Wednesday through Sunday

Not a lot of pictures.  A week of long days and early mornings.

Wednesday I wore... I think I again wore my teal merino shawl collar sweater from Banana Republic with my black pants from Semantiks.  Thursday I didn't feel well at all, coming down with a cold.  I wore my gray flannel trousers from Ann Taylor, black ribbed tank from Gap and my raspberry colored cardigan from Gap.  I went home early that day because I felt so sick.  Friday I worked a bit from home, but most of the day I tried to hydrate myself and sleep.  Unfortunately Emerson was also sick.

Saturday I was feeling MUCH better and by the evening I was well enough to go to our friends' party.  We didn't stay late, but it was nice to get out of the house.

I had not done any laundry in a few days and all my jeans were dirty.  So I decided to get jazzed up.  I wore my old trusty black matte jersey wrap dress from Old Navy, black Tight End Tights from Spanx, and my black tall boots.  My husband and I made it a date night, going out to dinner beforehand (and we had my mom as an overnight babysitter!).  I tried making my hair curly but it hasn't wanted to do that lately and ended up looking a bit scraggly.  Silver hoops and cuff and a silver chain with my wedding band hanging from it.  Makeup pretty standard for me - black liquid liner as the focal point of the face.

Today we went to my mom's to pick up Emerson and she made us breakfast.  Then Emerson fell asleep in the carseat so we took a nice Sunday drive around town, listening to music and talking.  We came home and have been doing chores and playing with Emerson.  I am wearing my dark Long and Lean jeans from Gap, a white ribbed tank and my purple cardigan from Gap.

Back to work tomorrow, and I am well prepared with clean laundry (though my delicates may still be wet from hanging to dry...).

To Skinny Jean or Not to Skinny Jean

A reader asked:

Skinny jeans seem to be EVERYWHERE!  Should I get myself a pair for my wardrobe?  Will I look dated if I stay with my bootleg denim?

I don’t believe in adhering to all trends. Trends are usually flashes in the pan – a suede fringe purse, a cabbage rose-printed sheath, a day-glo vinyl clutch – items that seem fun but end up collecting dust in your closet before the season has even completed.

Jeans are a wardrobe staple that constantly changes. Each season there is a new trend – embellishment, distressing, high waist, low waist, boyfriend cut, stovepipe cut, sailor cut. Nine times out of ten, that trend will be passé by the time the next issue of Vogue hits the newsstands. However the skinny jean has been sticking around for quite a while.

So should one go skinny?

In my wardrobe staples I mention jeans – the original list mentions a slight bootcut for the most universally flattering style. Well I must admit that my boocut jeans are getting less wear these days and I am preferring my straight leg jeans. Nothing tapered, nothing tight, but a straight leg that works better with the shoe silhouettes that are currently in style. Does this mean I am heading in the skinny jean direction?

For some, the skinny jean is a great addition to a wardrobe, keeping in mind that it IS a trend. I highly doubt that the skinny jean will prevail and five years from now not a single soul will be wearing a different cut of denim. However a skinny jean right now can be quite versatile and flattering on many women (and not just the tall lean ones modeling the skinny jeans in all your magazines).

Skinny Jean with Heels
This is a very hot look right now, as seen by On the Street looks of celebs and any contestant on American Idol. Pair skinny jeans (slightly long so they can gather a bit at the ankle) with a pump, strappy heeled shoe or even a sleek high-heeled bootie. On top, a popular choice is a floaty camisole with a boyfriend blazer or a slouchy knit top or sweater.

This is a look that can look very fresh, can elongate a woman’s leg and be very slimming. However it MUST be done properly or else it will look trampy or have the wearer look like a lollypop. A dark, even color and denim with some Lycra will give the best crisp look. Keep the shoes dark to have a continuous long line. Don’t have the top too short or it can look very top-heavy (and have your crotch be the focus of the whole look). The shoe needs to be on-trend as well. You can’t replace a platform pump with a black leather pump you wore to your job interview five years ago, or a funky open-toed bootie with a granny boot with low heel.

