Weekend Style: Dressing Up Your Boyfriend(s)

I'm in love with my new boyfriend jeans. Lots of us (me included!) get really really really excited when we can get into - and feel good in - skinny jeans. But this morning, I'm thrilled I'm wearng a soft, comfortable, perfectly broken in (thanks, madewell) pair of "boyfriend" jeans. A little bit slouchy, a little bit fitted. And, I think infinitely harder to pull off than skinnies. Because slouchy can look sloppy.

But it doesn't today. I'm feeling very chic and put together, despite 2.5 hours of sleep in a hotel bed near the office (one of *those* nights - but the proposal is in and receipt confirmed, next one due today will be soon, then I go home).

When I tried the jeans on in the store (at Rosa's Madewell event), I asked The Bean if she liked them. "Yup," she said, "you look like you're at the beach." Sold. Count one more convert to the boyfriend jean trend. Also, go try them, if you haven't already. They're awesome (and a little more office appropriate than skinnes, I think, though I wear my skinnies here, too).

What makes me feel even more put together on a day when I could feel completely schlumpy is a combo of:

• A chanel-inspired boucle jacket (all on-spring-trend in its black & whiteness), a happy Target find i've worn well more than its $29.99 cost (no longer available, but this ladylike black & white jaquard jacket would do just fine)
• A soft, supple, cottony violet tank for color without being super springy (despite me going to bed and getting up with the birds chirping), also a Target buy (long & lean tanks are. the. best.)
• Ladylike pastel patent pumps, because pastel pumps dress up anything (mine are prior season's Lillybee, but this post on nude pumps might help you find some)

I'd packed it all two nights ago, knowing I'd probably not get home last night. I'm so glad I did. because a few hours sleep, a hot shower, and clothes I love go a long way.

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On a complete aside, whilst finding the links for this post, I found two things I might need:

1. This crazy cool (and crazy comfortable looking) maxi dress at Target. Part of their labworks collection (note to self: dig up info on collection, because, also, that jacket!)
2. These LYB pumps I've admired for forever, now on crazy sale. Yes. It's a crazy day.

But I am not, officially not buying a thing. Because I can't handle my closet at all anymore (too big, old, to tailor/not tailor, not-ok-for-work), and I've asked for help. Formal, official help. I promise to share along the way, but in the meantime, No Target Buying. No Anything Buying. At all. Really.

Reliable Style: The Go-To Piece in Your Closet

As I snapped my sometimes-daily-Instagram #wearing shot in the parking lot this morning, I noticed that, once again, my plaid scarf was in the picture. And my pink tweed cropped trousers. And my crocheted sweater.

Clearly, I have some go-to pieces. We all do. It's part of what makes our style our style. It's how we interpret either the classic or the trendy, and make it our own.

Or, as in my case, it's how I manage to dress myself daily, despite an odd, in-between-sizes-and-seasons wardrobe that I still haven't completely updated since I hit my goal weight in September 2012. We won't discuss the fact that the fashion blogger can't get to updating her own closet. We will, however, discuss the fact that, in this insanely busy time, when I'm really trying to focus on some critical #DayJob changes and spend some much-needed time with H and The Beans, having even 1 repeat-I-mean-Go-To item in my closet lets me stay presentable. It even lets me feel like I'm still dressing like me.

Clockwise, from top left: Gleeful snow catching at the end of 2012; colors and textures galore at the beginning of 2013; a casual Friday gym locker room shot (with the same sweater as today, mind you); today's Everything-in-this-Outfit-is-on-Repeat ensemble. Pieces from L.L. Bean, Target, Gap, J. Crew, lillybee, and random street markets. Drop me an email or a tweet if you're curious about any of them.

While I'm not entirely happy with my closet right now, I have a few pieces, like the $5 plaid cotton scarf I picked up at a street market Down Tha Shore, I turn to, even if I feel they're on repeat at the same pace as that really annoying pop song on the radio. Its weight works to keep me warm outside and not overheat me inside. Its colors make me happy, and oh, by the way, go with just about everything. Its length covers up a multitude of fashion sins, like the mildly ratty vneck t I'm wearing under my crocheted sweater today.

If you snapped a photo of yourself every day without consideration of what you've thrown on (i.e. you're not considering your outfit as if for one of those outfit posts spread across the interwebs), what would you see on repeat? Try it. You might surprise yourself.

