Fashion

I’m on my flight home from Nashville and, while I had such a great time, I am so ready to see my people. It’s only been two days, but at my very heart and soul I am a homebody and there is nowhere I’d rather be than tucked into my little house with the two people I love the most.

But, while I’m up here at 36,000 feet, let’s talk about some fashion issues. I’ll answer a question or two in just a minute, but first I am in need of some help.

This is a picture of Vicki Courtney and her video producer, April, that I took during the shoot. I mean not actually DURING the shoot because that would have gotten me thrown off the set and been the end of my big career. Which would totally kill me now that I know the miraculous properties of air-brushed makeup.

Anyway, there’s Vicki and she looks great. What I need to discuss is her necklace. It’s not really her necklace, but rather a necklace the stylist borrowed directly from Kelly Minter’s jewelry box and this picture does not do it justice.

I’m not going to lie, I am totally obsessed with this necklace. I asked Kelly where she got it but it is basically one of those stories along the lines of a friend’s second cousin’s sister’s mother-in-law bought the necklace for her SOMEWHERE in Atlanta.

That totally clears it up.

And when you google all that, amazingly enough, you don’t really get any results that let you know where you can purchase the necklace.

I spent the day in Nashville hanging out with the lovely Annie (internet friend turned real life friend) and I told her all about the necklace, made her take me to several Nashville boutiques where I searched for an identical necklace and other fall fashion finds, and finally realized that only the internet can help me now.

So if any of you have ever seen this necklace or know where I can find one for myself, I would greatly appreciate it. I will even pay American dollars for it. Not that those mean all that much these days.

Okay, now for a few questions.

1. Virginia asks: “Do shoes have to match your handbag these days? I just want one handbag I can carry with EVERYTHING and that is big enough to stick some snacks in and a couple of diapers. Do you have a suggestion for a bag color? Please help.”

No, Virginia, shoes do not have to match your handbag. At least I hope they don’t because it is a rare day that my shoes and my purse actually match.

I’m a big fan of having one bag because all this business of changing your purse like you change your underwear is just asking to leave your wallet or, even worse, a pack of gum in the wrong bag.

I’ll never forget helping my family clean out my Mema’s house after my Papa died and finding all her old purses stashed in the closet. Every single one of them had at least three tubes of lipstick that she probably hadn’t seen since 1946.

Personally, I am looking for a great bag in a jewel-tone. They are really in for the fall and the color will work with just about everything. Here are a few that you might want to check out.

2. Caitlin asks: “I am looking for a simple red dress, about knee length, that covers the shoulders for my sorority’s rush in January. A red dress has been nearly impossible to come by. Know of any good ones?”

Oh, the red dress. It is a tricky proposition.

First, you have all the various shades of red. There are reds with blue undertones and reds with orange undertones. It is enough to make your head spin.

Second, the shoe issue. The last time I owned a red dress I am sad to say that I wore it with white hose and red heels. I’ll blame it on the fact that the year was 1994, but really there is never a good excuse for white hose. Unless you are an RN. Or one hundred years old with bad veins and need the support.

You didn’t mention if the dress could be long-sleeve or had to literally just cover your shoulders, but if it can be long-sleeved then I really like this one and it would look great with a really pretty long necklace. Or maybe this one. Or this. Or this.

Hope that helps. Just remember to stay away from white hose.

3. Pam asks: “How do you know all this fashion stuff, like animal prints are becoming classic and can always be used in moderation?”

Pam, I’m in no way a fashion expert. I just play one on the blog.

All my fashion advice should be taken with a grain of salt because I am in no way qualified other than the fact that I like to shop.

Some people knit, some people do papier mache. I shop.

Someone should put that on a t-shirt. I’d buy it.

Y’all have a great Friday!

Oh, and it’s Sophie’s birthday today. You might want to go wish her a good one. She makes 29 look so good.

What I’m about to share with you has absolutely nothing to do with fashion, but I feel I need to get it out there before I can think about fall footwear.