If you are curvy, this look can work for you, but make sure that the top you wear isn’t too bulky. This can easily go the way of the 1980s where women wore oversized sweater tunics, leggings and hi-top sneakers and looked half-naked and not attractive. A top of a jersey or silk knit or a well-cut blazer with lightweight tank can look great on a woman with curves. You just need to be very aware of proportion and fit to have it look flattering and stylish.

Skinny Jean with Flats
This is a look I associate with college students and recent grads. A skinny jean, a little flat in a fun color, a weathered tee advertising a band, and maybe a boyfriend cardigan. It’s a really cute look... on the young and the slim.

If you are not straight and slim, this look is not going to be flattering.  I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's true.  I see so many women of varying ages and sizes wearing this look and it rarely ever looks flattering or even trendy.

The flat shoe and the slim leg combination will shorten any figure, will make anyone look top-heavy, and again will give that horrible 1980s leggings/sweater tunic combo look if not done properly.

If you are straight and slim but not fresh out of undergrad, this look can work with a not-so-skinny jean (see below).

Skinny Jean with Tall Boots
This is the best way for most women to be able to carry off the skinny jean. In this look, the skinny jean works like leggings, but in a less naked/more stylish manner.

I see women wearing skinny jeans with almost any type of boot – from Uggs to sleek glossy black pointy heels to lace-up goth inspired boots to cowboy boots. The most flattering style is to lean towards a riding boot – something with a thicker heel, not too tight, not too sleek, a bit casual. A slouchy boot can also look pretty smart. The shorter the boot, the longer and leaner your legs need to be – a calf or ankle-height boot will cut off the line of the figure, making your body look shorter and wider. A boot that is near the knee will give the leanest and longest look. It doesn’t matter the color, though a light or bright colored boot will also cut the line and make you look shorter.

This look can work on most any figure, again depending on what you put on top. Too much weight and you can look top heavy, too lightweight of a top and you can look bottom heavy. Great options are a drapey cardigan with tank, a boatneck sweater (the wider neckline balances out the boots below), a trim blazer with camisole, a slouchy knit top with great drape.

Pretty much any other look with skinny jeans should be reserved to True Fashionistas and ‘tweens. Skinny jeans can easily look tartish or tacky. Keep them dark, keep them crisp, and keep the rest of your look balanced.


The Less-than Skinny Jean
For those (like me) who are still wary of the skinny jean, that doesn’t mean that you are stuck with bootcuts for all eternity. The new crop of straight jeans that are really flattering and give a similar concept to the skinny jean without being so… skinny. You can still get that lean, modern look without the worry of looking like a lollypop.

Pretty much any style mentioned above can be sported with a straight-leg jean. If the jean has a good amount of Lycra, it should even be able to be tucked into tall boots without looking like a swashbuckler by lunchtime (tip – tuck your pant legs into trouser or knee socks before putting on tall boots – this will keep the jeans from bunching at the knee as much).

Want to rock flats with jeans? A straight-leg jean is your best choice. A bootcut will make your feet look weirdly small and have your figure unbalanced; a skinny jean can make you look top heavy. A straight jean will give you a balanced look and still let you be comfy and cute in your flats.

As with the jeans in my original staples list, keep your jeans dark, crisp, well cut. Spend the money to have them altered to the right length, and baby them when laundering to keep the fabric and wash rich. Forego embellishments and fancy washes – these will go out of style much faster than whichever denim silhouette you choose.

Product Reviews - Night Time Skin Care

Philosophy's The Microdelivery Pads. 
I bought these on a whim after hearing a couple online reviews and overhearing a conversation on the Metro where a woman, "Owed her skin and her renewed sex life" to these pads.  I figured, what the heck.  I read online that the pads were sort of big, so cut them in half to have the container last longer.

The directions say to use once a day or once a week depending on how sensitive your skin is.  I usually have sensitive skin, but these pads do NOT cause any burning, irritation, or redness.  I wash my face as usual at night, use half a pad on my face, then my neck/collarbone.  I then add my nightcream (more on that).

I didn't really see much difference after a week.  After two weeks, I still didn't see much of a difference, but I did realize that my skin wasn't breaking out pre-period.  After a month, I realized I went an entire month without any breakouts, and need far less foundation to look healthy.  I also see that my brown spot on my cheek is a bit more faint. 

