Style Dilemma: First Day Out

Dear DC Celine:

I'm leaving the house for the first time tomorrow - after months of seclusion and ventures out only in sweats and baseball hats - Stacy and Clinton would have a cow in their "secret footage." I'm going to celebrate birthdays with my dearest girlfriends at Jaleo in Bethesda, and want to wear something chic and casual - and fitted. Months of baggy Ts and post-maternity clothes are wearing on me.

What to do?

Baggy in Bethesda

Dear Baggy:

First thought: trouser jeans. And heels, heels, heels. (I know you've been running around in sneakers - and not even the cute little ones.) The top is a little harder. I like blousy tops with tailored bottoms, but if you're jonesing for some fitted wear to show off your body a little (or at least not feel like a schlump), try a cute little blouse with ruffles, like the Banana one at left. Channel a little old-school secretary. Too make sure you're not going librarian on us, make sure the heels are sassy, and wear your hair down or at least in a messy, I-don't-care updo.

Hope that helps!

PS - yes, yes, yes, Infintessimal Readership, you guessed it, it's me. Baggy and schlumpy, I haven't had a shower in days. But tomorrow I celebrate 4 birthdays within 2 weeks of one another with my dearest dearest girlfriends (Go Terps!), and am really looking forward to a few hours of girl time. (And the shower.) Daddy's (formerly known as H) got The Bean, and Mama's looking for a brand new...well, everything!