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Email a FriendI am a jeans and t-shirt gal myself, and though I don’t exhibit a lot of fashion sense, I do long for a cultural shift towards a more feminine look for us females. Having started with that, it may be no surprise to hear me say that I’ve been pretty dissapointed with popular looks in clothes for the last few years in particular. I feel like so much of what’s sold these days are “disposable” clothes that are flimsy, not flattering, and harken back to the 80’s with a “modern twist”. Largely the reason I stick to my high-school-era staples of jeans and t-shirts is that as much as I would love to reinvent my wardrobe, I can’t find anything that I’d love to wear in stores right now. In fact, living in a community with a large Muslim Somali population, I frequently find myself a bit envious of how beautifully feminine the women look with their elegant long skirts and draping headscarves (and they don’t have to worry about the lastest fashion, either!). I know they do it for modesty reasons, but I honestly think their attempt at modestly makes them quite a bit more beautiful and feminine than the jeans&t-shirt, short-haired, mom-on-the-go look that we’ve adopted as American women. Sadly, I think it would be too big of a jump for me to don elegant long skirts while living in a secular world that is cheering the comeback of the sweater-dress (yuck!). I suppose that leaves me in jeans and t-shirts for another season.
Fall Fashion Trends: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Posted by Hallie Lord in Reviews on Friday, October 30, 2009 12:00 PM
Hello, ladies! I’m delighted to be joining you for Faith and Family Live‘s new Fashion Friday feature!
To start things off with a bang, I thought it might be entertaining to discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of 2009’s Fall Fashion Trends (according to Glamour magazine).
Here’s a glimpse into what you may soon be seeing in a store near you, along with a bit of commentary from yours truly. (I couldn’t resist.)
1. Neon Pink: You’ll find nary a neon item of clothing in my closet but I’m not opposed to this trend. I don’t know that I’d drape myself from head to toe in neon pink, but a touch here and there could actually be kind of fun.
One-Shoulder Dresses: I happen to like shoulders. I think they’re quite becoming so the occasional bare shoulder thrown into the mix gets a thumbs-up from me.
2. Leather Pants: Um, no. I’m not a fan of the look to begin with but worse still is the potential for disaster that comes with wearing leather pants. Did you know it’s recommended that one douse herself in powder before donning leather pants? It’s true! That’s more than enough information to dissuade me!
3. Chain-Covered Booties: No, no and no. Enough said.
4. Big-Shoulder Jackets and Strapless, Ruffled Dresses: Who thought it would be a good idea to revisit the 80’s? Are not the memories, and the photographic evidence, painful enough? Are we gluttons for punishment?
(There is a bit of good news, though: For those of us on a budget we should be able to find everything we need at Goodwill!)
5. The Edgy LBD: I adore Little Black Dresses! Of course, being a fan of all things vintage I probably prefer the dresses that used to hang in Audrey Hepburn’s closet to the more modern “Edgy LBD” but I’m open to the introduction of a little more flair. Bring it on, you wild designers, you!
6. Sequins for Day: I don’t particularly like sequins at night so I’m not thrilled at the prospect of them hanging out during the day, as well, but who am I to ruin a girl’s good time? I’ll try to silence my inner killjoy.
7. The Fur Stole: Now this gets my vintage-lovin’ spirit excited! Not that I have anywhere to wear a fur stole, or the money to procure one for that matter, but you won’t get any complaints from me regarding this new trend!
8. Blanket Coats: This could be very, very dangerous. Why put down those bon-bons and hit the running trail if I can wear my Blanket Coat all day?
On second thought, I think I may actually be falling in love with you, sweet Blanket Coat.
9. Red and Pink: I like it! It sounds fun and festive. I think it’s the perfect color combination to lead us to Christmas, don’t you?
So, what say you, girls? Do the above get a yea or a nay?
Comments
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Hallie~Welcome and love the witty comments. Mmmm I run the all over the board of fashion. Love my jeans and t’s but want them fem looking and fitting. At 43 thought I would never dorn leggings again, but I do! I dress my jeans up with a shawl or wrap! I am a curvy lady so I love that fashions are starting to run the board with me so as to accomodate my my slim and hipless friends and yet I can find something flattering for my curves.
I needed to get a job a year ago with flexible hours so I went the direct sales route: Silpada Jewelry, didn’t wear much jewelery before, but now I have to say that that little accessary is a must because you can change the presentation of an outfit in a heart beat. Who would have ever thought, not me!
Ok I could go on and on with you! Love your presence and gives me Friday Fun to look forward too. Blessings
I can’t be the only reader whose clothes are older than her children. The idea of buying new clothes every season to follow the trends just blows my mind. I’m really excited about Friday Fashion, though. How ‘bout a dressing guide for us SAHM’s? I’ve lost my baby-weight (and then some) and would love to dress better, but everything I see looks like it’s for 19-yr-olds, a day at the office, or a night on the town. What outfit says “fabulous, full-time mom” and not “lazy house-frump”?
I second that! Although my kids are 2 yrs. and 5 mo. I am a different shape than before children. It would be nice to find some nice “everyday” skirts, pants and tops that would work for a SAHM, look pretty, and work for nursing….that’s a tall order, but I welcome any ideas!
Great idea, ladies! I’ll write about that soon. 
Jenny, the buying of a new wardrobe with each new season thing blows my mind, too! Still, it’s fun to see what kind of crazy stuff the designers come up every Fall and Spring.
