khaki’s, guayaberas, and leather flip flops. I wasn’t sure what to wear, so I asked the groom and he said business casual. The ceremony will be outdoors. But, when I looked up ‘business casual’ it said no flip-flops. I was thinking a maxi dress and flip flops but maybe not? Help! What is ‘business casual?'”

I’m going to share a basic rule of fashion that applies to virtually any situation and will serve you well for the rest of your life. Never ask a man (even if he’s the groom) what the appropriate attire is for an event. They don’t know. Even if they act like they do, they don’t.

They don’t.

Case in point, a wedding ceremony in Puerto Rico where the groom and his groomsmen are wearing khakis, guayaberas and flip-flops is not business casual, unless you’re in the business of making margaritas at the bar or playing the maracas for local tourists. No self-respecting place of legitimate business is going to let grown men show off their feet.

If the wedding were truly business casual then they would be wearing khakis and nice polo shirt with a “Vandalay Industries” logo embroidered tastefully on it. My point is I think the groom meant to say, but didn’t know such a dress category existed, resort casual.

A maxi dress with a thong sandal (the dressier name for a flip-flop) sounds completely appropriate for the occasion. For a little extra flair, you could wear some statement earrings and maybe a fun cocktail ring.

But I don’t really like to talk about my flair. (Can you name that movie?)

That’s it for today.

Y’all have a great Friday. Stay classy.

And Gig ’em Aggies.

A reader sent me an email earlier this week to let me know that Banana Republic is selling skinny jeans with zippers at the ankles and she wanted to break the news to me gently. Unfortunately, she was too late because earlier that morning I’d clicked over to Banana Republic to see if they had anything on sale and right there on the main page of their site, in front of God and everyone, was this photo.

You know why that model is lying down like that? Because that’s the only way those jeans actually look decent. Of course in all fairness they probably look pretty good on her because she just ate half a lettuce leaf for lunch followed by a wee slice of apple and, man, is she stuffed.

The sight of those zippered ankles made me reminisce about my favorite pair of jeans in 8th grade. They were Guess pinstriped (oh the horror) jeans with a zippered ankle. When I walked down the halls of Marshall Middle School wearing those jeans with my huaraches, it was best to just get out of my way because I worked that look with an attitude that only an awkward 13 year old could.

Anyway, I totally should have saved those jeans because they are back in style. Well, minus the pinstripes.  But  they were probably a size 24 waist since I had yet to hit puberty, so I guess the only purpose they’d serve would be to hang around in my closet and look chic (chick).

I have a theory that all these horrific fashion flashbacks to the 80’s are coming back around because today’s designers are mere babies who were born in a year I vividly remember. A year where I already had a drivers’ license and listened to Duran Duran while wondering how long it would be before Simon Le Bon would discover there was a teenage girl in Beaumont, Texas who wanted to marry him and move to the UK and host great karoke parties where all our friends would sit around and sing “Hungry Like the Wolf” or “Reflex” while we laughed at the irony.

My point is that most of today’s designers were wearing onesies the last time zippered leg jeans and large shoulder pads were in style and don’t understand that they went out of style for a reason. A very good reason.

Okay, now that I’ve sufficiently rambled, here are the remaining six trends for fall. If you miss the first four from last week, then click over to Edition 62 to catch up.

5. Boyfriend blazer

I cannot express how much I loved the boyfriend blazers back in the late 80’s/early 90’s. They completed me, especially the one I bought from The Limited with super cool gold buttons. In fact, the only time a blazer let me down was when I decided to wear a red one from the Gap with jeans and a denim shirt (bless my heart) to an A&M football game. We were playing SMU and in an unfortunate turn of events I was dressed just like the SMU band. It was years before I recovered from the horror.

There are several different kinds of boyfriend blazers to choose from. The important thing is to find one that’s flattering and doesn’t make you look frumpy.

Also, it’s important to remember that blazers can be taken in on the sides for a better fit and sleeves can be hemmed if they’re too long, but there’s nothing you can do to change where the shoulder of the blazer hits. Make sure you get a good fit through the shoulders and that it’s roomy enough for you to move around without looking like Mr. Roboto.

