Source: www.forever21.com
I have finally discovered the usefulness of the plain white button down shirt, and it has changed my life. Actually, I should say they have changed my life, as I am now the proud owner of ten oxford shirts that have made formerly unwearable pants look fresh and transformed "closet orphan" skirts into my go-to bottoms. I have been throwing my new shirt over shorts (long ones I bought last summer and short ones I've had packed away forvever, now more modest with the looser top), belting it over skinny jeans, and tucking it into trousers with a belt.
I feel almost silly writing this blog, like I'm espousing the "hidden" yumminess of cupcakes, but these shirts have been off my radar for a reason. Actually, a few reasons:
1. They're often expensive, and expensive white shirts and motherhood don't mix.
2. They need to be ironed, and I hate to iron.
3. They look fancy, and I'm not fancy.
The cons were all eliminated thanks to a very useful website and one baby-free shopping trip. I have started reading a blog, www.youlookfab.com in an attempt to update my wardrobe and eliminate I-have-nothing-to-wear crises. In one post the author contrasted woven shirts (like oxfords) and knit shirts (like tee shirts) and explained why many women look better in one vs. the other. I realized that I always wear knits, and I therefore feel sloppy and like my still-bf-ing boobs and leftover baby bump are overexposed. I decided to switch to woven tops and embarked on a fruitless mission to find one that wasn't ruffled. A few weeks ago my mom offered to watch Master D so I could hit the mall and finish hunting. After striking out at J. Crew, Banana Republic and the Gap, where the woven shirts all looked a little workaday for me, I flung myslef into Forever 21 so I wouldn't go home empty-handed. There, I found the holy-grail of shirts: cheap enough to risk ruining, casual enough to go un-ironed and therefore look effortless. I brought it home, tried it on with almost everything I own, and bought ten more in white and various stripes on Forever 21's website. I know this sounds extreme, but I have seen the light and haven't worn a tank top in weeks. I feel much less self-conscious wearing a looser-fitting top, and I actually look forward to getting dressed now.
Love this. Everyone, especially moms, need uniforms. I keep seeing shirts like this in the window of a neighborhood store and I have been thinking when I am childless I will go in and try some on because I am looking for my fall uniform. Presently I am wearing leggings and an empire style top that I wore last summer. It is as if Im still pregnant. I am just waiting for someone to ask when I am due. Oh well I did spend the afternoon going to Costco. What happened to my glamour?!
ReplyDeleteMama G, so funny you should post this! Not only am I using the white (or striped) button down look with shorts or over my bathing suit this summer, but I bought some great maternity ones for the fall. I, too, feel schlumpy in knits, especially when I'm looking more fat than pregnant. Long live the forgiving button down shirt! Hope you and Master D are enjoying the summer~
ReplyDeleteSo pleased that you've found a signiture style. It's a tough thing to find. Mine was a scarf of some sort. Wore one with nearly every outfit until Master R was old enough to pull it. Now they just get in the way unless they're covering my unwashed hair! Look forward to seeing pics of you wearing your new signiture style.
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