Fashion

I’m going to make a confession.

As much as I care about other aspects of fashion, I don’t really care about purses. Now before you start in on me for talking crazy talk, let me explain.

It’s not that I don’t appreciate a good purse because I do.

In fact, the Christmas I was fifteen will go down in history as one of my favorite Christmases ever because it was the year I got my very first Dooney and Burke purse. In hunter green.

Oh 1986. You were so funny with your hunter green and navy accessories.

Since that time I have carried all manner of handbags, ranging from expensive designer bags to inexpensive knock-offs.

Here’s the truth, I can’t really tell the difference.

I had this beautiful Fendi bag when I was in college and it began to fall apart after a fairly short amount of time. So I marched myself and my cool bag into the Fendi store and explained my dilemma only to be told that “the Fendi purse isn’t for everyday use”.

Well sure.

Why would I expect a fine Italian leather handbag to hold up better than the $50.00 Liz Claiborne purse I carried throughout most of junior high?

After my Fendi experience, any real love I had for a specific purse kind of died. Oh sure, I went through a period in the mid-90’s where I had to have the Kate Spade black microfiber purse shaped like a box, but I’ve never been a girl who cares all that much about a new handbag purchase.

Then, last fall, I saw this gorgeous purse by Kate Spade. It was this gorgeous chocolate brown suede with hot pink lining.

When I saw it, I felt like a girl of fifteen again.

However, it was slightly above what I’m willing to pay for a purse that will inevitably become filled with a mixture of animal cracker crumbs, grape juice and hand sanitizer.

And really, I don’t know why I’m telling y’all all this other than to lead into today’s question.

1. Christine asks: “I need fashion help. I need a new purse. I’m very particular about my purse, probably because it’s the one thing I wear every single day. I’m willing to spend about $100. Like a good pair of shoes, I’ll keep a handbag for awhile. But I find myself going back to this year’s version of the same boring black leather bag over and over again. My habit, generally, is to buy a nice bag and carry it thru all seasons as opposed to cheap bags that I rotate out as they fall apart and/or are out of season. Any suggestions?

Well now that you know my purse history, you may decide that I’m not the best person to be doling out advice on purses.

And you’d probably be right.

However, I did find a couple of things that are in your price range that I think are really cute.

I love this braided-leather strap hobo bag and it’s on sale.

I also like the giraffe-print hobo.

Here is a brown woven bag and a fun ethnic print hobo bag.

Honestly, it’s not easy to find purses online. Most of the things I found were either $20.00 or $400.00 with not a lot of in between. Your best bet may be to head to TJ Maxx and look around. I’ve seen some really great purses there for about half the price.

What about y’all? Have you seen any cute bags lately? Do you switch out your purse according to the season or just carry the same one all year round?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Or at least I would like to know.

Y’all have a great Friday!

What? Fashion Friday on a Saturday?

That’s just crazy.

Every now and then I like to shake things up a bit.

Actually, that’s not true at all. I really don’t like to shake things up. I like for them to remain exactly the same. Change makes me nervous.

However, I didn’t get to these questions yesterday and I felt the pressure to answer them in a timely manner.

Total sidenote. P just asked me what I was working on and I explained that I’m finishing up a Fashion Friday to post tomorrow even though it’s Saturday. His eyes got big and he said, “YOU ARE OUT OF CONTROL”.

I’m fairly certain he is mocking me.

Anyway, I fell off the Fashion Friday wagon back in June and failed to answer several reader questions in a timely manner. I mean it doesn’t do anyone any good for me to tell them what they should have worn to a party that happened three weeks ago. It could create lingering regret.

Kind of like the time(s) in college when I wore cowboy boots with shorts.

But at least I can say I did it before Britney.

Of course, that’s small consolation.

So, as part of my resolve for timeliness, I am answering a couple of questions today.

Here it goes.

1. Rena asks: “I tried on a pair of the modern wide-legged trouser jeans and they were $80. They were great. But I was willing to wait and try elsewhere. Old Navy had some on clearance for only $16.99. I figured I need somewhere in between the price/quality of the two I tried that day.

