Dear Boo and Lulu

Thought I’d start a formal blog series on classic items that every woman should have in her wardrobe.  Blog posts on fashion classics or staples have been done and most women basically have the same set of 10-20 key pieces listed.  Nina Garcia’s book, “The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own” went as far as (the title is a spoiler alert) listing 100 key pieces.  So what makes this series different?  Maybe not much except the items that I’ll be listing suit my life and personal style, specifically:

• lifestyle:  married, busy full time working mom of two girls, 11 and 14
• age:  40’s (we’ll leave it at that)
• fashion style:  classic, girly, and somewhat preppy (check out my Instagram page [bottom right] for a quick glance at my OOTD’s)
• budget:  admittedly, I’m an avid shopper (euphemism for shopaholic) so my budget is often blown when the mood hits me.  For the most part, I shop at the same retailers that suit my style like:  J.Crew, Loft, Ann Taylor, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Gap, Madewell, The Limited, Nordstrom, Forever 21, etc.  Depending on the timing or item, these stores carry items that are reasonably priced.
• workplace attire:  although I work in the corporate world, my actual office is at a satellite location and my manager and peers are scattered throughout the country.  All my meetings are done over the phone or video conference.  This scenario gives me freedom in my work attire; my daily uniform consists of dark jeans or trousers, blazer or cardigan and a nice top or sweater with boots or flats.
• home state:  I live in the beautiful state of Colorado where all four seasons have been known to make an appearance in the same day – we have a saying here:  “Don’t like the weather?  Wait a couple of hours”.  Of course, the weather plays a big part in what we wear each day; I firmly believe in being comfortable depending on how cold or hot it is in any given day.

All that practicality aside, there’s also the emotional or psychological aspect of fashion.  What does that mean?  Clothes can evoke a response, a feeling, whether positive or negative from the wearer or the spectator.  For example, as a rule, I try to wear only those that make me smile or happy.  If my outfit doesn’t spark joy as I get ready in the morning, then I shouldn’t wear or keep it.  Related to my wardrobe staples, I have the classics but I also like a quirky item here or there.

Lastly and more importantly, this series will show the affordable options for the staples that I will be featuring.  Let’s face it, looking fashionable can become taxing on the wallet but it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy these items.  We just need to be more resourceful and seek the help of fellow bloggers and our readers.

So without further ado, my first item is apropos for the Summer weather that’s sneaking up on us:  The dreaded White Skinny Jeans.  I did a post on white pants/jeans as a summer classic (see here) last year but this one is focused solely on the white skinny jeans.  Although I firmly believe that white jeans are a year-round staple, they’re the most fun to wear during the warmer months starting with Spring.  Now skinny jeans in general are tough for most women; in the white version, it’s a downright therapy-inducing prospect.  For some, wearing or finding the right pair of white jeans can be a daunting task.  Thankfully, the rest of the world recognizes its place in our closet.  Nowadays, this staple is easier to find in many cuts, styles, fabric, price points, etc.  My favorite is the Old Navy version.

Old Navy Rock Star Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans:

Material:  The latest incarnation of this Old Navy perennial is (IMO) even better than the previous version.  The front pockets are made of nude material (genius!).  The fabric is not as thick but still substantial:  91% cotton, 7% elasterel, 2% spandex.  It’s not see-through but still would advise wearing nude undies to be safe.

Fit:  This year’s version fits the same as the last one; I got the same size 6 and it fits well.  The mid-rise is great for those of us no longer blessed with a flat tummy.  I have big calves which often means a sausage effect in that area when it comes to skinny jeans and this one is no exception but it’s not uncomfortable.  The stretch gives it a nice fit but not so much that you have a saggy behind by the end of the day.

Sizing:  It comes in short, regular, petite and tall and is true to size for me.  For reference, I’m 5’4″ and 130# – I have this in size 6 regular.  The Rock Star is a fan favorite so the stock is now limited online; but there may be more options in store.

Price:  This is regularly priced at $34.94 but we all know, Old Navy has a promotion going on all the time.  I think it’s a great value even at its regular price.

Overall:  I give this four out of 5 stars.

One of the things that attract me to white jeans is its versatility; it can be dressed up or down easily…pair it with a blazer/cardigan, a fun tee and flats or wedges.  Here I have it styled with a simple chambray top with fun quilting from Loft  (now on sale) and a pair of leather sandals from Madewell…classically summer.

I will purchase this style time and time again; I hope Old Navy never discontinues it. By the way, it also comes out in pastel colors during the Spring season.  That’s it for now!