Yesterday, you saw the ten items I am "playing with" this week. You gave me great advice. Of course even as you were saying that you missed wendy colours, I started missing them, too!
But there is a section of my closet yet to be discussed. No - not fancy party dresses or the couple of sensible suits that are in my back closet to be pulled out when needed.
Fancy Pants.
As you know, I have several pairs of them:
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| Pom pons |
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| Tabs and I's pants...she wears then one week, me the next.... |
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| silk foulard |
Yesterday's J Crew rollout got me thinking about fancy pants.
Lately, I have been buying only basics from JCrew - the odd sweater or tshirt, the only exception to my restraint has been the Kikis, which are multiplying like rabbits, but which get more and more comfortable with every wear.
When I purged my closet, the fancy pants stayed in the back of the closet, like three lonely Rockettes waiting for their time to be called out onto the stage to "put on a show".
And in the end, when looking at yesterday's rollout, I realized that what I still like about J Crew, despite all of my nattering and spending the bulk of my small clothing allowance elsewhere, are the colour and the texture. Except for high end designers, you do not get this from other mid to low priced retailers, at least not around here.
In the end, after putting so many things on my wish list which I really didn't wish for (am I the only one who gets a message that says "Why the hell are you wishing for THAT Wendy?) What I would like to add to my closet this winter from J Crew is simply this:
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| cashmere T in snow |
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| cashmere Tippi in Heather sky |
Lest you think I have gone all neutral and sensible on you, there are a couple of other things I would love to see in my closet:
and
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| oh and that bobbly sweater is pretty nice, too... ;-) |
The image that made my heart sing was:
But here is the thing: I am a self-employed writer (okay, should I say "I want to be a self-employed writer" given I have made no money doing it yet????) working from home.
And despite my love of them, I am often timid to bring them out except for "events". But here is the other thing: I have almost no events. (wait till I start book signings!
So my question to you and the challenge for me - how can I incorporate these items into my everyday wardrobe? With sensible shoes and boots and no heels. Without statement necklaces?
I do not want to leave things for "special occasions" so much anymore (well except for fancy dresses!) - if it is in my closet, it needs to work for me, dammit!
I know you will all have strong opinions about how to do this well and I can't wait to hear them. Or you will tell me that it is impossible and get over it! Either way, it will be appreciated!
Have an awesome Thursday and stay safe out there!
agreed, colors and quality of material (texture) are two main reasons why I fell for the crewlade
ReplyDeleteI love neutrals, but when it comes to colour, J Crew has it hands down!
DeleteI have nothing to add as the only trousers I wear are either from lulu lemon or black jeans!
ReplyDeleteheehee! I gotta get me some of those lulu lemon pants! do you have the see-through ones that caused all the commotion?
DeleteMaybe accidentally see through as the lycra is stretched to its limits!
Deleteha!
DeleteThis is such a good question to which I have no answer. All I can say is, I love those pom pon pants and wish I had them. Seriously, though, if I didn't go outside the house to work but still went over to friends' for dinner, or hosted others at mine for dinner, or went out to dinner, that is where I would be fancy-pants-ing it up all the time. And I would probably do it with a white button-down with sleeves rolled to elbow, and either flats or heels depending on where I was going.
ReplyDeleteWell I am going to a cabin the woods this weekend, but I think that is jeans! Okay - every dinner party, etc. Maybe I could do a June Cleaver and start dressing for dinner?????
DeleteWendy see that June Cleaver really had it going on? My idol!
DeleteI *love* your fancy pants! I'm so glad that you're not waiting until special occasions to wear them. One of the wonderful things about not working for The Man anymore is complete wardrobe freedom. Every day is an event! I don't wear a lot of capris because they just aren't right for my figure, but I think they look great with flats and a cashmere sweater (like the ones you've shown) or a plain shirt. Like Funny Face, but with Go To Hell pants. :)
ReplyDeleteI like that term - Go to Hell pants! Well the things is, I'm not wearing them, but I need to! So this does help!!!
DeleteWear the fancy pants just like the chick in the second photo. Solid, comfy, snuggly sweater/tee and loafers/kikis.
