Mad for Plaid, Not Lumberjacks

There's something about crisp fall air that makes everyone want to bust out the plaid flannel.  It's a look I personally love, but not when it involves visible legging-clad crotches and outfit combinations that evoke the bounty paper towel man. 

Here's how I avoid both of those situations:

fall flannel done right by cardiganjunkie featuring slim jeans

First, I cannot say enough good things about Liz Lange maternity tank tops from Target.  They're basically a long, butt-covering version of the great $12 cotton tanks that you usually get.  There is no ruching on the sides and the cut hasn't been changed otherwise, which makes them perfect for pulling off the leggings and boots look when you shirt or sweater isn't quite long enough to cover everything it should (because leggings are not pants!!)

Second, don't get me wrong, I am not saying that regular jeans don't go with flannel.  I wear it too, but the lighter the jean and the more casual the shoe makes the outfit start to feel rustic.  However, swapping your normal jeans for black denim and a ballet flat with some edge (or not) and a cute clutch makes the flannel feel more chic and on-trend.

Still need a flannel shirt?  Here are some affordable options:

What's your favorite way to wear flannel?

For those who don't look forward to swimsuit season

I've been swimming about 5 times in the past 2 years.  Most of the reason is I no longer have access to an apartment pool, but the other part is me hating to be in a swimsuit.  I know I'm no cow, and downright average actually, but I revert back to 17 year old me when it comes time to climb out of the pool and into a lawn chair.

That means I need a good, stylish cover-up.  Here are a few options I like that are also somewhat practical and can be thrown in the wash after they've been soaked in pool water:


Lands End Printed Cotton Lawn Coverup
I like the loose tunic shape of this top, but you'll need to be careful not to wrinkle this fabric or you'll look like you took a nap in it.

Lands End Sleeveless Jersey Coverup Dress
The jersey material means you can throw this in your bag without worrying, and the shape means you can wear it to go get more beer.

Old Navy Cross Front Cabana Dress
The super low neckline on this dress means most women can't (or shouldn't) wear it around town, but it will be just fine over a swimsuit.

Old Navy Hooded Cover-up Dress
I'm not in love with the hood on this dress, but I like the shape and the price.

Gap Empire Dress
This is actually intended to be a regular dress, but I think the cut and cotton fabric make it more appropriate for the pool.

LOFT V-Neck Empire Dress
This is a little much for a cover-up ($49) but it's so versatile and you could definitely wear it to dinner and as a base layer under a cardigan.

LOFT Strapless Dress
This is another versatile top layer that could be worth $49 since you can wear it beyond the pool

If only these didn't need to be washed...

I will admit that along with being lazy with makeup, I'm also lazy with laundry.  I don't mean to, but I've been known to throw a dry clean only shirt into the wash and forget to put fancy tops into lingerie bags.  That means that I am not allowed to have any of the shirts below, as cute and versatile as I think they are.  They can go to work under a blazer, to dinner with dark jeans, and to Target on Saturday with a cute pair of shorts.

If you're more responsible than me, you should check out the tanks below:

Old Navy Seed Beaded Tank

Old Navy Metallic Embellished Rib Knit Tank

Fossil Hannah Sequined Tank

Ann Taylor LOFT Beaded Applique Tank

Ann Taylor Loft Floral Beaded Tank

Ann Taylor LOFT Embellished Cotton Silk Shell

The Limited Zipper Flower Halter

The Limited Wooden Front Halter Top

The long and the short of it

Maybe it's just me, but I find buying shorts to be pretty difficult.  They have to fit just right or you look too fat/pale/skanky and spend the day wishing you'd worn something else.  Tomorrow my company has a golf tournament (and subsequent party) and we're allowed to wear shorts to work, which got me thinking about the pairs I wish were in my closet right now.

In my opinion, any short with less than a 3-4 inch inseam are best left for those in the 21 and under group.  However, if you go shopping right now you'd think that everyone is wearing short shorts and heels to work and to dinner and everywhere else.  Resist their ploys - plenty of us are keeping our upper thighs covered and here are some options that I think are great for a variety of ages and body types:


Lands End Canvas 5" Chino Short
These will flatter almost every shape, large or small.  The length is just right and the rise isn't too low.