So... I am a fan.  I love a product that makes me look like me, only better.  I love how utterly gentle it is.  I love that I have found a product that keeps me bump-free and doesn't have Salicytic Acid in it (allergic).  And I love that though it IS $55, I have enough for 200 evenings of treatment - that's a major bargain!  This product can be used anywhere on the body - I think it would probably be great for those weird bumps/clogged pores I and many other women get on their upper arms, I use it sometimes on my forearms and hands to counteract sun damage, and think it is doing great things for my décolleté!

Almond Oil for Night Cream
So I was reading a blog of a woman who obsesses over fabulous long, thick lashes.  She did some reviews of the new prescription-only products and had many comments about OTC products that also guarantee fabulous lashes.  Since having Emerson, I notice my lashes are a bit more brittle, and they have never been as lush and long as I would like (my sister has amazing lashes and Emerson has fab lashes and I would love to have even half of the lashes they do).  Anyway, in the comments I read that someone uses almond oil on their lashes at night and it keeps them supple and strong.

So I got a bottle of pure almond oil.  Hey it can't hurt, right?  Put a little on my lashes and while I'm at it, rub some into my cuticles.

Well I ran out of my night cream (Olay Pro-X from the starter kit) and I thought hrm, why not almond oil all over my face?  I guess I was feeling bold since the Philosophy Pads were keeping me zit-free.  So I put a bit in my hand, rubbed it into my hands and cuticles and then rubbed it all over my lashes and whole face, neck and collarbone.  The next morning I didn't wake up all greasy and zitty... in fact my skin looked fantastic.  It was really soft and dewy looking, plump and healthy.  My cuticles and hands looked healthier too.

The almond oil from Aura Cacia is organic and very pure - no almond smell... no smell at all.  A little goes a very long way (been using for over a month and have only used maybe 1/6 of the bottle).  My lashes don't look that drastically different, but I seem to have less breakage and lash loss. 

I know this wouldn't work for all skin types, but for my sensitive, combination skin that is super dry and unhappy in winter... this is a total winner!

I am slowly cleaning out the linen closet and medicine cabinet of my half-finished bottles of not-yet-expired products and am going to need a face wash in about a month.  Any suggestions?  I would prefer something that isn't full of chemicals (figure I am getting my daily chemical allowance from the Philosophy pads), and no individual use/wipes stuff (want to keep it as eco-friendly as possible).  I don't need a scrub, just a gentle face wash.  Used Cetaphil in the past and for some reason it doesn't like me and I don't love it in return. Right now I am using Purpose and a travel sized bottle of Philosophy Purity Made Simple and neither is bad, but neither really makes me write home to mom.  Your suggestions will be very welcome!


Protect your skin with skincare products from L'Occitane

Friday through Tuesday

Friday was a casual day - I wore my yellow and gray striped cardigan from Gap with my white pima tank from Banana Republic, dark straight jeans from Not Your Daughter's Jeans and my black city boots from David Tate.

Saturday I went to a baby shower. I took Emerson so I knew I would be doing a lot of crawling on the floor after her so I wore my black pants from Semantiks, my teal shawl-collar sweater from Banana Republic, black city boots, and black demi cami from Second Base.

Sunday I went to a surprise birthday party, a casual affair where again I would spend a lot of time on the floor chasing after Emerson so I wore my black pima tan from Banana Republic, my taupe chunky cardigan from Ann Taylor, Seven jeans, and my multicolored scarf from Tolani.

Yesterday I worked from home the second half of the day and the first half I had to get my license renewed and go to the dentist (no cavities!). I wore my Seven jeans, a white ribbed tank and my navy shawl-collar sweater from Ann Taylor Loft and my Tolani scarf.

Back to work today:

Ivory wool pants from Talbots, blackberry dolman-sleeve sweater tunic from Ann Taylor Loft, ivory pashmina, silver chain from Ralph Lauren, silver cuff and hoops, gray shoes from Miz Mooz, and cute baby from mah belly!