Domo Arigato.

6. The Sheath Dress

I honestly can’t remember the last time I bought a dress because I have a shockingly empty social calendar, which is fine with me because there’s a good show on Bravo every single night of the week and why would I want to go out when I can stay home in my pajamas and watch The Rachel Zoe Project or Top Chef?

But, truthfully, if I still worked for the evil pharmaceutical empire, I would be all over this trend. There is nothing easier than just throwing on a dress and calling it a miserable day of schlepping Starbucks to various doctors’ offices.

Here are some sheath dresses that are perfect for the office.

And here are a few that would be great for dressier occasions, like a regatta gala.

Bon appetit.

I don’t know why I just said that.

7. Long cardigans

Am I in some sort of tricked-out Delorean that’s taking me to a place where I revisit the fashions of my youth?

The cardigan is tricky because you don’t want to look like a librarian, unless of course you are a librarian.  Proceed with caution and try on several styles.

You could totally go old school with something like this or this or this.

Just make sure it’s not too fitted around the bottom area because I could write an entire doctoral thesis on the wrongs of having a garment cling to your booty.

Personally, I prefer this version of the long cardigan look. I also really like this one and this one.

And be still my ever lovin’ heart at this one that I adore from Anthropologie even though they never write or call.

8. Chains

Accessories really are the best way to make an outfit look up to date without spending a lot of money. This fall is all about the chain necklace.

Here are a few different chains to choose from.

9. Boots

Boots are going to be a staple again this year and I couldn’t be more thrilled because I have always been a huge fan of the boot because I suffer from chronic cold feet syndrome (it’s a real sickness, people) and they allow me to wear my warmest, ugliest socks and no one knows the difference.

Depending on your needs, there are boot styles that fit every need and budget.

10. Country influences

I know you’re thinking what in the world does that even mean? Well, it means what it means and I saved it for last because it is one of my favorite looks. The other night on The Rachel Zoe Project, Rachel said she’d like to be buried in head to toe Chanel. Maybe it’s my Texas roots, but I’d like to be buried in jeans, a great pair of boots and some fab turquoise jewelry.

Of course depending on your style, country can either mean “I’m on my way to the ranch” or “I’m on my way to our country estate in England where we’ll spend the weekend playing polo and drinking tea”. I think we all know which option I lean towards.

To get the look, you’ll need a good pair of jeans, a few plaid shirts or a white ruffled shirt, some cozy sweaters for layering, a great belt, turquoise jewelry, and cowboy boots. Lucky for you, this is the year to find cowboy boots in every price range and style.

You may also want a tweed vest, a classic jacket or some tall boots to wear with skinny jeans or leggings if you want to lean more towards the English countryside look.  It may also help to adopt a British accent.

The key is to mix and match these pieces with other things in your wardrobe. Wear a long plaid shirt with skinny jeans tucked into boots or wear a long sweater with a cute belt and boots. Just add a few key pieces to your wardrobe to give it a little bit of country flair.

Or if you’re like Donny Osmond, you can just be a little bit rock and roll.

Maybe you could even wear purple socks.

How obsessed was I with Donny Osmond that I still remember that?

Y’all have a great Friday.

P just informed me that he was ready to go to bed which is his subtle way of letting me know it’s time for me to vacate our bedroom and move myself and my Macbook into the living room. I guess there are only so many hunting shows you can watch on the DVR before you just flat wear yourself out and, since I had possession of the computer, he wasn’t able to watch any vintage 70’s T.V. to help him stay up past 10:00 p.m.

I gathered up all my things and said, “Hey, I’m about to work on a Fashion Friday post. Are you sure you don’t want to stay up and weigh in on fall trends?”

He replied, “Yes. I’m sure.”

“Really? Because I’d love to get your thoughts on the color red.”

Blank stare.

Then he said, “Listen, I’m at the point in my life where I don’t care about what I wear. I’m not trying to impress anyone.”

As if that wasn’t obvious when we had friends over for dinner yesterday evening and he donned his nicest Under Armour shirt for the occasion.

I told him, “I think you hit that point about twenty years ago.”

“You’re right, I did. Good night.”

