From the category archives:

Fashion and Shopping

Fashion Friday: Summer Sandals

by Jo-Lynne on March 18, 2010

I've added a few new features to Musings of a Housewife that I hope will be helpful. Over the weekend I created a Whole Foods Resources page that is a great place to start if you are interested in learning more about the whole foods lifestyle. I also compiled my design tutorials into one convenient location. Both are linked in my nav bar. And there is now a Print Friendly button at the bottom of each post, should you feel like printing recipes or information for future reference. Before printing, you will have the option to delete any photos or content you don't need.

TGIF! This week I’m especially thankful it’s almost Friday because tomorrow afternoon I hop a train to NYC and for 24 blessed hours I do not have to cut anyone’s meat (but my own) or wipe anyone’s snot (but my own) and I get to pretend to be a grown up and wear clothes without any stains on them (except my own) and maybe even some cute shoes. And even better than all that, I get to hang out with her and her and her and her and her and her. I. can’t. wait.

Speaking of cute shoes, this morning I was getting ready for the day and putting on my sneakers in hopes that I would find the motivation to run later, and my 4-year-old said to me, “I don’t like those shoes. They aren’t cute. But you only wear cute shoes when you’re going to New York, right?”

Sadly, that pretty much sums it up.

But before I go pack, let’s talk summer sandals. It’s been so nice here in Philly this week that I actually had to climb up into the attic one morning and pull down some warm weather clothes and shoes, and that is when I realized that my sandal/flip flop wardrobe is sorely lacking. Everything I have is, well, OLD. And worn looking. Fortunately for me, Dansko reached out to me a few weeks ago and asked if I’d like to try a pair of shoes from their new spring 2010 line.

Well, twist my arm, why don’t ya.

After perusing the site and considering the likes of these (the Mila)

and these (the Serena),

I decided on these — the Carmen Capri in sangria.

I wore them all day today, and I can honestly say, this is THE most comfortable flip flop I’ve ever worn. The foot bed is AMAZING. It has a contoured PU bottom and an EVA insert, which is the magic that makes them so incredibly comfy and supportive. And the adjustable fore-strap keeps them from sliding or flopping too much.

Aesthetically, I think I’d like them better without that strap, but from a comfort POV, it’s perfect. I have kind of flat, slim feet or something, and while I wear flip flops almost exclusively during the warmer months, they do tend to, well, flop a lot on my foot. I mean, I know they’re supposed to flip and flop. But these? They stay put.

I’m not surprised how comfortable and supportive these are, as I was a Dansko fan before I received these sandals (in fact, that’s why they reached out to me, so keep writing about brands you love! You never know when you might get a fun surprise like this in your inbox.) But I really didn’t know a flip flop could have this much support. If you’re on your feet a lot but don’t want a clunky shoe, Dansko is your brand.

WIN IT! Yes!!! I get to give a pair away! To enter to win, all you have to do is comment on this post with your favorite new Dansko style (please include color and size.) You can earn one extra entry by sharing about this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook. Just leave a second comment so you get your second entry. I will randomly select a winner next Friday, March 26.

And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got an overnight bag to pack. WOOT!

Disclosure: Dansko provided me with a pair of shoes to facilitate my review and will provide a pair of the winner’s choice as a giveaway.

{ 157 comments }

The Verdict

by Jo-Lynne on March 15, 2010

in Fashion and Shopping

A decision has been reached, regarding the boyfriend jeans. I’m sure you were unable to think of anything else all weekend so I’m here to put you out of your misery.

I am afraid it comes down to the dreaded two words — “age appropriate.” If I were 30, I’d snatch them right up. I really like the look. I suppose they appeal to my inner rock star, suppressed though she may be.

Five years ago, I could have pulled it off. But with the big 4-0 looming ominously, I think it’s time to come to terms with the fact that rips and tears have no place on my apparel.

The white jeans, on the other hand, are a go. I’m not sure if I’m going to get the ones I had on in the photo on Friday. I might; I really like them, and they would be nice for dressier occasions and nights out.

However, I did find another pair of white jeans on Saturday. I stopped in the Gap because they were offering 35% off all denim purchases if you brought in old denim to recycle. I was actually looking for a boyfriend jean without holes in them, but instead I came across a pair of white cropped skinny jeans that fit really well.

First, imagine them WITHOUT the booties. What IS that?

Second, I didn’t try them on rolled up. On me they are more of an ankle length, which I think will be really cute with sandals and flip flops in the summer months. Best of all, with 35% off, they were less than $40. SCORE!

{ 14 comments }

Fashion Friday: Denim Edition

by Jo-Lynne on March 12, 2010

in Fashion and Shopping

There are three fashion items that I could own in unlimited quantities: handbags (duh!), shoes, and jeans. Right now I’m on a denim kick. It all started when my husband told me to go out and buy a couple new pairs of jeans because he’s sick of hearing me say that mine are tight in the waist. Like I need an invitation to go jeans shopping. Okay, so maybe I did.

I got it in my head a few weeks ago that I want to try the boyfriend jeans. I’m pretty sure I’ve bashed the look in the past, but it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, after all, and besides. That was before I saw these.

