Wear to Shop for Size 16?

Hey readers, I thought you may be able to assist with this reader question: "Allie, I know this is a huge request, but what brands/stores would you reccomend for a plus size (missy 16) women that aren't too expensive? I have a definite waist but a large stomach. I'm just a SAHM, with dogs, so I don't need anything too fancy but I don't want to look schlumpy either."   This is not a huge request, for this is what I love to do (for those who don't know I have another blog - Wardrobe Oxygen where all I do is talk about style for women)!    Since having Emerson I hover between a 14 and a 16.  I have a petite frame, so many plus size brands are too large for me in the shoulders, rise, length.  This makes it terribly hard to find decent clothing.  Many brands stop at 10, many brands have their size 14 and 16 just be larger versions of 8 (which means lots of gaping, bunching, sagging and overall poor fitting clothes), and petites are often TOO petite for me.   Stores I Frequent Because They Have Good Size 14 and 16 Clothing: - Ann Taylor.  Yes, Ann Taylor is NOT cheap, but they have ridiculous sales.  When I enter their store, I go straight to the sale section.  I have found $150 trousers for $29.99, cashmere sweaters for $40, and some of the best made tee shirts for only $9.  You can't head to an Ann Taylor sale rack expecting to have success, but every time I do visit a mall, I stop in their Ann Taylor.  You never know what you may find!   Another great thing about Ann Taylor is that their sizing is pretty consistent.  If you try on a size 16 dress in blue at the store but wish for it in green, you can pretty much guarantee that if you order it online it will fit.  They have a couple specific cuts of trousers in their stores, so if you know you fit great in their Signature cut, you can order it season after season online in new fabrics and slightly different leg openings.   The Ann Taylor Web site has a more extensive size selection than the stores (online they go up to size 18 and XXL in petite, regular and tall).  I have found that Ann Taylor stores in metropolitan areas or large malls will have more of these sizes in stock (people will return unwanted online purchases).  Also Ann Taylor is a retailer that still (usually!) has good customer service - befriend a sales associate, show that you are a serious customer, and they will be known to put things on hold in your size and call you when they are available. By the way, Ann Taylor isn't all suits and cocktail dresses - I have found great jeans, tees, sweaters and casual knits at this store.  Nine times out of ten, what I buy at Ann Taylor is still in great shape a couple years later so I find the quality and style timeless and worth it!   - Ann Taylor LOFT.  Ditto everything previously stated about Ann Taylor... EXCEPT that they aren't as consistent with sizing (a 16 in one pant may not fit as well in another), and I haven't found as personalized of customer service in their stores. I used to buy a lot from LOFT but these days I find the color schemes to not quite be my personal tastes, and their styles to not be as classic/clean as I like.  However if you have a more sporty or feminine style you may have a ton of luck at LOFT. - Gap.  Gap is really wacky with their sizing, most things seem to run large.  I have size 14 Long & Leans and they end up too big by the end of the day.  Their petites are too short for me, their regulars too long, but I often find some true gems there, and they have a very extensive size range. I like Gap because I can find basic pieces there and the quality is usually pretty decent.  Recdently I have found some nice cashmere-blend cardigans in rich colors that did well in the washing machine on the gentle cycle and then hung overnight to dry.  They always have cute knits that are more interesting than the boring tee shirt (right now they have two henley styles in stock that are cute, come in some fun colors and stripes, and look great with jeans or casual pants and a cami or tank underneath), and they are usually well made.  And like Ann Taylor, Gap often has a goldmine of a sale department.  Sometimes all you find are shell-pink colored XS tee shirts, but sometimes you will find an online return of a woman just your size and shape and end up grabbing five pieces for under $100. Gap's Web site has even more sizes and styles, and they are always having some promotion for X percentage off or free shipping.  Sign up for their emails and you will always be in the know when they are having a reat promotion - that is always when I stock up. - Old Navy.  I have a love/hate relationship with Old Navy.  I have some things from there that I adore (yoga pants, a couple dresses, a pair of shorts) and some things I despise (pretty much anything I have ordered from their Web site over the past six months).  That being said, Old Navy has a great range of sizes (especially online), they often take popular trends and make them budget-friendly, and they use simple fabrics which means they are kid-friendly, dog-friendly, and washing machine-friendly. Old Navy has no consistency with sizing though.  You could order 6 pairs of jeans in the same wash and size and they would all fit differently.  You could order two of the same tee shirt in the same color, size and fabric and not only would they fit differently, one may be see-through and one may feel almost spongey because the knit is so thick.  No rhyme or reason.  It is truly hit or miss.  That being said, they too often have great promotions and free shipping online so it's a great place to find cheap summer dresses, tank tops and loungewear that is fun looking and fits your size.  And once in a while, you may find quite a gem. - Caslon for Nordstrom.  Nordstrom?  That is NOT budget-friendly!  However the Caslon brand at Nordstrom is quite reasonably priced and usually from very good quality materials.  Caslon clothing comes in petites and plus sizes, and their sizing is pretty generous (I usually purchase a Large instead of an XL).  Caslon makes simple pieces in rich colors that always have some little detail that keeps them from being boring.  They also do a great job at taking current trends and making them wearable and budget-friendly.  The Caslon line is usually found on the second floor of your local Nordstrom store, and mixed in with other brands.  I have had the best luck online because there is a more organized and extensive selection and more sizes available.  Nordstrom is now offering reviews of their products so you can often find out from other customers how an item fits or feels. I personally keep my shopping choices as simple as my wardrobe - searching high and low in various stores in the mall only makes me exhausted and feeling fat and awkward.  I do a lot of online shopping so I can try items on with the wardrobe I already own, the proper shoes, the proper undergarments, flattering lighting.  I am less likely to buy something out of desperation or frustration, and less likely to get home with buyer's remorse.  I do a lot of Virtual Window Shopping where I will look at an item, place it in the Web site's shopping cart and then leave it there for a couple hours or even a day or two.  I will look at my current wardrobe and stop and think - will this work with what I have?  Is this something I need?  What are the washing instructions - will it sit in my trunk for three weeks until I get to the dry cleaners?  Once I have determined that I like it and think it will be a good purchase, I often look for the same item on other sites so I can see how it fits on differnt models.  That which looks adorable and work-appropriate on one model may look tight and club-like on another.  I also google the item because you can often find reviews on style blogs of a popular item from a store like Gap or J. Crew. So readers, if you are a size 16, what are your favorite places to shop?  Where do you have luck?

