There are fashion mishaps too numerous to count, so I’ve just chosen the worst transgressions to share with you. Let’s hope you aren’t guilty of any of these - if so? We’ll fix it! Until then wear your SPANX…LASM
1. NEVER, under any circumstances, wear stockings with open-toed shoes.
2. Don’t wear ‘big girl’ undies with pants.
3. If there is anything in your wardrobe with a Disney character on it - throw it out.
4. Workout clothes are for working out. Period.
5. Unless you’re hiking, backpacks are for carrying books to school.
6. Leave the fleece at Old Navy.
7. If you think you’re overweight, don’t wear baggy clothes - they make you appear heavier.
8. If you think you’re overweight, don’t wear skintight clothes - they make you look like a sausage.
9. If trends don’t look good on you, don’t wear them just because they are trendy.
10. Don’t buy the number you think you should be - buy the size that fits you.
hahahahahahahahaahahahahahahhaaha! I am so guilty of #10, oh and #8 also.
xo
This is my new favorite site, LASM. Love it. Do you have an opinion on sunglasses? I am in the market for a new pair. They have to be prescription (read $$$). So I want a pair that won’t be out of style in a year. Thoughts?
Hi - I love all of your info. I am a mother of 4 and need some fashion help. I do not look great in shorts and tend to stick to t-shirt dresses and casual skirts. I need a few casual pant options. I have short legs, am 5′3″, chubby legs and a little tummy. i tend to not wear capris - don’t look great with my short legs. Also, was wondering about bathing suits. We live at the beach over the summer. I love tankinis (the ones that hide the tummy) because of how easy they are to put on and off and because they make bathroom trips easier. are tankinis ok? I need new bathing suits - any ideas ? Have heard of the malia mills brand - do you know anything about this brand or could you recommend any others. Thanks! Ellis
Hi again Emily!
Absolutely get the original Ray-Ban Aviator glasses. They are universally flattering and will never go out of style. http://tinyurl.com/6hyfpg
While these are the originals, you might want to check out the different takes on them. Ray-Ban makes a ton (The ‘Ulta’ in Gold is my fave, but they’re $485) with subtle differences in shape, color and frame…
LASM
Great advice!!!
Thanks LASM. You are making me over!
but what about opaque hose with peep toe pumps? I live in NY and this has been a trend this season. I actually think it works well. Am I nuts?
I got one to add LASM. Lets just say we have a little extra love handle padding around the hips and choose to wear a pair of tight, sexy low cut jeans. And lets also say said tight pair of tight sexy jeans cause said love handles to peek over and spill out …. please please wear a top or t-shirt long enough (and loose enough) to cover the “spillage”…. otherwise, so lovingly known, as the “Muffin Top”. Lets all vow ladieis, from now on, to leave all baked goods in the kitchen.
Excellent point! Thank you for bringing it up. Opaque hose w/ peep toes is absolutely okay. When I think of open toe as a general rule, I am thinking sandal (see pic - scary) I put peep toe in it’s own category. Not only are you not nuts? I would say you’re astute AND fashion savvy!
Thanks Victoria,
LASM
Hi Vicky!
I couldn’t possibly agree with you more, but must say that I’m certainly not as generous. If you have the ’spillage’ of the ‘Muffin Top?’ Forgo the tight, sexy, low-cut jeans altogether…
Thanks for commenting!
LASM
Hi Ellis! (Hope you were able to find this)
Thanks for your questions. I am also 5′3″ and I love that you tend not to wear capris! This is one of my personal rules of thumb as it just draws attention to my oh so short legs. I also don’t wear shorts. So…
There are two good options if you search my previous posts - a pair of red pants and a pair of linen pants. I’ve included a link to another pair of linen pants that I love, but they’re a bit pricey. I figured you could at least check them out to get a feel. I usually buy my pants full length and have them hemmed, but the petites section is always good too. There’s also a link to a super cute A-line skirt. I prefer A-line to other cuts for your body type since it creates a waist, and worn at the knee is quite flattering.
