Really, these pictures aren't great because I took them myself. (Like you guys couldn't figure that out. Duh Dawn!) The lighting wasn't very good either. But you can get a general idea...
Here's that pretty turquoise jacket. I thought it looked nice until I saw this picture on my computer and realized it makes me look like a box. EW!
Much better! At least you can tell I have a waist.
I like this one too. It looks a little tight in the pic, but it's just because I tied it back too tightly. Oops.
Dark jeans, blue, slight stripe shirt with wide neck and collar, and brown corduroy jacket. I even accessorized for this pic! Aren't you proud of me?
The black jacket with that bright pink shirt. I actually don't hate the shirt like I thought I would. I do, however, hate the jacket. Blech!
Jeans, rose sweater, brown cord jacket and that scarfy thingy. I'm undecided about this one. I think it looks ok, but I hate sweaters. Ugh. The scratchiness, the uncomfortableness (it could be a word!), the long sleevedness, and the general hotness! Yuck!
And the best one of all! My capris don't fit anymore! Of course, I still have like 50,000 pounds to go, but little by little, right?
OK, I've never been a shoe person, but this past weekend I turned into a woman obsessed! I love these! I'll probably fall on my face if I try to walk in them, but being a short person, I'm willing to take that chance.
Then I found these! I love these too! So I bought them both so I can take them home and agonize over which ones to keep and which ones to return.
Most of you said to wear the first black dress for my red carpet moment and I agree, but I have to have it taken in on top a little bit. I don't think the scarf goes with it though. It's more of a flannel-like fabric. It's got a little sheen to it, but I think a silkier fabric would work better. I think.
So there ya go. I've finished freaking out about the event. I figure - I'm going to be in Beverly Hills! It doesn't matter what I wear. No one's going to be looking at me anyway. I'm getting a couple nights away from cooking and breaking up fights and cleaning up parmesan cheese mountains! Who could beat that?! I'm honored to be invited and I'm proud to represent the average MOM!
Oooo! Oooo! I almost forgot! So, I went to my mailbox at the UPS store to get my packages this afternoon. There are these really sweet guys who work there and today one of them told me, "You look nice today." OK, I was just wearing jeans, but I had switched out a t-shirt for a nicer top. And I changed from Crocs to heels. I think I had on a bit more make-up than I usually do too. I'm pretty sure that's what he said, but what I heard is, "Wow, you don't look as disgusting as you usually do today."
I laughed and said, "Yeah, I ditch the t-shirt and slap on some make-up now and then."
He countered, "No, I meant you usually have more of a casual style." This is a nice way of saying, You usually look like a bag lady who has sparrows nesting in her hair."
He said, "Really, you look great." I believe I responded to this with a snort.
Now, here's the thing. I think he was sincere. Maybe he just said it because it was time for me to renew my box (which I forgot to do!). Either way, I believe the correct response should have been a simple, "Thank you." It is not ladylike to snort when someone compliments you. This is just for your reference if you should ever decide to forego the "Mom" ensemble for something a little classier and someone notices and pays you a compliment. And I highly recommend doing that now and then because nothing can put you in such a great mood as a cute guy saying you look nice.
64 comments:
Picture Two (the one with the fab purple shirt) and number four (with the cute blue stripe shirt and jacket) are my votes. The purple looks loads better on and the blue stripe shirt looks casual but not running out the door in sweats casual.
I think you look beautiful.
It's always nice to receive a compliment out of the blue!
~AirmanMom returning to her blog...
Dawn - the pumps are SO FABULOUS! Where did you find them? I'm totally jealous!
(Spoken by the patheric woman who is excited to have a new maternity wardrobe this time around.....Yep, bug surprise to us - we have baby #6 due this spring! How soon can I start wearing them? At conception? LOL)
Billie Jean
Billie Jean,
I got the shoes at Kohls and I got a lot of the clothes from Dress Barn. (I still can't get over the fact that someone thought that would be a good name for a clothing store!)
the difference between photo 1 & 2 is WOW!