Although to be fair, he did own a pair of dark green jeans when we started dating back in 1995 and you don’t just accidentally own green denim. It takes some thought and effort. Of course I don’t really know that green jeans were in style in 1995 so it’s probably more likely that he found them on the clearance rack at Academy.

I’m officially ready to resume Fashion Friday but I feel like I need to offer a disclaimer before I jump back in. Which I hate to do because I am not a fan of reading disclaimers, much less actually giving disclaimers.

I adore Fashion Friday and I love getting questions and doing what I can to help a girl in her time of sartorial need, but there is no way that I can answer every question I receive. I just have to say that because I cannot tell you how stressed out I get when I realize that someone sent me a question about what they should wear to the Monster Truck Rally in two weeks and I don’t have time to give them an answer before the big event. And I just have to hope and pray that they had the sense to wear their best t-shirt with the sleeves cut off and possibly a bandana tied around the leg of their jeans.

Most of the time I try to stick with questions that are a little more general in nature because it can be so hard to figure out what to tell you to wear to your second cousin’s nephew’s graduation in Vermont when it might be 80 degrees or could be 34 degrees and you’re trying to lose some baby weight so you might be a size 14 or you could be a size 6.

I vow to do my very best, but please don’t be offended if I don’t get to your question. It’s nothing personal; it’s just that sometimes I have to eat and sleep and feed my family. Sadly, none of those things happen while I’m searching the internet for fabulousness, which is really something Al Gore should have thought about.

Blah, blah, blah, just get to the point.

I thought we’d start with the top 10 trends for Fall. I’ll discuss four this week and six next week because I am a fan of suspense and intrigue.

(I have to confess that my original plan was to discuss five this week and five the next, but it’s late and I’m tired so I’m leaving it at four. We have meet the teacher tomorrow and I want us to be stunning and impossibly fresh-looking for the occasion. Not to mention, I’m going to need my strength to get Caroline to wear something other than the hot pink velour sweatpants that she’s determined to wear because she wants to have a heat stroke.)

1. Red

I have a complicated relationship with the color red. On one hand, I love it. On the other hand, it sometimes frightens me with its boldness. So, in many ways, it’s very similar to how I feel about Richard Simmons, which is to say it might be best in small doses.

Of course that being said, I would totally wear this gorgeous Calvin Klein dress but it’s probably a little much for Mexican food on a Friday night.

On a more practical note, you could add a great pair of red shoes or a red bag like this to an outfit to give it a little bit of fab.

If you’re a mom on the go, I think these would be a fun way to add a little red to your wardrobe and if you laugh at the idea of a budget, then please buy these and let me live vicariously through you.

Another great way to add some red would be with a cute blazer (Oh my word, is it 1993 again? When did I last use the term ‘blazer’?) or a trench coat. I also love this scarf in red and black.

And if you’re really daring and avant garde, then check out this red satin jacket. It takes me right back to 1979 when the hottest thing in my closet was a red satin jacket with blue stripes from Weiners.

2. Leopard Print

If loving leopard print is wrong, then I don’t want to be right. I am a fan.

I adore this little faux fur coat, but something like this trench might be a little more understated and practical.

You can never go wrong with a great leopard print flat or even a great heel. And I’ve been in love with these clogs for years.

Also, never underestimate the power of a leopard print handbag. It’s a very versatile accessory and I even saw some at Target yesterday but I can’t find the link because the internet hates me.

But, totally off the animal print subject, I saw this fabulous bag while I got lost in the world of Kate Spade and am officially in deep like.

3. Leggings

Don’t shoot the messenger. I would be remiss if I left leggings off the list because they are one of the top fall trends. It doesn’t mean you have to wear them so just settle down if this news makes you feel a little irritable.

Truthfully, I’m not opposed to leggings. I can actually envision an outfit that involves leggings, a long sweater and tall boots and in my mind it looks pretty cute. It’s just a look that will work for some people and cause others to curl up in the fetal position and wait for the leggings mania to die down.

On the upside, you can find leggings in every color, price range, or pattern that your heart desires.

