Spring Fashion Report
Apr 22nd 2008
Julia LondonMy Life As A Plebe
After six months of diet and wogging, I’ve lost the 25 pounds Jack London made me gain by whining for full meals. He knows he did it. He’s had to pay for it by eating stuff like edamame and butternut squash.
So the good news is, I get to buy some new clothes! I followed someone’s advice and got rid of everything that didn’t fit-no saving that favorite pair of shorts in case I gain weight. If I gain weight, I will have to lose or buy new. Hoo-ray! Buy new!
I did a little shopping last week-couldn’t wait-but I was really disappointed. First, its already hot here, so all the little sweatery-things they put out for spring are not appropriate. Second, all the handbags have short handles (I know, not exactly new clothes, but I can’t help my handbag problem). I hate those short handles. And third, all the summer dresses come in one length (short) and one style (looks better on your three year old than a grown woman).
I ask you, what is up with the dresses? I’m all for dresses - I love them in the summer. But there is only so much of my leg people should have to see. Who are the people who wear these skimpy baby doll dresses? There must be squads of them because they’ve made enough of those dresses to outfit a small female nation. All I am asking for is a dress that comes to the knee. Preferably mid-knee. Is that too much to ask? In other news, I am loving the shoes this season!
I came home with a pair of shorts that fit, a new, fancy pair of flip-flops (my uniform) and some shoes for a nightlife I don’t really have, but will be prepared for in the event. If anyone knows where one can buy skirts or dresses in size grown-up, please let me know.
What’s your spring fashion fave? Your spring fashion disappointment?
46 Comments »
SheridanLA on 22 Apr 2008 at 1:08 am #
First, congrats on the 25 lbs!!! wooohoooo!!
Summer faves for me.. sundresses - even if I have to make em. I wish I was lighter then I am now.. but they still help on hot days… and the fabric is oh-so-cute! The baby doll ones are ridiculous, but if you can find the more classic styles, you are golden.
Fashion disappointments.. hrm.. mostly the pastel colors for spring. I look like a brunette caspar in them.
I am with you on the handbags.. sick addiction, isn’t it? I have gotten much better with my somewhat cavalier spending on them.. but now I find a really really good one and spend more money on it.. I figure it saves me from the cheaper ones I bought all the time… right?? maybe?? are those crickets I hear? huh. Ok, lame, but I am sticking with it.
I am getting back into training after being out for way too long.. maybe then I can get some cute new clothes..
oh.. and I still LOVE “wogging” simply brilliant.
evlqn on 22 Apr 2008 at 2:01 am #
My fashion favorites are men’s t-shirts,preferrably long sleeved. I roll them up but they just feel better than short sleeves. I take the neck band off also. I don’t like the women’s shirt because they all seem to be crop-top and at this tage in my life you do not want to see me me in a crop-top. Plus,all the women in our family no matter what size or body type is blessed (?) with line-backer shoulders.
I didn’t like these babydoll fashions the first two times they made an appearance, I haven’t gotten senile enough to have forgotten that.
My sister and I have decided that we will just start wearing garb all the time. It’s more comfortable and we know it isn’t going to shrink or fall apart the first time it gets near water.
I agree, all handbags should have long straps or what’s the point?
Karen Hawkins on 22 Apr 2008 at 6:18 am #
I’m a shorts and t-shirt kinda gal. I love sun dresses, but never wear them because well, they’re not me. I can’t stand the babydoll fashion — it’s just silly looking.
Btw, I DO love some of the news shoes this year. They’ve got some gorgeous spring sandals this year. Love ‘em!
I couldn’t stand a short strapped purse. I’d leave it everywhere.
Margaret on 22 Apr 2008 at 6:42 am #
First off, a big old congratulations and pat on the back, Julia! I know it wasn’t easy to drop that 25. You deserve the new clothes. And shoes. Did you know you lose fat in your feet and they get smaller also?
The only people who can wear the baby doll fashion are baby dolls under 25 years of age, boobless and hipless. Fashion designers don’t seem to see any other type of female. Idiots. Also, I think the baby doll look is desired by those Paris Hilton wanna-bes I keep seeing. Who wants to look like a stick? Them, apparently.
I hate short handled purses, also. Even more, I hate purses that have both the handles and the shoulder strap. And I can’t cut the handles off w/o ruining the purse. Personally, I like the $12 microfiber purses I get at Walmart. Lots of pockets and hidey holes. A granddaughter gave me a Calvin Klein & it’s not nearly as roomy.
ladydawgfan on 22 Apr 2008 at 6:54 am #
I tried on my summer clothes last night and due to my weight loss, everything is MASSIVELY too big!! So I get to buy new this year too!! Yippee!! New shorts, new tops, new sundresses, new sandals, new dent in the checkbook (ouch!)!!! But it’s all worth it in the end!! Now if I could just figure out what size I wear . . .