Moody Style: Wearing My Black Heart on My Sleeve

It's A Monday. If you saw my tweets, we were awake at 5am because of the time change, changed outfits twice, had meltdowns by 7am because of time change, I dropped my 1000 bags all over the hallway (apples everywhere), forgot my wallet, and now unannounced IT changes at work have left me recreating some simple work that I shouldn't have to recreate.

Happy Freakin' Monday.

But...

I am grateful for some recent Target finds that let me throw on a Very Put-Together Look without any fuss. I added a vintage monogram brooch that was my Mom-Mom's, the pearl studs my mommy had made for me to wear in Baby Sis' wedding, black tights, and a favorite pair of black patent Lillybee maryjanes, and I can at least be satisfied that I don't look the hot mess that I feel this morning.

Clockwise, from top left: Merona Boucle Jacket, Mossimo Ultra Soft Scoop Neck Sweater, Xhilaration Ponte Knit Mini Skirt (not at all mini, quite frankly, especially with black tights), and Mom-Mom's brooch on the jacket.

I'd hurredly bought the sweater and skirt last week to finish off my decreed witch's costume, and some of you saw the debate over the two boucle jackets one night. Hats off to you, as usual, Target, for making some easy, interchangable pieces that make a girl feel chic when the world is conspiring against her.

We won't talk about the fact that the black tights I'm wearing are maternity tights. We won't.

Contrasting Style: What's Your Style Personality

H’s 20th high school reunion

#DayJob deadlines

bluemercury founder and CEO Marla Malcom Beck + loads of inspiring women (thank you, Ruth’s Chris Women in Business series and Marie Claire!)

Stacy London + Truth About Style + a group of women who put themselves out there - on blogs and in life

#DayJob deadlines

other than one anomaly, the first weekend since my trip to San Diego that both H and I were home and we didn’t travel as a family (um, that would be 2 months)

laundry

last minute night out to see Public Image Ltd (PiL), including two rock legends

It has been an insane block of time. Insane.

I have a lot to think about, and lots to mull. I have lots I want to discuss with the interwebs. Much of it comes, duh, from hearing Stacy London speak about her journey - and witnessing her openness breed the same in the brave women who waited patiently in line to ask her a question. (Turns out, though, that the same group of women did not wait so patiently to get their books signed. There was some MeanGirls goin’ on up in there. Really? Ladies?)

A couple of women asked, predictably, I suppose, especially for Washington, D.C., about their work wardrobes and its appropriateness. Stacy’s answer to one young woman, who works in a very conservative office that really requires suits, struck me this week as I looked at my own style. (That happens when you take pictures of yourself, even Instagrams of your feet. Talk about self-awareness and crap. Pooh. Also, props to the #OOTD posters. I give you all sorts of credit for putting yourselves out there like that.) This young woman yearned to break free of the suit. Stacy’s answer took me a bit by surprise. She recommended sticking with the suit, making sure it fit well and was a flattering cut. If possible, she said (acknowledging that it isn’t always possible in some environments), that you can use accessories to show a flash of your own personal style, but...

Don’t worry about it. Just make sure you’re presentable, professional, and appropriate to your environment.

Then - and this is the important part - you can have an entirely different style on the weekends.

Radical. And hand-to-forehead-leave-an-imprint simple.

For a long time now, I’ve tooted the horn of “it’s of course possible to express yourself, even in conservative environments.” Use color, I’ve said. Use texture and textiles. Use accessories.

I’m also lucky that even in my #DayJobs along the way, all of which could be considered conservative environments (non-profit government relations with not infrequent visits to Capitol Hill, government contracting with defense agencies, and the stereotypically conservative world of accounting), I pretty much don’t care. I push the envelope. I can, I will, and I am absolutely OK - personally - with getting the occasional “nice pants” to my lava orange khakis that really means “Wow, that’s really bright, did you really mean to wear those in the office.”

Left's #RuralPreptastic look for the office: Gap Eversoft circle sweater (I bought it super small, per Stacy's other excellent bit of advice, to have a more fitted, vice the slouchy look shown on Gap's site), grosgain belt bought in an especially preppy shop in Annapolis years ago, Gap Perfect Khakis, lillybee Kate (get them! they're on sale!); Right's #rockerchic look for the PiL concert: Religion Clothing Union Jack Skinny Jeans (on sale at ASOS!), lillybee Meghan (sale, people, sale!), and a Druish scarf H brought me from Israel in deference to the "chill" that night (not shown: black Target Mossimo Long & Lean tank)

But what Stacy said rings true. There is nothing like a piece of clothing that fits well. If it fits your body, it flatters you. It lets you shine, and doesn’t let the outfit wear you and distract from your purpose in the office: to do your job.

