Mind Reader: Jaunty Spring

For the Infinitesimal Readership and followers, it's no secret that I'm madly in love with anything nautical this spring. I'm also an absolute Simply Soles devotee. So when Kassie posted her "What to Wear Wednesday" (and I emerged from under a work rock), I figured I'd just crib her style advice. My only change? Swap the navy wedges for the kelly green version, and I'm hooked.

Admission? I'd pretty much decided to stick with my fab Target woven sunhat this season - it's durable, floppy, and flirty. And then I saw this Helen Kaminski again. Sigh.

Style Obsession: Denim Skirt

I have a mild obsession with denim skirts. I have this fantasy that they'll answer all my fashion needs: put-together, mildly edgy, a little bit ladylike ('cause it's a skirt and all), and who-cares-if-the-beans-get-snot-all-over-it versatile. So pardon me as I learn this polyvore thing. In the meantime, I'll mash together a demure pencil with a vintage-inspired t and prim pumps and hat. Or how 'bout a lacy tuxedo shirt with faded button-front jean skirt and slouchy suede boots? And then I'll throw my other obsession, nautical stripes, with a tailored, pocketed skirt, fabulous green patent wedges, and my favorite hairpin.

Now. Do I buy one? Or all 3?

3 Ways to Denim by DCCeline featuring beige shoes

Wishful Thinking: The Ones that Got Away

I promise more about my actual purchases (tune in to my tweets for their appearances in my wardrobe, though, if you can't wait), but first...the ones that got away.

Until I track them down online, that is.

First off, a bit of a rant. I tweeted Friday that I was seriously disappointed in the Friendship Heights J. Crew. Women, forget it. Nothing over a size 12. Even an XL is a rareity. Seriously. While I hate to admit to myself that I'm not taking care of myself and really need to do all the right things and get healthy, I used to know J. Crew as a standby to get classic, well made stuff in Real Sizes. Nope. At least not that store. Will do a little investigating and follow up with whether it's an in-store trend or just the skinny-jean-and-riding-boots-wearing Chevy Chase skinny minnies that are causing this phenomenon.

In the meantime, I'll shop at Banana and Gap for my staples, thankyouverymuch.

Rant over.

Now. For my wishlist items...

First up, a J. Crew cropped cream motorcycle jacket with zippers edged in bright orange. That's apparently not available online. Later today, I'll track the sucker down via Ye Olde Fashioned Phone. It was AWE.some. (Note: I'm addicted to orange, apparently.)

But I did find this majorette jacket that might replace it, if the Banana one below doesn't work out.

Then, there was the skirt that may or may not make me look like my mother. Let's face it, I am significantly older now than when Mommy had my BabySister (better known here online as PrettyinPink), but only recently has Mommy stepped it up (with much coaching from us) and out of TeacherStyle (yes, she owned an appliquéd denim jumper. With a schoolhouse.). Either way, this pencil skirt, which you can get in the store in a yellow-green they call lime, is marvelously structured and fits my current nautical additiction.

And while I love the vibrant orange on a mini (apparently I haven't been online and in stores in way too long, because apparently J. Crew doesn't believe in replicating their store inventory online any more), it was just too puffy on this girl to get away with right now. Maybe later.

My other addictions? Nautical anything (I think I tried on every striped sweater or top available). Some of those ended up in my closet. And military anything. None of which came home, but will. I'm determined. Either the one up top, or this one (which was juuuust too small - one size bigger should be perfect).

Not that I need any more jackets. But a Mama does have to have something to wear to the playground and to preschool drop off on these chilly days.

Style Dilemma Solved: Winter Nautical

prettyinpink:

Ok – here’s a question for you.

Light gray and navy large horizontal striped sweater (with big turtleneck) what color pants? And what color shoes?

Initial thought is a darker gray pants and a medium very warm brown shoe (with and little gold buckle)

Would a herringbone pattern pant be too much pattern?

DC Celine:

like the herringbone idea, but would have to see it. brown herringbone or solid might work, too. but again, would have to see. darker grey would definitely work, as would a navy. would do either with a grey or black shoe. not getting the vibe of a brown shoe w/ the grey pant. but again, would have to see. don't suppose you have pics?

prettyinpink:

Sweater (in navy and gray)

can’t find the pants but they’re a darker gray and lighter gray herringbone pattern.

Also have camel pants

DC Celine:

prettyinpink, I think any of these options would work. I'm still not crazy about the brown trousers or shoes option...of course trouser or skinny jeans (if you're so inclined) would work best - that is if you don't want to wear to work (or for Fridays). camel pants would work, but lighter khaki/cream might be good too. or, for that matter, go bold with a winter white trouser a la kate hepburn. then you could swing the warm brown shoes and gold buckle.