The Hunt for Red October

Okay, not really. I did do some "hunting" in October, but nothing red came of it.

Remember a while back when I said I'm going to Mexico soon? Well, I still am. In 9 days, to be precise. And it was the opinion of O that I needed more "casual" tops.

Let me back up.

I'm not a "casual" dresser most of the time. I either get all schlumpy in my sweat pants when I know not a soul will see me, or I have heels on. I wear heels about 98% of the time I'm in real clothes (not schlumpy ones). So yeah, I'll throw on jeans but it's a rare rare day in my world that a t-shirt of any kind goes on with them. I wear tops - flowy, empire waist, strappy, printed ... the list goes on. But I'm not a jeans and tee kinda chick.

That being said, O thought I should have more "casual" tops for vacation. So we went shopping.

Let me back up again.

I'm pretty much planning to be in a bathing suit and cover-up MOST of my waking hours. So the reality is, a dress each night for dinner and something to wear ATVing, plus whatever I wear on the plane home, are all I really see me needing.

But whatever. The hubs thought I was crazy that there would be so little variety, especially of the "casual" kind (I tried to explain the wonders of a sundress, but he didn't get it).

I ended up at TJ Maxx. The goal was "tank-top style tops." I failed miserably. I did, technically, get one tank top. Technically. But it's long (covers the bum), has an asymetrical neckline and has the cutest ruffle running down the length of it on the front. It's purple. I agreed that I could wear it with my gray and purple plaid bermuda shorts on the day we take the ATV tour. Not as casual as O thought I should go, but a decent compromise.

Everything else I bought wasn't even close. I got a sweatshirt-style crop top to wear at the gym (it's got zebra's on it) and a gray t-shirt with a giant screenprinted butterfly on it (perfect with a mini skirt as a bathing suit cover up). Then I got three tops that are all the same, but slightly different. Slouchy, bat-winged, off the shoulder kind of stuff that is cute with dark wash or dressy shorts.

I did actually hit up Express the week before and got a strapless top that was on sale and I had been drooling over. Plus a very sparkly, silver sequined bandeau bra to go under a dress I'm taking with me. A complete necessity, obviously.

Anyway, I think I'm pretty set. I should have enough "casual" items to make O happy, and plenty of pieces that really speak to my style - which is becoming "grown up sexy elegance in comfortable fabrics that stretch and are forgiving." So me.

I'll put photos up after we get back.

PS. We'll be there for Halloween. I've got a DIY costume all lined up :o)