Yesterday, I drove to a little town outside of San Antonio and met Jennifer from Conversion Diary for lunch. She was just as funny and smart as I thought she’d be based on reading her blog and I was so glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone.

And by comfort zone, I mean sitting on my couch catching up on the latest “Project Runway” while eating a bag of Sour Patch Kids.

Anyway, Jennifer and I had an exceptional conversation on a variety of topics while we dined on very mediocre Mexican food.

I’ve had some sinus issues over the last several days because, even though it’s still hot and miserable outside, my fall allergies have kicked in. As lunch progressed, I noticed that my right ear was becoming increasingly stopped up and I really hoped I wasn’t screaming at poor Jennifer. My ear impairment had left me with no volume awareness.

After lunch, I got in my car to drive home and since I was all alone I cranked up the radio LOUD and began to sing along. It was delightful.

However, did I mention that my right ear was stopped up? And that the stoppage caused me to really hear myself singing?

This is where I humbly apologize to the dear woman who sat in front of me last Sunday morning as I belted out “Mighty to Save” loud and proud.

And I can’t even think about the fact that I’ve sat directly behind Priscilla Shirer and Beth Moore while I sang at the top of my lungs. It’s a grief to heavy to bear.

Anyway, let’s talk fashion. It will assuage my sorrow.

1. Karen asks: “Help me! I am a shoe idiot. I bought a pair of black pants and I cannot figure out what sort of shoes to wear with them during the winter. They aren’t dressy enough for the black dress boots I wore with my dress pants last year. I usually wear brown leather shoes of some sort with jeans during the winter, but brown doesn’t go with black. Does it?”

You are correct. Brown does not go with black.

I’ve been doing my own research in a quest to find a good, black shoe for everyday wear. I spend the whole summer in my flip-flops and when the weather turns cooler, I need a comfortable shoe that won’t cause my toes to have hypothermia.

I have narrowed down my decision to something like this. Or this. Or maybe these.

If you’re looking for something a little dressier, then you could try something like this.

And if you want something a little more fun, then you could try these.

The key to the right casual look is to find something that’s either flat or maybe has a wedge heel. Personally, I always prefer a heel, but sometimes the reality of running after a child takes precedence and I have to forsake three extra inches for practicality.

2. Amy asks: “I love the look of a ballet flat and that moccasins are making a comeback. What I am wondering is, as a resident of Illinois, what do you wear with the ballet flat or moccasin (if being worn with jeans or pants)? Are there any appropriate socks to wear with them, or knee-highs or what?

I’ll tell you what not to wear. Tube socks.

Honestly, I’m not totally sure about the right solution to this problem. We all know that shoe designers don’t really care about function and practicality, mainly because they’re men and what do they care if women have on uncomfortable shoes?

My inclination is to tell you that what you need are some trouser socks. Either some fun ones like these or some sensible ones like these.

But, let’s be honest, trouser socks are really just glorified knee-highs and I’ve been to Illinois in the winter time. I don’t know that a sheer layer of nylon is going to provide that much extra warmth.

So I recant my earlier statement, go with a tube sock. Or a pair of Uggs.

Anyone else have a better idea? Northern girls? Let us know the secret to fashionably warm feet whether you’re wearing a skirt or jeans.

I’m going to have to end on that note because my very own little fashionista just wandered in here wearing her “Cutie Pie” pajamas and needs her mama.

Y’all have a great Friday!

Well, before we get started I feel like I need to tie up a few loose ends from the week since I just throw all these things out there and then have no follow up.

First of all, Caroline totally smoked those three year olds with her superior dance abilities and celebrated her victory by throwing her stuffed Barney prop to the ground and yelling, “How ya like me now?”

That’s actually not what happened.

In reality, the dance studio called and said Caroline could go ahead and move up to the big girl class without an evaluation. Clearly they just want to make sure they keep my monthly tuition money, but whatever works.

Also, I haven’t decided on a hiking shoe, but am seriously leaning towards the Keens because they seem to be a popular choice plus I can get them free from Cabelas because we have Cabelas Reward Points on our credit card.

