Glamour Girl

I've recently been approached (again) about writing a freelance piece for Glamour magazine.  They wanted me to share my "Casual Wear" secrets.  Here is a sample of what I submitted.

Casual Wear:  The very name conjures pictures of middle aged women in high-waisted khakis with cardigans draped effortlessly around their necks.  The modern woman wants comfort and style at a low price.

I am a creature of habit.  If I find something I like, I buy it in every color.  I also feel the need to join the Green effort and waste as little as possible (laundry soap/water).  Why change my clothes every day when I can continue to wear the same thing and be comfortable day after day?

Follow my example.  Find a pair of black yoga shorts that resemble 80s biker shorts and wear them constantly.  Even if you get some bleach on them, remember comfort is what counts (plus they age well, like jeans and wine).  There is a small possibility that your husband will groan as soon as you walk out of the closet wearing them, but you can bet he is just glad you are comfortable.  Pair them with tank tops, old t-shirts or even a sweater, if the weather warrants.  I am including an example in case you are looking for your own pair (this is an actual picture, not a stock photo).  These were affordably found at Old Navy.

There may come a time to supplement your post-work/weekend clothes collection.  I'm recommending my new favorite:  running shorts in every color.  The benefit of sporting these babies is that as you venture into public, people will assume you are a marathon runner and have recently come from a long workout (that would also explain why your hair looks like this) -  even if you are stuffing your face with a piece of Janet's Cake.  If you pick up brighter colors (as seen below), you can tell yourself they are making your legs look tanner (or distract people from noticing you haven't shaved your legs).  Again, these can be paired with any color tank top or t-shirt.  This outfit is a fan favorite.  

For those with a higher credit limit, the next style is for you.  A shirt can tell a story.  For instance, wearing a blue tie-dye t-shirt with a number of vicious looking alligators all over the front says I'm tough yet beautiful.  Believe me, no one at Wal-Mart is going to mess with you when you show up with this bad boy (shown below with black sandals that dress up any outfit).   Don't mind my hair in the picture below, I just got done training for the marathon.

It seems cruel to possess these Casual Wear secrets and not share them.  Feel free to give your husband our address so he knows where to send the thank you cards after your transformation is complete.