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.