Gone Shopping!

At least that will be the sign hung on my condo door tonight. Leaving The Beans at home with H and the laundry (and rumors that he's having a friend over to smoke stogies), hooking up with BlueSuitGirl, and heading to The Mall.

Yes.

The Mall.

Before you jump all over me for it, here's my rationale:

• Need affordable (but not cheap) work clothes
• Need clothes that fit
• Need to do it in one evening

 And Banana's having a one-night 25% off $100 or more sale.

I've long been a proponent of their suiting pieces. They generally fit me well (or used to, we'll see), are made well (only reason I'm about to retire my grey pinstriped suit is because I wore it with flats one too many times and have frayed the hem), and won't break the bank entirely. Their wool-blend pieces fit right into the "you get what you pay for" range of quality over cost.

So. We'll just have to see whether Banana or any of the other standbys (I've been known to find fun pieces even at places like Ann Taylor or Express) come through.

They'd better. I meet my new Big Boss on Thursday.

 

Here's thinking...

A navy suit with cute puffy sleeves? (Banana)

Ruffled sweater(s). Love the doubled up look here, but doubt I can pull it off on this post-baby bosom. (Banana)

Cropped, boxy tweed jacket. I'm a sucker for a bracelet or 3/4 sleeve. Ever so ladylike. (Ann)

More navy, in a fitted yet comfy sweater that will be waaaay too hot for the office, but I'll wear anyway because somehow it's sculptured bulk is flattering (Ann)

Part of my sought-after pieces - cute jackets. As a broad-shouldered girl, it's hard for me to find ones that fit well, but maybe, just maybe, these ruffles and rosettes will work (Nick & Mo, Nordstrom)

And not anywhere on the range of "work," "value," or "practical," this adorable mini. A girl has to have something to wear to the DSS, right? (Tory Burch, Nordstrom)

Style Dilemma Solved: One Cool, Hip Mommy

I promise there won't be much more gushing and adorableness - just through this weekend - The Bean's party is tomorrow.

Had the Big Shopping Trip last night, The Bean's non-English-speaking Greek-Romanian godmother in tow (I speak enough Romanian to describe most things, if awkwardly, so we get by).

First order of business was supposed to be some perfume for her daughter. The store is no more.

Second order of business: an outfit for Mommy. AT was right at the entrance, so we popped in for some speed shopping. 4 skirts and 2 jackets (not for tomorrow, just random cute jackets) off the sale rack later, I emerged with 2 skirts and a T. Thanks to Ms. Spinach for the push towards the orange circles. Not sure which one I'll wear yet - both are slimming (much more so than in the pics, believe me), nor do I know which shoes (have 3 pairs packed), but I promise pics.

Third, completely unintentional but the store was right there order of business: a new dress for The Bean. We stumbled across a lovely little store with handmade, classic children's clothing - smocking, sailor suits, bloomers, and bonnets. Walked out with a white eyelet dress. Then we went to Lord & Taylor in search of bloomers to go with the dress (the store didn't have any in The Bean's size). No bloomers at L&T, but we did find ladybugs. Change of outfit for The Bean. This is her birthday dress.

Style Dilemma: Ensemble Under Construction

Searching, searching, searching for what to wear to The Bean's Shindig. In spare moments (riiiight), I've been checking sites for the stores I'll likely hit tomorrow night in my One Night Must Find an Outfit Trip.

Thank you to the IR for the suggestions, too. I think the dressy shorts option will just turn out too casual looking in reality - though a good idea.

Oddly enough, what I want really isn't out there - I was hoping for a fun, summery print in a non-flouncy skirt. Neither Banana nor J. Crew had what I assumed they would (though J. Crew came closer); both were waaaay too businesslike for a 1-year-old's birthday party.

The most likely candidate, it seems? What is now becoming my standby (and I cringe as I type): Ann. Ann Taylor - and AT Loft. The three choices at left are all options - though the orange circles probably is too dressy - front runner is the madras.

The top? Well now, that's another story. I'm a huge fan of blousy peasant, which is all over the place. But I don't want to look blousy and peasanty in the pictures. I. Want. Fitted. And did you know that's apparently just not out there? We'll see.

Success?

Since you asked, I did manage to shave this morning, but just couldn't bring myself to wear the wrap dress. Don't know why. So instead, am wearing my retro AT navy suit skirt and a buff cable cashmere T, Chie Mihara pumps. Something dreadful is going on with my hair, so I've resorted to the DC Ponytail.