ReplyDeleteI do not have fancy pants (although I am strongly leaning towards sweater pants - they look so comfy). Are they comfy? Do they wear well? Shit, through a chambray shirt on, one of kiki kids and ...you guessed it...take Barry to lunch!
PS. Not sure what the rules are in Canada but please do not think you need to start earning money before you officially declare self-employment. A lot of costs can be written off beforehand.
Deletewell I am still on full salary from old job so doubt tax man would let me - but yes, I do have to go and get my accountant up to snuff on what I am doing!
DeleteI have one pair of sweater pants from last year that I lounge in that I love! as for fancy pants - they are not as comfy as my jeans or ponte knit trousers, more comfortable than wool!
I think you could write in them with a navy Tippi and navy flats; or think of them when you are in a rough patch and stuck--go change into the fancies and the writer's block will lift!
ReplyDeleteoh good plan!!!
DeleteLove this idea!
DeleteLane has an excellent idea, inspiration pants! You should wear them to write, they could be your uniform and they you'd be able to justify the new ones!
DeleteDefinitely!
DeleteI could never wear proper trousers at home, I like to be really comfy and bend and stretch and tuck my legs under me when I sit, so it's stretch or nothing for me.
ReplyDeleteBut if anyone can pull this off at home it's you, you are Miss fancy Pants!
I'll probably offload my red ones, I think I've worn them once.
and they looked so fab on you! Someone jump on them - they are divine!
DeleteJust say no, Wendy, especially those mustard ones... I got the PomPom ones and still haven't worn them, so I am thinking of putting them on ebay.
ReplyDeleteHa! I bring my pompons out about once every three months! It is so funny - I love those avocado ones!
DeleteHow comfortable are the fancy pants?
ReplyDeleteIf they are comfy, then just rotate them in with everything else.
If they are not writer-comfy, then seize the opportunity when you can! I love the idea of dressing for dinner, actually.
I just realized I'm dressed very Canadian today. I'm at home, so not fancy: joe fresh jogging pants, roots tee, and a lulu hoodie!
No Abby, that's my prison sweats outfit you're wearing!
DeleteLululemons are a must, esp. in Vancouver. :D
DeleteYeah, true confessions here.
DeleteYou ARE wearing all Canadian brands today - how cool!!!
DeleteI agree with BB, chambray and Kikis are the way to go. Or a white tee, jean jacket and flats with a long layering necklace. Or a solid cashmere tee. I too wish I owned those pom pon trousers! However, I rarely wear pants as they crotch me. Perhaps a rise problem? I'm too enamored with skirts and dresses to find out. Wee or not, I am adding them to the list of items to "borrow" when I come to visit you.
ReplyDeleteAB, that is hilarious, they actually 'crotch me" too, what great neologism.
Deleteokay - does that mean they ride up or are too baggy in the crotch?
DeleteI think they "ride up"? In full TMI disclosure, they are uncomfortable in the crotch even if they are the right size. I am really short-waisted, so I am guessing I need a higher rise, but I don't do "mom pants," at least not until becoming a mom :-)
DeleteSo yes, they crotch me!
I love your fancy pants and i think they are an essential part of your wardrobe.Like others have said you can combine them with a chambray shirt or a cozy sweater and work them into your everyday life.
ReplyDeleteI think I will dress for dinner tonight!
DeleteSlap on a tippi or a tee, maybe throw a blazer on top if it's cold, maybe a scarf, and how about a pair of kikis? There, done. If anyone can rock the fancy pants casually, it's you!
ReplyDeleteJCJD - I see the fancy pants going to the cinema, the library, the liquor store...
DeleteChiming in to agree that chambray, or solid top (tippi, etc), possibly w/jean jacket on top of solid topper, is the way to go. I think ballet flats would be fab! I'm a lover of fancy pants, too, and while they take a bit more effort to style (for me), I never go without a compliment when wearing them, and they make my happy! My faves these days are oldies, and not super-fancy--sovereign paisley and pop art capris, polka dot pants, etc.
ReplyDeletethanks wendy!
