Old Navy Loop Terry Tier Skirt
Monday, April 12, 2010
These should not come in Women's sizes
Old Navy, you should know better. Nobody over the age of 14 and over 110 lbs has any business wearing one of these, let alone with a matching terry cloth hoodie.
Old Navy Loop Terry Tier Skirt
Old Navy Loop Terry Tier Skirt
Did you know?
...that Fossil makes really cute clothing in addition to bags and watches?
I didn't ever connect the Fossil brand to clothing until my cousin worked there for a while and showed me that they've moved on from watches and colored leather purses. Most stores still only carry accessories, but you can find the clothes at Stonebrier mall in the Dallas area (or so the internet claims)
Some of the pieces are really cute and most have a bit of a bohemian vibe (almost everything is a print!), but I'll be watching for some sales since the prices are more than I care to spend. In case you're interested, here are a few of my favorites:
Hope Top - $54
Eden Top - $48
Virginia Dress - $64
Iris Cardigan - $64
Jodi Skirt - $64
Annnd here's a gorgeous, hippie trippy handbag for good measure. I love both colors... if only I had the funds.
Isla Handbag - $168
I didn't ever connect the Fossil brand to clothing until my cousin worked there for a while and showed me that they've moved on from watches and colored leather purses. Most stores still only carry accessories, but you can find the clothes at Stonebrier mall in the Dallas area (or so the internet claims)
Some of the pieces are really cute and most have a bit of a bohemian vibe (almost everything is a print!), but I'll be watching for some sales since the prices are more than I care to spend. In case you're interested, here are a few of my favorites:
Hope Top - $54
Eden Top - $48
Virginia Dress - $64
Iris Cardigan - $64
Jodi Skirt - $64
Annnd here's a gorgeous, hippie trippy handbag for good measure. I love both colors... if only I had the funds.
Isla Handbag - $168
Friday, April 9, 2010
Shoes, glorious shoes
Last week I was walking back to my car and hopped off the curb like a 9 year old, and my shoe broke. So sad. I'd worn those Bandolino wedges to death for four years, but I think they lived a good life. However, I needed some more comfortable wedges.
Today I took the day off from work (because I have gone so long between vacations that I am not allowed to accrue any more days) and went over to DSW in search of some new strappy shoes. I got the pair below by Kenneth Cole Reaction and they are so. freaking. comfortable. (I think it's the rubber sole, mostly)
The style is called Cabin Days and I can't find them online anywhere, so you'll have to go to DSW to check them out. The store in Addison had a couple dozen pairs in brown and black.
Today I took the day off from work (because I have gone so long between vacations that I am not allowed to accrue any more days) and went over to DSW in search of some new strappy shoes. I got the pair below by Kenneth Cole Reaction and they are so. freaking. comfortable. (I think it's the rubber sole, mostly)
The style is called Cabin Days and I can't find them online anywhere, so you'll have to go to DSW to check them out. The store in Addison had a couple dozen pairs in brown and black.
Excuse the messy background... I thought I'd pushed the other sandals out of the way
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Huge Wedding Milestone: Colors (for now...)
One of the hardest thing I've had to decide since becoming engaged has been these darn wedding colors. Dress and venue were a cinch, but I keep going back and forth on colors as I see things I like or realize that my choice will be difficult (or expensive) to execute.
Last night I made myself sit down with my magazine collection and cut out pictures I liked and look for trends. I decided early on that I want to use white hydrangeas in my flower arrangements because they will be in season in September and take up more room than other flowers, so you can use fewer of them. I can also use white, black or chocolate brown linens free of charge at my venue. With those choices, I decided that the combination I like best is.....
I know we've all seen it before, but know that I plan to execute this without the use of black and white damask, which appears to be mandatory decor these days. My plan is to use black floor length linens and layer white mid-length overlays on top so the black shows only near the floor. I'll add an apple green table runner and then use the free glass vases, white candles and white hydrangeas.
It's going to be hard to find the right shade of green, but I think I can do it since it is just an accent color.
And I know most of you probably care very little about my reception colors, but actually putting it out here means I am committing to them once and for all! No turning back now... unless I change my mind for the 5th time.
Last night I made myself sit down with my magazine collection and cut out pictures I liked and look for trends. I decided early on that I want to use white hydrangeas in my flower arrangements because they will be in season in September and take up more room than other flowers, so you can use fewer of them. I can also use white, black or chocolate brown linens free of charge at my venue. With those choices, I decided that the combination I like best is.....
I know we've all seen it before, but know that I plan to execute this without the use of black and white damask, which appears to be mandatory decor these days. My plan is to use black floor length linens and layer white mid-length overlays on top so the black shows only near the floor. I'll add an apple green table runner and then use the free glass vases, white candles and white hydrangeas.
It's going to be hard to find the right shade of green, but I think I can do it since it is just an accent color.
And I know most of you probably care very little about my reception colors, but actually putting it out here means I am committing to them once and for all! No turning back now... unless I change my mind for the 5th time.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Best shirt ever!