No, of course they are not jeans. BUT. Wouldn’t they be A-dorable with a pair of boyfriend jeans?

And that’s when I decided to try them. (The boyfriend jeans, not the shoes. Although I might still try the shoes, or try to find something similar for half the price, but unfortunately my feet are far from sandal ready, so for now I’m just looking at the jeans.)

Whew! You still with me?

So in a nutshell, I took advantage of a few kid-free hours this morning to try on some jeans.

Out of all the boyfriend jeans I tried (and did you know that there are MANY variations of the boyfriend jean? The skinny, the baggy, the cropped, the short, the long, the in-between…) this pair was the most flattering. I got a mixed reaction from the Twitterverse when I TwitPicked this photo from the dressing room.

I guess I just can’t see paying good money for jeans that look like I just got in a street fight. There was even a disclaimer on one pair that stated that any holes could become bigger with wear and encouraged the owner to feel free to repair them and further personalize them.

I mean, REALLY?

I do have a pair of jean shorts from last year with the rips in them, and I always felt a little bit foolish wearing them, but they were mostly for bumming around the yard and they were comfy so I let it go.

But can’t we find a boyfriend jean without the rips and tears? Or is that a requirement? Tell me, oh wise internets. Do you have boyfriend jeans? Do yours look like something you’d wear to the barn to milk the cows? (That’s what my grandfather would tell me they look like.)

The other denim item I have been wanting to add to my collection is a pair of white jeans. I think they’re so crisp and clean and a nice alternative to the typical blue jean that I wear all the time. I’m picturing them with a cute black top and a pair of metallic high heeled sandals for a night out with the hubs or paired with a bright coral or fresh lime green sweater for a summer brunch with the girls. I even remember Audrey once advising her readers to tuck them into brown Uggs and wear them with a neutral colored top for a modern winter look.

I haven’t been able to commit to the white jean just yet, but I’m working on it. Whaddya think?

I like them, but they make me feel rather conspicuous. Or something. I snapped this picture in the dressing room, intending to send it out to the Twitterverse to get a second (and third and fourth and tenth) opinion. But just as it was uploading to TwitPic, my phone died on me. So I have had no feedback on these yet. I’m counting on you to come through for me. What do you think of the white jean? A fresh, modern addition to the summer wardrobe? Or a fashion don’t?

And be sure to visit Big Mama for more Fashion Friday.

{ 65 comments }

Fashion Friday: Snow Days

by Jo-Lynne on February 25, 2010

in Fashion and Shopping, Silliness

I know, it’s a far cry from the spring fashions we were dreaming of last week. But this week we find ourselves in the midst of a “snowcaine” here in PA — that is snow with high winds like a hurricane, in case you are living under a rock (or in an area of the country that is not subjected to such ludicrous meteorological conditions.) So I give you my favorite Snow Days Winter Fashions.

1. My old standby – Aeropostale sweatpants, which are now on sale for $19.99.

** My humblest apologies to those of you who are tall. I told you these are extra long, but they have changed their sizing from last year to this. That, or I grew six inches in a year. But the ones I bought this year are substantially shorter than the ones I bought last year. Although I notice that now they offer extended lengths, which leads me to believe that I’m not the only one who noticed this discrepancy.

2. Those are for the days when I actually manage to get out of these, my favorite pajamas from Old Navy.

(Mine are flannel, but since the retail outlets clearly have spring fever, this is all I can find.)

3. Either way, I am probably wearing one of these on top:

Except I have probably have three-day hair and no makeup on, unless it’s left over from the day before.

4. And because I live in the frozen tundra of Pennsylvania and we keep our heat no higher than 66, I wear one of these.

Although, how cute is this? The sweater hoodie at least gives the impression that you tried to look presentable.

Note to self: must invest.

5. And because it’s cold, I wear these:

And yes, I’ve worn them to the grocery store. And to pick up my daughter from preschool. And, um, gymnastics on Saturday mornings. I have no shame.

So yeah, that’s pretty much the extent of my fashion these days. What about you?

And for a REAL Fashion Friday post, be sure to visit Big Mama where she’s talking about spring trends. And mullets. Yeah, you really need to check it out. TGIF!

{ 12 comments }

Fashion Friday: Think Spring

by Jo-Lynne on February 18, 2010

in Fashion and Shopping

The only place in Philadelphia that remotely resembles spring is the mall. It’s kind of like entering a fantasy world. With snow on the ground and the bitter chill outside, we are mocked in every aisle by brightly colored summer frocks and strappy sandals. And if that’s not bad enough, they follow you home in the spring catalogs that appear daily in my mailbox — the very mailbox that is practically buried by towering piles of dirty snow.

So I figure, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. One day this week a Nordstrom catalog came in the mail, proclaiming all of the freshest fashion trends for spring. I spent a delightful five minutes perusing the pages while the sun shone and the birds sang and a warm spring breeze wafted through the house. Or maybe that was my imagination. But just the same, here are some of the things that caught my eye.

Mind you, this is Nordstrom. They are spendy. You’ve been warned. But these spring trends could be adapted for any price point.