Love the shoes, I saw some I loved in the Famous Footwear ad yesterday. I showed them to dh and he was like, "so...??" MEN! lol
And I've had the same reaction when I've received a compliment. We must learn to be gracious and we are worth it!
Btw-- I'm new to your blog and like what I've seen so far. Good job!
I LOVE the shoes! The shirts in pictures 2 and 3 look great on you.
I've been checking your blog regularly to see what advice your readers gave. I recently realized that I've been stuck in some fashion time warp for the past 5 years. Since I have no idea what's in style, I am looking for some ideas on what to buy before shopping for a few new outfits. Thanks for writing about your fashion dilemma.
LOVE picture number 2! You look amazing! Way to go on the weight loss too! Good for you! Enjoy yourself! BTW, I don't know what to say when anyone other than my kids/friends say I look nice...it's nice but makes me think what they think of me when I just roll out of bed and go to work!
Dawn you look amazing! You've lost so much weight! Way to go you. The outfits in photos 2 and 3, and for more casual, 4, may stay. Good luck.
ATTA GIRL!! You've melted out of your capris!! And keeping it a secret, too... Yes, you've mentioned trying WW, but have left us thinking that you dropped that dietary change long ago! You look great, Dawn; you ARE beautiful! Oh, and I totally love the purple top, #2. You mentioned it gave you boobage, but it also shows off your waist! Which is "waisting" away - ! :)
caroleleah
Ok, I have to agree with you. Take back the green and black jackets, they do nothing for you. I LOVE the purple outfit and the next two are also very nice on you! If you don't like sweaters, maybe when you take the jackets back, you could find a rose colored blouse that you could wear instead of the sweater. I'm totally with you on that one, it's make me sweat just to think about it! LOL Don't you just love how we all just jump in and tell you what to wear! I can't believe I'm doing this, me with no fashion sense of my own can tell other people what to wear! I couldn't help but notice when I went to the stapling stomach post that at that time there were only 3 comments. You've come a long way baby! Have a great trip.
Diane H
2 and 3 are the most sexy on you, though I am partial to purple :)
OMG I want those shoes! they are adorable!
Dawn,
You look FABULOUS! (You're welcome.)
Ditto to what Anon said about not saying anything to us about your vanishing self.
And I guess also, my opinions are also ditto of what others have said. The purple is awesome. 3 and 4 are nice, too.
I can't believe you got the stuff at Dress Barn. I was thinking overpriced boutique. And I totally can't believe the shoes are Kohl's.
btw, don't let your podiatrist see that photo of you with the bare feet showing.
First image: Appears to do nothing for you. The teal/blue shirt looks 'frumpy'.
Second Image: A great combination but needs some accessories. I would not go much bigger than the necklace in the 4th pic. As you said it shows off the hourglass figure, defiantly a plus after any kids! You may also want something small on one wrist to match the necklace.
Third image: If you can loosen it up a bit so it does not look too tight but still showcases the hourglass figure this looks great as well but #2 and #4 are better. Again, a little something on the wrists but I would shy away from anything around the neck.
Fourth image: Great outfit! Ties with #2!
Fifth image: I think 'No' sums that up. Does nothing for you. You have a great figure to work with and it presents 'frumpy' and 'comfortable'.
Sixth image: There seems to be too many layers causing confusion here. IMHO, the rose has got to go. I don't like it and don't think it works well with you.
Shoes: If you are comfortable in a heel and they don't hurt, great! My wife has some 'hooker boots' that area a light brown, but only go 6" above the ankle that would look great if you could find some! She is also pear shape aka "pooh-sized" as she calls it, and with the right outfit you will feel like a million dollars (until one of the kids uses you as a barf-catcher) ;)
Purple outfit, yes! Blue shirt with cord jacket outfit, yes! I don't want to give up on that pink shirt. I don't like the jacket you have on in the photo either. The cord jacket is the PERFECT cut for you! Go buy 10 all in different fabrics and shades!!!
And yes, the correct response is always "Thank you" with a smile. And then you look even prettier!
The purple I have to say I hated on the hanger but looks stunning on you. Very flattering and slenderizing. I also really like the blue stripes and jacket for a casual look. Very cute but looks well put together.
