Casual wear is consistently one of the most poorly stocked sections of a woman’s wardrobe. I’ve found what should be extinct species of clothing: long crotched jeans, stretched neck t-shirts, and mousy nosed shoes. These items are subsisting miserably, worked unreasonably past exhaustion. Some good hearted soul should start a new PETA faction: People for the Ethical Treatment of Apparel. But clothing abuse aside, what are you doing to yourself and your figure? Simply tragic. Emperors around the world must invest in enjoying their everyday lives. Yes, your empires are busy enterprises, but make some time to procure a proper pair of pants and a stain-free top. Below is a step by step guide to exploring the casual side of clothing.
1. Fabric: There is a time and place for machine washable materials: broadcloth cotton, jersey knit, stretch denim blends. Even better if the fiber does not require the warmth of an iron to look respectable. There are few greater pleasures in life than grabbing a garment, hot and fluffy from the dryer, and enveloping yourself in it while it is sweet with the scent of fabric softener. This raw pleasure undoubtedly trumps pealing the sterile plastic from a dry cleaned return.
2. Figuration: Apply a pattern. Not only are patterns an excellent form of self expression, they are also a superior disguise for tiny finger prints and other results of everyday life.
3.Form: Soft, cozy, and yin. You should look forward to sporting your informal friends. Like a nostalgic bowl of mac & cheese, they should draw you in emotionally. And even better then a well-worn pair of sweats, they not only feel delicious, they look delicious.
Below is a comfy casual Friday ensemble:
In Between Seasons Cardigan: Keep one folded up in your purse, like a first aid kit for over air-conditioned restaurants
Helianthus V-Neck: Not a button or zipper to interrupt the pleasure of a pull-on top
Nights Adrift Crops: Comfy not schlumpy little short pants
Fine Fescue Hobo: Wet wipes or carpet samples, this will carry whatever you have need of with discreet efficiency
Rave Review Sandals: Turn that dirty old flip flop into a fly swatter
Double Swan Earrings: Like delightful dreams swimming around your head
I love this post! With a baby coming in a week, I’ve been looking for inspiration for my new “casual” life. I don’t want to give in the schlumpy! This outfit is perfect for looking nice, but is washable and wearable too. Thanks for this! Your pairings are always perfect!
Your words and images always make me smile. You are fabulous.
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Awesome post! Those are some great tips for mothers of children with “dirty, tiny finger prints.”
Last night, I went to dinner with my family. I wore my usual flare jeans with a casual white shirt and vintage rose, stud earrings. Surprisingly, I managed to get through dinner without coming in contact with said finger tips. However, just as we were about to leave, she grabbed into some pasta sauce and patted my back. Needless to say, it would have been well disguised had I been wearing a patterned shirt. Off to go shopping!
I love this look! If only I could afford to go shopping RIGHT this moment, this is the perfect ensemble for a breezy, beautiful spring day like today. Thanks for yet another post full of fabulous ideas!
This is my life uniform! I love your tips for great casual wear. As a mom, I dress casually 6 days a week, except for special occasions and date nights. I still love to look and feel great though, so thanks!
I love this, and many of your other looks, however, I was wondering if you could continue to use stores besides just anthropologie, because it is out of my price range in this economy. I really enjoyed when you showed the outfits from forever 21 or old navy.
I realize it takes time to search out the looks, but it would be nice to see that there ARE ways to be chic and still have money left over.
Hi! I love your posts and am interested in purchasing a look-book for my sis-in-law as a 30th birthday gift. Could you perhaps contact me regarding the best way to go about this as a gift-giving option? (I didn’t see a contact button on your blog). Thanks so, so much! Heather at [email protected]
I like the whole outfit, but I need crops for the library and something that is not denim. In fact, I love the outfit. I am missing my Sweet Baby James – send him home. Love, Grandma
I have been eyeing that cardigan for a while now….can you tell me if it is a true red? Online it looks kind of peachy.
meh. It’s NEVER warm enough to wear something like that here, since it’s either winter or air-conditioning from hell.