1. The Linea Paolo ‘Jarren’ Sandal in Orange. Not that I’d have anywhere to wear this HAWT shoe, to say nothing of being able to walk in it. But a girl can always dream.

This trend, by the way, is called Caged Shoes. I don’t know about you, but that was a new term to me. Some are too gladiator-ish for my tastes, but this one I love.

2. Evidently turquoise handbags are all the rage this spring. Now y’all know there’s nothing I like more than a brightly colored handbag. In fact, I already have my spring bag waiting to be released from its cocoon in my closet as soon as Old Man Winter bids us adieu. If I didn’t have one already (and if money grew on trees), I’d definitely be eying up one of these beauties.

As the article rightly points out, turquoise is a gorgeous compliment to vibrant summer colors like yellow and pink, and it can also provide the perfect pop of color with the neutrals in your wardrobe.

3. Evidently Tapered Pants are back. And I even saw (gasp!) PLEATS. I just don’t think I can go back there, but in matters of fashion, I’ve learned it is wise to never say never.

4. Word on the street is that Printed Skirts are making a comeback as well. I saw a lot of these in stores last year and I wasn’t quite ready to embrace the look. I’m still not feeling it, but perhaps I’ll find the perfect skirt to make me change my mind.

5. Boy Cut Blazers made the list as well, and to that I say phhbbblt. Nothankyou. I know many of you are adorable in blazers. I have just never found them to flatter me so I’ll let someone else benefit from this trend.

6. Black and White is always gorgeous together, if you ask me, but they list this classic combo as a trend for spring 2010 and you won’t hear me complaining. Isn’t this divine? I won’t even post the link. TRUST ME. You don’t want to see the price tag.

7. Oversized sunglasses are still in, and there was a pair of Chanel in the catalog that are absolutely to die for. Unfortunately it says they are not available online so I won’t even bother looking for them to show you. And they are far beyond my price range so I won’t be buying a pair to show you either.

8. Cardigans are here to stay, at least for the 2010 spring season. They’re still showing a lot of ruffles and embellishments.

The cardigan is a fabulous layering piece because it’s so versatile. You can wear it with boyfriend jeans and flip flops to run to the grocery store and then with a flirty skirt and some fab accessories for a night out with the husband.

That’s all I’ve got for today. For more fashion talk you can visit Big Mama’s place, where spring has already sprung. Must be nice to live in the great state of Texas.

{ 35 comments }

Fashion Friday: Leggings

by Jo-Lynne on February 11, 2010

in Fashion and Shopping

I got a fashion question in the email this week. YAY for free blog fodder!

Emily says: I have just been sent a fab pair of Sassybax leggings to review and they’re great but I have no idea what to wear them with. I’m also slightly worried that with my thighs (not to mention slightly cushy new baby belly) I’m not sure I *should* be wearing them. Any suggestions? Thanks!

I say: I haven’t quite embraced the legging trend but I do see some ladies my age pulling them off with style. I would probably start by pairing a shorter sweater dress with them. Or any cute, casual shorter-length dress — something with room in the tummy and hip area so it doesn’t pull and draw attention to areas we don’t want attention drawn too. And then use lots of Static Guard to keep it from sticking.

Another idea is to wear a longish sweater or tunic on top. I think the key with leggings on the post-child bearing body is to make sure the top you wear with them is long enough to cover the tushy area, and then it should have some volume to provide balance. The long cardigan is fashionable right now, and that would certainly work.

Then ballet flats or tall boots.

I’ve combed the internet with photos for examples but I’m hard pressed to find anything I liked. This is is close as I got.

I must add, I am not a fan of the short boots with the leggings, but to each her own.

What do YOU say? Let’s here your best suggestions, dear readers. Do you wear leggings? What do you wear them with?

And for more fashion talk, head on over to Big Mama’s place.

{ 36 comments }

Fashion Friday and I Got Nuttin’

January 29, 2010

I just now realized that tomorrow is Friday. How exactly did that happen? So I’m faced with a conundrum. Do I whip up something on the spot, just to have something to post? Or do I skip Fashion Friday this week? Hmmm…
I realize that the world will probably still be spinning on its axis in [...]

20 comments Keep reading

Fashion Friday: Cute Tops

January 21, 2010

I’m taking Big Mama’s lead this week, and I’m going to post some links to things I like. Just ’cause I’m in the market for some new tops and I thought I’d post some cute ones that I’ve seen lately.
1. The Bobeau Marled Cardigan from Nordstrom. I picked up one of these today in plum. [...]

25 comments Keep reading

Fashion Friday: What to Wear to Blissdom

January 14, 2010

It’s the age-old question: WHAT DO I WEAR?
When it comes time to pack for a blogging event or conference, the first thing I consider is what outfits I feel good in. And then I think, what will I be comfortable wearing all day?
What makes you feel comfortable and confident? Those are the outfits you want [...]

35 comments Keep reading

Fashion Friday: Wraps and Accessories

December 11, 2009

I had two people email me fashion questions this week. I had to giggle. I really am so NOT a fashion expert. But I’ve learned a lot in the last few years from reading fashion blogs and by making a concerted effort to pay attention, so I’ll do my best. As always, I want to [...]