Bathing suits. UGH. Tankinis are for sure easy in the ladies room, but I don’t think they are the most flattering cut at all - especially for us short girls. They create a line across the middle of your body that ‘cuts’ you. If you can’t live without one, J. Crew makes a ’swingy’ version good for hiding middles. (See link below)
I prefer a one piece suit with a halter neck or deep V. Strapless suits aren’t good because they create the same line as a tankini just in a different place. Carmen Marc Valvo makes some gorgeous suits - they’re comfortable too. Again pricey, but Marshall’s is lousy with them. I’ve included two other links to ‘miracle’ suits that don’t look like ‘mom’ suits. If they’re not for you, just check them out for their cut.
I would say no to Malia Mills. While her suits are beautiful, the fabric tends to be ‘thin’ which isn’t so great for support. They also run small. That being said, I know she has lots of styles for different body types.
The links are below - hope this helps!
LASM
http://www.skirtspot.com/penelope-fruit-print-skirt/
http://tinyurl.com/5hs27l
http://tinyurl.com/6ebtb9
http://tinyurl.com/6dfnf8
http://tinyurl.com/6dy4xo
LASM this was fantastic! And thank you Vicki for bringing up the “muffin top” I can’t take anymore!
thanks for all the info! I ordered the Eileen Fisher and the Old Navy Pants. Hopefully one of them will work. The Eileen Fisher was a cropped pant. Are these ok for short people? There is a good bathing suit store near me that I will check out for “hip” miracle suits. I suppose I need to hang up my tankinis!!!!!!!! Oh Well. Here is another question for you - I am not a jeans and sneaker person - wear boots in the winter and clogs too - sooo what is a good shoe with jeans or these new linen pants when it is too cold to wear flip flops or sandals? Help - thanks! Ellis
Hello!
Another random query: what’s your take on the various summer trends? Are some appropriate for only certain body types? And can some be dismissed out-of-hand? As to the last question, I was thinking of the colored jeans trend. Which you could praise to the lord above and you still wouldn’t get me in a pair. A result of living through the ’80’s, I guess.
And just to be upfront: I wear shorts. I understand if you can’t forgive me. And I wear them *while* feeding my db yobaby. If you feel the need to break all communication henceforth, I understand.
Thanks, and keep up the great work!
Hi Ellis!
Glad to hear you liked my suggestions! I chose the Eileen Fisher pants because they’re actually ‘ankle’ length as opposed to Capri. I think they’re quite flattering even for shorter women. Would love to hear your feedback after you try them.
I’m also not a jeans and sneaker person during the colder months. I would suggest a low heeled boot that’s comfortable yet fashionable. I have several versions of a motorcycle boot (read; side buckle) that I love. Try going to endless.com, type in flat or motorcycle boot and see what you come up with. You could also choose a color. I think red or dark green leather work well, since they’re still versatile enough to go with a lot.
As far as other options with linen pants, if it’s too cold to wear sandals, then it’s also too cold to be wearing linen. A happy medium would be the clogs.
Let me know what you come up with…
LASM
Okay, KBT? You are my new favorite poster. Hilarious. My kids think I invented YoBaby…
As far as the shorts go, if they work for you then have at it. There are a lot of cute pairs to be had. Just because I’m not a fan doesn’t mean that everyone else has to join suit - I get it. If you tell me you wear hose? We might have to break up…
As far as summer trends go, which ones specifically? I love the whole maxi dress thing as long as it isn’t dragging on the ground. I’m also a huge fan of the gladiator sandal if it’s not too literal (some versions are) Shift dress? I’m in. Wedge espadrilles are always a fave.
I have to say I agree with you on the colored jeans. I think your need to have a slammin’ bod to get away with it and probably be under the age of 30. That being said I also lived through the 80’s so I may be biased. In my opinion it’s kind of a moot point anyway since they’ll probably be over by July.
Looking forward to your next post!
