Somedays I expect those two wacko hosts from "What not to Wear" to jump out from behind a bush and say "We've been following you for the last few months and we are here to help!" They'll show the video of me in jeans, t-shirts and flipflops when the weather was warmer and then jeans, long sleeve t-shirts and UGGs for when the weather turned colder. They may even have caught me in my sweats and slippers. I may even be wearing my old Superior Ready mix sweatshirt or a Quicksilver hoody (yes, both are from college). There may be a random "this is better" moment when I got dressed up for MOPs a few weeks ago and for church. And there was the Christmas party last weekend where I wore my "dressy" jeans.
Now, I have never considered myself a fashionista... unlike my dear friend Michelle or my sister Anna who look good going grocery shopping. But, I think I may be hitting a new low in my mommyhood. It's not that I don't want to dress up it's just that it takes too much time and money. Plus, whenever I think about getting new clothes I seem to get pregnant again. So, I have named my style, Southern California Casual, let's just hope these Midwest types get it. It's a style that's economical (UGGs can serve two purposes...slippers AND trendy footwear, plus it cuts down on my need to buy new socks), comfortable (bras can be so restricting!) and casual (I want to look approachable).
Many of my NOVA friends may recall my stoplight incident. The lady in the car next to me flagged me to roll down my window and yelled "Hey, I am a hairdresser, I can really help you with your hair!" Oh dear.
Recently, I went to Target after I dropped off Annika at preschool. It was a quick run in for a few things so let's just say I probably wouldn't have won any beauty contests. Who do I see there, but one of my new neighbors. She was all cute with make up on, and her hair done...she even had on real shoes that weren't made out of sheepskin! We chatted for a bit, and as I continued to walk around the store, I noticed she wasn't the only one. Hmmm...maybe I should do some more of my shopping at Walmart.
I was at a preschool playdate the other day, and one of the ladies next to me said, "I need to dress more like you, you look so comfortable! Those boots [my UGGs] look so warm!" Not sure what to think about that one.
So when Stacey and Clinton come hunting me down, I'll say "Sure! I'm up for a makeover!" Then I'll take the $5000 credit card and run. I'll spend it on some new oversized chairs for the sitting area in my kitchen, maybe some new barstools for the counter, or maybe even some new bedding for our Master bedroom... plus, I could use a new pair of UGGs.
Funny post, Reb! I hear you though. Would love to dress better but I'm on the run so much. Tuesdays are about the only day I really pull it together (Bible Study). Oh, and of course Sunday - but even every now and then we have a blue jeans Sunday. It keeps our sanity on those crazy days AND allows for seekers to feel more comfortable!! ;-) Our dear friends do look fab though!
ReplyDeleteHmmmm.... you seem to have a lot of stories on your fashion faux
ReplyDeletepas(?) Reb. And I always think you look pretty good! Maybe that doesn't speak too well for my sense of style :)You're right though, shopping for cute clothes and trying to look "put together" takes a lot of time, money, energy.
Michelle wants to get on WNTW as well! However, I keep telling her that her style is just fine we just don't have money for the styles! She always looks good though.
ReplyDeleteI don't get dressed for school and work as much as I should. I think I kind of get worse as the week goes on! Monday I look nice and then by Friday not so much! Now I am in jeans and a nice t-shirt, tomorrow I will most likely be in shorts (it is supposed to be 77 degrees)!
Michelle keeps reminding me that once I become a pastor (Lord willing!) I will have to get dressed up decently everyday which might actually require shaving more than twice a week!
I like your style! Reminds me of me! :)
ReplyDeleteWell, if you get that SoCal Casual thing going in Kansas, I'll get it started here in Iowa. We'll have 2 states down and only 48 more to go, and I am sure it will catch on. I am a big fan of the Uggs (or fake Uggs in my case) as well. In fact I don't adhere to the 4 seasons of Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, I only have 2 seasons-- flip-flops and Ugg boots! :)
ReplyDeleteA good pair of jeans. That's what you invest your money in. That and a scarf or two to dress things up and add color. Ta-da! Sexy jeans and accessories make all the difference.
ReplyDeleteSays the woman who is currently shaped like a Dr. Seuss character and takes a half hour to find a shirt to wear every morning.
If wearing crocks can be considered part of the SoCal look, then I'll work on the state of Virginia!
ReplyDeleteOops I meant Crocs. Sorry for the typo - my bad!
ReplyDeleteLove the post! I would call my style... Single Salary Sizzle! I would much rather stay at home with L than look like a star or have my home in a magazine. Besides, isn't it what is under the clothing that is important? I mean really, do our husbands care about our clothing :)
ReplyDeleteI totally am trying not to LOL because we have sleeping people in this hotel room...all but me. I cannot wait to get back to SoCAl because I will actually dress up!!! I told Big S I am going to need all new clothes. That is what all of the girls that move back to the mainland say!! Aww well don't throw any of that away because you are going to need it all when you visit CA!!
ReplyDeleteI have to say that here in Ohio you would fit right in. Most of my friends wear the very comfy casual look. They comment on how I always look so nice and I do try. I have one trendy friend here in OH who is just like Michelle in NOVA. I NEVER want to be caught on What Not to Wear even with the $5,000 shopping spree you get.
ReplyDeleteTHis is so funny!!!! My favorite thing to wear are my huhsbands socks! I agree with Loralynn...great pair of sexy jeans and a really long scarf..That is my look. Wear a black long sleeve tee from target with it and you look pulled together. I actually have like 5 black tees :-) Good luck and stay comfy! OH...and here are some great shoes that are comfy (a bit expensive but they will last years and look great... DANSKO clogs.
ReplyDeletethere is nothing wrong with wearing uggs everywhere! i love mine! you just need a cute pair of skinny jeans, and a tall pair of uggs and you'll be a little more trendy... but i am trying to figure out if i can pull that off without looking too "teeny bopper". any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteRenee sent this to me but I had already read it when you posted. I don't think I caught the "shout out" or maybe I thought you were talking about your SIL.???
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I don't know whether to say thanks or apologize. Ha! I must say, however, sister, you always look good! Remember the GNO when you wore those gorgeous white pants?! I thought about those the other day when I was trying some on. You're hot! ;)