DeleteAs much as I like them, I would never wear them around the house. They'd get wrinkled and spilled on and then I'd rack up dry cleaning bills. They would be considered a bit pretentious for everyday wear in these parts, I'm sorry to say, and they'd get a lot of looks even at a dinner party or a restaurant. I don't exactly live in fashion central here, clearly! I don't own any fancy pants because I've nowhere to wear them, but I do love yours and the outfits you've shown with them. I think you have the fun personality to carry them off. It's just personal preference ... if they make you happy, just wear them!
ReplyDeleteCate - are you sure you don't live in my town? That would describe here as well! That may be part of the issue!
DeleteNo but that would be fun! I hope you didn't take that as my opinion, it's just the vibe I get around here in general. I like them, personally!
DeleteOh no - I think you are right. People are mostly in uniforms here. There isn't a lot of style..
DeleteThe fancy pants are really true to your personal style, so if they are comfortable to sit and write in, definitely wear them around the house. They don't need a special occasion to be worn (...says the person who owns three pairs of fancy pants and rarely wears them. In my defence, having 2 small children around means the chances of stains and spills is very high.)
ReplyDeleteHi Louise - I think that I am as likely to spill and stain as your children! You rarely wear them and you are in the city! woe is me! ;-)
DeleteI would have to agree with Louise above ^. Make every day an occasion to wear them. ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is the "use the good stuff" mantra, isn't it? I should have done that with my wedding gown!
DeleteI can't believe I'm just thinking of this now but you have a style twin in my neighbourhood, and she is very literary as well, she owns our famous bookstore downtown. She walks by my house on her way to work and guess what she wears every day: Fancy Pants (many I recognize from JCrew) with a sweater and jean jacket or chambray shirt in warmer weather. Flat shoes. I wonder how she'll wear them in winter, I'm going to stare out my window even more to do the research!
ReplyDeleteI love your collection of fancy pants.
Ooh I have a style twin besides Tiffany Rose? Yippee!! What is the name of the shop - must stalk! If I come back to town this fall, that could be a fancy pants outing!
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteI love fancy pants and am starting to try them in my wardrobe. I ordered the Pinot Noir-the color is among my favorite and I'm hoping it translates well IRL. The new cobalt tweed at J Crew looks semi-fancy and might be nice for working at home-though my VPS had not seen them and could not tell me if the color is bright-which could be jarring. I'd wear at home, as long as they're comfortable and easy to clean, with a casual top and easy shoes.
ReplyDeleteLet us know the verdict!
Hi Julie - I have missed the cobalt tweed - scurried off to look - they are quite lovely! they would look amazing with my cobalt boiled wool moto jacket!
DeleteI have decided to try and incorporate them and wear them as much as possible and toned down as folks have suggested! let me know how it works for you, too!
Also - how are the feet these days? Have been thinking of your feet as I cleaned out my shoe closet - any thing that pinched or felt uncomfortable is long gone!
Hi There-The feet - actually left foot - is still troubling me a bit. I've gotten new orthodics for my Nikes and those help, though I find myself changing shoes a couple of times a day. I have also done a few strengthening exercises in Pilates but the jury is out on those. It is too warm here for boots which tend to be the happiest place for my feet.
DeleteGood job getting rid of uncomfortable shoes....I've done the same, though some have stayed for the rare "car to bar" excursion.
Oh me too - I left some pumps and then 2 pairs of sexy shoes!
DeleteGot back from a biz trip just in time for this chat. Well, you know what my vote is. I think T-shirts, chambray and sweaters with ballet flats. Don't you host dinner parties? Meeting a friend for lunch or cocktails. The bookstore, art gallery, museum, a musical or a play? A date with Barry of course. It doesn't have to be an event as long as you want to wear them and feel comfortable. People at work don't even blink anymore when I show up in sequins and they expect me in fancy pants. ;)
ReplyDeleteI would love to be in your workplace! thanks for the good advice, TR!
DeleteI love the fancy pants, although I wonder if they're actually comfortable? That's my criteria for home wear. If something is too fiddly I just won't wear it in the end, much as I might like it, and it'll go to waste. As for styling, I'd do a thin cashmere sweater in a dark colour and matching flat shoes. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Heidi - I have one pair that would be but the rest are definitely for nice wear or for dressing for dinner!
Delete