Friday

Today will probbaly be a short one, as that there is to be a major snowstorm in the DC area that will start around lunchtime.  The Federal government (AKA most of my clients) is shutting down four hours early, so my afternoon assignments may be postponed.  My boss said that once the snow starts to fall I can head home and work off my laptop if necessary.  Anyway, I am rocking the red for National Wear Red Day! For those who have been reading for a long time, you will recognize my red crepe jersey dress from Maggy London.  This baby fit me in my first trimester (and a bit of the second) of pregnancy, the postpartum period, before Emerson was even a twinkle in my eye, and now.  I love the fun pockets and how utterly comfortable it is.  I am wearing it with my black tights (Spanx Tight End) and black patent Mary Janes from Mee Too.  I am wearing a black elastic headband and decided to keep the red going with DuWop lipstick in Private Red (I paired with black liquid liner for a clean look). So ladies, let me see your red!  Let me see how you are showing your support and standing up against heart disease.  Send me a comment or an email with a link to your blog post, a URL to your picture online, or whatever you have where you are supporting National Wear Red Day!  I will update this blog post all day with the new links that I receive.  Happy Friday everyone! Fellow Fabulous Bloggers in Red: - Becky at Gilding the Frilly  - Chelsea at Bright Side Dweller - Evandine at Stumble into Style - Fashionaddict at Fashion for the Economically Challenged - Andie at What Andie Wears - Laniza in Getting Fine in '09

Thursday

Gosh, I was running late this morning.  I just wasn't feeling myself and had a hard time cracking down and staying on schedule.  This is the "I didn't do my hair today" look - I let it air dry with a bit of Frederik Fekkai Luscious Curls and it ended a bit crunchy/product-y so I turned my head upside-down, blasted it with the dryer once dry, and scrunched a bit to break apart the crunchy curls.  Two barettes/clips hold back the bangs. Not the best look for me, but better than crunchy bedhead! Here I am at work just now.  I am wearing my black ruffle-trim wrap cardigan from Caslon, an olive ribbed tank from J. Crew, two green beaded necklaces from New York & Company, my silver cuff, black trousers from Semantiks and my black city boots from David Tate.  Again I am thankful for a small wardrobe so I can get dressed in such a jiffy.  This outfit was literally chosen and put on in less than five minutes.

