But.
A sweet reader asked in the comments of my "How to Pack a Suitcase" post, "Could you also please write a post for a thirty-something who finds herself wearing the exact same thing that a few fifty somethings are wearing, but won't look good in twenty something clothing anymore and has a super hard time putting any clothes together, hates shopping and has a goodwill sized budget?"
At first, I thought: Girl, you're barking up the wrong tree. I'm not exactly an authority on all things fashion. But I hear you on the Goodwill sized budget!
Then I discovered The Pleated Poppy's "What I Wore Wednesday" series. Lindsey of TPP started this to motivate herself to get out of her holey yoga pants in the morning and pull herself together. Now, she can probably help you far more than I can. But, just to enter into the collegial spirit of things, I thought I'd try it out this week.
Three things you should know about how I dress:
1. I don't have to look like a "country glam fashionista," to quote my friend Aubrey (who is one), but I do my best to feel at least presentable, if only out of respect for the career I have chosen: mothering and facilitating the education of three human beings.
2. I'd like my two daughters to grow up with some idea that dressing modestly need not entail denim jumpers. They live in a culture that encourages girls to bare as much as possible as young as possible. Can they find the place where modesty and attractiveness meet? Gosh, I hope so. (Says David, fighting Goliath with her sling full of five smooth cardigans.)
3. I almost never spend more than $20 for a piece of clothing. Often, far less. Swimsuits and shoes are the exception.
So, here we go.
Sunday: Church meeting and picnic.
3/4 sleeve cardi: Target
flowered top: Old Navy
ruffled scarf: Gap outlet
black capris: Ann Taylor (bought at Savers)
metallic ballet flats: Born (my favorite!)
Monday: Hangin' with the kiddos
3/4 sleeve cardi: Target (yes, the same one)
flowered tank top: Old Navy
denim capris: Eddie Bauer
flip-flops: Chaco (faded but oh so comfy)
flower pin: made it myself
Tuesday: Kids, taekwondo, book club
3/4 sleeve cardi: Old Navy
white embroidered tank: Old Navy (no, this post is not sponsored by Old Navy!)
khaki capris: Gap (from thrift store)
glitter flip-flops: Reef
butterfly necklace: Not So Dotty (Etsy, handmade)
Wednesday: Geography club, Farmer's market
short sleeve cardi: J. Crew (from consignment shop)
white tank: Gap
capris: Old Navy
glittery flip-flops: Reef
necklace: Target, a few years ago.
Whew. Does that help? Can I go hide behind the camera now and talk about books now? :-)
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7 comments:
I love love love Wednesday's outfit. Particularly that spunky cardigan! You're doing great! And YES to a world where modesty and attractiveness meet!
Thank you, Lydia! You're such a dear.
Wow! I'm inspired! After just one kid, I think I've let myself go, and here you are with 3, looking fab! Definitely encouraging! I love them all, but I think Wednesday is my favorite...also partial to Tuesday. I hope to see more!
It's ALL about the cardigan sweaters. Any simple T-shirt or Rayon stylish shirt is complimented by a trendy cardigan. When I went back to work, I had limited budget and limited time, and I went out and canvassed the racks at Ross for 2 hours, and 1 other store and came home with about 5 different colored cardigans, 2 versatile skirts, about 8 different fun colored shirts, and 2 pairs of shoes and I was set for the year of teaching based on the other clothes I already had in my closet. And I don't claim to be a fashion expert...nor do I always feel trendy and cute, but there are days when I'm SURE that those few purchases at the beginning of this year were the best choice ever. And I'm not embarrassed to say that I also frequent the Thriftstores and clearance isles...but usually not to buy for myself anymore but for the kids!
Bethy, you may be onto something! I was wondering about the magic of cardigans after Hannah's post and you took the words out of my mouth.
Hannah, you should make these fashion posts a regular feature :) you know it makes you smile!!
You have mastered the "mom on the go" look often mentioned by Stacy and Clinton on What Not to Wear. I need some stuff like that; mine is either work-dressy or sloppy. You've hit that perfect balance!
Oh, Jenny, seriously? You think Stacy and Clinton would approve?! Then I must be doing *something* right. ;-)(Which means they won't be giving me a $5000 Visa Card, oh darn.)
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