Not stunning, but perfectly presentable.

The Bean, however, is the picture of summer loveliness in her "new" Baby Lily. Magenta & orange on white, paired with magenta bloomers, it's the perfect thing to go with her Baby Lizard suncreen. (Grandmom picked up the shift at a PA consignment shop - go Grandmom! - so the pattern is probably a few seasons old - can't find it on the site, but this is the dress, at right.)

At least one of us looks good.

Ladylike Perfection

Laranha fired off an email to Baby B and me this morning, subject line: I'm in Love...

Ann Taylor has some cute spring stuff, she wrote. And it's true. The object of her affections? This short sleeve ponte knit jacket - Elsa Schiaparelli would be proud. The sweet, bright pink would be darling with just about anything from trousers to skirts to jeans to dresses (I'm picturing it with trouser jeans and slingbacks at the next of Baby B's 10,000 wedding showers she has this spring). Just don't be predictable DC Junior League (sorry JLers, no offense - it's a great organization!) soccer mom and pair with any sort of cropped, ankle-length, or capri-like pants. And no pearls, please! Cuffs, big earrings, sweet little gloves, sure. But no pearls.

Also worth checking out? This pique belted jacket - the Peter Pan collar is eternally flattering, though the belted waist might be a tad bit high for the average gal.

The on-sale (!) textured cotton 2-button jacket and ponte knit double-breasted jacket can spiff up a work or weekend outfit, and also do double-duty as outerwear in this changable weather we're having.

Shop in Style: Give a Little, Get a Little

and jump on the fashion bandwagon at the same time.

Ports 1961 has been getting tons of blog and "regular" press - and for good reason. There's a certain retrp aesthetic - one that everyone from Ann to J. Crew is copying (and J. Crew is doing a right good job of it, mind you - see Ms. Spinach's take on their spring collection) - but that's distinctly modern.

To get a glimpse of drool-worthy dresses, like the portrait-collared dress shown here, hit Sangaree's Spring Fashion Fete...

What: Fashion Show, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres - always a lovely combination - and portions of proceeds going to Suited for Change (a favorite charity of mine). Ports 1961 & Alvin Valley spring 2008 collections.

Where: Sangaree - 3288 M Street NW

When: Thursday, 7 February, 6-9pm, show starts at 7.

Please be kind to the hosts and RSVP at 202.333.4690 or info@sangareeboutique.com.

Shop in Style: Deals on Mass Produced Basics

So I rant about mass-production and how I don't want to look like anyone else.

Then I go shop at the Box Stores and places like Ann Taylor & Banana.

Well?

Whatchu lookin' at, Willis?

What: Banana Republic Final Sale - up to 70% on tons of items, searchable by size (but not by price - that would be helpful). Stock up on basics and cute items you'd never buy unless they were on sale. Be sure and check out their accessories. I've found some of my favorite costume jewelry pieces in their sale bins. My favorites?

$19.99 - Modern boot-cut corduroy pant - perfect for those wintry Washington days we still have left. And corduroy is always in style in some form. Chocolate would be my pick.

$29.99 - Contoured lightweight wool trouser - unfortunately only in a 12, but this cut is exceedingly forgiving and flattering on Real Women. Cut a little higher, a little fuller, but still classic and lovely lines. A girl always needs a pair of black slacks.

$19.99 - Long sleeve merino-blend crewneck. Classic cut, two classic colors. And merino really is a 4-season wool.

$39.99 - Wool textured swing jacket. I swear it's universally flattering, pretty, and easy to pair with tailored bottoms - a skirt or slacks. A pretty green, and you can treat yourself to a pair of long gloves to harken back to the Time When Ladies Were Ladies.

$16.99 - Long cashmere gloves.Granted, these not are the Cashmere of Cashmeres, but still, soft, supple, in cool colors, and long, long, long. So elegant. Pair with the swing coat and trouser jeans, a little pair of flats or ladylike pumps, and you're set for any weekend. There's also a leather version (a little more dear at $44.99, but will likely last longer).

Style Challenge Met - Thanks, Mommy!

My time, style, and stress-based challenge of What to Wear to The Bean's Baptism was met.

Thanks, Mommy.