We could certainly wax poetic about how It Doesn’t Matter what you wear, that people should be able to look past all of that, but the truth is - and this is why, in part, there’s a proliferation of style blogs, ambush makeover TV shows, and how-to fashion books - It Does Matter.

So know what you’re OK with. It’s sometimes difficult to find that place, and it takes time. If you’re just starting - or restarting, as a number of women I meet are - your career, stick to basics to start. Listen to that inner voice, but explore online. Use pinterest to its every advantage and flag what speaks to you. Try it. Ask friends. Ask bloggers (most of us are more than willing to lend an opinion).

Then, wear it all with confidence because, as Stacy says, you must know yourself first. Then you’ll be able to find your style. And if there’s a bit of a split personality in that style - and you go from #ruralpreptastic (or, as H told me “40 year old Potomac lady) to #rockerchic like I did this week, know that contrast is perfectly fine. You don’t have to dress a single way all the time, and rock a single style. I relish the contrast. How ‘bout you?
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As I said, I have more posts in my head, not the least of which is probably more than one springboarding from my visit with Stacy. (We’ll just pretend that it was a one-on-one visit, like it felt, I’m sure, to everyone in the room.) It was a lovely and inspirational evening. Here are a few of my compadres’ posts on our night: Wardrobe Oxygen's (in which Stacy likes my "vegan" dress - we're BFF, you know), and The Chelsea Chronicles (in which Stacy tells you to buy a Celine purse for your birthday)

Fitted Style: It's Called a Measuring Tape

Warning: I'm going to get on my style soapbox.

I heard something amazing today. A friend told me a how today’s college age women shop.

Apparently, they read fashion blogs (the Outfit-of-the-Day-type, I’m guessing), see an outfit they like, then click on the links and buy the exact same outfit.

My response: “Wow.”

Her response: “The money.”

My next response: “How the heck do they know it’s going to fit?”

Caveat No. 1: This comes from a woman (yours truly) who spent at least 30 minutes and multiple phone calls fretting over the fit of her corporate polo shirt (but then, really, who wouldn’t), measuring and remeasuring, comparing it to the manufacturer’s measurements (which were admittedly odd) to make sure she got it right.

Caveat No. 2: This comes from a woman who has, for her last online shopping expeditions (see here and here) gleefully poured over size charts to figure out which size she now is. Part of it is because she doesn’t know (#healthyme works, and all), and part of it is because, well, she wants it to fit correctly.

Caveat No. 3: This comes from a woman who knows her measurements like the back of her hand. OK, so I don’t know the back of my hand very well. But I do know my measurements, because, on Weight Watchers, I take them every week. It’s part of how I know #healthyme is working.

All of this, though, just adds to my point. Which is (yes, yes, I’m getting to the point):

It’s called a measuring tape. Use it.

Most of us probably don’t own one, I suppose. Or at least don’t own one that doesn’t belong in a tool box (you know, the kind that snaps back so hard you’re afraid it’ll take out an eye?). But, quite frankly, that kind will work, too.

The Style Shows make a huge point of telling us how we should get things tailored. And they’re right. But, I have to say, there’s a lot to be said for buying things that fit to start. Hemlines aside (says the 5’9” woman who rarely, if ever, has to get anything hemmed. You can hate me now.) As the same wise, stylish friend said, she sees “so many women on the metro who ALMOST make it in an outfit. And it’s usually because of fit. ” It’s as if, she said, “they saw someone else in it and bought it but didn’t factor in their hips, bust, etc.”

Buying things that fit, you say? Pshaw. Urban legend, you say, especially in these Internet Times.

Guess what? I just bought a pair of pants and 2 skirts that fit nearly perfectly. You know how? I’m going to let you in on a little secret: there are these glorious things called size charts. I looked them up. And I measured myself. Then I compared, the best that I could, my measurements to the site’s measurements. Yes, I was between sizes. And yes, I had to make an educated guess. But I still came out with clothing that fits me.

So here are my tips for measuring - and buying - clothes that fit. And while I absolutely intend these for online purchases, they’d make great pre-big-shopping-trip homework for someone who likes to research stores ahead of time.

1. Buy a measuring tape. Go simple. Go crazy. There's plain, and there's fancy. Personally, I hang onto a sentimental one my grandmother had in her sewing box (also, get yourself a sewing box and learn how to wield a needle and thread for the simplest repairs; everyone - I mean everyone - should know how to sew a button back on a shirt. but that's another post.). I think it's from Wanamaker's. But either way, it works.

