"Luxury Must Be Comfortable. Otherwise, it is Not Luxury" Coco Chanel

I'd been reading Nina Garcia's newest book, The Style Strategy, all week long. She's the previous editor of Elle magazine, the fashion director of Marie Claire, and one of the judges on Project Runway. I've mentioned her other two books before, great mindless reads that kind of teach and inspire about fashion at the same time. This newest book is a primer on how to keep your wardrobe updated in these tough economic times. She once again runs through the fashion classics, must-have items that you should build your wardrobe around. But the main theme of the book is how to care for, update and recycle what you have, so that you don't have to spend a lot of money every fashion season.

Saturday we headed to a ballgame. The Boy was playing in yet another baseball tournament. As I reached for my jeans and tennis shoes, Nina Garcia's words of wisdom ran through my mind...how we have forgotten how to make the effort..how we need to stay away from the "sweats and tennis shoes look" at all cost. Well, in a moment of weakness, I decided to follow her instructions. I stayed with the jeans, but grabbed the beige cotton knit tank, bought close to 18 years ago. This tank has been amazing, a true testament to the fact that it is worth it to pay more if you are getting quality. I bought it in a store called Pastille in preparation for a trip to Paris. I also bought the matching skirt and a sundress...and I remember cringing at the price. But I wanted to look good in the City of Light, so I bit the bullet. 18 years later... I still think it was a good decision. The skirt had to be put to rest a few years back due to over-wear, and the sundress, though a timeless design, was also retired. But this tank just refuses to age or date. In fact, when I put it on Saturday, The Husband said "That looks nice", rare words coming from The Husband. (Little one, in her gym shorts and high tops declared "You look too fancy"). I also threw on a pair of python-wedge sandals. Now I debated over these for several minutes...but decided to go for it. The Husband would later ask me, "Are those the shoes your Vogue says to wear to a ballgame?" (The Husband is always a smart-alec.)

For the first few minutes of the game, I was happy with my wardrobe choice. I felt sporty and chic...knowing that Nina would approve of my "look". But 2 innings later, when the temperature dropped about 20 degrees and the rain moved in...I was beginning to doubt my choice. As the rainfall deluge began and Little One and I made our run for the car, I was fairly certain that I had messed up. Trying to maneuver up a hill through mud and pouring rain in 3 inch heels all of a sudden felt ridiculous. I froze all the way home, and was never so happy to throw off those heels and throw on a big cozy sweater.

The next morning, it only took me about 5 minutes to get ready. Jeans, t-shirt and flip-flops...The Husband was kind enough to remind me that it was going to get really hot, so I threw in a tank top for good measure. Little One stayed with her gym shorts and high-tops, and congratulated me for coming to my senses. "That's better!" she said. And it was. There are just some times when comfort has to take the place over chic...and the ballgame is one of them.

In the end, it was a terrific day. Not only was the weather gorgeous...but The Boy and his team won the tournament. And because I am mom, and because the brother-in-law is now thinking "Who cares what you wore...how was the game?"... I have to say that The Boy was just so good. They won 3 games in a row...and he pitched in the first and the championship. He also played first and third...and had several hits. It was fun to watch...Even the Little One, in between practicing her pitching and making 17 trips to the concession stand, declared it an "exciting game."

So that's it for the weekend re-cap. Just a reminder that you probably look the best when you feel the best....and until tomorrow, when October is almost here...