Pesky on 22 Apr 2008 at 7:39 am #
Flip flops. Not the plastic ones. The girlie, embellished, cloth and maybe a little glitter added on flip flops. Gotta show off the pedicure.
As to short skirts. I head for the bohemian, longer, indian cotton ones. *shrug* I still get to wear the cute little tops to go with them.
Pet peeve: gotta still be the Abercrombie and Fitch store. I always feel like a child molester with the pictures staring at me from the walls. My nephews luuuurrrvvvveee A&F, so we compromise, I’ll give them the money to buy the clothes they want…just don’t make me go into the store.
gillian on 22 Apr 2008 at 7:50 am #
How funny! Another blog I love, written by an aspiring YA author, laments the rise of the shapeless dress as well. They are ridiculous, unless you’re gloriously pregnant and can wear them with leggings.
Julia, Coldwater Creek has lovely dresses that actually have a waist.
Karen Hawkins on 22 Apr 2008 at 7:52 am #
Pesky, I’m with you — I HATE going into A & F. There are a few others I avoid, too. It’s just . . . awkward.
Julia, how many sizes have you lost? I wanna know what that lovely 25 lb loss equals!!!
SuzyQ on 22 Apr 2008 at 7:53 am #
It’s all about the shoes for me. Sandals to be more precise. I just can’t get enough of them - flip flops (sparkley ones preferred) or strappy high heeled ones - I love them all!
Julia and ldf - congratulations on your weight loss!! You both should be very proud and you definitely deserve the shopping day!
LisaK on 22 Apr 2008 at 8:14 am #
As for baby dolls, hmm…
I find them quite cute when I see them hanging there in the shopwindow, but that’s it.
Margaret, I am under 25 years of age, but as I’m neither boobless nor hipless, that fact doesn’t help me. But I love the way you describe the “Paris Hilton wannabes”
I was really desperate when miniskirts were sooo modern and you couldn’t see any knee-length skirt anywere. I’m diligently (haha!) going to the gym, but unfortunately you don’t see the effects that has on my legs - because there aren’t any (seems my body’s kind of sports-resistant).
Last year, I found out that I LOVE shorts. They don’t sit well on me (see reason above!) but, however, they’re quite comfortable and you don’t have to be afraid that after one wrong movement everybody around you has got a grandstand view on your slip. Big advantage, I tell you!
Gannon on 22 Apr 2008 at 8:36 am #
Congrats on the weight loss, Julia! You are an inspiration. After I finish this, I’m going to the park to take my dogs for a long walk–gotta burn off those pounds that crept up during the winter. Ugh!
I love sandals of any kind, especially flip flops. So comfy!
Freedom Writer on 22 Apr 2008 at 8:39 am #
I prefer bare feet in the summer, but I will wear very comfortable cheap sandals from Wal-Mart if I have to wear shoes. I have size 11 eee feet and most women shoes do not fit me well even if they say 11eee.
Evlqn, I am with you. Most women’s t-shirts are too short for me, and if they seem okay when you first buy them they shrink after you wash them and after having 2 babies over 10 lbs, and 1 baby over 11 lbs. (#4 was a mere 8lbs. 10 oz.) no one wants to see my tummy area. I too have the no need for shoulder pad shoulders of a linebacker. Now if only men’s t-shirts came in colors other than Navy, Black, Brown, Green and Red.
Oh yes, and shorts are a must. I have great legs!
Julia London on 22 Apr 2008 at 8:55 am #
Sheridan, I have the same handbag philosophy, which is really good if you get the right bag, and really bad if you get the wrong bag. Which I did recently :(. Hate it. Hate it Hate it Hate it.
Evlqn, K-Ha, and Margaret, this is what I am saying about short-handled bags! They are ridiculously hard to maneuver!
LDF — A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!! How cool would it be to go shop together, eh? Or should I say, charge together? hahahaha
Pesky, I’m with you on A&F. I am starting to feel that way about the Gap, too. I’ve bought T-shirts and jeans there for years, but now I go in and feel like an old hag.
Gillian — thanks for the tip! I will check out Coldwater.
And Freedom — how cool to have great legs! Embrace your shorts!
RachelG on 22 Apr 2008 at 8:59 am #
I love cotton sun dresses in the summer. So comfy. I usually have good luck at the Ann Taylor Loft.
elsiehogarth on 22 Apr 2008 at 9:28 am #
Congratulations Julia! You go girl!!!!