Wednesday

Last night it snowed.  The world freaked out and most school systems were shut down.  However it was maybe an inch or two, didn't get icy and was easy to brush off cars and drive over.  I decided to wear my boots to work to protect against the slush. I am wearing my newish black cowl-neck sweater from Ann Taylor, my black cami from Second Base, dark straight-leg jeans from Not Your Daughter's Jeans, my tan "Bern" boots from DUO.  Brushed gold necklace from Ann Taylor and bracelet from Twisted Silver.  And that is Cindy, one of our inherited/adopted dogs. Here I am in the car on the way to work.  My hair is second day, I used a round brush and dryer on parts to get rid of the bedhead.  Stila Illuminating tinted moisturizer, Laura Mercier Secret Camoflauge and bronzing powder, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis, DiorShow mascara, Nars lipstick in Dolve Vita with a bit of clear lip gloss from Smashbox over it. Monday I wore my blue cowl neck merino sweater from Ann Taylor with my black pants from Semantiks.  Yesterday I wore my black tank from Banana Republic, berry colored cardigan from Gap, gray flannel trousers from Ann Taylor, my gray funky shoes from Miz Mooz, and my black statement necklace from Ann Taylor.

Friday - Go Red for Women

This Friday, February 5 is National Wear Red Day.  Stand up and speak against heart disease by wearing red this Friday. I know I will be rocking the red this Friday - will you?  Post a link in the comments to your blog or JPG of you rocking your stylish red and I will put it in my post this Friday.  Lets band together as women and show our support.  Let's not stop with the Internet - Consider organizing a Wear Red Day at your workplace, with your faith-based organization, at your community center or even in your own home. Speak up. Inspire your friends, neighbors, coworkers and family members to show their support for the fight against heart disease! For more information: Go Red for Women - Official Facebook Page National Wear Red Website Go Red for Women Online Store Donate to Go Red For Women

Oh Yes I Have Caught the Fever...

... and I am not ashamed to share it with my daughter. And I KNOW many of you know what book this is.  Hopefully some of you also know what CD cover she is holding as well. I held off on reading this book for a very long time.  My sister finally passed her well-worn and well-passed around copy to me.  I started reading it and found it poorly written, juvenile, boring. Then around page 120 I caught myself cheesing like a fool on the Metro.  I was giddy, I was excited, and I secretly wished for a train delay so I could read for a little bit longer.  This weekend was full of soft knits and cozy sweaters - we hunkered down, stayed inside all weekend except for a few minutes where we took bundled Emerson outside to experience big fat fluffy snowflakes falling on her face.

Ebates - Save 20% at Old Navy

If you have been reading my blogs for a while, you know how much I love Ebates.  Ebates is a site where you sign up for free, and if you shop through their site to popular retailers, you will get cash back, like a rebate.  You can receive anything from 1% to 20% back on your purchases, which comes to you in an actual check four times a year.  I have made over a thousand dollars with Ebates over the past two years - all my online shopping, be it with Gap, Drugstore.com, Diapers.com, Target, Ann Taylor, FTD, Nordstrom, even eBay I do first through Ebates. Ebates also tracks many coupon deals on their site, so when you visit a shop's page on Ebates, you will also be notified of many promotions for discounts and free shipping that are taking place (I also visit retailmenot.com before checking out of any online shop to ensure I have the best coupons). Well February 1-4, Ebates is offering 20% cash back on any purchases at Old Navy!  This is after any coupons and deals you have for the store.  You can't beat this deal! Visit Ebates, sign up (if you haven't already) and save 20% on your purchases at Old Navy!