So I looked online and found some at Target, then I went to Gap. And I got the pair from there. They were $69.00. BUT….they are long. I know they are supposed to have length to them, but these are LONG.

Do I try a few others and see if the length will vary? Of course, that could be better or worse in price. But I do LOVE this pair! I could have them hemmed a bit, but do you think that would perhaps alter the look?”

Okay, you may be asking the wrong person because my gut reaction is to tell you to return the jeans from Gap, go spend the extra $11.00 and get the first pair you tried on and loved.

However, you may now be madly in love with the Gap jeans and totally over the first pair. It happens.

Gap jeans are always long, unless they are specifically made in a varying lengths. My advice is to go get them hemmed to a length that will work better for your wardrobe.

BUT keep these important factors in mind. Are you going to dry them in the dryer or hang them to dry? I personally believe that all jeans should be hung to dry unless it is a dire situation and you need your jeans in an hour. If you’re a dryer kind of person, then wash and dry them BEFORE you take them to a tailor so that you can factor in how much they will shrink.

Also, find a tailor that understands that you want them hemmed using the original hem. Trust me, this is important and if they don’t know what you’re talking about, take your beloved jeans and get out of there. I’m not kidding.

Otherwise you may end up with a hem with bright gold thread. I know of what I speak.

2. Raquel asks: “My husband and I were invited to his boss’s 50th bday party it is at a very swanky place, my husband has been there for work functions but I have not. HELP what should I wear? I am a sahm of 4 kids (1,4,5,10) and I never dress up ever! I am plus-sized and am not too picky other than I don’t wear sleeveless so if it sleeveless, or tank, spaghetti I need to wear something over it. I normally shop online or at Lane Bryant. My favorite color to wear is black.”

Okay, I searched the world wide web for some options for you and found several things that might work depending on your style and preference. Also, for the record, it is close to impossible to find a dress with sleeves these days. Who knew?

I think this chocolate brown dress is really pretty and different from just a basic black dress.

Normally, I’m not a fan of navy but this silk wrap dress in navy is really pretty and I think it would look great accessorized with some silver strappy sandals and silver jewelry.

Not everyone is a fan of the style and may accuse me of posting a muu-muu, but I really like this beaded neck trapeze dress. I think the beaded neckline is so pretty, plus think how comfortable it would be.

Although I realize your husband’s boss’s birthday party may not be the time to focus on comfort.

Last of all, I found this sleeveless knee-length, black sheath dress . It’s basic. It’s black. It’s timeless.

The good news is you could wear it forever and dress it up and down with various accessories. The bad news is it might seem boring. Personally, I am a fan of the basic black dress. I have one in my closet and it has been with me through countless fashion emergencies.

And I also found this chiffon wrap with satin trim or this two-tone wrap in blue. Either one would look great with a basic black dress.

Hope y’all have a great time on your big night o’ fun.

And that’s all I have for today.

Go enjoy your Saturday!

Several years ago, we were at Mimi and Bops’ house for Thanksgiving. This was back when they still lived in Houston and I hadn’t yet used my child to lure them to San Antonio.

I am shameless when it comes to the thought of free baby-sitting.

Anyway, Caroline was a little over a year old and we decided we should all take a family portrait after Thanksgiving lunch since we’d all be together.

And I’m playing fast and loose with the term “portrait” seeing as how there was no professional photographer involved, but rather my aunt and her digital point-and-shoot camera.

At some point in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, we decided (actually, I think I decided, but I’m trying to pass the blame) that we should all wear some sort of white shirt with jeans. I think I had seen this look on someone else’s Christmas card and decided to rip it off.

Here’s the problem. All of us have dark hair and dark eyes. The white shirts made us look like a band of swarthy pirates who had just raided a Gap store.

In short, it was a terrible picture.

Needless to say, it did not make the Christmas card cut.

About two years later, we decided to try it again with the benefit of wisdom and experience of family photos gone wrong.