My mom's been a huge help since The Bean arrived. Cleaning, sorting, cleaning, sorting, and buying - like grandmas are wont to do. Most of it's for The Bean (she just can't resist a beautifully illustrated picture book - or The Bean's First Christmas Dress, for that matter), but occasionally, she'll surprise H or me with a gift.

This time, she played personal shopper.

I gave her my thoughts and size, and she went shopping for me. (Bless my stepdad's heart, he waited while she shopped.) So The Bean finally slept on Friday night, and I ventured out to the living room. Fingers crossed, I tried on the suit she'd bought me.

Perfect.

Perfect harmony of Jackie O, Audrey, and Kate. Oh yeah, and a little bit of me.

A sweet little barely swing coat with bracelet sleeves and big silver buttons, and a jaquard a-line skirt, all in navy and cream (all Ann Taylor). Paired with my Chie Mihara pumps, apparently, I was a Hot Mama, says H.

The Bean couldn't have asked for a better dressed mommy on her baptism day. There was no way I could outshine her, of course, in her custom ordered baptismal ensemble from Italy by way of her Greek godmother. "Royal equestrian," Mommy said. "All she needs now is a pony," she told H.

H blanched.

Packing for Greece...if I ever get to it.

Let's just say that I'm thankful I've traveled a lot. Packing happens for me in about 30 seconds. 60 if it's winter and I'm trying to stuff things into a bag.

Everyone has different packing styles. Take, for example, me and my mother-in-law. My style? I just told you. List in head for a week (or not), then pack on the fly. Invariably I end up with a few too many tops, but worse things could happen. MiL? She's been packed for a month. I kid you not. MiL's a very planned and "get it done now, so I can play later" kinda gal (dinner's often cooked by the time I get up in the morning). It's served her well. So she started packing in the spare room about a month ago. She'll be packed, then think twice, pull something out, replace it, see a weather report, change it again...

So when I left this morning, already mildly stressed about trying to get further with the aforementioned thesis-type project thingy and transition my projects to coworkers for the next two weeks, I really wasn't even considering packing. It'll happen. Someday. Our plane departs tomorrow dinnertime, so I figure I'll get it done at some point. No worries. Jae and Erwin tomorrow morning are much more important (I'll feel good, even if I have nothing to wear) than getting my crap in a bag.


[12 hours after I started this post...continued...]


But I did find 10 minutes before a meeting and again after my brain conked out on work & school to make a list of the things I think I should pack. I'll spare you all of the vitamins and face products, but here's the pre-packing clothing list.


2 Old Navy tanks (one in True Blue, one in a berry color that doesn't seem to be on the website)
orange sparkly Indian-inspired Chrome Hearts tank
INC sheer blue T
4 summery, flowy tunic-y blouses lent me by a marvelous GreekGoddess friend who just gave birth to her first daughter
an iie
blue Motherhood Maternity dress
linen Old Navy halter dress (for some reason not on the website - wish it were - it's so non "M")
a standby cami
tummy sleeves (one black, one nude)
underwear (of course)
socks (in case my feet get cold at night)
trouser socks (eew, I know, but just in case it gets cold over there - it's possible)
tights (see above comment, but without the "eew")
Old Navy rollover waist khakis (Babsie D, you were right, right, right - don't knock 'em til you try 'em - and I never want to wear anything else ever again - but also can't find these online)
Citizen standby jeans
an old standby printed Ann Taylor skirt - just in case
favorite brown merino v-neck sweater
favorite black cowl neck sweater (again, just in case it's cold)
a black cotton motorcycle jacket (Gap, 300 seasons ago, but it's still one of my favorites)
red cotton raincoat
teal silk pashmina-like shawl - perfect for the plane!


Shoes are a little extensive...but here goes
Mia stars flats - like slippers - with stars! (for some reason, 3 of the last 4 pairs of shoes I've bought have been Brasilian-born - something to look into there)
my orange flats
standby black heels (just in case)
gold strappy sandals
my favorite bought-in-Miama with BlueSuitGirl ankle wrap sandals
my new Grasshoppers
slippers (oddly enough, also with stars)


And, of course, accessories...but I haven' t decided on those yet.


MiL says that the shoe shopping in Greece is to-die-for - lots of little boutiques. I promise a full report - and I'll tell you if I actually packed any of what I listed, let alone whether or not I wore it.


See you on April 11th! I'll let you know how visiting the relatives in Athens and Chania, Crete, was!