Thursday

Thursday was Bring Your Emerson to Work Day... My husband and Emerson showed up right after the Webinar finished so I could give them a tour of my office (and show off my baby).  I locked my computer and let her go crazy on the keyboard and she LOVED it.  My husband brought me a gorgeous floral arrangement of roses and snapdragons (my favorite).  We left work and went to our local sushi spot for Happy Hour: Emerson loved the sushi rice and we also gave her some miso soup, and some avocado and cucumber rolls. We came home, my sister came by a little later with carrot cake (another favorite) and we hung out for a bit until I was glamorous enough to fall asleep on the couch prior to 10pm. It was a good birthday!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today I am 35 years old, and I feel okay about it.  This morning when I was struggling to find something fun and "birthday-like" in my wardrobe I did feel a bit matronly.  I didn't like any of my clothes, my hair isn't acting nice, I feel as though I look... well like a 35 year old mom.  But then I got dressed and my sister took me to Starbucks and we had a fun commute to work and now I am on a Webinar and being inundated with happy birthday messages on Facebook and in email and I feel so much better. By the way, I am wearing my new black tank with ruffles on it from Ann Taylor with a black drapey cardigan from Ann Taylor from like a decade ago that I found on a shelf in my closet, my NYDJ jeans and a pair of pewter snakeskin pointy-toed pumps I bought on clearance from Nordstrom like a year ago but haven't had the situation or foot strength (I lost all my high-heel tolerance when pregnant) to rock.  Well I am rocking them today and they make me feel less like a dumpy 35-year old mom and more like me.  So I indulged in a venti light java chip frappucinno which is helping me get through a very dry Web conference, and I look forward to seeing my husband and baby at 3:15 and an early release from work today.  Thinking sushi for dinner... Life is pretty darn great!

This Week...

Monday: - Black cowl neck sweater from Ann Taylor - Black pencil skirt, also from Ann Taylor - Black cami from Second Base - Black tall boots from Ros Homerson - Gold "twig" bangles and a hammered gold knot necklace (both from... shocker... Ann Taylor).  Wore the necklace under the cowl so it just peeked out a bit on the side - Hair wavy/curly, slightly smoky eye Tuesday: - Teal shawl collar sweater from Banana Republic - Black cami from Second Base - Black trousers from Talbots (completely forgot I had these - put away my husband's dry cleaning and found them) - Black city boots from David Tate - Silver and green/blue cuff bracelet and earrings from Anne Koplik Today: Well I am right now with wet hair and in my husband's bathrobe but think I will be wearing my purple cowl neck sweater dress from Banana Republic and my black tall boots!  Better hop to it, I need to leave in less than 30 minutes to be at work on time. Tomorrow is my birthday, and I have an INSANE day at work that starts at 7am and ends around 6 or 7.  Le sigh.  My husband is hoping he can stop by later in the day after my first meeting is finished so he can show off Emerson and maybe take me to a late lunch.  Best present ever!  After a year, we have yet to bring Emerson to the office and my coworkers are constantly on me to meet her.  Anyway, I am going to treat myself on my birthday to wearing jeans - very likely the new ones from Not Your Daughter's Jeans (man, if they WERE my daughter's jeans they would hardly fit my hand!).

New Additions...

While waiting for my sister to drive home on Friday (we commute to work together and we ended up leaving work at the same time Friday night) I stopped into Ann Taylor. Added to the wardrobe: - Fuzzy black cowl neck sweater (longer than my merino one, deeper cowl) - Gray flannel trousers - Black tank with ruffles on it (cute alone for a night out or under a cardigan or jacket for work or weekend) All these items were on sale and I had a coupon for 30% off my purchase so it was $100 for all three.  Not too shabby for really nice pieces that are quite versatile. I also received a pair of dark straight leg jeans from Not Your Daughter's Jeans that aren't too bad.  Very high rise and a bit too long, but I think they are quite flattering and I like the straight leg.  Review soon.  I also will soon be reviewing a cami I got from Second Base that I adore - wearing today and wore yesterday as well!

Saturday

Saturday I attended a baby clothing and goods swap in town so I wore my Long & Lean jeans from the Gap and a new black cowl-neck sweater I got off the sale rack at Ann Taylor on Friday night.  Paired with black city boots and hoops. Saturday night I went out with friends.  I received a pair of Not Your Daughter's Jeans in a straight cut and very dark wash, black cami, my black ruffle cardigan from Caslon and a pair of gray shoes from... not sure the brand offhand but got at Nordstrom.  Couple silver necklaces and silver hoops. I thought it would be nice to have a picture of me pigeon-toed... too bad I didn't have any leaves to throw over my head... Here's a closeup of my shoes... And here's how I felt at the last of the night... designated driver and a babysitter made Allie a very happy gal!