I love the summer hand bags. All the colors. Then must match bags to shoes.
I also love flip flops. I have them in all colors. I really love sandals, espadrilles etc. any reason to get a pedicure.
Aside from the dresses that look that they would fit my 9 yr.old niece, I have to say that I don’t like those tops that look like maternity tops/baby doll tops. Also the fact that tops barely go down to your waist. Go forbid you have to reach for the top self at the supermarket. You’ll be giving an eye full.
ct009ct on 22 Apr 2008 at 10:06 am #
Congratulations, Julia!! Woohoo! Weight loss and shopping - way to go!!
If by Babydoll style dresses, we mean Empire waist, I may be kicked off Mt. Oly for my opinion. we are talking the style where its tight just under the bust, right???
I like them, they work for my body type. (No, I’m not boobless or hipless). I am a healthy (read overweight) sized woman with a bosom and an asset behind me, but the style works for me. It accentuates my good points (boobs) and hides my problem areas (tummy). I wear a lot of those type tops and dresses.
My problem with them is that they are mostly very, very short (too short for my chubby legs) And alot of the colors and patterns are just way to horrid for me.
I have worn the short short dresses with jeans, they hit me just below the hips. they work as tops. But it’s very hard to find ones I like.
ct009ct on 22 Apr 2008 at 10:06 am #
Now if we are talking the ones that have the waist line (for lack of a better word) above the boob, those are horrid and should only be worn by girls under the age of ten!!! As the look like your wearing a bag.
ct009ct on 22 Apr 2008 at 10:08 am #
I shall check back later to see if my membership has been revoked!!!
LOL!!!
cail on 22 Apr 2008 at 10:15 am #
Rachel, I was going to suggest Ann Taylor/Ann Taylor Loft as well! They always have great dresses. Also, I find that places like Target etc sometimes really surprise me. As for the baby doll dresses… I assume you mean the shapeless ones, I see a lot of NYers wearing them with those thick footless tights. Mostly the stick thin ones. I have one dress similar to it, but it at least has an empire waist so my massive rack is comfortably supported and the fabric gets tight near the ribs. Makes me not look preggers, which is good, since i’m not.
I was impressed with Old Navy for shorts this year. Usually I can’t find shorts that are long enough to be acceptable, but short enough to look good. Turns out ON has practically every inch inseam and rise you can imagine this season.
Also, JCrew pleased me this year. Nice shorts, nice dresses…
Elsie, those shapeless tops are the worst! They always look cute on the hanger and then make me look 10 times the size.
CONGRATS Julia!!
Sarah on 22 Apr 2008 at 10:26 am #
I hate the fashions that have been in stores the last 2 years. The whole babydoll look is horrible on me. I end up looking either like a bag lady who can’t find clothes that fit, or like I’m trying to hide a baby bump (this is a considerable problem as I am a relative newly wed - 16 months - and my parent’s friends love to gossip).
Now, a fitted Empire waist looks good on me (a teeny bit lower, and not as baggy through the body)… but baggy seems to be in.
J Perry Stone on 22 Apr 2008 at 10:56 am #
25 lbs is amazing, Julia!
As far as dresses, I’d try H & M (if you have one). They do have some teen-shice, but also a side that is woman-appropriate. And I’m not crazy about baby-doll dresses either. Now baby-doll coats?–another thing altogether.
I can’t stand sun dresses that tie behind the neck. I wore one on my daughter’s field trip to the zoo, and had a massive migrane from all that weight jerking my head forward.
Like Freedom, I also can’t stand mid-riff (rift?) bearing shirts. I too had Buick-size babies and don’t want to wear my stomach out in public.
I feel like there is a demographic clothing-stores are ignoring: the one between 20 and 60. I don’t want a T-shirt with Hello Kitty on it (no offence) and I don’t want to wear wool slacks with a gorgeous belt as my daily uniform (again, no offence).
Now that I think of it, Julia, try Anthropologie. It’s pricey, but some of the pieces I’ve bought are so wonderful, I’m wearing them season after season.
Karen Hawkins on 22 Apr 2008 at 11:59 am #
One thing I DO love this year — capris. I hope those never go out of style! Especially those with a little stretch to them.
JPerry, I’m with you — anything that ties behind the neck is uncomfortable. I used to try halter tops and NO WAY. i can’t stand anything on my neck!