Nice to meet you all, ladies!
Welcome Hallie! I really enjoyed your article.
I agree with the other ladies who would like some fashion advice for those of us at home full-time. Especially ideas for those of us still playing with children on the floor.
I would also really welcome an article giving us some ideas for a few inexpensive things we could purchase to update the clothes we already have. Maybe not the chain boots but a couple of other options. : )
Finally, I would love some ideas for repairing/recycling clothes we have. For example, when I wear through the knees on my jeans (from playing on the floor with kids) I purchase some really nice decorative patches at the fabric store, and mend the knees. If I sew a patch on somewhere else, it doesn’t look I just patched the knees. I’d love to hear other ideas.
Thanks again for sharing your insights.
You can update your wardrobe without buying new clothes every season. Every woman looks great in clothes she feels great in, regardless of how “trendy” they might be. Take some time to find what flatters you and makes you feel good, and then choose to buy a couple of inexpensive pieces each season that are a little more trendy or whatever.
I am a stay-home mom too, and in the summer I practically live in skirts. Old Navy, JCPenney and Target always have affordable, versatile skirts to choose from. They can be matched with simple t-shirts and cute flats, and are nursing friendly. Little things like a fun (cheap) necklace or some earrings can make a huge difference. I bought a pair of CZ studs for 5 dollars at Target, and when I wear them with a t-shirt I feel glamorous!
In the winter, jeans and plain shirts can be dressed up with the same accessories. Sometimes something as simple as a v-neck sweater with a cute camisole underneath can be a nice change from a sweatshirt. Buy clothes you can live in and feel great in, not just what is popular at the moment.
Welcome, Hallie. I’m so excited that I’ll get to a regular serving of your wit and fashion sense over here at F&F Live! One fashion trend I love for the fall is the look of subtle, soft ruffles. They’re very feminine and classy, I think.
I’m looking forward to your future fashion Fridays.
Welcome Hallie! I look forward to your regular Fashion Friday posts. I love fashion! As a former personal shopper I look forward to the twice a year runway shows to see what will be coming our way in the new season.
I am a 42 year old who was once curvy and is now an apple shape. So fitting my silhouette can be challenging but with a little work it can be done. This fall I like the longer tunics paired with leggings. So comfy, yet trendy. I also favor a fitted jean with a wonderful jacket and feminine blouse.
Dresses are my favorites though. There are so many wonderful styles out there from boho to retro. So exciting!
Looking forward to next week!
Hallie~ SO excited about this Friday Fun post! I LOVE fashion, and have always wanted to say something on my blog about how Moms can actually have a style… but I shied away from it, especially since i was afraid people would think that I am too caught up in clothing… 
But it IS good to talk about these things with each other… to give good advice and have fun with it.
Your comments made me LOL. Thank you for the shoulder comment esp. Believe it or not, it can be a hot topic… esp for those of us who live in warmer climates!
btw… I’m a funky fashion kind of gal… I love to dress as I feel.
Hello! May I, as gracefully as possible, say that starting with ‘Glamour’s’ idea of fashion was very distastful. Do you line up with their idea of fashion? There is enough pressure out there to live up to the world’s ideals that I would hope not to find that pressure here at Faith and Family. There is a young ladie’s fashion show that might be more in line than Glamour, you might want to check into it, http://www.purefashion.com. I found this site through an advertisement here on Faith and Family. Thank you.
Hi Vickie, thank you for your comment. I understand that there is a disconnect (and there should be) between Faith & Family and Glamour magazine. But that’s why I am so glad to have someone like Hallie blogging with us. She is not blindly promoting all the same things Glamour is, but picking through the latest fashions and offering a Catholic mom’s perspective on them. That’s a big part of what we try to do here at Faith & Family—offer a Catholic woman’s perspective on the culture at large. We want to equip today’s moms with the knowledge and support they need to be real representatives of Catholic living in today’s world.
Hallie I just wanted to say congratulations on your new role here! I’ve loved your blog and look forward to weekly suggestions from you.
Also, this return of the ‘80s distresses me. I looked horrible back then (granted I was a child…but you know) and I am really hoping that splatter-paint-matching-pieces for PTA moms doesn’t come back, because I am NOT going there! Eeek. hahaha
Blanket coat? Isn’t that another name for a Snuggie?
LOL! I think it must be the Snuggie gone high fashion!
welcome—I also hate to go clothes shopping, but I am much older than most of you and tend to wear my clothes until they actually “wear out”. Every so often I will pick up earrings to try to update my appearance ~ any new ideas will help though.
Hallie~ SO excited about this Friday Fun post! I LOVE fashion, and have always wanted to say something on my blog about how Moms can actually have a style… but I shied away from it, especially since i was afraid people would think that I am too caught up in clothing… raspberry But it IS good to talk about these things with each other… to give good advice and have fun with it.
Your comments made me LOL. Thank you for the shoulder comment esp. Believe it or not, it can be a hot topic… esp for those of us who live in warmer climates!
btw… I’m a funky fashion kind of gal… I love to dress as I feel. High Pressure Cleaning
I love your post!!!!! I for one would not wear any of the above pictures as is (I’m more of a classic/comfortable dresser), but I can appreciate the idea behind the exaggerated style! I love the idea of the edgy little black dress (very cute…I could see this on me….), the blanket coat, and even sequins. I just don’t think I would wear it (sequins) as a FULL jacket or pants, or whatever. Also, I love pink, I love read, but not together.
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