And don’t forget that they also come in denim. Gulley and I saw those in Nordstrom this week and I swear I thought they moved the childrens’ department upstairs because I never see denim that tiny unless I’m shopping for Caroline.

4. Ruffles

Ruffles are everywhere for the fall. You can find them on bags, shoes, and even boot shoes.

There are also several great shirts that allow you to add a little ruffleage to your wardrobe and that’s hard to do since I just made up the word ruffleage.

Or you could go with a faux leather jacket with ruffle details.

That’s it for today. Stay tuned next week when I’ll discuss the final six trends for fall.

Or maybe just three of them if I’m tired and want to go to bed.

Y’all have a great Friday.

If there are any of you out there who don’t believe the internet has some power, then let me tell you that there is now an empty space in my living room where those boxes used to reside. Of course, let’s be honest, who doesn’t believe the internet is a powerful tool? Other than maybe the Amish?

Although they do know the power of a roll and glow fireplace.

But that’s not important right now. What is important is that it’s that time of year; the time of year when summer fashion goes on sale so retailers can play mind games with customers by turning down the A/C and rolling out some sweaters just in time for August.

On Tuesday night I went shopping with some friends and we found some great deals. I even found a white pair of jeans after years of believing that the attractive white jean was just an urban legend and, best of all, they were on sale. Sadly, I cannot link to any of our finds because we were at The Rack. However, I’ve stumbled across a few other really cute things online (See? The internet is powerful) and I thought I’d share them with y’all.

So it’s kind of like Fashion Friday is back, except I’m not sure that I’m totally ready to commit to it every week yet. Also, if you’ve ever sent me a Fashion Friday question you need to know that my yahoo email doesn’t like me and deleted that entire file.

And why am I still blah, blah, blah when all you care about this point are the goods?

1. I fell in love with this Rainyday Mac when I received my first issue of the Spring/Summer Boden catalog back in March. Since that time I’ve received about eleven more Boden catalogs because apparently Boden isn’t afraid to use some paper. They also know that I am a sucker for 20% off and free shipping. It’s my love language.

Anyway, the Rainyday Mac is just as cute as it was the first time I laid eyes on it and turned down the page longingly, but it’s now 50% off. If it ever rained in San Antonio, it would have had me at hello.

2. Speaking of Boden, I also adore this Fab printed coat. It’s, well, FAB.

3. I bought this flutter sleeve pom-pom t-shirt last month when I found it on sale at Gap. I love it because it’s as comfortable as a t-shirt, but it feels cuter because of the pom-pom factor.

So basically it’s like the cheerleader of apparel.

4. There are all kinds of good deals to be found on shoes right now. I think these Neon patent capri sandals are darling and would add a little pop to any outfit.

I also adore these Camili ornamented sandals. They would look great with my new white jeans but I’m leaving the white jeans long so I can wear them with a heel. It’s not that I think you really care about my hem decision, but it’s been a decision I’ve wrestled with a lot over the last twenty-four hours.

And if you need a sandal with a heel for jeans that you’ve decided to leave long, I think these Sonya huarache platform wedges are great. Plus, I cannot see the word “huarache” without being immediately transported back to eighth grade. My white huaraches were to die for when paired with my Guess jeans and a ribbon belt.

5. I love this ruffled tank from J.Crew. It would look great with a cute skirt or a pair of jeans and it’s a little kickier than your average tank.

6. I recently saw this Big Buddha Hollywood Bag and I wanted to pledge my undying love and devotion to it. At least until something better comes along or the bottom of it gets filled animal cracker crumbs and leaky juice box remnants.

This slouchy leather bag is also cute and on sale since it’s white and the clock is ticking on white. Only about one and half months and six hundred heat strokes left until Labor Day.

And on a completely practical and bargain-related note, this canvas tote is pretty cute and comes in a lot of different colors.

7. Every week I watch “The Bachelorette” and have several thoughts that run through my head. Thoughts like “What makes a man decide to wear green shorty shorts on national television?” or “Does Jillian realize that Kiptyn’s mother would be the kind of mother-in-law that they make Lifetime movies about?” But the most consistent thought is that while I question her taste in men, I love her taste in accessories.