Hair is second day.  Yesterday I washed and conditioned it, added some heat protector (Tresseme), and then dried super fast because I was running late.  Well yesterday it looked meh and today, even though the picture doesn't show it (hello messy bangs in first picture), my hair looks pretty nice.  I am trying to grow it out and I have just gotten past the point of "weird shelf of hair at mid-ear because of bangs growing out" to "long layers."  I still have bangs, but not as thick, and I really want LONG hair, as that I haven't had hair past my armpits since 2002.

Also, I forgot to mention, but I got my hair dyed last Monday.  I have beent rying to hold out because I don't know exactly what I want to do with it, but I was getting roots and a TON of gray so I went to Kathleen at Bananas in College Park and asked for a single-process, "My color, except a hair darker, no red undertones."  This is the result, which is pretty funny because now my sister and I have the same hair color.  I don't know how long I can handle this hair, I wouldn't be surprised in a month or two that I go and ask for some highlights or lowlights for a big of interest, but for now it looks natural and healthy and shiny and NOT gray.

Makeup is pretty basic - Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer, Laura Mercier Secret Camoflauge and Bronzer and lipstick in Pink Champagne, Revlon Colorstay shadow quad - the khaki and ivory blended on lids, Tarte Indelible Wink in Plum, DiorShow mascara, a touch of Nars blush in Orgasm.

Tuesday through Thursday

Tuesday I wore ivory wool flannel trousers from Talbots, my black tank from Banana Republic, and my block ruffled-trim cardigan from Caslon.  I wore a chunky short pearl necklace I bought at Ross back in college.  Black city boots.

Wednesday, I wore my black trousers from semantiks, my teal shawl-collar merino sweater from Banana Republic, a black demi-cami from Second Base and my black city boots.

And here is today:

Yet again Cindy wants to get into the photo action!

I am wearing my black merino crewneck from Banana Republic, black pencil skirt from Ann Taylor, gray print scarf from a boutique in Rehoboth Beach, DE; dark gray Tight End Tights from Spanx and black "Maryland" tall boots from Ros Homerson.  Silver hoops and cuff for accent.

My makeup is pretty basic - Stila Illuminating tinted moisturizer, Laura Mercier Secret Camoflauge and Bronzer, Tarte shadow in Sweet Valley High, Body Shop shadow in Soft Black, DiorShow mascara and Sephora lip gloss in Bronzed Beauty.

It has been a VERY busy week at work, but I have been good at bringing my own lunch and eating breakfast - saves dollars AND calories!

Friday through Monday

Happy Presidents Day everyone!  My company doesn't have the day off, but I took it off because I had a lot of errands I needed to accomplish before 6pm.  So I will be busy today!

Friday I finally got back into the office.

I knew I would still be tackling snow and ice, so again I rocked my Bern boots from DUO.  With it are my straight leg jeans from Not Your Daughter's Jeans, my black berry dolman sweater from Ann Taylor Loft, gold necklace from Ann Taylor, gold earrings from Filene's Basement.

Makeup is Stila Illuminating tinted moisturizer, Laura Mercier bronzer, Sephora lip gloss in Bronzed Beauty, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - the khaki on the lid, Tarte Indelible Wink liquid liner in Plum with some Soft Black shadow from Body Shop over it, DiorShow mascara.

It took us two hours to get to work, usually a 45 minute trip in rush hour/30 minutes on days when school is not in session or it is a Federal holiday.  Feds had to go to work two hours late, schools were closed but it was still major insanity.  Luckily it wasn't a busy day in the office!

Saturday was a pretty chill day - that night we had a few friends over for drinks and merriment.  I wore my black cowl-neck sweater from Ann Taylor with my Long and Lean jeans from Gap and similar makeup to above.  Sunday we looked forward to a day of nothing and being together as a family.  We did go out to dinner and I wore my black merino crewneck from Banana Republic and my gray flannel trousers from Ann Taylor with my black city boots.

Today I haven't gotten dressed to go out yet so I am in a white ribbed tank, black yoga pants and my gray fuzzy cardigan from Kenzie.

Will be back to work on tomorrow!

Product Review - Second Base

I am not a fan of putting a camisole under everything. I find the look to be juvenile and that the added layer usually ruins the silhouette of most tops. I think that usually, if a top is too low cut to be worn without a camisole, you shouldn’t purchase it. Finally, very few women with curves feel comfortable (or have their clothes hang correctly) with extra layers.