1. Basic - Dritz ($2.29, people). 2. Just up from basic - Dritz Lifetime ($2.49). 3. For the girl who has to have one in every color, even at $6.54, totally affordable, from Amico. 4. Fancypants (retractable, choice of colors, and European) - Hoechstmass ($6.99. See? Even fancypants ones are more than worth the price.)

2. Once you’re on the website for the clothing you want to purchase, follow that site’s instructions for measuring. It's usually on a product page, and look for "size charts." Most are similar, so it’s a pretty fair bet that you’re going to be on target with the basics, but if you’re spending money online and don’t want to have to waste time and engergy returning things (even with all of the free returns available nowadays), take the 5 seconds and double-check.

3. As tempting as it is to pull that tape tight and get a smaller measurement, don’t. I know. It’s tempting. But measure each (usually bust, waist, and hips) comfortably, but not loosely. This is one of those places where it’s good to follow the site’s instructions.

4. Write your measurements down. In a place you won’t lose them.

5. Understand that your measurements won’t match a site’s perfectly. You may be, for example, a 8-10 in your waist size, but a 10-12 in your hips. It’s ok to take a gamble and “go small” on some things (maybe an a-line skirt, in this case, which would be more forgiving in the larger hip size), but generally, you’re going to want to go with the larger size. That is, if you MUST have the item.

6. Exercise judgement. If your measurements are drastically different, and it’s a piece of clothing where fit is critcal - such as a pencil skirt or trousers - it might be good to skip it. These drastic differences are what give us those annoying gaps at our waist in jeans, for example. There are whole lines of jeans built around those gaps. We could just measure instead. And use those measurements to - gasp - not buy something that won’t fit.

7. Lastly, once you measure, buy, then find a style or brand that fits, it’s ok - even good - to buy more from that brand and style. Multiple colors of something that fits you well are useful. don’t you always kick yourself for not buying them? That being said, don’t assume fits are the same on each style. A pair of Banana Republic Martin trousers fit much differently than their Sloan, for example. Pay attention to the fit descriptions.

Want proof that it works? Well, after all of that fretting over the corporate polo shirt, and panic that had ensued from others because they hadn’t measured (and assumed the sizes were “standard,” which they very much weren’t), my polos fit perfectly. In fact, I got more compliments on my BoothBabe ensembles than I could’ve hoped for - and many, literally, on how well my polo shirt fit.

Not kidding.

Day 1: The much-debated (see comments in my original post, here) lava Gap Perfect Khakis (bought online using size charts and shipped to hotel - they are perfect, btw) + LOFT 4-strand smoky crystal necklace (now probably 4 seasons old, and hidden behind my phone) + blush patent leather Lillybee Kate pumps (on sale now, ladies! they're fabulous!) = compliments from even the most conservative of conference attendees

Day 2: Gap patterned, slim-fit, cropped pants + goldenrod bamboo statement necklace + bronze Kelsi Dagger gladiator sandals (several seasons old, similar here) = more compliments

Day 3: As close as I could bring myself to plain ol' khakis, a Banana Republic pencil skirt with military detail (out of stock, but here's another with some non-plain-khaki detail) + LOFT crystal necklace + Lillybee pumps (note to conference packers - these pumps are perfect to pack!) = hands-down "I love the way you wore the company polo shirts" winning.

You were warned.

Lastly, a huge thank you to the lovely folks at my home during the conference, the Hotel Solamar in San Diego. The mirror in my room made boring Outfit Shots less boring. Also, your staff's recommendations rock.

Style Dilemma Solved: Tar-ZHAY run

Last Thursday, I was working hard on a proposal with a Friday deadline. I was taking Friday off. You know, Good Friday and all. I was also, therefore, staring at a screen, editing my eyeballs off. Almost literally.

So about 1:30, while I was waiting for someone else to edit a piece or review it or track down missing information, I decided to take a treat break.

Yes, yes, I'm doing #healthyme, big time. And yes, I looked up my options at Starbucks before I went. I was a good #healthyme-er. Planning ahead, as in "I looked at the points values (or calories or fat or whatever else you're tracking) for all of the mini-treats at Starbucks, and the mini pink donut is my best choice and won't blow it for the day." Coffee and a donut would be the perfect antidote to my proposal eyes.

But I was tired, and I accidentally pulled into the left-hand turn lane at the light, which would take me past Target first, then Starbucks.

I'm sure I need toothpaste for the beans. And those Easter baskets. And looooove those dollar bins for their socks (seriously, the best source of socks for the beans).