Martin + Osa Cuffed and Belted Short (Final Sale plus additional 30% off)
The super dark wash keeps these from falling into the 'jorts' category.  I know they're making a comeback, but I'm just not ready to re-live the days of light denim cutoffs....

Gap Railroad Striped Bermuda Short
I think the subtle stripe pattern make these fairly unique, but not so much that you could only pair them with a few tops.  Plus, this length is very flattering on many people and won't make you self conscious when you sit down.

Old Navy Plaid Tab Waist Short (5" Inseam)
I think these are really cute and summery and would look cute with tees or solid button down shirt with rolled sleeves

Old Navy Perfect Khaki Short (7" Inseam)
I think everyone needs a nice pair of black shorts that can be dressed up with wedges and fun jewelry for a casual dinner, or paired with flip flops and a fitted t-shirt for running kids around town.

The Limited Sexy Drew Belted Short
I tried these on and they fit like they are cut for someone with a narrow body shape.  It that's you, you're in luck, because they're very cute and on sale.

Good luck shopping ladies - it's rough out there. 

Beyond Mom jeans

My friend Lynsey (The Sassy Southerner) has asked for help revamping her stay at home wardrobe.  She says:

I have three (young) kids and haven't gotten out much, so just about all I have in my closet are jeans, shorts, sweats, and t-shirts. As my oldest daughter is in school now, I need ideas for casual, comfortable outfits that don't scream "I am a stay at home mom", but I don't need a corporate wardrobe, either, as that is impractical for my current lifestyle.  Oh, and I don't want "mom jeans" either!!

Given that Ms. Lynsey was plenty stylish during our days at Texas A&M, I think she'll be just fine with a few new basics.   Here is my criteria for the stylish mom wardrobe:

• Wash and wear clothes that require little ironing and no dry cleaning
• You can bend over and pick up a small child in every outfit
• Outfits are easy to put together, but still look like you chose them and didn't just throw something on
• Nice enough to chat with your daughter's teacher without wishing you wore something else

For tops, I chose casual pieces that can be layered and paired with jewelry to get a lot of wear.  I think that everyone needs a selection of solid tees and tanks that can be paired with a big necklace when you're in a hurry or layered under cardigans when it gets cooler.  Don't be afraid of colors or tone-on-tone pattern, but be sure you've got a black, white and navy top in the mix.


Old Navy Crochet Hem V-Neck Tee - $19.50
Lands End Canvas Pleat Front Tank - $24.50
Lands End Canvas Rib Tank Top - $14.50
Lands End Canvas Heritage Crewneck Tee - $14.50
The Limited Knot Collar Tank - $24.99
Down East Basics Empress Top - $26.99

Next, you need to have a few of these Timeless Vee sweaters from The Limited in your closet.  The range of colors is great, the material isn't too thick for spring time in Texas (or anywhere else for that matter) and you can wear them with tailored shorts, dark jeans, dress pants or skirts.  Plus, they can go in the dryer and still come out without pilling or shrinking.  It's like wearing a t-shirt, just a little more polished. (And only $19.99!)

And of course, you'll need a couple of cardigans.  I recommend black, blue and at least one jewel tone.  Ann Taylor LOFT has great options for under $40 and they hold up well in the washer and dryer.

For bottoms, make sure your jeans have a uniform dark wash (you all know I recommend Gap's Long & Lean jeans) and then find a knee length denim pencil skirt to work into the rotation along with some dark khaki/brown, gray and black knee length shorts, which are more flattering than you may think. (If I can wear them, so can you!)  You can mix and match pretty much any of the items above with dark jeans or the bottoms below.  When it gets cold, substitute the long shorts for cotton trousers in the same neutral colors.  Just beware of the cargo and yoga pant...

Down East Basics Hot to Trot Skirt - $44.99 
Old Navy Perfect Khaki Bermudas - $24.50
Lands End Canvas Womens Boot Cut Chinos - $39.50

Finally, I think the most important part of looking pulled together and not too casual is the accessories.  Even the most basic pair of khaki shorts and navy tee shirt becomes a cute outfit when you add the large turquoise necklace.  You should also consider a long, chunky silver necklace and another in gold tones.  Grab cuff bracelets and fun earrings as well.

Hopefully this has been helpful and will help Lynsey navigate through a busy spring and summer looking like the stylish mom that she is.  If you'd like some help picking an outfit (or a new wardrobe) let me know and I'll give it a shot!