Kerri on 22 Apr 2008 at 11:59 am #
I’ll second the vote for Anthropologie. I am quickly becoming addicted to that store. I’ve recently lost 18 pounds, and I’ve found that you have to try something on to really see if it looks great or not. Many things that I think no way when I see it on the hanger really do a lot for me once I have them on. I also love White House Black Market. They do have some of those hideous babydoll dresses you’re talking about, but they also have things for normal people. You are pretty much limited to black or white, though!
Give Anthropologie a try - even if it looks scary at first!
Nicole Jordan on 22 Apr 2008 at 12:01 pm #
Huge congrats on the 25#’s, Julia!! That really is amazing.
I rarely shop, but I needed a few outfits for the recent RT convention, so I went to Chico’s and I was thrilled to find they had clothes in their spring collection in colors that look good on me! Got tourquoise, red, and coral tops/jackets, plus some jeans and slacks that actually fit. That’s amazing, too.
Lisa H on 22 Apr 2008 at 12:15 pm #
Oh Julia—I am soooo happy for you! Way to go on the 25lbs. I need to lose at least that much.
Anywho, I’m with you on the short dresses thing…I only like dresses that hang about mid-calf. No one wants to see my knees-Trust Me.
I actually have found some cute (and inexpensive) sundresses at WalMart. I like something light and strappy yet with a long skirt, and have found some there.
My spring clothes are mostly capris with flip flops and a tee shirt. If I could drop a size or two, I might wear shorts, but at a size 12 no way.
Lisa H on 22 Apr 2008 at 12:16 pm #
Oh and here’s my issue with purses…I like the ones that have a built in wallet so you don’t need to carry one in your purse. It saves room and weight. I don’t mind the shorter handle, but I don’t like a lot of pattern and stuff hanging from my purse. I like a more classic/plain style.
Julia London on 22 Apr 2008 at 12:25 pm #
Hey, where’s my note?
Elsie, I hate those tops! The worst was when my mom came to some family function wearing one. My sisters and I discussed whether or not to have an intervention, but then decided at 75, you can wear whatever you want. But if one of US should ever show up wearing one, there would be an intervention.
CT — my complaint with the dresses is that they are way too short for most grown women.
J Perry and kerri — I luuuuuuuuv Anthropolgie. Thanks for the reminder– I havent’ been by there in awhile. I am adding that to Coldwater and the Loft to check out.
Lisa H, the perfect purse could be the topic of another blog!
Karen Hawkins on 22 Apr 2008 at 12:43 pm #
Btw, I just bought a pair of JAG jeans and adore them! They’re stretchy and cut well and fit everywhere and are the most comfortable jeans I’ve ever owned. I may go back and get their capris.
Margaret on 22 Apr 2008 at 12:55 pm #
I know this is totally off topic unless you want to make a pair of shoes. I just watched/listened to the 911 tape of the FL woman who found an 8ft alligator in her kitchen last night. The operator is stunned to say the least. You’ve got to see the hole the thing made as he came in. Yikes!
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/04/22/gator.911/index.html?eref=rss_topstories
OK Back to your regularly scheduled blog. I just had to share it with somebody and all my folks are at work.
Kathy/Cookiedough on 22 Apr 2008 at 12:57 pm #
I met my 20 yr old niece for coffee yesterday- it turned into a window shopping excursion…oh how I love new shoes!!!
My niece is a willowy blonde- she could pull off the baby doll dress- but thankfully I’ve never seen her in one. She has the college student look- she sauntered toward me wearing flat ballerina type sneakers, black leggings that stopped at the ankle, an artfully frayed jean skirt and an off the shoulder knit sweater.
wow!
In my 20’s I wore the exact same thing-except my skirt would have gone that extra punky/goth mile and been black gauze. That is a WHOLE other topic
The dresses we saw were floral and cutesy- too young for me.
Once the weather gets warm- today is a wonderful 20C I live in my capris and bright Tshirts. I have sundresses and will pull them out if it gets really hot and I’m by the pool, but at my size it is uncomfortable to have your thighs rub together going for a walk in the blistering heat.
talk about a heat blister!lol
Julia London on 22 Apr 2008 at 3:43 pm #
No one told me it was earth day. :-(. I am woefully out of touch. In light of earth day, I’d like to suggest everyone where natural fibers. Unless you find that spandex makes you look better, and in that case, you get a pass.
doglady on 22 Apr 2008 at 4:10 pm #
Margaret, now my dh’s cajun psychiatrist buddy would call that a “yard” dog. I am serious he had two that hung around his beautiful “cabin” in the bayou not far from St. John’s Landing. He even fed them out the back door. I always checked the porch before I stepped out every morning as they sometimes slept there.