And, well, hey! there's a Starbucks right there.

But wouldn't you know it, they didn't have any pink mini-donuts. All they had in "mini" was the red velvet whoopie pie, which, though delicious, I'm quite certain is not as good a choice as the pink mini-donut (cream cheese icing as filling, anyone?). So I got a tall bold (I'm a stick-your-spoon-up-straight-in-the-coffee kind of girl), and passed on the treat.

And then I compensated with a basketful of Tar-ZHAY purchases.

I did buy socks and Easter dollar toys for the beans. I also bought socks for myself. Neon argyle ones. They're awesome.

If only Tar-ZHAY would show everything online, you could see their awesomeness.

I browsed the belts and hats, not finding anything in the purses. Big floppy navy hat that can double as an Easter bonnet and a beach hat? Jump in my cart, please! Mr. jute and leather loopy-type belt that can replace the wide brown belt Bean No. 2 seems to have confiscated and hidden (he loves, loves, loves my belt drawer)? Join that floppy hat, please! 3 pair of less than $15 sunglasses I can afford to lose or have snapped by teeny hands? Yup.

I also, despite my ban on buying anything until I get to goal weight, splurged (emotionally, more than anything else) and grabbed a purple-on-purple striped henley in...ta-dah! Medium! There was also a bold print dress I grabbed in a Large (bodycon + juniors department = Large, thankyouverymuch). No, I didn't try them on. I didn't even try them on until the next morning.

But guess what? They fit! Both of them! I ended up wearing the henley (it has those great buttoned up half-sleeves) with a pair of tobacco cords on my crazy-long solo drive down tha shore. I could wear it every day, I love it's fitted comfortable casual sleekness so much.

The dress, you ask? Well, it fits. It fits nicely. It fits so nicely that I wore it out on Saturday's date to the new Robert Wiedmaier outpost, Mussel Bar Revel. With my new lillybee (yes, I have another pair) Kristins and their soft, supple neutral leather, I felt hot. Really hot.

Oh...and the pink mini-donut? Gone. Unfortunately replaced by a peep and some jelly beans, but gone from my mind. Treat v. style dilemma conquered.

Tar-ZHAY run by dcceline

Style Dilemma: Blushing Toes

A few weeks ago, Kate tweeted for help finding "The Perfect Nude Pump." I happily said I'd help. A shoe hunt? Absolutely.

The kicker is, the "perfect" shoe is elusive, and not just because we have a Picture in Our Heads. There's fit, material, comfort, heel height, details...the list goes on. Never mind that, like Kate said, blush or nude is intimidating in the decision making realm. Too light? Too dark? Too pink? Too tan? Does skin color matter? And if skin color matters, what about those of us who get darker as we move into the warmer months (this is me not saying a single anti-tanning/browning-please-embrace-your-fair-skin word. not one)?

It's tempting, like I've done in the past, to "zappos" it, and buy 3-4 pair of shoes to try, returning what doesn't fit. Return policies nowadays are incredibly forgiving. It's a viable option, and a retailer like zappos or even amazon has a broad enough range of styles, brands, and price points to give us the options we need.

But it's overwhelming to shop online for shoes sometimes. So. Many. Pretty. Ones.

So, with a little prompting from the Woman With the Style Dilemma Herself (she tweeted me the Corso Como pair over the weekend), I got my rear end online and found a few - some traditional, some not - options. As for color, I personally don't think that there are any rules around pale skin/dark shoe or vice versa. That being said, I do think that your skin tone and shoe need to compliment each other. Unfortunately, there's no replacing going shoe shopping.

In the set below, there are some personal favorites (eagerly awaiting my own lillybee Kates, thankyouverymuch), and some unexpected brands (Jessica Simpson's heels, I've found, are predictably comfortable). Now, if you're looking for a straight pump, stick with the closed toe variety. I happen to adore the ever-sexy D'orsay silouhette, and the past few seasons of granny booties have grown on me. Snakeskin + granny bootie? Ok, so it's not exaaaaactly a nude pump. I just couldn't help myself. It's pretty.

As for what to wear with these pretty petal-like slippers? In my book, a nude pump goes with practically everything, from a dark suit you want to elevate to jeans and a fitted white T. Pale pink (because, let's face it, ladies, that's what it really is) blends in to your foot and ankle and elongates those fabulous gams of yours.

Kate, my dear? Get thee to the shoe store. And gleefully prance around, trying on every. single. pair. But you have to promise to report back in and tell us how you solved your Style Dilemma.

