Comfy sweats with Zippers: an Oxymoron

Thanks to Chi Blackwood for today's topic...I love requests!

So this is sort of a debate. Are sweatpants still sweatpants if they have zippers?

Fortunately, the manufacturer, J-Crew, has provided us with the proper nomenclature for this: "the Un-sweatpant."

The "un" apparently referring to the slimmer cut of the pant and ankle zippers.

Because who hasn't sometimes wished, "Geez, these sweatpants are really comfy but I wish there was some way I could make them TIGHTER."

Leggings perhaps? Or stick with your sweats. Because these pants are confusing...and kinda fugly.

How to shop at Target and look like a Million Bucks...

After I discovered this disturbing garment in Target, I really felt it needed to be addressed:

(and I apologize for it's sideways-ness, but I am not yet adept in the ways of the macbook...besides, this angle is slightly less offensive :-)

I can't even address this right now....I've called for a boycott of these particular leggings, and thanks to all of you who have joined my cause.

But I get it...we are in midst of a recession, and if you have money to buy new clothes to begin with, you're probably headed to some of the less expensive sources.

So...for those of you on a limited budget who want to get the most for your money, here are my guidelines for shopping cheap without looking that way:

1. If you are shopping at a major chain, i.e. Target, Old Navy, Gap, or any outlet, DO NOT BUY PRINTS. All of these stores only have about 5 prints at any given time, so if you wear it you're extremely likely to run into others who are wearing the same thing...especially because these types of stores are all over the country and have the SAME things no matter where you are located. Plus, everyone who shops there will recognize it, even if they didn't buy it too.

2. Save around 10% of your clothing budget for a tailor. That's the difference in looking passable and looking amazing!

3. Try to buy solids in basic colors and use accessories to change the look up...necklaces, earrings, purses, shoes, tights, (knee-socks, anyone? :-) can define the formality of the look more than your actual dress, skirt, whatever. Bonus: most people won't recognize your basic black dress or top when it's paired with something totally different than you wore it with last week.

4. Fabric is really important...you can get away with less expensive denim, cotton, and some knits. But don't try to buy a formal gown or a silky top at one of these stores. That cheap silky stuff screams "cheap silk-imposter polyester!!!" If the fabric looks cheap, move on.

5. TRY IT ON BEFORE YOU BUY... and check to be sure the garment is properly lined, seams and hems are straight, buttons properly attached, etc.

****And for the love of all that is holy, DO NOT BUY THOSE LEGGINGS*****

Happy shopping!

I'm quoted!!!!

I'm so excited that stylist extraordinaire Catherine Collins invited me to contribute to her blog this week!

The topic...Wife Beaters. Are they sexy? Catherine says H to the No. I say yes, but with a HUGE disclaimer.

Read what we came up with here.

Because if anyone is an expert on who can and can't pull off a Wife Beater, it's your resident small town Southern Belle, right?

Here are the Cliff's notes of guide:

1. Do not accessorize the wife beater...i.e. chains, medallions, and sideways baseball caps.
2. Groom yourself. If you're a hairy guy, then find another style.
3. You must be in great shape: no excess fat, no excess skinniness, and visible abs, shoulders, biceps, and lats.
4. Wife Beaters are only acceptable at the gym or if you are doing a manly chore for your lady (changing the oil, fixing the car, assembling a piece of furniture, mowing the lawn, etc.).
5. No stains, holes, rips, or tears (unless they were sustained from one of the above manly chores).
6. The only acceptable colors are black, white, or gray. No logos, and PLEASE no neon!
7. If you have any doubts about whether or not you can pull it off, then follow your instincts and don't!

I only personally know about 5 guys who can pull this off, and even most of those elect not to, so proceed with caution.

xoxo,

April