This will be the first time I have ever benefited from Cabela’s Reward Points.

In fact, one time I mentioned to P that maybe we could get a card with Reward Points for something more useful like Disney Dollars or Southwest Airline tickets, but he looked at me like he wasn’t sure who I was and yelled, “BLASPHEMER!”

And that was the end of the discussion.

But now, not only will I get my Keen hiking shoes, I’ve discovered that Cabela’s also sells the Frye Harness boots that I adore so it’s just a matter of time and Reward Points before I make them mine.

Happy. Happy. Happy.

Now for the questions.

1. Becky asks: “I need some help with fall shoes. I love these shoes from Boden (Am I wrong to love animal print?), but need something a little more budget friendly. I would love to have the budget to buy them, but girlfriend is trying to put herself through school!!!”

Becky, if loving animal print is wrong, then I don’t want to be right.

Seriously, it’s become a classic and will never go out of style when used in moderation.

Here are some great leopard print shoes that will be kinder to your checkbook, but maybe not necessarily your feet. Just remember, the important thing is that you look good.

And maybe that you carry a pair of comfortable flip-flops in your purse.

2. Kim asks: “I just graduated from A&M at the beginning of August, and am starting a job in The Real Corporate World but my business casual attire is pretty sad. Can you suggest some places I can go to build a classy wardrobe?”

Congratulations, Kim! Welcome to the Real Corporate World!

It’s probably not going to be as fun as hanging out in the MSC and eating chicken fingers, but we all have to grow up sometime.

At least that’s what my daddy told me back in 1994.

The real key to building a great business casual wardrobe is to spend a little bit more money to buy some good basics. A good pair of black pants, a pair of gray pants, and a few other classic pieces that will last you for years.

Once you have these pieces you can mix in some less expensive, trendy things to keep it fresh and up to date.

One last piece of advice, buy some comfortable shoes. When I first ventured into Corporate America, I made the dire mistake of outfitting my feet in Payless Shoes. Let’s just say it’s hard to practice effective capitalism when you have huge blisters on your feet.

I wish you all the best. You’re going to be great!

3. Elizabeth asks: “Do you have any advice for maternity clothes for the fall and winter?”

The nice thing about being pregnant in the winter is that you really won’t need a coat because the hormones will keep you toasty warm all winter long.

I was pregnant in June, July and August. You know what’s nice about being pregnant in the summer?

Nothing.

Well, other than the fact you get a baby.

The good news is the maternity clothes just keep getting better. I’d suggest finding a good pair of maternity jeans and then I’d go find a few cute sweaters, jackets and tops because how cute is this? And this? And this?

Also, remember that accessories are the pregnant girl’s friend. You can buy some basic maternity shirts and then dress them up by adding a cute scarf or a fun necklace.

The accessories will be the gift that keep giving long after the pregnancy is over.

Oh, and so will the baby.

4. Becky asks: “If you were going to a Presidential rally what would you wear? “

No question.

You have to go big or go home.

Nothing says “I support the democratic process” like taking a hallowed symbol of freedom and turning it into some fine leather goods.

God bless the U.S.A.

One last note, several people have asked how to find a good pair of jeans. I have written about jeans extensively in the past as evidenced by the fact that at least fifty different posts came up when I searched for the word “jeans”. However, this is the best summary of how to find jeans that fit and look good. It’s from last fall so some of the links may not work anymore, but the denim wisdom still holds true.

Y’all have a great Friday!

I can’t even imagine how y’all have been able to sleep between last Friday and today. The anticipation of the final five trends for fall has probably been overwhelming. I’m just glad you made it through.

If you missed last Friday and have no clue what I’m talking about then you can go catch up real quick.

Truth be told, I wasn’t sure I was going to get Fashion Friday done this week because I have been very wrapped up in all our hurricane preparations, but as of this moment it appears that here in San Antonio we will get perhaps a 1/4″ of rain and maybe enough of a breeze to blow some leaves off our front porch.

It was totally worth the generator.

