Are Sweatpants Acceptable?

So the other night Cocktails with Patrick was talking about whether or not it was acceptable to wear sweatpants in public. I was all set to call in and voice my two cents (which I never do) but I had a meeting to get to... so no calls for me. But that is why I have a blog. I can talk my two cents as much as I want!

So the jest of the conversation was - is it acceptable to wander around town wearing regular old sweats. My thought - unless you are going to the gym - NO.

I don't like looking sloppy and there are plenty of comfy alternatives to sweats.

1. Loose jeans - you don't have to wear your favorite skinnies to go running about town (although they are practically as comfy so I don't know why you wouldn't)... but you could wear a loose fit jean and a nice top.

2. Leggings - I was so anti-legging for awhile but they combine the comfort of a nice pair of tights or exercise pants with fashion. Throw on a longer top or a sweater and a pair of flats - very Audrey.

3. A dress. So overlooked but I think there is nothing more comfortable than a great fitting dress. I often fly in a black sundress - throw a sweater on in the winter (and summer actually if the plane is cold) - and flats. Its effortlessly chic and super comfortable.

Now some don'ts....

1. Sweats - Lets throw out the matching sweat suits and any pants with the ankle band. Ok to wear to the gym but not anywhere else.

2. Cocktails was talking about people wearing PJ's in public. Gross. It makes me think you didn't shower.

3. Big unflattering t-shirts. I'm ok with wearing these to the gym or to sleep in but not out in public under any circumstance.

4. Anything too tight, too short, too young, too old, etc. Look in the mirror before you leave. Did you comb your hair? Is your outfit a bit too Jersey Shore (ie too tight, too trashy, too short) then maybe you should think about giving that outfit away and changing. My biggest advice is to buy something in your size - whether you're an xsmall or an xxlarge. No one is looking at that tag but you! If it bugs you cut the tag out. Hoping you're a size 2 and you're really an 8 will only make you look bigger.

What are you pet peeves? Let's talk comfy clothes for now... we'll do another post on dress/work.

Obsessions Fall 2009

Ok I have to admit about every other month or so I get obsessed with finding one object to fill my fashion dreams. In the spring it was a bright yellow purse (I went to two malls, two Marshalls and finally found one in SteinMart). For months yellow was my go-to neutral (whether or not it’s actually a neutral is debatable but it looks delicious with almost everything). Last fall it was Rihanna-inspired ankle boots. The most perfect little Nine West black leather boots with a piece that folded over and was buckled down on one side. I went to three malls begging Macy’s to keep calling to find my new love. I finally tracked them down, bought them and they have sat in my closet since then. I love them but my wardrobe is probably more Audrey Hepburn than Rihanna and I need to add some more rocker pieces to make it work.

So my latest obsessions for fall are leggings and boots.

I love boots. I can’t begin to even explain how wonderful it feels to find a good pair of boots. I remember this scene from friends where Rachel is trying to explain buying a pair of boots and I can see how no one else gets it but I want to yell, “I get it Rachel.” Shoes can make your wardrobe and a hot pair of boots can make your fall and winter. The problem with boots is when you wear them everyday they barely make it through one season. So a few weeks ago I trotted off to Macy’s in search of my new winter boots. I went in thinking I’d be good, I need black boots. I won’t even look at the other boots. But all those shiny leather boots stared back at me practically begging me to try them on. I ended up with three pairs.

So my must have boots this fall, well I got my black work boots – every girl needs a good pair of black leather boots. Not too sexy (no thigh-high boots unless your job is something akin to Julia Roberts’ in Pretty Woman) and work appropriate - perfect under slacks or with dresses or skirts.

My two other pairs are my love of the season – the slouchy boot. You know the type; you can pull them up so they are just slightly slouchy or push them down so they have little ripples running down your legs. I got two pairs, one with a heel in black (they are casual – you have to have a casual and a dressy pair) and a brown pair that’s flat.

My second love is leggings. I’m late to jump on this fashion bandwagon (or trend-wagon?). I wore leggings the first go-round in the 80’s and was protesting them for that reason alone. Except on one shopping trip to New York and Company they had a special, buy a tunic and get a pair of leggings for free. I encourage you to try them. It’s like wearing work out pants only more stylish. You can wear them with flats or heels. I haven’t tried them with a skirt or dress – I don’t want to look like an 18 year old. But I love them with long tunics. Make sure the tunic covers your butt – it’s actually probably good if it hits mid-thigh, anything shorter is too short.

So those are my two obsessions right now – what are yours? Comment and we can discuss.