Hey everyone! So this outfit makes me feel like half a fashion blogger and half a girlfriend. Let me explain.
If you read my WordPress interview, you know that I face a surprising ethical dilemma when writing this blog. I can make it seem like every outfit is fabulous and just came together because I’m fabulous and I live a fabulous life.
Or I can tell you the real nitty-gritty details about how I came up with the outfit and show the failures as well as the successes. I can tell you the step-by-step instructions so anyone can get the same look. If you’ve been reading this blog for any amount of time, you know I always tell the nitty-gritty details and keep it real.
This outfit shows that juxtaposition perfectly. I love this outfit. I feel like a real fashion blogger in it. I feel fashionable and glamorous and even my husband/photographer commented on how nice I looked! This beautiful jacket paired with the dramatic turtleneck, skinny jeans and booties are definitely one of the most stylish outfits I’ve worn.
I knew the blue was going to be beautiful and I knew those notched collars were going to be really flattering. I also noticed how the jacket comes in just a bit to hint at a waist to give me a flattering look.
Ok, done with the fashionista and now onto the girlfriend telling you the reality.
These jeans….they’re maternity jeans. Yes, I did it. It’s been brought up several times in the comments section of this blog about the advice for apple-shaped women to try maternity jeans (ugh, I hate even writing this!) and I felt someone (me) had to try this out and report back. So, yeah, I did it. The verdict? They’re awesome! They’re comfortable beyond belief. They fit well everywhere. I bought three different pairs from different brands and they all fit perfectly, comfortably, and I wish I had not been so stubborn and tried them earlier. I’ll show you the other two in later posts. They are available here and booties here.
And just like these images show, I can go from a put-together fashionista to hot mess with one wind gust! However, even though I am still a fashion blogger, I will talk to you (and give you outfit advice) like a girlfriend would!
To finish up this half blogger/half girlfriend post let me invite you to this Blog’s First Birthday Party! If you missed the first invitation, here’s the deal-io. I want you to send me a picture of yourself rockin’ an outfit. If you learned something from this blog or got an idea or just tried something new because of the blog or comments, please send me a picture (even if you take it with your phone) of you in that outfit. If you want, I can crop the picture to not show your face and I’ll only say your first name and where you’re from. I promise it will be a fun party post and you will want to participate! Send your image to julia@whenthegirlsrule.com by this Saturday, the 18th! The party will be next Wednesday, the 22nd. and will be a blast! Remember, I always tell the truth!
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22 Comments
Love the blue of the jacket with the black jeans/shirt and your hair color. Really striking!
Thank you Carrie! I knew it was going to be a good color for me just seeing it in the store!
LOL about the jeans. So glad you tried them and that you’ll be able to report back to us, your devoted readers, about how you liked them over time.
Yes. You were one of the pushers so you’re to blame! Actually, it’s opened up a whole new world for jeans and pants!
Isn’t it amazing how small you truly are, once you don’t have to consider your waist? It just goes to show (me) how out of proportion regular pants are to my shape.
Yes! And you don’t have to accept baggy butt or only find tops that come down mid-thigh. It is a whole new world!
You look beautiful and you are gorgeous in that color! I love everything about this outfit! Perfect!
Awww, thanks Rhonda!
You *do* look like a million-and-a-half bucks in this outfit, Julia. That coat was made just for you, I think. The color and cut are perfection. You fancy fashion blogger, you. 🙂
Seriously, though, even when you look a like a million-and-a-half bucks, you are all you, so genuine and real. This is what I think of when I read your posts. (And most times, I read the posts via email with hopes of commenting later, but it takes me a while to get over to the website to comment sometimes.) Still, I appreciate how you are mindful to demonstrate the “other side” of fashion blogging–the less fancy/glamorous stuff that may not always be noticeable otherwise. You *are* like a really great friend who tells us like it is.
Hugs,
Sherry
http://www.petiteover40.com
Awww, thanks Sherry! I am the same way about visiting other’s blogs. I really want to or I am intrigued by an image on IG then my menopause brain bounces to another thought! Well, thank you for stopping by and commenting this time. I hope you’re not snowed in but are enjoying DC!
Maternity pants. It NEVER would have occurred to me. That’s brilliant.
This outfit really is great.
I can’t take credit for the idea. I think it was Bette who kept pushing it. They really are a game-changer. Thanks Bells!
You’re looking lovely, and that necklace finishes off the outfit. Maternity trousers and jeans? Now there’s a good idea. I’m wearing a pair of black skinnies today that I haven’t worn for a while. They seem to have no elastane so I have to bend my knees slowly when reaching for anything at floor level for fear of toppling over. And because they have no stretch and they are not high waisted I am displaying an ample muffin top. Now I remember why I stopped wearing them, so maternity department, here I come!
I’m so glad you tried the maternity pants, Julia! Because when it comes down to it, does it matter? Kinda like our size—who is going to know, right? But if they fit great and look great—that’s the point!!
And that blue on you is absolutely terrific!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Yes Jodie. You are right. I had a stubborn streak about them but they really do work for my shape.
how great, i love the way you’re talking like a “girlfriend.” keeping it real, that’s what i like best. maternity pants, i would never have guessed!
b
Yeah, I totally keep it real. I find that if we just make it fake fashion illusion then no one learns how to dress well. I’m all about women of all ages and sizes feeling confident!
Such a fabulous look on You and no one would know the style of jeans you are rocking because they look great. I shop every section in my stores from juniors to plus and wear whatever fits my body and pocketbook. Enjoy your Life!
Ha ha! That is a good tip Neti! Thanks!
Just saw this post on a link up and love it, LOVE IT! I love seeing what real women wear, maternity jeans and all! I’m always trying to take ordinary clothing from my everyday life and give it just a little extra something, and you always inspire me. Thank you, girlfriend!
Awww, thanks for your touching words Maggie! I’m very determined to show and tell about the real way everyday women dress so we can all learn, instead of just wishing we could look like so and so.