But at least the Sour Patch Kids won’t go to waste.

This whole thing just goes to show that the only forecast you can count on is the Fashion Forecast. It will never let you down, even if you don’t agree with all of it.

Speaking of, I need to make a confession. I’m almost embarrassed to admit this because it has caught me totally by surprise.

All the purple is starting to grow on me.

I mean, it can’t be just any shade of purple. It’s not like I would wear something the color of Dimetapp syrup, but some of the deeper purples and plums are starting to have some serious appeal.

It’s just a matter of time before I give in to the floral leggings.

Nevermind. I shouldn’t even joke about floral leggings. They are just too horrible.

Okay, so here are the last five trends for fall.

6. Bold jewelry

Last year I set an unofficial goal for myself to improve my accessories. At some point I’d left behind any creativity and resorted to diamond studs and maybe, MAYBE, a turquoise necklace if I felt really kicky.

Oh, I also had a triple strand of pearls that I wore almost every day for ten years as part of my official DRUG REP uniform. There is nothing that says “You can totally trust me” like a triple strand of pearls. Why do you think Barbara Bush has done so well for herself?

Anyway, this fall is all about the bold jewelry. So let’s go big or go home.

Here are some really great pieces that will add a little pop to your fall wardrobe.

7. Ladylike bags

I’ve admitted before that I’m not necessarily a purse person. My main requirement for the last five years has been the absorbency of the lining as it soaks up all the sippy cup leakage, but now that I’m back in the land of no sippys I’m ready to find a great fall bag.

Yesterday, I was in Target and I found this purse which goes against everything I normally stand for, but something about it calls to me.

Yeah, it looks better in person.

Anyway, the trend is towards bags that are less slouchy hobo and more structured with a top handle.

8. Booties

I have a complicated past with booties.

That sentence sounds so wrong.

What I’m trying to say is that I spent a good majority of my college years wearing what was known as a boot shoe. For those of you who were still a fetus during the early 90’s or have blocked out the memory, boot shoes were a clever little fashion trick that gave the illusion of wearing boots.

This illusion lasted until you sat down and your jeans went above your ankle thereby revealing what, hopefully, was a tasteful trouser sock and not a pair of tube socks that you found in your roommate’s sock drawer.

The bootie is essentially a boot shoe, but they are calling it a bootie.

I’m on the fence.

But if you’re ready to take the plunge, here are a few good options.

9. Leather

I’m afraid Stella on Project Runway has ruined the word “leather” for me, but leather is in this season. I’ve always known this day would come and I would be sad because I had this fabulous leather jacket once upon a time that got stolen out of my car in a parking garage in Austin, TX.

To say that was one of the darker days of my life would be an understatement.

But really, I’m over it.

The good news is that there are some really cute leather jackets out there right now. Think fitted. Think rocker chic.

Or rocker chick.

Whichever makes you happy.

10. The Short Jacket & The Standout Coat

I’m lumping these two together because they are both an outer layer.

Also, because it is late and I am tired.

I am a big fan of the short jacket and an even bigger fan of the standout coat. Do not underestimate their ability to take your outfit from ordinary to extraordinary.

These are some really great short jackets.

And here are some superb standout coats.

Now I’ll just sit here in South Texas and wait for the temps to drop below 90 degrees.

But judging from the past week, I don’t think I’m going to count on the weathermen to let me know when that’s going to happen.

Remember, there is always a cone of uncertainty unless you’re talking about fashion.

I don’t even know what that means.

Y’all have a great Friday!

Oh, yes. Fashion Friday is back.

For real.

I know there were some who thought it wouldn’t happen. There were rumors that I had given up on Fashion Friday.

Actually, I don’t know that anyone cared enough to discuss it, but it makes me feel better to think that maybe they did, so we’ll go with that theory.

Now that Caroline is back in school, I have spent a lot of hours shopping.

It’s all in the name of research.

Here is what I’ve discovered. If I had saved everything in my closet between 1986 and 1989, I could pull it out, wear it tomorrow and totally be in style.