I rarely find something that fits so well that I must share. Not since my Long & Lean jeans have I been so thrilled! Last weekend I needed a new white button down for this year, so I bought the Double Button Placket Shirt from the The Limited and I love it. I love it so much I am buying multiple colors.
The side by side buttons make the front of the shirt lay flat, and it does not gape despite my bra's best attempts at making an appearance. The ruffle is not overpowering and sets it apart from my other shirts. The sleeves are stretchy and don't cut off circulation in my arms. I daresay this is a perfect shirt - AND IT IS ON SALE.
Hurry, buy them before they are gone! (The picture doesn't do it justice, it's way cuter on me but I'm not posting today's outfit on the internet)
Update: I've discovered that there is also a shirt dress in teal and black/white. Ordering now with the money from my expense report.
The side by side buttons make the front of the shirt lay flat, and it does not gape despite my bra's best attempts at making an appearance. The ruffle is not overpowering and sets it apart from my other shirts. The sleeves are stretchy and don't cut off circulation in my arms. I daresay this is a perfect shirt - AND IT IS ON SALE.
Hurry, buy them before they are gone! (The picture doesn't do it justice, it's way cuter on me but I'm not posting today's outfit on the internet)
Update: I've discovered that there is also a shirt dress in teal and black/white. Ordering now with the money from my expense report.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Size doesn't matter... seriously
I think it's amazing how much a woman's self esteem is tied to the tiny little number on the label in her dress. Most all of us have a range of clothing sizes that make us feel comfortable (even skinny), and others that make us go 'omg I'm so fat, let's eat an apple for lunch today'.
I'm right there with the rest of you. I can go to the mall feeling fine about my body, even liking it, but if I try on something that runs small and I have to put on the dreaded 12 or 14 to get the right fit I immediately feel like a cow. It doesn't matter how much I know about clothing or the cut of a dress and whether a designer is cutting for my body type or not. I have let an article of clothing ruin my afternoon.
But I'm done now. After watching someone else go through this and realizing how preposterous it all is, I think I've finally come to my senses. So, in an effort to help the rest of you shop more freely and not put yourself down (ever!) here are a few things to remember:
Women come in more than nine sizes
Think about how many shapes and sizes of women you see every day - I can think of over a dozen. A dress that comes in only nine sizes is not going to work for everyone. The idea of trying to fit everyone into one of nine pieces of cloth is just ridiculous, but we subscribe to it and let it affect us.
Even an inch matters
If the cut across the shoulder is even an inch too narrow, you will need to go up a size (and freak out accordingly) If the rise of a pant hits too low, you may need to go up a size. Instead of thinking 'I'm huge' think about why the garment isn't fitting. Most of the time, it's due to the cut of the clothing not hitting you in the right places - not your fault.
One cut of pant may not suit four body types
Designers cut clothes for a certain body type, and if it's not the one you have, you may be out of luck. It has nothing to do with you. It is very difficult to cut the same pants for someone who is lanky as well as someone with a curvy shape. Your hips being one inch wider than the measurements used at the Chinese garment factory does not make you fat.
Women with hips should not shop in the Juniors department
Clothing for teenagers is cut for a more narrow body shape, since most 16 year olds do not have the curves they'll inherit in their twenties. Shopping in stores that cater to this group is just asking for a poor fit. Again, your hips being too large doesn't make you fat, it makes you a grown up who has an adult body.
There is no universal standard for size
Right now in my closet, I have five skirts that fit me well. The smallest is a size 8 and the largest is a 14. If you lay them on top of each other, the 8 is larger than another skirt by the same brand in a size 12. The 14 is the same size as another size 10 skirt. Clearly there are no rules.
When you tailor something, it is now a different size
When I buy dresses, I often have to buy larger sizes and look for seams that will allow for tailoring in the waist. When the seamstress makes that (or any) adjustment, the dress isn't a 14 anymore. Some tailors are pretty magical, but they can't create fabric where there is none. If you need an extra two inches across the bust, you have to get the size that offers it and work from there. Don't think of it as a 14, think of it as a 10B (boobs). Or if you're really upset, cut out the label entirely.
Don't settle for an ok fit to make yourself feel better
I would bet that everyone reading this can tell when someone's shirt is a little too small. That means everyone can also tell when your shirt is too small. If the buttons are gaping in any way, you need to go up a size no matter how hard it will be for you. A shirt that fits properly makes you look thinner. Always.
I don't think I am saying anything that you haven't heard before, but I hope some of you are thinking about how much we beat ourselves up over size labels. When something doesn't fit, it's not your fault. It is because a collection of fabric pieces sewn together thousands of miles away is not the exact same shape as your body. What a tragedy. ;-)
I'm right there with the rest of you. I can go to the mall feeling fine about my body, even liking it, but if I try on something that runs small and I have to put on the dreaded 12 or 14 to get the right fit I immediately feel like a cow. It doesn't matter how much I know about clothing or the cut of a dress and whether a designer is cutting for my body type or not. I have let an article of clothing ruin my afternoon.