Thank You

I cannot believe the wonderful comments you all have written with my recent post. Each time one would show up in my Inbox I would be near tears. I considered ending blogging all together at the end of 2009 and then I saw Julie and Julia. That movie inspired this household - it got my husband making poached eggs for Sunday brunch, and me knowing I had to keep blogging, even though I just don’t feel as though I currently have the time or spirit. I may be pretty quiet now, but do know that I am not leaving forever. I love blogging, I love fashion, and I love the friendships I have made with you readers. You all mean so much to me – I may not know you in real life, but I feel as though I know many of you too – through your blogs, through seeing your same screen names pop up in comments, even through recognizing your “voice” through comments over the years. I am honored to be read by you through the years and thank you for sticking with me. I will “see” you soon!

My Current Wardrobe

My current work schedule is unpredictable – I am at work when a client needs me which means I sometimes leave the house at 5am. Having a baby who still nurses and a husband I would like to see when not comatose by my side in bed, it doesn’t give me much time to think about creative outfits. My wardrobe has become more and more simple, and has become smaller to make a quick morning getaway all the more simple and with less room for style error. This is the collection I am currently working with: Skirts and Pants: 1. Black pencil skirt from Ann Taylor. It is a petite so it hits right at the top of the knee. The fabric looks like suiting but has a bit of Spandex to it so it keeps shape all day and works with my curvy body. 2. Black wide-leg trousers from Semantiks by Nordstrom. Unlined, nice fabric that looks good for work but can also be a weekend look. Crease down the front, wide waistband that lies flat. Reviews online said the petite ran long which was just what I desired – I am not petite but I am not regular so this made the trousers a perfect length for a 2” – 3” heel. 3. Dark Long and Lean jeans from Gap. I have them in petite to wear with my Bern boots and Chucks, and regular length to wear with my black city boots and heels. These are the dark color with a hint of spandex. They stretch out over the day but shrink back up in the dryer and look nicer than regular jeans for work. 4. Stonewash jeans from Seven (don’t know style, got on sale at Filene’s Basement). Slightly vintage details and a little hole in the thigh, bootcut, bit of Spandex. These are my casual jeans. They are a bit long with low boots or sneakers, but it’s not too bad since they are casual weekend jeans and it adds to a vintage/hippie vibe that I like. 5. Ivory tropical-weight wool wide-leg trousers from Talbots. These are petites, which makes them a hair too short with my taller heels, but work with my black city boots. Wide waistband so it lies flat, crease down the front. 6. Black bootcut trousers from New York & Company. I don’t like these. They haven’t worn well, they are a bit lumpy looking and look as cheap as their price tag. They are last resort trousers and are only worn with a cardigan or sweater that can cover the hip area. I plan to donate these once I find a worthy alternative. 7. Charcoal wool/cotton blend trousers from Ann Taylor. These have a fine pinstripe that looks blue when paired with blue, gray when paired with other colors. These stretch out funny if I have a long day where I am sitting a long time. Don’t love, don’t wear a lot. Like best with my black turtleneck or teal shawl collar sweater because those are more fitted and hit on the hips in a place that hides the stretching out. Tops: 1. Gap crewneck cardigans in dark purple (Purple Martin) and raspberry (Rose). These are currently in the stores – some have contrast ribbon at the placket. The dark purple one has a black and white stripe placket, the raspberry one has a tonal one. 2. Various ribbed tanks. I have three white ones, one black, one gray, one dark purple (same color as the Gap cardigan), one olive. 3. Refined pima cotton tanks from Banana Republic. I have one in white, one in black. These are really nice and could even be paired with a suit as a proper shell. They wash great, and are far more work appropriate than a basic ribbed tank. 4. Navy waffle-knit shawl collar sweater from Ann Taylor LOFT. LOFT fans probably would recognize this sweater from the fall/winter collection. It’s comfy, cozy, but the navy color and flattering neckline make it a pretty choice for weekends. I usually pair it with a white ribbed tank. 5. Black merino crewneck from Banana Republic. I have had this for years. It has Spandex in it which gives it a nice shape. 6. Black merino turtleneck from Ann Taylor. It’s a floppy turtleneck – sort of a blend between a turtle and a cowl neck. 7. Taupe chunky cable-knit sweater jacket from Ann Taylor. Was in the stores this season, it doesn’t have a closure, sort of a dolman style. I usually wear it on weekends with an ivory pashmina around the neck, ribbed tank and jeans. 