2013: Embracing the Casual

I decided to end 2012 by doing the unthinkable.

I. Bought. Pants. Made. Of. Denim. On. Purpose.

Not only did I buy jeans, I bought skinny jeans AND jeggings.

If you know me, then you know this purchase goes against everything I stand for. I am almost always in a dress and can no longer keep track of how many I own. I shop online when I'm stressed.* I'm pretty sure that my picture is framed in the corporate office of 6pm.com. Only recently did I hop on the leggings bandwagon, and that is because I feel that they are sweatpants that I can wear in public.

My explanation for my strong hatred of pants is simple - I don't find them to be comfortable. I carry my weight in my midsection and butt, so trying to button anything across my tummy is annoying to me. Even if pants are loose, I still find the button to be irritating. Perhaps it's my free spirit not wanting to be restricted?**

Truthfully, dresses are easy - and I'm lazy. Wearing pants means that I need to pick out an appropriate top, and when I'm struggling to get out of bed, the last thing I want to do is ask myself if my shirt is safe for work. Wearing a dress from the Lauren Cooney Business Fabulous Collection is quick and simple.

So what made me buy jeans?

Brandi Glanville.

You see, I have a number of vices. While dresses are my main vice, stilettos, prosecco and the Bravo network are tied for second. There are few things that bring me as much joy as a Real Housewives marathon and a glass of prosecco.

I was watching an episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills a few weeks ago. The ladies were gathering for lunch at Lisa Vanderpump's restaurant, each looking like they walked straight off the set of Dynasty. Look, I love dresses and glamour as much as anyone, but sequined dresses are not appropriate for a weekday lunch.

Enter Brandi. Wearing a simple white button-down shirt, skinny jeans and straight hair, Brandi looked stunning. She was fabulous and casual at the same time - she had achieved the impossible.

"I could be casual," I thought. "I can wear jeans and tops just like Brandi."

But then that little voice of doubt spoke up...

"She's a 6' tall model. You're 5'8" and just polished off a bag of chips."

I finished my glass of prosecco, told my voice of doubt to shut it, and went on The Limited's website.

My sister, Allie, introduced me to The Limited last year when I needed some new suits. I hate buying suits, but they're a necessary evil for my job. Color me surprised when I found that The Limited makes suits that are both cute and comfortable - and affordable! Their pants fit me well, and I decided to give their denim a shot.

I ordered their coated jean leggings, which are black jeggings with a little bit of sparkle. My size varies between two numbers, and I intended to order the larger size, so that the jeggings wouldn't be too tight. I decided to read the reviews before ordering, and I'm glad that I did. Most people advised to order the smaller size if you were between sizes, since the jeggings stretch a bit. I am glad that I did! They are definitely snug on the legs, but they stretch a lot in the waist. They would've been too big if I had ordered the larger size.

I ordered jeans because I wanted something to wear to work on casual Fridays. These are definitely not work appropriate, but perfect for a night out.

I also ordered the 678 5-pocket skinny jeans. These intimidated the hell out of me, as I have never worn skinny jeans. I tried these on and immediately loved them. They are so comfortable! They stretch just enough and are work appropriate. Tom, my unmarried domestic partner (or boyfriend, for short) took notice of my new jeans and declared himself a fan.

One of my resolutions for 2013 is to take more risks. I suppose it's time to take my first risk - the risk of being casual.

*On the day I resigned from my last job, I bought 7 dresses. That was not my finest moment. I returned 2 of them.
**Said the uptight girl with the Type A personality. Free spirit my ass.