My talented friend AJ from Hollimon Photography took the picture, which was definitely about a million and a half steps up from my aunt with her Kodak digital camera, plus we planned for everyone to wear various shades of olive green, red, and cream with jeans.

It was an infinitely better picture, except for the fact that I was still wearing braces on my teeth at the time and now every time I look at it all I see is a dark reminder of my orthodontia horror.

But at least we don’t look like pirates.

Anyway, I got an email from a reader named Amy who is about to have a family portrait taken.

Here is Amy’s question:

“I am mom to a 3 month old and a 2 1/2 yr old. My husband and I are crazy enough to go and get our whole family photographed by fancy schmancy people in August. We were told to all wear light blue (we are fair people, blond and blue eyed). My issue is I am not sure where to find a light blue sundress with no patterns or prints on it.I have been searching the internet and not finding anything. I was wondering if you could help me?”

Oh Amy.

Today is your lucky day because either you will benefit from my obsessive compulsiveness or you will be extremely frightened by the fact that I’m going to give you more advice than you really wanted about your upcoming family photo.

After I read your question, I decided to consult my friend Jen of Sugar Photography , who was voted Dallas’ favorite family photographer. Technically, I’ve never actually met Jen in person, but I occasionally spend more than several minutes a day looking at all the incredible photos she takes.

She has a gift.

And that is the understatement of the year.

So, I spent a little bit of time looking for a blue sundress online and then decided to email Jen and ask her professional opinion about what your family should wear. Blue sundresses are hard to find, by the way. Plus, if a light blue sundress isn’t something you’d normally wear, then why wear it in a family photo that will hang in your home for years to come?

And here’s the best part of all, Jen didn’t just give me some advice, she actually gave links to clothing suggestions. That is just PURE GOLD, my friends.

The jackpot, if you will.

Here’s what Jennifer had to say:

“I tell my families to choose a pallet of 3-4 complimentary colors and pull from that when dressing the family. Think textures, layers, and bold bright colors.

If I were to dress my dream family, they would wear the following:

Mom – something like this from Anthropologie with a chunky turquoise or gold necklace.

Or maybe something like this top in a berry color and these pants with wedge heels.

Dad – a shirt similar to this shirt from Boden in blue and brown stripes, with chocolate linen pants, and flip-flops.

Daughter – something like this dress from the Tea Collection.

Son – something like these shorts and this shirt from the Tea Collection.

Also-in answer to your very specific questions (that I seem to have skipped right over in my rush to buy imaginary clothes at Anthropologie and Tea)…

Definitely vary the shades of blue. From navy to aqua to very pale blue-there are so many shades. I’d add a contrasting color (chocolate brown?) and white for accent (white linen pants for mom, white undershirts peeking through for husband and any little boys). I would definitely avoid finding the exact same shade of blue for every member of the family. People will walk right past their framed portrait…you want to make it interesting and eye catching, use layers and textures to draw the eye in show off their personalities.

Most of all-have fun with it!”

See how great Jen is?

If you want to see how these ideas will make your portrait come alive, head over to the Sugar Photography blog and look around at the various pictures of families. Just be warned that there is a lot of precious baby squishiness all over the place and it will cause your ovaries to tap dance on your uterus.

Remember that Jen’s clothing suggestions are a guideline. I realize it’s not necessarily practical or possible to run out and buy an entire new wardrobe for your family, but think about the color palettes that appeal to you and envision what the picture will look like hanging on your wall.

I hope that helps!

Especially since the torture known as family Christmas card photo season is right around the corner.

Just remember, all white equals hospital staff and/or swarthy pirates.

There were a few other questions for Fashion Friday, but I didn’t get to them today because I just didn’t feel like it.

How’s that for honesty?

Anyway, since both questions are of a time-sensitive nature, I’m going to answer them tomorrow on a very special Saturday edition of Fashion Friday. This has never happened before and, I assure you, will probably never happen again.

You won’t want to miss it.

Well, unless you’re doing something important like going to the grocery store to pick up cat food.

Y’all have a great Friday!