Definitely the purple - It is very flattering! Now I'm wondering if I shouldn't wander out to the kindergarten busstop barefoot, in a T-shirt and not just a ponytail, but a sloppy, almost falling out one because I wasn't watching the clock. They'd probably ask me for ID to prove I'm the mom if I put on some makeup. :-)
Wow, Dawn, way to go!! I have about 3 more weeks to go with this preganancy, and I can't wait to see my feet again! You're making me hopeful that I can lose weight, too : )
I'm in agreement with the majority... outfits 2, 3 & 4 get my vote... and I love the pumps! You especially look great in the purple shirt, but I am biased... purple is my favorite color : )
Have fun in Beverly Hills!!
HOW FUNNY! I think (for some unknown reason) we have a problem taking a compliment. SO I shall say to you what I say to my friends when they TOO can't seem to accept one. Just say "Thank you"-that's all. You start saying enough negative things about yourself and you too begin to believe them. You are an amazing person who deserves any and every compliment you get. NOW-just say "Thank you" and leave it at that! BTW-wasn't too sure about the purple shirt when it was just photographed-but it looks FAB on! Have a wonderful time!
I'm lovin' the purple shirt.
Have you heard the Christian comedian Tim Hawkins? He has a bit on the Dress Barn - I love it. Here's a link: http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ce0fe8e342c2ea1e67fe
Beverly Hills? Weee. You're going to be 10 minutes away from me! We should have good weather :-)
i am LOVING the brown jacket with the blue shirt, that looks GOOD!!! go with that!!! and the purple shirt is WAY cute too! and i personally like the shoes with the black toe...they look a little less painful..i don't do straps and heels well however...
I concur w/ other posts, you look fab! Looks like you could use a mirror in your own room, so you don't have to sneak into Savannah's/ B's room. You deserve it! Our house has a floor to ceiling mirror mounted in small hallway, and we all use it to adjust outfits and admire each other. Baby even crawls up and laughs at himself. Get one!:)
Ok...I'm throwing in another 2 and 4 are my favorites comment. LOVE that purple shirt on you and the blue stripe with the jacket looks casual classy!
And the shoes need to find their way to my closet if you don't like them! LOL!
Congrats on the weight loss and the compliment!
2nd picture, purple top, very nice with the black pants! those shoes are just TOO CUTE! congratulations on the capri pants getting to BIG! WOOHOO!
signed
Theresa in Alberta
I agree, the purple and blue stripe shirts look really good. That bright pink one not so much because it loses your waist.
Dawn, from what I saw in the pictures, I think you'd like the clothes at Christopher and Banks and Coldwater Creek. If you search through the sale racks, you can find awesome deals at both places...not everyone has a "dressy style" and most of us who fall in to the casual style group like jeans and navy khakis with cute tops.
It's amazing what a little makeup and nicer shoes will do, isn't it? I used to teach classes for Avon and one section was "professional image". That doesn't mean a suit, but whatever works for YOUR profession. 2/3's of what people believe about you is based strictly on what they see-and they're usually right. So the shoes and makeup can go a long way to improving your image. Wear what YOU feel comfortable in and is suitable for the occasion.
BTW, the shoes are just TOO CUTE!!
Chris in PA
I agree w/ Jeb.......
Very nice! I think that shirt number 2 looks fantastic! Number 4 outfit is great for a more causual look. I prefer the pumps to the flats.
Dark jeans, blue, slight stripe shirt with wide neck and collar, and brown corduroy jacket ---That's my pick, I think it looks the best on you!!!! Make sure that your pants are long enough to touch your shoes. - the length of your pants is very important. The shoes rock!! If you are new to the heel thing, try finding a thicker heel.
Go with the wedge shoe. In the long run they'll be more comfortable. The wedge spreads the weight out over more space than a regular heel. But both pair are great.
What I like the best of these photos are the smattering of kids toys complete with faced down baby doll on the floor. It looks like you were at my house.
And as far as What Not To Wear, I think they recommend the whole layering/accessorizing thing, so you're doing great!
