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This is a compensated review from BlogHer and JCPenney.
I have the world's best job. Seriously. I get to spend my days looking at shoes and talking to people about what to wear. The only thing that could possibly make it any better would be actually getting to go shopping, in a real store, with these people, and spend an hour in a dressing room trying stuff on.
And thanks to BlogHer and JCPenney, I'm getting to do precisely that.
JCPenney generously provided eight bloggers from the Oklahoma City area with $300 to shop for fall -- and even better, they got to shop with ME! (Okay maybe not better, but it really was fun.) We spent a lot of time looking at how to make the fall trends work for each of these women; over the next four weeks, I'll be sharing tips and tricks from our shopping trips to help you work the trends in your own closet.
What are the big trends for fall? JCPenney has identified six trends that they love: cardigans, menswear, ruffles, patent, bold color, and wide-leg pants. Not all of these trends will work for everyone, but they are all worth considering.
First up is Jordan from Anarchy in the OK. She describes her look this way: "I dress like I did in college because it was comfortable and functional and I'm Peter Pan and don't want to grow up. Luckily I have a job where this is acceptable."
Yeah, no, not buying that as an excuse. It's time to start dressing like an adult.
There are a few things not working about Jordan's Before look: she has a great figure, but it's lost in all that fabric ("Contrary to what you might think after looking at this photo," Jordan wrote, "I am not Amish"). The long skirt and turtleneck is also making her look very young, but not in a good way.
And don't even get me started about the clogs. WITH SOCKS. Oh my.
Jordan and I shopped for pieces that would give her some shape -- she has a tiny little waist, but she was hiding it under that long top -- and would show off her legs. We wound up with this:
This outfit works well for a couple of reasons. The high, wide waist of the skirt defines Jordan's waist without adding any bulk through the middle. The sweater is perfect for fall (it's not all that cold in Oklahoma, frankly) and lets Jordan participate in a trend (purple!) without being too trendy. She chose some great purple patent ankle strap flats to complete the look.
No more long skirt and clogs! Jordan looks grown up and pulled together and totally hott. In a really work-appropriate way, though. Of course.
Jordan's sweater is available on line and in stores for $31.99; her skirt is no longer available, but you can get the same look with these fabulous wide-leg trousers, available for $34.99. If the ankle strap flats aren't your style, check out these pointy patent flats! So cute, and only $34.99.
This look works well for anyone with a long waist; the high waistband defines your midsection and gives you some shape. Jordan is very slim through the shoulders, so we started her in a size small sweater, but the sleeves were pulling; she went with a medium because it fit well through the top. The sweater is long enough to tuck without it popping out of her skirt, and she can wear it out over cropped pants with a big belt (again, to define her waist).
A paper bag skirt like this one, or a great pair of wide-leg trousers, are a nice alternative to jeans for young moms on the go. Pair with flats and a beautiful sweater in one of fall's jewel tones and you will look polished and grown up.
No more Peter Pan here!
This post is the first in a series -- stay tuned for more shopping
reports, and click over to Anarchy in the OK to see what else Jordan went home with! (And I shopped, too! That's coming soon as well!) Would YOU like to shop with me? You can! BlogHer and JCPenney are giving away a $300 shopping spree,
