As I said in this post, leggings are not an acceptable substitute for pants. Never. Never ever ever. Especially, I feel, while camping, when you need something sturdy to protect your legs. In my camping expeditions, I have found a wonderful alternative item of clothing to cover my bottom half. Before I reveal what it is, let's take a little quiz.

Question 1: While camping, I often find myself...
a. hiking through shrubbery
b. climbing on rocks
c. falling down in the mud
d. all of the above
e. none of the above, but I want to be prepared for anything.

Question 2: When camping, I want an item of clothing that...
a. allows for freedom of movement
b. will wash easily
c. won't readily tear
d. looks awesome with the rest of my camping ensemble
e. all of the above.

Question 3: Ideally, my camping clothes should...
a. transfer easily into my regular wardrobe
b. look totally cute
c. be something I could wear again and again
d. all of the above.


Ready? If you answered d (or e) to any or all of the previous questions, then I think you'll be on board with my choice: corduroy.

Cords are awesome. They're sturdy, they don't stain easily, most of them are made with some stretch so they can fit close while still allowing you to move, they're thick enough to keep you warm, and best of all, they're cute and can also go with any number of non-camping outfits.

Choose a skinny or a bootcut cord depending on whether you like to wear your boots inside or outside your pants. If you don't plan on wearing boots while you're camping, then just pick whichever style you like best. Here are some cords that I think would be great for camping:

1. Boot cut cords, $54.50, Gap (link)
2. Real straight cords, $54.50, Gap (link)
3. Women's Mid-Rise Cord Trousers, $29.50, Old Navy (link)
4. AE Skinny Cord, $39.50, American Eagle (link)
5. Toothpick ankle cord, on sale $69.50, J. Crew (link)
6. Vintage matchstick cord, on sale $69.50, J. Crew (link)
7. Stretch bootcut cord, on sale $69.50, J. Crew (link)

I love Jessica Schroeder's fashion blog, What I Wore. She does a most excellent job of using vintage items to create a classic, yet modern style. I am very inspired by her site.

However, I felt disturbed after watching this episode of What I Wore TV, entitled Camping Chic:

I got this in my e-mail this morning:

If I hadn't banned myself from shopping until the New Year, I would be all over this! I love the super chic vintage feel of Tulle. I usually stay away from all stores on Black Friday because I'm afraid for my life, so online shopping would be the way to go for me. Are any of you big Day After Thanksgiving shoppers?

I'm assuming that "site wide" means that everything is 50% off, but I've been burned by Tulle promotions before, so if you're planning on taking advantage of this sale, I would advise you to proceed with caution.

Here are some of my favorite things (prices reflect a 50% deduction):


1. Chambray Pencil Dress, $20.70 (link)
2. Denim Canvas Pencil Skirt, $35 (link)
3. Striped Twill Pencil Skirt, $27.50 (link)
4. Tone-Tone Pullover, $19 (link)
5. Scallop Knit Cardigan, $18 (link)
6. Diamond Knit Belted Cardigan, $15.60 (link)
7. Tweed Shawl Collar Sweater, $15.75 (link)
8. Ruffle Tee, $16.50 (link)
9. Vintage Wool Ruffle Coat, $42.50 (link)
10. Double Breasted Houndstooth Jacket, $31.50 (link)


So, are you going to buy anything at the Tulle Black Friday sale?

It's down from $110 at Ann Taylor. The puffed sleeves, the satin bow, the chiffon overlay, the delicate pink color -- I love how soft and feminine it is.

Here's what I would wear it with:


1. Pleated denim jacket, $59.50, Gap (link)
2. Chandelier necklace, $24.99, Banana Republic (link)
3. Perfect Bow Short Sleeve Sweater, $49.99, Ann Taylor (link)
4. Moss green shoulder bag, $34.99, Ruche (link)
5. Real straight cords, $54.50, Gap (link)
6. Gambia Slouchy Boot, $19.50, Forever 21 (link)

total: $243.47

I haven't gotten my LBD back from the tailor yet (I haven't even gone in for a fitting yet -- I need to call them today and make sure everything is okay), but I decided it was time for me to seriously think about the shoes I'm going to wear to the wedding.

To match the rest of the wedding party, I need to wear silver, black, or teal. I love the idea of pumps with a high heel (but not over 4 inches; I don't want to be too much taller than my husband) and maybe a platform. I don't like shoes with really pointy toes, because I feel like they make my already-large feet look even bigger. Silver or teal pumps could be pretty basic, because the color is enough to make them stand out -- black shoes would need some kind of detail. I'm thinking closed back and toe, because it will be December and I'll be standing outside for hours taking pictures. I definitely want something classic and sexy and endlessly rewearable, and under $50.

Here's what I found:

Silver:

1. Pleaser Women's Vanity Pump, $33.95, Endless (link)
2. Charles Albert Women's Spirit Pump, $29.95, Endless (link)
3. Michael Antonio Women's Lotus Pump, $39.95, Endless (link)
4. Crinkled Metallic Platforms, $24.99, Charlotte Russe (link)

Teal:

The Etsy seller I'm featuring today has been one of my favorite sellers for a while. I bought the Tiny Blue Pebble Accent Necklace for my sister Alice for Christmas last year, and I didn't want to give it away! (I did give it away, and now Alice's two-year-old daughter Kate is envious also.)

VerreEncore uses a process called enameling, which means that she fuses glass to metal at a temperature of 1500˚, which results in very vibrant colors. It's surprising to me, because of the method that she uses, that her items are so delicate and feminine.

Here are some of my favorites:


1. Swooping Swallow Pendant, $38 (link)
2. Trio La Mere Necklace, $40 (link)
3. Extraordinary Canary Pendant, $38 (link)
4. Sweetheart Necklace, $33 (link)
5. Tiny Blue Pebble Accent Necklace, $25 (link)
6. Hummingbird Pendant, $38 (link)

www.etsy.com/shop/VerreEncore

I don't remember exactly how I came across this necklace on Etsy, but I do remember that I instantly fell for it. I love the bright, happy colors -- it seems like such a fun accessory!


1. Military Patrol Jacket, $37.80, Forever 21 (link)
2. Textured jersey satin-trim tee, on sale $19.99, J. Crew (link)
3. Merino Wool Felt Necklace, $40, Crafts2Cherish @ Etsy (link)
4. Merona Large Hobo, $24.99, Target (link)
5. Artist Jean, on sale $39.95, American Eagle (link)
6. Kimchi Blue Linen Skimmer, on sale $19.99, Urban Outfitters (link)
7. Small idiom bangle, on sale $29, Kate Spade (link)

total: $211.72