It's a Tricky Business These Days...

Pants.  I'm gonna talk about my pants now.  (Remember that Five Iron Frenzy song, early 2000s listeners of Christian ska?)

So, lots of bloggers have lamented the decline of women's pants and make leggings the object of scorn and derision for Ladies Who Carpool and/or Exercise Over the Age of 18.

There's this:

And this:




Well, there were A LOT of leggings this Sunday at my place of worship... so much so that I wanted to text another "Are They Pants?" Enthusiast to discuss.  I have no pants-stones to throw as I own two pairs of  jeggings (though actual denim) and one pair of leggings that I wear in public.

My own legging/jegging philosophy is that they are best to wear with a dress or mini-dress or a looong tunic that does the high-low number with a few good inches draping below your private business.

Which brings me to my newest clothing finds:

 d.jeans Sexy High Waist Jean

I got these today at TJMaxx for $17 and they are both skinny and high waisted in the best sense.  These are the jeans for any woman who does not have a 26.2 sticker on her vehicle but still wants to wear her tall boots without forsaking brownies or modesty.  I'm very excited.  They are super comfortable.

Also, I found some NYDJ (Not Your Daughter's Jeans) in a skinny cut.  The ankle is not quite skinny enough for a tall boot, but they fit very nicely if you like a natural waist style. I believe they go up to size 16.   They retail for a bit more (around the $100 mark) so I decided to go ahead and get them for $40 at TJMaxx.  I wear jeans almost everyday, and even though it makes me worry that my fashion sense has not evolved enough, it's what I like to wear most days.  I have another pair in this brand in a soft trouser pant style and I've heard good things about their jeans, so I think I'll be pleased.

 

NYDJ Samantha Skinny (Mine are last season so these are the closest to what I got)

I hope these finds bless you on your quest for pants-that-are-pants-you-can-wear-with-cute-shoes-and-breezy-blouses.  Praise the Lord and pass the Lycra reinforcement.

Recovering Matchy-Matcher Seeks Input

Lovers of Stacy & Clinton, lend me your wisdom.  I am thrilled to be having our pictures made soon, and need some help.  Here's my concern:  I wanted to use what we having right now without making too many purchases, so I decided on navy and creme.  I went to Target today to get a creme sweater dress for Sarah and in my deliberations, saw one in PINK.  With a bow headband.  All bets were off.  Got it.  So, then I had to re-think things.  I picked up a light tan sweater for J, and have a light tan one for Alex, too. But,  I still like  the navy/creme best... can I be daring add pink, too? 

I spent about 45 minutes arranging clothes on the floor for this little hanger fashion show... I hope you are amused.  I don't know why I'm overthinking this.  It must be from watching "Clueless" too much in my formative years. 

What say you? (And be sweet.)

 Male Option 1: Navy vest/creme polo/ khakis and navy sweater/khakis

Male Option 2: Chocolate Brown pants/wheat colored sweater with tan/blue collar and brown pants/tan sweater/brown/blue collar

 Girls' Outfits: Creme sweater, jeans, pink flats (j'adore), and pink pearl necklace and Pink sweater dress (Pretty convinced about these... love 'em)

Family Hanger shot

I know it would be easier to rock matching Christmas sweaters, but I did say I was a recovering matcher.  Still hope to snag a picture of the kids in their Christmas best, though.

Thanks for playing!  (And think warm thoughts Friday... I don't want us to freeze outside!)

The Anti-Mom Mom Jean!

I have to share a wonderful find:

Lee Comfort Band Pants (look under the "Custom Fit" tab)

I could write slacks, but then this would really make me sound antiquated! They come in dark wash, black, etc. They are wonderful! They have a higher rise (aka mom jeans), but cover a problem stomach. They are wide leg and long enough to wear with boots or heels. Seriously, a true find. Go to Kohls (they're on sale for $27.99) and pick some up!

I LOVE THEM.

Wardrobe Malfunction

Snoozing after my first feeding


Bright eyes


Progress on Wednesday


Hey-ey

(Yes, I agree he is underdressed.)


Jay's whirltub


Progess on Saturday

Allow me a few moments to wallow...

As I have transitioned from working life to home life, my wardrobe needs have changed. Jeans, khakis and simple tops are all I require most days. However, I am in a weird stage of finding clothes that fit. I have many, many articles of clothing, but precious few it seems that fit well or make me feel put together. I have a few very nice pieces, but they are not day-to-day wear. I can squeeze in to my old favorites, but I have work to do if I dare wear them out of the house. I'm a little too old for belly shirts and hiphuggers. Which is what most of my former wardrobe feels like. I have so many modest tops that don't seem to amply cover my mid-section anymore.

Of my hang-ups, body image is thankfully not one of them. I am okay in my skin even after the great changes it has undergone. I'm even happy with my weight, which is not too far from my starting range pre-pregnancy. It is time to accept that while I am still youthful and young, I can't expect to do whatever I please and look and feel good. My midsection will forever be altered and that is a good thing. My body did something incredible! However, I can take pride in my new body by strengthening it and dressing it properly.

Which bring me back to my original dilemma. Clothing. Most specifically, pants. While my shirts may creep up occasionally, my pant situation drives me crazy. I am between two sizes right now. I can either wear pants that do fit but accentuate my rear, or pants that sit well in the seat, but the in-seam seems to be around my knees. Does anyone else out there have this problem? I have these pants in a larger size, but the in-seam is so LONG! So I'm always pullin' up my drawers. Ughhh. Stacy and Clinton, come rescue me. (Readers: Do you ever think that if makeover gurus can take a "hot mess" and make them look amazing, what could they do with someone who passes for decent???)

Don't cry for me, dear readership. I got a haircut and my eyebrows cleaned up. It ain't that bad.

Sleep update: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Baby had gas at 2:00 and 4:30. He whimpered briefly and went right back down. Feed at 5:30 when I saw a pattern developing. Up again at 7.

House update: We drove down tonight and saw the roof trusses going in.

In summary, life is great. Unspeakable joy abounds in the form of my son. I have a wonderful husband who really loves me, hang-ups and all. I have life everlasting and all the best life has to offer.

Except pants that fit!