Totally LOVE pictures 2, 3 & 4. The accessories in picture 4 are perfect - I think you're getting the hang of this! :)
As for the shoes, you'll have to keep them both because they're both adorable! ;)
How much weight did you lose?? Those capris look like there's alot of extra room in there! You go, Girl!
Listen to the UPS store guy - you're adorable and it's time to embrace those compliments!!!
Donna in PA :)
Although you probably don't need my opinion, I'll give it anyway. Pics #2 and 4 I really love. The outfits are very flattering. #3 isn't really bad, but I am not really sure about the color, but the fit is very nice.
I love the heeled shoes, Kohls here I come.
I was walking out of dress barn about two weeks ago when a little girl and her mom ran up to the door, and opened it, and then shut it, and the mom said "see what did I tell you?" She then looked at me and said "my daughter thought that because it said barn, it probably smelled bad in there" and then turned and walked away! I just had to chuckle. I have alot of luck shopping at the Dress Barn.
Okay, I had just dropped my girls off at school and turned up the radio and they were talking about what looks best on which body types. I am definitely fashion-challenged so my ears perk up when I hear those kinds of tips. You had said you were pear-shaped and the stylist highly recommended an A-line skirt that hits right at the knee. She said it's very flattering. Then when I saw the shoes you bought I thought -- perfect!! That would be a great way to show off those great shoes and it's a different way to be casual than wearing pants.
I also snort when I get a compliment! Don't you wonder which part of our brain connects a compliment to snorting??!!
2,3 and 4 are my favorites. I'd originally said the turquoise jacket, but now that I see it on you...you're right...it really doesn't have a very shapely look to it. It's a pretty color on you, though.
I really like the jeans, collared shirt and brown jacket. Looks really nice, but pretty casual.
I love the pumps. funky!
You look great, Dawn! Enjoy this!!!
Anne
I hate to break it to you Dawn, and maybe you didn't intend to anyway, but neither of the shoes you love would go with the little black dress. Both are for work days, business suits or black slacks. You need solid black with the dress, pump or strappy, a little bling or no, but solid black. Look for something with under a 2 inch heel or you'll be considering suicide halfway through the evening.
2 and 4 looked awesome.
What a figure! No more boxy clothes for you. It makes all the difference to photograph yourself in the clothes. I totally agree with everything you said.
As for the shoes, both pair are very much alike. Go with Shoes #2. They are very hip. The #1 shoes look too much like "pilgrim" shoes. Too old for you.
That's great you received a compliment on your appearance. You go girl!
I'll second/third/etc the votes for outfits #2, #4, #6. And I like the second pair of shoes better than the first, but I'm not sure how the shoe votes matter.
Number 2! You look great in it!
I agree with the lady who said the purple shirt and the blue striped one with jacket. WHERE did those ADORABLE shoes come from???
I agree with jennifer in wisconsin. purple shirt and blue stripe shirt with jacket.
Love the shoes!
My favorites are, from the top, #2 and #4.
Oh, so he was a CUTE guy, huh?
Dawn as for the shoes, I just got the mail flyer for JCPenneys and on the back the y have some wicked shoes that you should consider. I hope Il also gets this flyer. If so, check out the Lola, Reagan, Belinda, and Victoria shoes, they look so cool and would go great with some of the outfits you have.
OMG I love it! Yes, a compliment should definitely not be met with a snort. Most especially not an unladylike snort! LOL.
Ok, you asked for comments...
The turquoise jacket is ok for a casual look. Sometimes boxy is fine. The second and thirds ones show you have a waist but probably too much of one. Loose them a little and show just a bit of your figure.
Brown corduroy jacket? Eh. I'm not a corduroy fan, even on others. If you like it, go for it but put something light in there - maybe a lighter color shirt? The black jacket, you said it! Blech!
The jeans, rose sweater and scarf are wonderful. Have you checked the weather though? It might be warmer than you expect. It's certainly warmer than Chicago is right now even if we are in the midst of a bit of a chill zone.