8. Gray fuzzy Kenzie cardigan. Long-time readers would know this sweater as that I bought it last winter and rocked the heck out of it while pregnant. It is too big for work, but I do wear it on weekends with jeans, a ribbed tank and a bunch of chain necklaces for a boho vibe. 9. Heather gray ruffle-trim cardigan by Caslon for Nordstrom. This had a self-belt but it hit at a weird place so I snipped off the belt loops and wear it sans closure. It’s the same color gray as my gray ribbed tank so it makes a sort of twinset 10. Same cardigan, but petite and in black. The petite hits at the right place and looks sassy with the self belt tied in a bow, cinching the cardigan. This gives it a peplum look at the hips. 11. Ivory jersey tunic with print trim by Language Los Angeles. I have had this for several months and wore it on this blog before. I accidently had it go through the dryer and now it’s not as crisp as it was so it’s now a Casual Friday or weekend top. 12. Teal blue shawl collar merino sweater from Banana Republic. Pretty standard sweater, wear with a black camisole. Great color, was only $27 in the store on New Year's Day and I also had a 15% off coupon.  Nice! 13. Indigo merino cowl neck from Ann Taylor. Has a slight teal/green tint so it contrasts enough to be paired with black. 14. Ivory Henley with taupe stripes from Gap. Not my normal color palette but I was drawn to it. A weekend top. 15. Pale yellow and gray striped v-neck cardigan from Gap. Gray is same color as my gray ribbed tank. Another item that is not my normal color palette but I like it. 16. Black cashmere puff sleeve sweater tee. I have had this for years, still rocking it from time to time. Dresses: 1. Black matte jersey wrap dress from Old Navy. I have had this for years. Pretty standard. 2. Black jersey wrap dress from Talbots. I have had this for almost a year. A more flippy/feminine shape than the Old Navy dress. 3. Violet merino cowl neck sweater dress from Banana Republic. 4. Black ponte a-line dress from Muse. It has a print of peacock feathers on it. Too short for work, but fabulous for play. Wear to parties, to a rehearsal dinner, Date Night, etc. 5. Black matte jersey sleeveless surplice neck dress from Ann Taylor. Basic cocktail/wedding guest dress 6. Black matte jersey maxi dress from Calvin Klein. This was my Matron of Honor dress for my friend’s wedding in September. I then wore it in November for another wedding with gold sandals and big earrings. I wore the same look this very month for my company’s holiday party. Footwear: 1. Black city boots from David Tate 2. Tan “Bern” boots from DUO 3. Black classic lowrise “Chucks” from Converse 4. Black patent round-toe Mary Jane pumps from Mee Too 5. Black leather tall “Maryland” boots from Ros Hommerson 6. Black leather delicate strappy kitten heel slingbacks from Banana Republic As you see, it’s a pretty simple palette – not a lot of frou frou but nice pieces that work well together. I can wear the black ruffle-trim cardigan with my black skirt and tall boots and have a look that works for a casual client meeting; wear it with a white ribbed tank, dark jeans and black boots with necklaces for a trip to the mall; with a ribbed tank, casual jeans and chucks for hanging out at my friend’s house. And you know me, tons of accessories. Scarves, necklaces, earrings, belts, tights, a funky printed clutch for evening. Totally transforms basics. Note:  I still have lots of other clothes that you have seen, but I have packed them up or put them at the back of the closet because right now they don't fit my body or don't fit my wardrobe.  I just don't want them cluttering my space or mind when I am short on time. What I would love to add to my wardrobe: 1. A pair of more rigid dark jeans with a straight cut 2. A new pair of black city boots with a sleeker heel and more sleek toebox 3. Another pima tank from Banana Republic in another neutral like dove gray 4. A dark denim pencil skirt 5. Another dress or two that has a more casual shape to it. Something to replace my short-sleeved merino dresses from Banana Republic (still have but are a bit tight right now). Optimum would be something of ponte in charcoal or a dark color like hunter or burgundy with an a-line silhouette and elbow-length sleeves. 6. Another sweater in a pretty color like candy pink or purple. Surplice neckline, deep cowl, some interesting neckline. A sweater I can wear with a skirt or trousers to work, or with jeans on weekends 7. Black sequined tank. Rock it alone with jeans, under my ruffled cardigan… something to jazz up what I already own 8. A black silky jersey blouson top – something maybe off the shoulder, drapey, slight shine to the fabric. A top I can wear with jeans and boots and some big silver hoops for a night out on the town, or even dress up with black trousers and pretty heels 9. Black leather platform peeptoe heels. Can wear now for a night out, can wear in spring to work as well as to play. 10. A silky jersey top with interest. Something with puffed sleeves, a wrap style, ruffle trim, pretty neckline or combo of these. In teal or berry or candy pink or jade. Something I could wear to work with a cami or out on the town. Today is Friday, and I am wearing my black merino turtleneck, my Seven jeans, black city boots and a long necklace made of silver chain and an occasional big pearlized yellow bead (sort of looks like some type of stone but I think it’s just plastic), silver cuff bracelet, subtly smoky eyes, glossy pinky brown lips and hair wavy and casual. Can’t take a picture because all of the upstairs is dark – it is still dark outside and my husband and Emerson (and two of the dogs) are still asleep. This weekend I have plans to go out with friends – it is my birthday next week, it was my sister’s birthday this week and our good friend’s birthday was on the 10th of this month. Not sure yet what I will wear, as that it’s not really peacock-print dress sort of locations… more like a jeans sort of evening. I may do the black ruffle-trim cardigan, the black pima tank and some fun silver jewelry and a smoky eye. If I get pictures from the night I will be sure to post!