Nude Pumps by dcceline featuring high heel shoes

Style Dilemma: What to Wear to Meet a Fashion God

I'm going to meet Simon Doonan tomorrow.

Yes, he of the Barney's Windows Fame.

Except that now, he's much more than that. He's Barney's Creative Ambassador.

No, I don't know exactly what that means, but I don't really need to know. He. Is. A. Fashion. God.

Or at least a hero with some superpowers.

Anywho.

What does one wear? I know, I know, I'll get to shake his hand, smile at him, ask him to sign my newly purchased book, and maybe, just maybe, he'll spell my name with one "L." All without - most likely - even looking at me. It's an open-to-the-I-sent-an-RSVP-public book party at the W.

What do I wear? I'm hoping beyond hope that I can catch his well-trained eye and garner a gracious response.

What do I wear? I'm hoping to catch his eye with an accessory, since I'm not really happy with my body, and therefore with what I'm draping around it (as I sit here eating potato chips and french onion dip. next week i start with the healthiness, i swear). I'm also hoping for bonus points with either vintage or local talent, like lillybee or Queen Bee Designs.

What do I wear? The immediate response yesterday when I posed the question to the twitterverse was "color, color, and more color." And then "simple elegance." So do I have something - that fits - that hits both of those?

To figure this all out, The Bean and I hosted a bit of a #fashionshow tonight before she went to bed. hillarygrove, TheMadamEditor, and CarlyJaneZ (with jesserker and stylish_in_dc piping in at the end) cast their votes. The funny thing? Their response was, at first, the exact opposite of The Bean's. Team Orange, as they named themselves, loved my drapey Grecian orange knit - that The Bean immediately panned (she came around in the end). Apparently, she doesn't like dresses with belts, "only fashion dresses." (BTW, this rule apparently only applies to me, as she's constantly adding belts to her party dresses.)

The first look, a classic hi-lo combo of Target dress, belt, and Oscar de la Renta sandals, was the quick front runner.

Next votes went for my mod black, white, and grey 9 West shift, then for my vintage brass and green necklace, dress aside. What didn't garner any response - at all - were my grey bronzed T & cargo skirt ensemble and my beautiful red dress that is, well, let's just say I need to put it on again after I start taking care of myself.

So where will I end up? What do I wear? In the end, votes or no votes, it'll be me and my mirror - and my comfort level with myself tomorrow. But in the meantime, if you'd like to cast your vote, head on over to my facebook page, where I have all of the options posted, and critique away.

Shop in Style: District Sample Sale Score

 

 

District Sample Sale Score by DCCeline featuring enamel jewelry

Lillybee wedge heel shoes, $75
Clutch, $70
Enamel jewelry, $25

No traffic, no illness, no brand new babies. I made it. And one of these days I'll drag a friend (why, friends, why, do you never want to go with me?).

But in the meantime, here's my scoop.

Yes, the prices were different at DSS - $50 for the shoes (sample size happens to be mine!), $15 each for the Fornash pieces, and a sample of Combat-Ready (VIP swag bag).

Pieces I couldn't find online (or clippable pics), but love love love: deep blue Lillybee patent loafers, popchips, a Laura Mercier lipstick (that I have to track down) in grapefruit, and Allison Priebe Brooks' Queen Been Designs triple-strande jade quartz necklace and gold-toned mesh cuff.

Things I Hope Kassie Brings to DSS

Things I Hope Kassie Brings to DSS by DCCeline featuring bettye muller shoes

Bettye muller shoes, $328
Bettye muller shoes, $199
Lillybee summer shoes, $75
Suede shoes, $75
Bruno Magli sling back shoes, $360
Shoes, $238
Tory Burch sandal, $495
Chie mihara shoes, $75
Green Patent Wedges by Butter, $325
Metallic Strappy Sandals by Kelsi Dagger, $88
Suede Coclico Sandals in Red, $338

Please, Miss Kassie, please. You know how much I love me some simply soles.

The Doldrums

As I sit here at Marvelous Market, alternately reviewing government documents that will continue to make my life hell for the next two months, facebooking, tweeting, and emailing what feel, like long-lost-friends, I'm in the Doldrums. Not the naval phenomenon, and not those Milo runs across in his wacky literary adventures (gold star if you get the reference), but the I-haven't-showered-or-washed-or-cut-my-hair-and-hate-everything-in-my-closet kind.