LASM
i guess i didn’t phrase my question correctly - I am good on shoes (clogs and boots) for the winter, but what is a good spring/summer shoe with jeans besides flip flops? I need a casual shoe for the playground - preferably closed toe. Are there any “fashion” type sneakers that are ok with the linen pants that you suggested or even ok with jeans? Thank you for all your help!!!! Ellis
Hi there. I’m in a weird–though temporary (thankfully)–fashion moment (or crisis) and I’d love your take. I’m about 9 weeks pregnant with my second child (following, agh, two early miscarriages; there’s a reason for my mentioning this, which will become apparent in a sec) and because my body is so, as my doctor says, “warmed up,” I feel like my stomach is protruding as much as it did when I was four months pregnant with #1! At the same time (as with the first), I’ve been really sick and living on plain pasta and, thus, gained a bit of weight already. My clothing still fits but I just feel kind of gross and like much of it looks bad on me (I’m a pretty slender person and I feel like I’ve instantly become voluptuous). On a day-to-day basis, this isn’t so bad: I have a few comfortable empire-waist knit dresses that are fine to wear to work and a couple of pairs of wide-legged pants that are fine. But in a week or so I’m having dinner with an old friend — someone with whom I had a big falling out a few years ago — who is hugely judgmental about appearances, very trendy herself (and big on labels), and so on. I know it’s silly but in part because this is going to be a difficult and emotional reunion (but necessary) I want to look and feel great. So, in short, I’m wondering what you would wear if you were me, to mask the already-apparent bump, but not look fat, and also look put-together and of-the-moment. (And bearing in mind that I’m on the East Coast, so it’s still a bit chilly here.) If it helps I’m about 5′5″, of narrow build (but with a slender hourglass shape), with a long waist and not-long legs (bleh). Somehow, my pilling empire-waist knits don’t seem exactly right….
Many, many thanks,
Ellie
Hi Ellie!
Thanks so much for your sweet letter and congrats on #2! It sounds like you’ve had a tough road. You are my new mission : ) We’ll have you looking so amazing for your reunion she won’t believe it! I need to do some research though, so check back tomorrow for sure…
Until then,
LASM
Hi Ellis!
Sorry - I may have also misunderstood your question too…
I’m not a big fan of fashion sneakers, but if you want to check it out, endless.com has a category called just that. What I do love however, are classic Jack Purcell sneakers in white. (They also come in navy) I think they’d look adorable with the linen pants and also jeans - especially cute w/o socks and if you cuff the jeans to expose your ankles.
Other good, closed toe, summer options are ballet flats or espadrilles. Since espadrilles come in a variety of heel heights, you can pick and choose.
Let me know what you end up with - I’m curious!
Good luck,
LASM
Very interesting about the Jack Purcell sneakers (a fancier name for converse) I actually have a pair without laces. Are these totally out???? 41 may be too old to wear them without the laces. My 4, 8 and 12 year olds do each own a laceless pair. I think I just answered my own question!!! Anyway, should I go for navy or white???? I do agree about the espadrilles - I bought a pair for this season. They are VERY comfortable. Thanks for all the info! Ellis
Hey Ellis!
ITA on the no laces - my kids have them, too. I like the classic, white, lace-up JPs. What kind of espadrilles did you buy?
LASM
ok - I will order the JP’s tonight. I have to admit that I have a lot of shoes - LOL. I have a brown pair of wedge espadrille shoes that I love from last summer - Michael Kors. My favorite espadrilles are Eric Michael. They are very comfortable and not too expensive. I also like Andre Assous. Ballet flats - love Paul Mayer Attitudes. They are very comfortable also and don’t come untied all the time like the French Sole ones do. Will keep you posted when the pants come in. And, thanks for saving me money on the Malia Mills bathing suits! I will hang up my tankinis in the name of fashion!!!!! Ellis
Hi! Your blog rules . . . bought the drawstring linen pants at ON - wore them with black cashmere LP halter and black, pat 4″ ankle straps. Looked so perf for a casual party. Thanks . . .
Dish on the maxi dress, please
XOXO
Hi Susan!
Loving that your loving it! I gave some links to maxis that I like in the comments section under ‘Help’ or just search maxi.
YOU rule!
LASM
I LOVE this section. You have a face full of fashion in (whispering) Hollywood. But seriously, my friend wears high heals w/ shorts and they look really bad. Is that the new cool thing to do?
ALL my HGs LOVE this section ; ) And it’s HEELS. This IS a hot look but you have to have an AMAZING body, and IMO it’s very tough to pull off. So…maybe she needs to stop. I say tell her…
xxoo,
LASM
sorry hon. i spelled that wrong. she has an ok body but i dunno. it looks funny on her. then again i thought that about HEELS and jeans at first but now i think it looks hot.
here are some DON’T dresses.
http://www.jessicamcclintock.com
but why do i love looking @ them so much?