These Berrones earrings and this silver woven cuff bracelet remind me of the kind of stuff she wears.

I think they’re wicked cute. (I can’t believe I just went there. Totally cannot pull that off.)

8. Last night on E! News (the source of all serious news events) they did a quick fashion report on undergarments. I was watching because they mentioned Chickies which are made by a friend of mine and are a fabulous invention for taking care of cleavage issues without having to layer a bunch of tank tops.

They also mentioned the Lilyette strapless minimizer bra. I tried one on and I can tell you that it lives up to the hype. Best strapless bra ever.

9. You know a list isn’t complete unless I mention a few things from Anthropologie. This Toppings blouse is on sale and just darling in either white or orange.

And if that’s not quite your style, then check out this Gossamer Web top. So cute.

10. Lately I’ve loved the statement ring even though they don’t really work when you have short little fingers, but a girl can still dream. This turquoise ring is great and so is this one.

That’s all for now. I just had a little person come stumbling out of her room and she needs her mama to go tuck her back in.

Y’all have a great Friday.

I know I said I was taking a break from Fashion Friday for the summer and I am, I really am. The question portion of Fashion Friday is officially on summer vacation. However, I had some free time this week and spent some of that time venturing into various stores, which led me to find some cute things that I feel compelled to share with the group.

In fact, I believe I was in Banana Republic (where all my best ideas have always been born) when I decided it would be fun to compile a list of my top ten finds of the week. Unfortunately, there are two flaws with this plan. First, some of the things I found aren’t online, including a darling cotton navy and white striped dress that has captured my heart and is still calling to me from the store where I left it. Second, I’m not sure I actually have a list of ten things, it may be more like seven or five.

We’ll just see where it goes and how long I can make myself wait to watch the season finale of “Grey’s Anatomy” and part two of the “Real Housewives of New York” reunion special. It’s not like the DVR is going to watch that stuff for me.

Here’s what I found this week. (Note to P, I didn’t actually BUY anything. I just looked. Because I am exercising self-control)

(Speaking of exercising, I’m on Level 2 of The Shred. I can no longer remember what day I’m on because I skipped various days due to a raging case of PMS. As far as results, my arms are definitely more toned which is such a relief because I’m always so insecure about how my arms look in a bathing suit.)

1. Summer floral skirt

Y’all know I’m a fan of the summer skirt and I think this one is really cute, especially now that it’s on sale because Gap is high if they think that skirt was worth the original $44.50 price.

2. Linen cargo bermuda shorts

I tried these on and couldn’t commit, but I keep thinking about them because they were very lightweight and would probably be a welcome addition to my wardrobe come July when I’m wishing I lived in North Dakota.

3. Halter maxi dress

I hope the link works because Banana won’t let me link to the specific dress because it’s already sold out and I’m not surprised. When I saw it in the window of the store, I immediately parked and went in to get a better look because I thought I could wear it to a wedding this weekend and my twenty-year reunion later this summer.

However, what the picture doesn’t show is that the back of the dress does some tricky kind of thing that basically allows for no sort of undergarment to be worn. But apparently someone has figured out a way to make it work because the dress is SOLD OUT. Are these people gluing some sort of support device directly to their bodies? If you think I’m attending my twenty-year high school reunion with only on a super-glued cup standing between me and public humiliation, then you’re crazy.

4. Embroidered tunic

I really liked this even before I knew they called that color “Wasabi Green”, which just makes me like it that much more.

5. ABK Couture bags

A friend from elementary school makes these gorgeous tote bags and I discovered them last week. I am totally eyeing one of them to be my new laptop bag.

6. Double Mocha Jacket

I didn’t actually see this in person, but found it online when I did my weekly search through all of Anthropologie’s sale items. I am a fan.

7. Good jeans

I have no link for this, but Steinmart had 7 jeans and Lucky jeans in stock this week for substantially less than what you’d pay at the fancy department store.

8. Yellow Box Zebra flip-flops

There are no words for the cuteness.

It turns out I only had eight things, but like the old saying goes better eight than nothing.

(By “old saying” I mean three minutes old because I just made it up)

Y’all have a great Friday.