Part of it, if you've been following my tweets, is that I've been working ridiculous hours. I miss my kids and H, we have no food cooked in the house (popchips and Masala Art takeout are staples right now), and the last thing on my mind is putting together a reasonable outfit, let alone putting on makeup. I know better. I know that, if I've been working all night, haven't slept, and need to keep focusing, that showering, putting on makeup, and at minimum a coordinated outfit without babyfood stains will make me feel better. I learned that a long time ago, from a dear friend whom I will purposefully never see again. You've heard me say all this before, I know.

Part of it is that I've gained weight. A lot. I've matched my highest, pre-wedding (not baby-induced) weight. Which is not a good thing. I'd lost weight after Bean #2, but then gained it back. Eating like a pig and indulging as comfort...well, not helpful. I haven't made it to any kind of workout or yoga class in months. (I ran into my yoga teacher from last semester at Politics & Prose last week. She was, as every yoga instructor I've ever encountered is, kind, patient, and understanding. Which doubled my guilt at not going.) Nothing in my closet fits except for my "fat pants" and two pair of beloved LOFT cordorouy pants that fit like blessed gloves and miraculously don't make me feel like a sausage.

The last part is that I just don't have time. I don't have time to shop. I don't have time to iron. I don't have time to drop and pick up drycleaning on the 3 things I own that make me feel good. So I don't. I feel like crap because I can't be bothered. I haven't even bothered to wear my favorite shoes (lillybees, I'm lookin' at you, kids) because my months-old pedicure is so nasty that I can't even fake it under fishnets in peeptoes. So I wear my grey booties daily. Which is all fine and good in icky weather, but when the sun starts to peek out and buds (or bugs, as The Bean calls them) are flirting with breaking through their barked cocoons, grey ankle booties just won't cut it.

So I'm slowly plotting my return. Slowly, people. I can't take more than that. What's the plan, you ask? Well, it's been underway for a leeetle bit. And I'll keep you posted, but here we go...

1) Go out in public with real clothes and talk to non-work people. Check. I went to last week's launch of Jill Kargman's hilarious (laughed out loud during my bathroom reading) Sometimes I Feel Like a Nut at ginger. I squeezed myself into a girdle (let's face it, it's not a "shaper"), put on tights, lillybees, a dress (crazy, but now I can't even remember which one), and a vintage astrakhan coat from my MIL. I chatted with Jill, the incomparable Babsie D, and a lovely writer I've met before. Just three people, but they were people.

2) Get a haircut. Almost check. I see Jae today at 3pm.

3) Buy new shoes. Since I'm not happy with my body, I can play with my feet fashion. Almost check. Taking The Bean with me to the Georgetown simplysoles outpost today.

4) Get healthy. Ok. That's a much longer term one, but I'll get there. And if you have it in your hearts to help me, reminding me along the way, I'll take whatever support I can get.

5) Buy a few pieces I love NOW. Not for the future healthy me, but for the Rubenesque, Now Me. First stop: March 29 DSS.

6) Keep going. Even when I'm distracted or have relapses into UnshoweredWorld, I will get. back. on. the. wagon.

And I'll kiss the Doldrums goodbye.

Style Dilemma: The Shoe Challenge

WebMama wrote last week: I'm writing to hit you up for some fashion advice. I'm going to a wedding Saturday and am wearing this navy dress.

I also bought blue tights. Question is, what color shoes should I wear? I could go black patent - but like the idea of a lighter heel. What do you think of these? Or I could go even lighter like in the attached picture. Just curious what your gut reaction is. Thanks in advance!!

I messaged back (after letting it go too long because I was under a RealJob rock. Sorry, WebMama!): Yes - love the idea of lighter heel - pewter v pretty. but i would personally go with a rounder toe (though have had these pumps before and they're great).

ok, have a couple of suggestions.

on simplysoles.com, there's a blush-colored lillybee wedge that'd be darling, and a chie mihara round toe pump in tan (might be a bit casual)

on zappos.com, there's a sofft pump (fiorella) in a grey (darker) suede, and a vigotti ulinda in a pale grey.

are you going to wear tights, like the pic? LOVE the look

And in fact, I have had the pumps linked above. Nine West has absolutely reliable pumps/stillettos. Keep them in mind as a fallback plan for any shoe dilemma.

And the conversation continued...

WebMama: Awesome, thanks!! I did order the pewter pumps. I'll see how they look. I LOVE the pale grey pumps you recommended more though. Maybe I'll see if I can get them for Saturday delivery. If not, I'll order them for another time. Thank you so much! Of course, it's okay for you to post. I did get blue tights like the picture. My friend, Liz, said "yuck yuck" to the look but my sister really liked it. You're the deciding vote and I'm happy you tipped the scales in favor of "yes" :)

Now we're all just waiting for pictures!