But then, there are times when a camisole is a necessity and enhances a look. A wrap dress can be perfect for evening with its low v-neckline, but adding a hint of camisole can make this piece far more versatile and now appropriate for work or a house of worship. Some pieces are created just for a camisole, such as a recently purchased cashmere cowl-neck that is now in my wardrobe. Alone, one could even see the tips of a demi bra; with a camisole in the same color I have that needed modesty but the sweater’s silhouette is not affected. Camisoles are also great to have on hand to pair with sheer tops – I find that being a busty woman, fabric can look a bit sheer in the chest area and a camisole under the piece in the same color as my blouse or skin gives me the opacity I desire.

That being said, I have been dealing with my camisole needs with two pieces – a black synthetic cami from H&M that has adjustable straps (so I can adjust to accommodate different garments) and a stretchy black cami from Limited that I bought almost a decade ago and cut off at the bottom of the bust – this is used purely as a little bit of modesty at a neckline. Unfortunately this homemade demi-cami will roll up and show under fabrics and I often find myself pinning it to my sweater to keep it in place. The longer cami from H&M is okay, but I hate the extra length – it bunches and I get hot in the warmer months.

I recently was offered to review a demi-camisole from Second Base. I saw the Second Base demi-cami and thought, wow someone has been reading my mind! This accomplishes all that I desire in a camisole.

The demi-camis from Second Base are made of a lightweight modal/spandex fabric that looks great with all sorts of other fabrics – slinky synthetics, matte jersey, tee shirts and knits and even sweaters. Unlike my homemade demi-cami, the ones by Second Base have a band at the bottom that doesn’t cling, but it holds the cami in place all day. Some styles (like the black “Sarah” one I have) has adjustable straps so I can make it a higher or lower neckline depending on my top garment. Other styles like the “Meredith” is made to not only provide modesty at the neckline, but also cover your bra straps at the shoulder and the bra under the arms (great for floaty summer tops and dresses). The Second Base camis wash and dry beautifully, and they are also made in the USA.

Second Base demi-camis are designed with a large-busted woman in mind; I chose a size Large and it fits great on my size 14/38DD frame. It didn’t shrink with washing, and it feels like nothing on. It doesn’t cling to other knits and it doesn’t get linty like some cheap spandex blends. I really can’t find anything wrong with my Second Base demi-cami, and it has made me into a bit of a camisole convert. I have already worn it twice this week – once with the previously mentioned cowl neck sweater, but another time under a black scoop-necked tee shirt just to give a bit more opacity at the bustline.

Tuesday

I tried to get to work today...

My sister and my offices were open and we had a lot of work to do so we headed to DC.  For those who don't know, the DC area received up to 30" of snow over the weekend.  Yesterday (and today) the Federal government was closed as were most school systems in the area.  Yesterday my office was closed; my sister attempted to go in but the roads were so bad she turned around.

We got almost to the DC border and gave up and turned around.  The roads were horrible and the drivers even worse.  We came back to my house and made a makeshift workstation at my dining table.

All the necessities - cell phone, external hard drive full of music, lip gloss and baby monitor!

Anyway, today I put on a black scoop tee from Old Navy that I have had for about two years, my gray Caslon ruffle-trim cardigan, a few different silver chain necklaces, my dark Gap Long & Lean jeans, and my DUO "Bern" boots in tan (my makeshift snow boots).  Black quilted coat from Lands End and berry colored scarf from Ann Taylor LOFT.

Hair was washed and dried pretty quickly.  Makeup is Stila Illuminated tinted moisturizer blended with Estee Lauder Doublewear Light foundation, Laura Mercier Secret Camoflauge and bronzer, Lorac shadow in Serenity, DiorShow mascara, Sephora lip gloss in Precious Pink, Tarte Indelible Wink liner.  It's far easier to work from home when I feel slightly sassy!

They expect another 10 - 20" in the next day or so.  I may be hanging out at home for quite a while.  In fact this attempt at going to work today (and a quick stop at Starbucks) was a welcome change for I was getting quite the cabin fever!

Where 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.