Why I Don’t Write Here…

I still love fashion. I still find it terribly important to care about what you look like. I still feel that every woman can be stylish regardless of size, shape, age, budget or lifestyle. I still feel that more women who are my shape and are my income level should have style blogs. But I am just busy… and I am uninspired. When I started this blog, it was just for me – to make sure I didn’t wear the same suit when I saw a business client a second time, that I didn’t wear my pink J. Crew merino sweater two times in the same week. And then it caught on. And then MSNBC and other big sites found me and linked to me and for a while I had thousands of readers every single day. Around that time was when I realized that I wasn’t all that special here at my blog. When I started in 2005 it was kind of a novel idea. I wasn’t famous, I wasn’t thin, I wasn’t a style icon. But now, well there are millions of us out there. And I don’t have the time to keep up a cool looking blog template. I don’t have the time to set up my tripod and timer and take pictures of me twirling around on my back deck or throwing leaves over my head in the neighborhood park, or look forlornly at my vintage boots on a city street. I don’t have time to them Photoshop the hell out of said photos to make them look like wee little works of art, showing the detail in the lace of my thrift store frock, or the buttons on my designer coat. I don’t have the time to contact companies and encourage them to send me swag so I can review it. I don’t have the time to take the swag that I do already receive and properly review it, posting about it and making plenty of little hyperlinks to give that company their much-deserved SEO. And honestly, I am not interested in a bunch of new makeup or hair products – I don’t have the time to play with products I can’t use easily and quickly on a daily basis. It’s clutter that fills my dressing table and bathroom and eventually a landfill. There are two types of personal style blogs – the good ones and the crappy ones. And really, even if the person has great and real style and a gorgeous real body, if they have dark crappy photos and a cluttered dated template, I don’t like to go visit. And it sucks, because those who usually have the time to make their blogs all so purty… well they aren’t usually the type who have real bodies, real budgets, real lives. And a lot of personal style bloggers have become far too self-important. None of us are perfect. And really, any outfit can look utterly charming or chic with the right poses and lighting and crap. So I will keep writing at this blog, but I won’t have my daily looks very often because I need my time for sleep, for work, for snuggling with my baby. For cleaning my house, cuddling with my husband, spending time in the real world with real people doing real things. And if you want some inspiration from real women who do style blogs well (and actual style), I encourage you to visit, subscribe and comment at: Already Pretty Fashion for Nerds Academichic Fashion Hayley Fab Finds Under $50 Oranges and Apples Clothed Much Work With What You’ve Got Cuffington Budgetnista Frocks & Frou Frou Euro Chic Fashion After 40 Things a Boutique Owner Sees