What to Wear

I like this. My chin gets so cold i winter

I like this. It looks warm

I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it here on the blog or not, but I have a new book coming out next week, and in order to promote the book, I’ll be showing up at a few bookstores to do readings/signings.  Of course, I’ve known about this for months, but it was only two days ago that I realized that I should find something nice to wear to these events.  A little dress is what I had in mind. Something understated but flattering. Not something that necessarily says, “Wow!” but, rather, something that says “Look, let’s not kid ourselves, I’m no spring chicken but nonetheless feel it’s important to make an effort.”

I guess a cheerful frock is what I had in mind.  So I went shopping. I went shopping online, because that’s the only kind of shopping that you can do from your beddesk, and what I learned is that I really should get out more. Fashion has really changed.

There’s so much I love about the outfit below. The welding mask, of course, is genius. I imagine it’s hard to see people yawning and dozing during your reading when wearing this. Plus, they really cover up the crow’s feet nicely.  The little coat/dress is adorable and I love nothing more than a fetlocked hoof boot.

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Because my camel toe booties are getting a little worn out:

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I actually have the outfit below in my closet. It’s my daughter’s costume from a 6th grade dance recital with an old Christmas tree skirt thrown over it. Fabulous!:

amsterdam-fashion-week-esr-kruyer-spring-summer-womens-aifw

I love this smart little number because it’s practical. It appears to come with BSI protection attached. For you non-EMTs, BSI stands for Body Substance Isolation and usually, you have to put on gloves or a gown in order to protect yourself, but in this dress you’re already kitted out to deliver a baby or stop a spurting artery because the outfit is actually laminated.

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I like this outfit because I think the skort is always a little risky when worn as part of a suit.  I’m  not sure it works, so just in case, this ensemble includes a carrot chapeau which is certain to draw one’s eye away from the sassy culotte:

Moschino-Cheap-and-Chic-Spring-Summer-2012-Women

So I’ve got some great choices. Now to narrow it down to just one.

Comments

  1. Lisa Sage says:

    Buwaahhhaaaaa! As always, you made me giggle. Best of luck finding an appropriate outfit–you have so many choices, I’m sure it will be difficult…why not the BSI dress with the carrot chapeau…practical AND a little something extra. Personally, I predict a little black dress, but that’s just me :) Hoping to see you in Milwaukee on 1/30! I pre-ordered the book from Amazon so I can read it beforehand. I can’t wait!

  2. I love those camel toe boots! I would wear those.

  3. Hahaha!!!! You are one of the funniest people ever:-) After your book tour Denis should take you along to do some stand-up, seriously. Congratulations again on your book coming out. Can’t wait to read it! Have a great day!

  4. Jennifer Almquist says:

    Okay, clearly you have found the topic for your next book. Fashion reviews! Very funny! Although, I cannot imagine you would look bad in anything!

  5. If you don’t wear the carrot on the head and the camel toe boots, i’m not coming.

  6. Quinn Sutherland says:

    Every woman should own one little black hazmat suit.

  7. Shorts + carrot hat, FTW. Maybe add the welding mask for good measure.

  8. Ahhhh HA!!! just catching my breath after supersonic laughing.
    Hilarious.

    Can’t wait to see the final choice.

    You getting book birthing sensations? Braxton Books or something?

  9. You are a riot! Just finishing your first book, can’t wait to read the next two. So glad I found you, you make me laugh! Loving the first book!

  10. 3 review copies spotted at Strand yesterday. Bought one of them to get early start, but I have regular price iBooks copy on pre-order. As atonement for cheapo purchase will give hard copy to relative who otherwise likely would not have purchased with suggestion she seek out earlier work. No fashion advice available from this quarter. Good luck.

    • Ann Leary says:

      CB, I have no idea what is going on at Strand. You’re the third person who’s told me they bought my new book there. They’re not supposed to sell the reviewer’s copies. Was it outside on a table or in the store?

      • In the store, lower level, in “new books half-price.”

      • Strand has always sold review copies for donkey’s years… You can tell because most of the people who sell their copies to Strand usually leave the one-page promo letter from the publisher somewhere inside the book.

  11. Don’t wear the boots; if you do, no one will pay any attention to the readings…

  12. jen duncan says:

    I vote for the bsi dress with the camel toe booties and the carrot hat just for a touch of wimsy! Oh, and you must don a pair of medical gloves.

  13. What is more important is what will the bloggers wear to your signings???? I have been fretting over this for weeks. You always look marvelous!!! I am not sure about the Carrot Hat in the Windy City? Probably need a bullet proof vest of some type. I am just hoping that I am over this ebola flu that has captured me for weeks now. Perhaps the hazmat suit would work in the event that I am still a walking petri dish.

    Hmmm, can’t wait to see what fashion style you come up with!