Both of the shoes look great! The heels are wonderful but could be uncomfortable if you're on your feet much. You should wear them a bit to find out. Even if it's just around the house, you'll get a feel for whether you can handle them for a longer evening.
OH and way to go on the weight loss!! WOOHOOO!!! Now I'm off to look at the earlier post.
Outfit 2 - you look slim, sexy and curvey in just the right way!
Jac
I vote for #2 and esp. #4. And I like the first pair of shoes better than the other pair. I think you could wear them with more things.
Maybe you were just a tad bit embarassed by the cute guy's comment. You used humor to diffuse a somewhat uncomfortable situation. But as you lose weight, you'll just have to get used to it!
The 2nd and 3rd tops are great! They work well with the dressier slacks and heels and would also work with the dark jeans for something more casual. I am in LOVE with the first pair of shoes. Definitely keep those!
My favorite is the "Dark jeans, blue, slight stripe shirt with wide neck and collar, and brown corduroy jacket." Great look super flattering!
I like the first pair of shoes.
2, 3 and 4 are FAB!
I go to work in a tee and jeans.
I need new clothes (SIGH).
The shirt in the second picture makes you look HOT! Definitely wear that outfit. And the fourth picture looks really nice, too. Those are my favorites. And I really, really want that first pair of shoes. They're adorable!
And I completely agree about the name "Dress Barn". Are they calling us cows?
LOL, I snorted when you said you snorted. Congrats on the compliment! I hope you giggled a little bit too...thank you for being so candidly human. :-)
The outfit you "even accessorized" for is great! I think Stacy and Clinton would approve of that one!
Dawn,
You really look great! You made some fab choices. I love you in blue more than pink. The purple also looks wonderful. Pics #2 and 4 are my favs. My suggestion is to go with the lower heels. Fashion should not be painful.
Hope you get some sightseeing in. The Santa Monica Pier is a fun experience, as well as the Getty Museum. You must do Rodeo Drive, day or night...it's so much fun! Remember a light wrap for evening walks.
You are really beautiful, and they are all going to love you! Have a wonderful time!
You look good in all outfits (except the BIG capris). You should be proud of yourself. I LOVE the shoes too. Guess we all will be off to the Dress Barn and Kohls for shopping now.
The color of the jacket in the first picture is lovely, and it looks like it looks good on you. But you're right, it looks boxy. Try the color again sometime in a better cut. I like the fit of the purple top the best. It really does flatter you.
If California is much like Texas this time of year, you probably won't need the jacket, except maybe after dark. Today I got a little chilly walking my dog at 9 p.m. in shorts, sandals, and a t-shirt... I would have been fine in long pants!
The top in picture 2 makes you look slim and dressy. You could wear that anywhere and turn heads. You look great in it. Congrates on your weight loss. You look great.
Yep, ditch the jackets as part of the ensemble. Trust me, we are *sweating* here in Ca! (I want Fall to come already) At the very least bring something to layer if you get chilly in the p.m. or with air conditioning.
You are melting away! I know how you must feel...I've lost 32 pounds since April 1st. It's pretty awesome isn't it!?
Love the wedge heels...cuteola!
Picture #2--HOT!!!
And I also love #4 ensemble! But am I too late for the voting!!!
The purple one is definitely the most flatering and looks tonz!! better on you than the hanger. I really like the blue one with the jacket as well though. But, the blue one is more casual than the purple one.
And, I'm sorry, but I HATE your shoes!! And, I LOVE shoes, really its an obsession. You should NEVER wear them with any of the outfits you have displayed. And, really should look for a style that elongates your legs, not cuts them off.
Wait a minute. Now I have two of your funny blogs to follow? My oh my.
Anyway, I LOVE the second top. It's fantastic! And I prefer the first pair of shoes to the second.
Yay to the compliment -- and no snorting :)
I like 2 and 4 too. The blue shirt, pink shirt, black jacket, and pink shawl should go back to the store. I don't like picture 3 but that might be just because it's tied too tight. Picture 5 looks like a mess--don't wear that!
The first pair of shoes is nice but the second isn't great, IMO.
Post a Comment