Sad

The change of clothes is packed (recently purchased 9 West shift dress, lillybee peeptoe pumps or grey booties), as is makeup, hairbrush, and other primping things. Just in case.

But the way I'm feeling right now, I just don't know if I'll make the DSS tonight. So so sad that I'm even thinking about missing it. Darned first-cold-of-the-season-The-Bean-brought-home-from-preschool. 3 hours of school, total, and three of four of us are sniffling and sneezing.

Kassie, this one's for you

Slate grey trousers, Old Navy
Pink/grey striped oxford, Havré Bernard

Putty patent peeptoes, lillybee

Chipped red polish, Spa Toccare, The Borgata, more than a month ago

Stealing Mary's Idea

She's taken a lot of flack for it, but maybe Ms. Amons has it right: if you've got a good closet, go to any length to protect it from sticky little fingers (in all senses of the word).

While I have high hopes for my recently purchased Anns to jumpstart me out of my style slump, I think The Bean has other designs for them. I had them out, ready to wear this morning, and, well...you vote on who's wearing it better...

And yes, that's a dragonfly sticker in her hair.

Thank Goodness for Knit and Jersey

Normally, I'm a structured silouhette girl...creases, form, bring it on.



But obviously, in my "condition" I have to rely on things that are a little more forgiving. The problem is, of course, for "forgiving" to not be "schlumpy." How does one look put together and professional without a) looking huge, b) forgoing comfort (increasingly important), or c) putting some sort of big, unflattering bow on one's chest, like they used to do when our mamas were growing us?

[Update: How the heck did this grammar girl not notice the apostrophed plural in the last sentence?! I'm mortified my fingers typed it, and sorry to anyone offended. Sigh.]

First, I'm a very lucky pregnant gal. My Beans like, apparently, to grow compactly. I suppose I have height to thank for this, but both bumps (so far) have been of the basketball variety. Which means that pants and skirts can stay slim (even though I do need those ridiculous panels now), affording me some leeway for volume up top.



The same rules of proportion apply for those of us wearing M clothes as "regular" garb:



1) Volume up top? Fitted on the bottom - and vice versa.

2) Well-fitting, if not fitted = always better than something that looks like it was made for someone else

3) Adapt, adapt, adapt with accessories.



A friend of ours "announced" her pregnancy at our wedding several years ago. She'd bought a relatively plain black dress with pretty pleats, just graceful enough to compliment her bump. And added a lime green ribbon at the bodice. Charming and pretty.



Today, I'm sporting a favorite BCBG black and white jersey dress with a pop-arty print (non-M). It's supposed to be a shirt dress. I simply belted it at the bodice instead. Minimizes my bump much more than any M-designed clothes in my closet.



I have about 5 other dresses in my closet - all some sort of knit or jersey - some M, some not, but they all fit me without bagginess. They hug the curves H loves so much (I'm blessed to have an H that thinks I'm the most beautiful pregnant girl in the world) and keep me happy in the style-department.



Oh, and then I throw on my beloved patent leather peeptoe lillybee pumps with my biker chick leather jacket, and oilá! I'm the hippest Mama at pre-school drop off.

Style Poll: Signs of Spring

As MotorCityGirl commented, "It's (finally) spring out here! I'm starting to see full cotton skirts peeking out from under long spring coats."

Depending on where you are in the world (Carmen Sandiego), your springtime hints have been blooming for a while, or are juuuuust starting to peek out from under the wool.

The budding blossoms, apart from making me look like a hangover gone bad and forcing me to go sans eye makeup for two days in a row, inspire me just a little to dig through my closet for a little bit of pastel prettiness. I've never been one to shy away from peep toes or bare legs in cooler temps, so the newly painted tootsies have been baring all lately.

So tell us...What's your springtime inspriration? What are you chomping at the bit to pull out of the closet? If you're dying to wear the springiest of spring dresses, share, and we'll figure out how you can don it even with threatening snowshowers (sorry, Middle America, guess Punxatawney Phil was right).

Style Dilemma: KC Jazz

Unfortunately not Kansas City jazz, but it'll have to do that dear friends invited us to dinner and a jazz performance at the Kennedy Center tomorrow night.

But what to wear?

Not feelin' the newly reliable Ali Ro.

Definitely jonesin' to don the lillybee platform sandals.

Just don't think I can pull off going the way of the bluefly.com commercial where the hostess, well, where she can't find anything to wear.

Thoughts?