But I'm done now. After watching someone else go through this and realizing how preposterous it all is, I think I've finally come to my senses. So, in an effort to help the rest of you shop more freely and not put yourself down (ever!) here are a few things to remember:
Women come in more than nine sizes
Think about how many shapes and sizes of women you see every day - I can think of over a dozen. A dress that comes in only nine sizes is not going to work for everyone. The idea of trying to fit everyone into one of nine pieces of cloth is just ridiculous, but we subscribe to it and let it affect us.
Even an inch matters
If the cut across the shoulder is even an inch too narrow, you will need to go up a size (and freak out accordingly) If the rise of a pant hits too low, you may need to go up a size. Instead of thinking 'I'm huge' think about why the garment isn't fitting. Most of the time, it's due to the cut of the clothing not hitting you in the right places - not your fault.
One cut of pant may not suit four body types
Designers cut clothes for a certain body type, and if it's not the one you have, you may be out of luck. It has nothing to do with you. It is very difficult to cut the same pants for someone who is lanky as well as someone with a curvy shape. Your hips being one inch wider than the measurements used at the Chinese garment factory does not make you fat.
Women with hips should not shop in the Juniors department
Clothing for teenagers is cut for a more narrow body shape, since most 16 year olds do not have the curves they'll inherit in their twenties. Shopping in stores that cater to this group is just asking for a poor fit. Again, your hips being too large doesn't make you fat, it makes you a grown up who has an adult body.
There is no universal standard for size
Right now in my closet, I have five skirts that fit me well. The smallest is a size 8 and the largest is a 14. If you lay them on top of each other, the 8 is larger than another skirt by the same brand in a size 12. The 14 is the same size as another size 10 skirt. Clearly there are no rules.
When you tailor something, it is now a different size
When I buy dresses, I often have to buy larger sizes and look for seams that will allow for tailoring in the waist. When the seamstress makes that (or any) adjustment, the dress isn't a 14 anymore. Some tailors are pretty magical, but they can't create fabric where there is none. If you need an extra two inches across the bust, you have to get the size that offers it and work from there. Don't think of it as a 14, think of it as a 10B (boobs). Or if you're really upset, cut out the label entirely.
Don't settle for an ok fit to make yourself feel better
I would bet that everyone reading this can tell when someone's shirt is a little too small. That means everyone can also tell when your shirt is too small. If the buttons are gaping in any way, you need to go up a size no matter how hard it will be for you. A shirt that fits properly makes you look thinner. Always.
I don't think I am saying anything that you haven't heard before, but I hope some of you are thinking about how much we beat ourselves up over size labels. When something doesn't fit, it's not your fault. It is because a collection of fabric pieces sewn together thousands of miles away is not the exact same shape as your body. What a tragedy. ;-)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Home to Houston... with only one dress
This weekend the fiance and I are headed home to Houston to spend Easter with his family. The prospect of warm weather has made me wish I had more sundresses to pack since they don't take up much room and have a very 'look at me being engaged' quality about them. I will definitely be bringing my black jersey knit Banana Republic dress, but after that almost everything I have looks like office wear.
I started searching this week, hoping to find a sale, and am getting really frustrated at the lack of non-spaghetti strapped options. I don't like to wear strapless bras all day long and unfortunately, that rules out about 90% of dresses this season. Unacceptable.
I'm also making it even tougher on myself by refusing to spend more than about $45. In the event that you're in a similar situation, here are some of my dress candidates:
Ann Taylor LOFT Empire V-Neck Dress
The only thing stopping me from getting this dress is that it's black. I wish it were green or some other jewel tone...
AE Crochet Dress
I plan to go try this one on, but AE cuts for teenagers so I don't expect it to fit... but I may get lucky
*crosses fingers
Old Navy Cutout Keyhole Dress
This might be totally cute, or it may look like a potato sack... we shall see
Converse Womens Tank Dress (Target)
The skirt on this dress is probably too thin since I can see through it on the website photo, but the color is gorgeous. Hopefully I can find it in person...
I started searching this week, hoping to find a sale, and am getting really frustrated at the lack of non-spaghetti strapped options. I don't like to wear strapless bras all day long and unfortunately, that rules out about 90% of dresses this season. Unacceptable.
I'm also making it even tougher on myself by refusing to spend more than about $45. In the event that you're in a similar situation, here are some of my dress candidates:
Ann Taylor LOFT Empire V-Neck Dress
The only thing stopping me from getting this dress is that it's black. I wish it were green or some other jewel tone...
AE Crochet Dress
I plan to go try this one on, but AE cuts for teenagers so I don't expect it to fit... but I may get lucky
*crosses fingers
Old Navy Cutout Keyhole Dress
This might be totally cute, or it may look like a potato sack... we shall see
Converse Womens Tank Dress (Target)
The skirt on this dress is probably too thin since I can see through it on the website photo, but the color is gorgeous. Hopefully I can find it in person...
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