Oh y’all totally came through for me on the sheet information. My people here at Big Mama, Inc. are compiling the data and weighing the merits of percale versus sateen.

And let me just say that part of the reason this country is great is because you can buy great sheets at the same store that sells toilet paper by the case.

God bless America.

On Wednesday morning, Caroline informed me that she missed her school and would like to go see all her friends. I remembered that the school director told me they would take drop-ins during the summer so I called and asked if Caroline could spend Thursday at school. She said they would love it.

So, my social butterfly spent the day at school yesterday catching up with all her friends and discussing the upcoming presidential elections, gas prices, and Barbie Mariposa.

Suddenly I found myself with an entire day of freedom looming before me. I had no idea what to do with a day that didn’t involve the pool, multiple games of Candyland, or cutting out a peanut butter sandwich in the shape of a butterfly.

But I knew enough to know that I should cherish every moment.

Naturally, I went shopping.

And to express my gratitude for all the valuable bed linen information y’all shared, I will now share the wealth of bargain fashion I discovered yesterday.

I didn’t actually buy all these things because I value my marriage and don’t really want to look for a new place to live, however, I did buy some of them because marriage is about compromise.

Plus, hunting season is rapidly approaching which means P will be spending some coin here pretty quick. I don’t really understand how anyone needs that much camo or ammunition, but he doesn’t understand why I need multiple pairs of shoes in the same color.

It’s our differences that make us stronger.

I believe that I will share my finds in a list format because I enjoy a list.

1. About two months ago, I saw this Gap skirt. It was cute, ruffled and came in an array of bright colors. It was $39.99.

I actually called Gulley from the dressing room to tell her it was cute, but not for $40.00 (let’s call it what it is, Gap). At that time I told her I’d buy it if it went on sale for $20.00.

Yesterday, I bought it and paid EIGHT AMERICAN DOLLARS AND FORTY-TWO CENTS. I almost bought another one just to use as a dust cloth.

Don’t let the online prices fool you, Gap is having a huge sale right now with an additional 25% off already low prices. It’s just madness.

2. While I was at Gap, I also saw these white jeans. They were normally $49.99 and are on sale for $24.99 with an additional 25% off. If I was any good at math I could tell you exactly how much that makes them.

CHEAP. That’s what they are. CHEAP.

3. From Gap I headed to Banana Republic. They had this darling short-sleeve trench coat on sale. It was originally $98.00 but is now $42.99 (otherwise known as $43.00).

4. I can’t tell y’all how long I have admired these shielded sandals. They come in bright summer colors and are now just $39.99.

5. I actually bought these modern wide leg jeans a month ago and while I didn’t pay full price, I didn’t get them for $41.99 (seriously? $41.99? What kind of pricing system is that?)

Banana Republic jeans don’t always fit me right, but I love the way these fit. Plus they have a lot of stretch which helps them keep their shape and helps hold my stomach in after I’ve binged on Dreyer’s Peanut Butter Cup ice cream.

6. This Singin’ Robin dress is so darling. I love dresses in the summer, especially ones that you can just throw on flip-flops with and go out to broil in the heat.

7. It’s hard for me not to love something that’s called the Way We Were top.

Memories. They light the corners of my mind. Misty, water-colored memories.

Could it be that it was all so simple then?

8. Okay, this Dragonflies in the Sky Shift isn’t on sale, but I love it so I just had to share it.

Since I didn’t actually try it on, I’m not sure how long it is but I think probably mid-thigh. It would totally work with jeans or maybe leggings.

I should have tried it on, but then I would have been powerless to resist its dragonfly charms.

9. Forever 21 (oh the irony) had these teardrop chandelier earrings.

They come in a bunch of different colors, add a little pop to an outfit and are only $4.80.

10. I also found three really great shirts at Forever 21 and I will lump them all in at #10 because I don’t want to end up with a list of twelve things. It would just bother me.

I loved this Floral peasant top , this paisley v-neck tunic, and this Ashley eyelet tunic.