Plaid shirts with ruffles down the front? Check. Ankle booties? Check. Gray jeans with tapered legs? Check.

I’m not going to lie, I’m frightened.

In fact, when A.J. got home from Africa, she informed me that top-siders are back in style. And I was all like, “NO WAY!” (because apparently my linguistic skills have also regressed back to 1988.)

She told me that everyone is wearing them and that they are so comfortable.

Yes, I know they are comfortable because I used to wear them frequently with my denim prairie skirt.

The truth is that I actually need a comfortable, flat shoe in my life, but the top-sider isn’t going to happen. I just don’t have the time to roll up the ends of those laces anymore while I make an awesome mix tape.

The point is that the fall trends have a lot of 80’s influence, so proceed with caution and remember less is more. I realize that fashion lesson sailed right over the heads of the cast of “Dynasty”, but it’s not too late for you.

Top Fall Trends

1. Berry Colors

This would explain all the purple I’m seeing in stores everywhere. I have to be honest, I’m not a fan of purple. In fact, I don’t know that I’ve ever owned a piece of purple clothing other than a pair of purple socks I wore in second grade because I wanted to be like Donny Osmond.

It just makes me feel like a grape. But that’s just my own personal issue.

The good news is that you don’t have to go with purple. You can look for fuschia, magenta, or burgundy.

Here are a few great pieces that will help you add these colors to your wardrobe.

2. Plaid

I told someone that being in Nordstrom the other day was like experiencing time travel. But without Michael J. Fox or a DeLorean.

I have never seen so much plaid.

It made me think about an outfit I had during my junior year that was a red plaid skirt with a red plaid shirt (Seriously? Was I Scottish in 1987?) but it was reversible and had houndstooth print on the other side. I can’t even describe how cool I was.

Especially when I wore it with my little Esprit booties that looked like they had wool socks coming out the top. Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.

Anyway, plaid is making a fierce comeback. I knew I should have saved that outfit.

Curse you, closet cleanout of 1991.

Here are a few cute things that will add some plaid to your closet.

Esprit booties are optional.

3. Floral/Abstract Prints

Although I do enjoy a floral print in moderation, just the term “floral print” makes me think of Mrs. Roper from “Three’s Company”.

There again, it’s probably just me.

Prints are very in this season. Look for them in jewel-tone colors or rich oranges and browns.

These are some really pretty floral prints.

Just remember, don’t overdo it or you might look like Mrs. Roper.

4. Romantic Blouses

Think satin, lace and ruffles. Not necessarily all at the same time.

Here are a few feminine, romantic blouses. You can dress them down with a pair of jeans or dress them up with a pencil skirt or a great pair of pants.

And I realize that this isn’t a blouse, but it is romantic and feminine and I ADORE it with every fiber of my being. This one, too.

If Anthropologie needs anyone to test either of these out, I am happy to volunteer my services. However, I’m afraid the only people interested in me trying anything out are the people who sell breakfast cereal.

And who cares about that?

5. A great pair of jeans

I’ll be honest. This isn’t on any actual trend list for the fall and I’ll tell you why. The fashion experts assume that if you care about fashion AT ALL, you will already own a great pair of jeans.

And I realize that I tend to harp on this A LOT.

But jeans are important, Ladies. (And you three gentlemen) Do not underestimate the power of a great pair of jeans. They will change your life.

Now is the time to find a pair of jeans that you will love and cherish. Don’t wait to lose five pounds, don’t wait until there’s a big sale, GO.

GO NOW.

You don’t need to spend a bunch of money, just find a pair that fit really well and are in style. They can be boot leg, straight leg (God bless you for your bravery) or trouser jeans. Once you have a really good pair of jeans, it makes everything in your closet look better. I guarantee it.

I’ll be back next week with the other five trends for fall. In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you if you’ve found some great fall items that you can’t live without.

Oh, and I’m heading to Las Vegas this weekend to blog about Deeper Still on LifeWay Allaccess because what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. You can catch up with me there throughout the weekend.

Y’all have a great Friday!