Julia, huge congrats! I am trying to lose some weight before Nationals so my uniform won’t be a series of moomoos. (How do you spell that?) I’m with you. I am not 5″6 of legs with a set of hooters and a head on top. (Brain optional) They even have these dresses in Wal-Mart. It is SO frustrating. I like something that at least brushes my knees and actually prefer the loose peasant looking skirts. The problem with midriff tops is they invite EVERYONE to show their midriff and some people are exceeding the midriff weight limit in doing so.
LOVE shoes and purses. I have a closet wall of plastic shoe boxes with some of the most gorgeous pumps, stilettos, boots, etc.
Claudia Dain on 22 Apr 2008 at 4:50 pm #
25 POUNDS!? That’s amazing! With that kind of weight loss, if you have to go to Paris to find the right clothes, you deserve to go. Take a friend, if you want. I happen to be available, now that you mention it.
You didn’t mention it?
Huh.
Judy F on 22 Apr 2008 at 4:53 pm #
Congrats on the weight loss. I so need to lose a ton.
I have been clothes shopping the last couple of weekends. Went for shoes but you know once you are in a store you wonder. LOL
I can’t stand the tops that criss cross at the chest. I don’t have much of one so it gaps like a mile wide. Not pretty. Also since I am no longer a young thing I don’t much care for capped sleeves, my arms looked like logs.
I love longer length shirts. since I am a tad overweight I no longer tuck my shirt in.
I am with the club on baby doll dresses.
Sabrina Jeffries on 22 Apr 2008 at 6:10 pm #
I used to wear sundresses … when I was TWENTY. Sheesh.
I refuse to buy new clothes until my weight stabilizes, hopefully at a much lower rate. But the good news is that 15 or so more pounds will allow me to get into my blue jeans, which I haven’t worn in 5 years.
High Fashion? Yeah, they don’t make that in my size. Yet.
cail on 22 Apr 2008 at 6:22 pm #
funny thing about sundresses… my grandpa was in the garment industry and made womens house dresses in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Gma saved samples, and they’re actually the same kind that are in style now, with the squished up top with elastic, and the flowing bottom. anyways, i wear them all the time… (kathy, with spandex shorts since i have the same issue, stupid thighs)
anyways, gotta love shopping in grandma’s closets
ct009ct on 22 Apr 2008 at 6:43 pm #
Oh, Cail - what a great idea!! I never thought to wear the spandex shorts under the dresses to avoid the whole big ugly thigh syndrome I suffer from. Thanks!
Margaret on 22 Apr 2008 at 6:54 pm #
Yard dog, huh? I’ll take a big old pass on that sort of pet. I grew up in South Texas. Near Galveston. We used to swim in a creek at the back of our property. One day I was swimming merrily along and happened to look over and see a water moccasin keeping pace with me!!! I about walked on the water that day. My creek swimming days were over. I’ll bet there were gators in there, too. I like my swimming water where I can see my feet and be sure all my body parts are attached.
cail on 22 Apr 2008 at 7:10 pm #
CT, the other thing i wear underneath dresses are the insanely unsexy but amazing SPANX! and where did i learn about spanx!? THIS BLOG!!! you guys are always so amazing.
i get the ones that are shorts length and i have them in nude and black so i can wear them for any color dress or skirt. they also take about 1 size off your butt. yay.
Karen Hawkins on 22 Apr 2008 at 7:48 pm #
SPANX ROCK.
Just sayin’.
Julia London on 22 Apr 2008 at 8:34 pm #
Claudia, I would be MORE than happy for you to accompany me on a shopping trip to Paris!
And yeah, Spanx SO rock!!
Julia London on 22 Apr 2008 at 8:42 pm #
P.S. Claudia, I’m only going if Ladydawgfan goes with us!
Kathy on 22 Apr 2008 at 8:44 pm #
Since when is size 12 BIG? I would have to lose 50 lbs to wear a size 12. Just sayin…one womans big is another womans dream. Ah….
ladydawgfan on 22 Apr 2008 at 8:48 pm #
Hey, count me in!!!! When do we leave?? And you better not mean Paris, TEXAS!!!!
Julia London on 22 Apr 2008 at 9:42 pm #
Yeah, LDF, we better check and make sure Claudia doesn’t mean Kohl’s in Paris, Texas, LOL
Kathy, I think size 12 is very average. Isn’t it?
Laurie on 24 Apr 2008 at 3:05 pm #
Congrats on the weight loss - that’s outstanding! I’m so jealous!
My favorite places to look for women’s clothing and accessories that never look matronly are Chico’s and Coldwater Creek. Very stylish finds at both places, with a wide range from casual to dressy. Good luck!