Even if you don’t consider shopping to be a recreational sport like I do, now is the time to hit the stores. Everyone is clearing out summer merchandise to make room for all the fall things and you can find some incredible deals.

Some might even say they are Cheaper Than Dirt!

Y’all have a great Friday!

I’m in the process of packing for our trip. I am not going to lie, it’s a beating.

I actually read an article in this month’s Vogue about how you can hire a professional packer and, get this, not only does she pack for you but she will look through your closet and put together the perfect outfit for each event you have planned for your trip.

I bet that’s cheap.

But I will go on record to say that if I ever come into a large sum of money, I’m totally hiring a professional packer.

And maybe I’ll even go on some trips.

Anyway, today’s Fashion Friday is about business casual attire and what exactly that means. But first, I will tell y’all a true story.

Back in 1997, when I was twenty-five years old, I got a job as a pharmaceutical sales rep for a small pharma company. I knew throughout the interview process that I needed to wear suits, but once I started the job I thought I could go a little more casual in my attire.

So one day in August I wore some chocolate brown pants with a sleeveless sweater and some nice brown sandals (that doesn’t sound like a great outfit but remember it was 1997). I walked into the first office of the day feeling really cute and ran right into a Merck rep who was wearing a sensible navy suit complete with navy hose and navy heels. She looked at me like I was something she found stuck on her shoe.

Clearly she did not approve of my attire, but considering she had on navy hose I don’t really think she was in a position to throw fashion stones.

But I learned my lesson and went back to my suits until around 2003 when it became more acceptable to lean more towards a business casual look. Although I did go to a training meeting one time where we were informed that if we wore any sort of denim items on any part of our body, we would be sent back to our hotel rooms to change clothes.

Just like when I got sent home in 10th grade for wearing some blue and white striped Esprit shorts even though they came down to my knees.

Except I was 30 years old.

Apparently she was giddy with her wardrobe power.

Anyway, the attire for just about every event these days is business casual, including the She Speaks Conference, so I thought I would give y’all some examples of what constitutes business casual.

If there is a signature item in the world of women’s business casual attire, it would be the capri pant. One look at the Ann Taylor website will more than prove my point. Check out this outfit. And this one. Oh, and this one.

I’m not really a fan of capri pants, although I think they look cute on other people. I think at one time I was an capri zealot and I just wore myself out with all the cropped pants. But they do totally work for a business casual look.

These days I am a huge proponent of the trouser jeans for a business casual alternative. However, don’t confuse trouser jeans with regular jeans.

Trouser jean = business casual
Regular jean = plain old casual

Here is a darling outfit that is a perfect example of wearing trouser jeans as business casual attire. A true trouser jean will fit like a pair of dress pants, plus it should be in a darker denim rinse.

You can find some good trouser jeans here. And here. And also here. I also found these.

When it comes to pairing things with trouser jeans, look for tops that are more fitted. I really like this short-sleeve jacket and this seersucker jacket. You could also try a top like this or like this one.

If you’re one of those people that takes the time to shave your legs then you could always go with the skirt option. I believe I have mentioned that I adore this skirt. Here are a few other options.

You can also check out these links for some outfits that involve the skirt.

And last, but not least, the dress. This summer marks the official return of the dress.

I don’t really know what that means but I do know that for the last few years it has been hard to find a good dress and now I see them everywhere I turn. They are like the Brangelina of the fashion world.

I am a fan of the dress. It’s simple, it’s easy and all it requires are some simple accessories. No worrying about what shirt goes with what skirt and blah, blah, blah. If you share my love of the dress, then you may want to check out these great dresses that totally fit the business casual description.

I was planning on sharing a few footwear options, but it is late and a little four year old just joined me here on the couch. Since we’ll be apart for the next few days, I’m going to end it here.

But remember, no rubber flip-flops and no sombreros.

And most importantly, don’t let anyone wearing navy hose make you feel bad about yourself.

Y’all have a great Friday.

I’ll be checking in from Florida with ocean views.

Well, unless my suitcase exceeds the airline’s weight limit.

Highly probable.