<p>That’s OK; my DH doesn’t get a years-long fascination with College Confidential!</p>
<p>As a city dweller, I’m obsessed with bags (carryalls) for schlepping my stuff around. I find leather, although good looking, to be way too heavy, once it’s loaded down with everything, and a laptop? Forget it. Although I don’t much like the way it looks, I’ve gone with backpacks, to save my neck and back. Also, we seem to have a bunch of them (cast-offs from my kids?), so I get to look especially unfashionable and bulky. I know they’re not trendy, but I would love to find a good looking one that doesn’t look like I’m about to go climb a mountain.</p>
<p>Can I ask a new question?? I am attending a mom-daughter sorority tea. What would be appropriate dress? I am a very casual person (lots of denim) so I am not sure what to wear. The school is southern, conservative vibe. I am not wearing white gloves!</p>
<p>bela: Check out Longchamp bags. Saks and Bloomingdales have them on their website. There’s a kind of tote that’s made of a nylon-y parachute-y material. It’s very light, and in my case has been quite durable. This is what I carry:</p>
<p>[Longchamp</a> - Large Foldable Tote - Saks.com](<a href=“http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER<>folder_id=282574492709211&PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524444768851&R=671194172431&P_name=Longchamp&sid=1201E30D7E08&ASSORTMENT<>ast_id=1408474399545537&bmUID=1237490221146]Longchamp”>http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER<>folder_id=282574492709211&PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524444768851&R=671194172431&P_name=Longchamp&sid=1201E30D7E08&ASSORTMENT<>ast_id=1408474399545537&bmUID=1237490221146) </p>
<p>Candace, wear a suit – either pants or a skirt. The jacket doesn’t have to match (ie, it doesn’t have to be the same fabric) but of course it should look like it’s part of an outfit, not just two random pieces.</p>
<p>Southern and conservative…I’d go with a skirt or dress–a brightly colored floral dress with a pastel jacket on top. Slight heels. After all, you must show respect for the occasion.</p>
<p>I like Dillard’s. As long as you wait long enough, all their clothes eventually go on sale. My favorite brand there is Aigle.</p>
<p>Thanks for the bag advice!!! Funny, today I ran out on my lunch our to the mall & almost bought the very JCPenny bag posted here! Then chickened out because I thought it was a bit ‘pursey.’ I know exactly what I want/looks good in clothing, but when it comes to purses/bags I’m paralyzed by indecision. Except, in this case, there’s very little to decide on! Lord & Taylor had some selection, but can’t spring for a Chanel bag.</p>
<p>Funny, too, about the backpacks. During our recent, multi-plane-flight college visits, I threw all my stuff (including giant hot curler thing & make-up!) into a backpack ($1 at a yard sale, lol). It worked great, even fit under seats in the smaller-plane trips (son had to check his rolling, carry-on bag). I saw tons of biz guys carrying backpacks, because I guess it’s classified like a purse, and you can carry one plus a carry-on (I think). </p>
<p>My (v. stylish) gf says to go to Ross for nice-quality, inexpensive bags (it’s like a TJ Maxx, on the east coast). Meanwhile, she took pity on me & loaned me a patent-leather, big black bag.</p>
<p>I’ll post if I find some good options, for others…</p>
<p>Take a look at [eBags.com:</a> over 35,000 bags at Great Prices - eBags](<a href=“http://www.ebags.com%5DeBags.com:”>http://www.ebags.com). The last time I shopped there, by accessing the site through the AAA website I saved an additional 10-15% (can’t remember). Have to be a AAA member for that discount, though. Or zappos – free shipping both ways, and they’ve expanded from just-shoes to several other categories including some nice (large) bags.</p>
<p>thanks, maybe I will wear lightweight black pants with a nice jacket. I don’t own any suits, so I will have to try to pull something together. I have some Chicos jackets that should look alright with the pants. I might have to buy shoes. I only have sandals. I live in Florida so my only closed toed shoes are sneakers and boots. I have been looking for comfortable pumps, that don’t look orthopedic, for years.</p>
<p>candace, the shoe brands I find the most comfortable are Sofft and Ecco. If there is a Walking Company store in your neck of the woods, check them out - they carry a lot of very comfortable and stylish footwear. I swear that I can win the Moscow high heel race in my Sofft boots :)</p>
<p>I have a pair of Softt sandels and Ecco maryjane shoes. I need to check the pumps.</p>
<p>Jolynne, speaking of $1, I am currently wearing a black top I bought at Walmart recently for $1 to go to dinner tonight with my brother and sister-in-law. Anyway, paired with jeans, black belt and black boots and 17-year old told me I looked amazing. Yaay Walmart.</p>
<p>Candace, I just bought some comfortable black flats from the Bass outlet by my house. Can your D ask other sorority sisters what mothers have worn in the past to these sorority teas?</p>
<p>Candace, I haven’t done southern sorority functions in years but my sisters and sisters-in-law are quite involved as Moms and alums. I hesitate to write this and really hope it doesn’t come across wrong… but if your jewelry is impressive enough you can definitely wear your favorite jeans and thong sandals (but only with a very good pedicure) Does this make sense to anyone else?</p>
<p>Now I am nervous! I wear my favorite silver jewelry from Sedona on most days. How good are we talking. You mean pearls…John Hardy?</p>
<p>Silver jewelry from Sedona sounds great! What exactly do you mean when you say denim? And sandals?</p>
<p>That jewelry with “good” jeans would seem fine to me - if your daughter approves the look and you are comfortable with it. If I were you, I wouldn’t get something just for the occasion that you wouldn’t ever want to wear again. JMHO</p>
<p>OK…just got three really nice pair of Talbots slacks…this year’s “model” (tags still on them) for $5.00 each…at Goodwill. Someone my size must have cleaned out their closet…my good luck!!</p>
<p>I wouldn’t wear denim. I think I will stick with the lightweight black pants and jacket idea. I hope it isn’t too hot by the middle of April. If I wear nice sandals, I will try to get a pedicure. It never comes out right when I do it myself.</p>
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<p>Actually, thumper, it was probably from the closet of someone who THOUGHT they were your size but is probably at least one size larger…</p>
<p>^^sometimes my local goodwill gets NWT items directly from Talbots.</p>