Lanie Beth Sinclair

I ask myself this question a lot when shopping at big box stores or department stores:  Do I shop in the Junior’s Department or do I look in the Misses Department?  And what exactly is a ‘Misses’ anyway?  And why does the Junior’s Dept. have trendier things.  Does this mean I’m getting old?  I’m 28 but come on!  Surely that doesn’t mean I’m throwing in the towel!?  Etc, etc, etc.

I’m sure you get the point of my internal rambling!

My humble opinion on the ‘Junior’s Department Debate’ is that it’s ok to shop in the junior’s department, however be forewarned of several things.

1.  Yes, the prices are cheaper, but that’s for a reason.  There are rarely high quality pieces in the Jr. department and that’s ok because most teens aren’t looking for investment pieces.  However you, as a responsible adult, are looking for investment pieces.  A sweater made of complete polyester might look ok the first time you wear it, but after 10 washes, it will look piled, cheap and ill fitting because it no doubt shrink in the wash.

Look at the sweaters below.  The first is a juniors dept. sweater, full polyester, but only $27.99

And then this sweater, which is a little more costly, is a wool/cashmere blend.  At $44 it’s a great price and looks infinitely more sophisticated and expensive.

The goal is to look ‘expensive’ (which translates in to classy and pulled-together) without actually spending alot.  It’s a delicate balance that many times the juniors department does not benefit.

2.  I’m going to be bold here and say if you are out of college, then please be wary of the junior’s department.  Not saying to always stay completely away, but edit your choices well, my friends.  Undoubtedly, the junior’s department is meant to fit…you guessed it, juniors.

There is something fabulous about the curves of a woman’s body that a teenager’s pair of jeans just do not appreciate.  The rise on the jean is more than likely around 3-5 inches and the average fit is a ‘lowrider’.  (*Note to self: stay away from anything that deems itself a ‘lowrider’*)  All you mamma’s out there….with all due respect, these are not the jeans for you (or me!).  Few things look less attractive than bending down to pick up your baby and seeing half of your lower back.  Yikes!  I have been there and since reformed my back-showing ways!

3.  Lastly, have you ever met a truly lovely and classy woman?  She probably rarely tries to look like someone she is not. When we dress younger than our age or dare I say life stage, it can be unbecoming and oddly enough, aging.  Instead of trying to dress ‘younger’ (i.e. shop in the jr’s dept.) try to aim for modern on your next shopping excursion.  By looking for pieces that are on trend and up-to-date you will inadvertently look younger without all of the hip-hugger jeans, graphic t-shirts and brand name hoodies (*shudder*).  For a more in depth look at finding the right jeans for your body, you might want to read this post.

Let me finish by saying that I am in no way judging if you LOVE the junior’s department. Actually, I love that you love it because that means you want to be on-trend!  (Aren’t clothes a fun way to express ourselves?) I just want to be your friendly reminder that you are beautiful, classy and polished. I want you to do yourself justice!  You deserve to look your best and let the rest of the world know just how fabulous you are; that means looking like you are comfortable with your life stage.

Out with the old and in with the classy and modern.  Let’s do this!

I have had this pair of black flats for 5 years now.  I thought they were so awesome when I got them.  I may or may not have used the word ‘funky’ multiple times upon purchasing them. That sort of makes me chuckle right now. Black flats.  Funky.  I love a good shoe joke, don’t you?  It was 5 years ago though, so you’l never be able to confirm my nerdiness.  Bwahaha.

ANYWAY.  They are nice shoes and super comfortable so they are sort of old faithfuls.  The toe, being so pointy, has taken quite a hit over the past 5 glorious years we have shared together, these black flats and I.  So I showed them a little love and TLC the other day and I thought you might have a neglected shoe (or 7) that could use some attention as well.  Isn’t that all we want anyway?  Just a little attention?  Nope?  That must just be me.  Ok, moving on….

I used my handy black sharpie and went to work on one of the toes.

I only did one so that you could see the difference. Here’s a before shot….And here’s the after shot.  Not bad right? Granted it doesn’t look fantastic but when they are on my feet, no one will be able to tell.  Then again, maybe that’s because I’m tall-ish?  And the fact I need glasses?  Have I mentioned this is a ‘good enough’ DIY?  That’s what I like to offer you here on this little blog: Mediocre Ways of Doing Things.  It’s sort of my specialty.        Well, now that we’ve got that cleared up, I give you the shoes side by side.  One finished and the other sitting there feeling neglected because I have not shown it any black sharpie lovin’.  See, I make such sacrifices for my blog readers.  I neglect my shoes for you!  Please don’t call the official police of Shoe Neglecting.  (Pssst…I’ll let you in on a little secret: It wouldn’t be the first time!)

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go sharpie my other 5 year old shoe and finish packing for Houston.  Shoe neglect I can handle but packing neglect?  Not so much.  I’m a terrible packer so it takes all of my energy and focus to make sure I have all the essentials.

Pjs: check.

Extra pair of Jeans: check.

License to get on the plane: check.

Socks b/c my feet get cold at night: check.

See, I told you I have everything.  If nothing else I’ll be warm on my lower half and well identified.

Priorities people, priorities.