    • Ann Leary says:

      Mary, I hadn’t thought of that, but I am going to be exposing everybody to all the germs and viruses I will no doubt pick up on the airplanes. I think I better wear a surgical mask and latex gloves to be on the safe side. Do they make a full-body condom? Something like that would be ideal.

  14. Betsy Madlem says:

    Ann, can you please insert into this posting the link to The Hickory Stick Bookstore which allows us to not only purchase your new book but have it signed by you. I have searched through the past few weeks of postings, but can’t find the link you provided before. Procrastination is my hobby (especially when it comes to spending money), but I’m definitely buying The Good House, so why shouldn’t your signature be inside it??? Thanks in advance, Ann.

    • Ann Leary says:

      Hi Betsy and anyone else, just call the the Hickory Stick Bookshop (860)868-0525. I’ll stop in and sign your book for you and they’ll ship it off to you anywhere in the United States or Canada.

  15. I think you should wear a “House” dress.

  16. Christine says:

    I am certain I saw the carrot hat on a episode of Captain Kangaroo! I can’t remember who wore it because I was only 5 when I watched the show.

    You will look fabulous…..as always!!!!!

    Mary L. brings up a good point…”what will the bloggers wear?” I have no idea. But it does give me a good reason to go shopping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Remember the man cape you showed us that you found online?

    I was so nervous the last time I saw you. Perhaps I should wear the welding mask or send my children in to see you. They loved seeing you last time and were not the least bit nervous or shy to speak with you. They could not understand why I was so uncomfortable about introducing myself to you. After meeting you they said they didn’t know what my ‘problem was’. I reminded my daughter that when I took her to see Luna and Molly from The Big Comfy Couch she was so nervous she couldn’t even talk. She was in a trance. My son became frozen when he met Mary Poppins in Disney. He couldn’t speak and when Mary Poppins touched his cheek he swore he would not wash his face ever….. I have to say his face did look a little grimy towards the end of that vacation! After those two examples, they understood. :)

  17. Helena, I love the idea of a house coat. My grandmother always wore an apron/house coat. I have an old house coat of hers in my bureau that always makes me smile when I am desperately looking for that one t shirt I have to wear.
    Ann, you will look wonderful and I am sure charm all. (You could borrow my grandma’s house coat. It has snaps.)
    I like seeing good hearted people can be successful. Also, I would choose the photo of your dog and fireplace as a Christmas card. It is very peaceful. Take care, Judy

  18. Can’t wait for your book to pop onto my Kindle. Thanks SO much for the huge belly laugh at your clothing options, despite the fact that it caused a coughing fit from this rotten cold that nearly required a rescue inhaler.

    Think you should keep looking for the perfect outfit; not a one of those looks remotely comfortable.

  19. I may choose a simple knit dress. This is apropo to nothing, but I would like to acquire a Great Dane. I have to do much more research on this. How will little Lily Belle get along with such a huge canine? I’ve seen a woman walk a Newfoundland who is very well behaved. And that thing is humongous. I’ve been told GDs are gentle, in general. I do want one, but perhaps a golden retriever will do as well.

    I haven’t been here for awhile, perhaps this post will end up in moderation again. Any comments/opinions (especially those with experiece with Great Danes) welcome.

    Gloria

  20. This is probably not the look you’ll be going for on a book tour, but I just had to remark – isn’t is funny how well Irish wolfhound and camouflage match?

    http://youtu.be/LVeBHwRbXB0

    I love that ad. Irish wolfhounds are my dream dog…

  21. Michele Carter says:

    Hi Ann,
    What a frigging riot. The carrot excited me so much I went to the fridge and tried it on. I almost fell over laughing. The fashions on the walk way are literally out of this world. lol. A simple dress and some small understated accessories. The little black dress is adorable but daytime I would get a brighter color. You will look awesome!!! Although you get a pair of UGG’s and wear them with the cute dress.lol. Might start a trend Ann. Best wishes on your book signing. Say hi to Denis for me. I just live about 25 min. from Andrea Roth’s hometown. London, Ont. Tell Denis I want a Rescue Me 2 series!!!!

  22. Cher Golden Lago says:

    Ann,
    Just don’t go to the barn to check on the horses before leaving for your book signing wearing the Carrot Hat!!! HaHa.

  23. Christina says:

    That was funny reading.. Loved it. The camel toe shoes are just horrid.I can’t imagine who on earth would wear those knowing that women in this world would never want one.. the horror. Anyway, in the pictures you have of your party, that was a great outfit. Loved the dress and the jacket. These things are a no no,but very funny in describing the fashion. Perhaps writing a piece for Vogue. That magazine needs someone to spice it up because I’m telling you that’s some boring reading. I never buy it, just glance through it here and there to see what’s new. Otherwise the articles stink. A good one that is great with articles is my favorite Vanity Fair. They have excellent writers for them… Very good magazine. Excellent book.. If there’s anyone who hasn’t read, excellent reading and won’t disappoint at all.

  24. Christina says:

    Ann’s book The Good House, which is out now is the book I’m talking about.

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