Jeggings, Take Me Away

BY

By Lisa Steinke of Chick Lit is Not Dead

 A few weeks ago, when it SNOWED after three days of sunny, 75 degree weather, I was dangerously close to losing. My. Mind. My sanity seriously called into question as I stared maniacally at my un-wearable spring wardrobe prematurely brought up from the basement. As I ran my hands across the soft fabric of my sundresses, I was sure I had the ability to strangle someone. But thankfully, something saved me. It wasn’t a yoga class or a massage or a trip to the therapist. It was a pair of jeggings.

 You see, I’ve been at war with the weather for quite some time now. Beyond frustrated because I haven’t been able to figure out how to dress. As a California girl who recently moved to the Midwest, it’s safe to say that I was more than a little weather-naïve when I traveled here for love. (*Cue violins* then knock me upside the head!) Having taken for granted the perpetual sunshine and cool ocean breeze I enjoyed my entire life, I smugly announced to my new hubby that I was “fully prepared for what I was getting myself into”. Ha! I’ve never been more wrong about anything in my life. (Well, unless you count my brown braided belt phase.)

After more than my fair share of improper wardrobe wearing moments (like when my Coach ballet flat clad feet got soaked in the rain) I vowed to figure out what I was doing wrong. And that’s when I discovered my Paige Premium jeggings (Bloomingdales) a.k.a. my current fashion obsession. And I’m not just in love with them because I like to say the word (although it really rolls off the tongue), but because they’re the perfect base for any outfit in any type of weather. You can dress them up, dress them down and most importantly, layer over them.

 So take this, weather! Next time you try to throw me a curve ball (like cold rain in the morning followed by hot yet sunless weather in the afternoon), I’ll be ready to take you on! I’ll head out into the day in my Paige Premium jeggings with a BCBG long tank (Bloomingdales) and a Michael Kors trench coat (Bloomingdales). And I’ll declare a victory! (And look great while doing it!)

 PS: I haven’t gotten my shoe sitch figured out yet. Stay tuned!

Meet Lisa

A West Coast diva turned Midwest maven, Lisa is still on the learning curve of how to dress for the unpredictable Chicago weather (Minnesotans and other Midwesterners can totally relate). Keep checking back for her witty, narrative posts as she figures if 4-inch heels will cut it in the  dead of winter or how to be fashionable, yet comfotable at a soccer game.

Name: Lisa Steinke

Job Background: Television producer turned full-time writer. Co-creator of the popular Chick Lit blog, www.chicklitisnotdead.com. Co-author, “I’ll Have Who She’s Having.”

Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Communication, California Polytechnic University, Pomona

Favorite MOA Store: Bloomingdale’s

Current fashion obsession: Jeggings

15 April 2010

Thoughts ( Comments )

  • http://www.chicklitisnotdead.com Lisa Steinke

    Thanks so much for having me. And for, um, calling me a maven! xo

  • Crystal

    Oh my…how I can relate. Having just moved West to East myself (Phoenix to Indy) and now a year later moving back (because let’s face it, I totally missed the constant sunshine, desert grit, hot leather seats that burn my thighs!)

    So I know, Lisa, I know – I completely understand the wardrobe debacle you face… and now I have my own: how I can find something comfortable and fashionable to cover up my pudgy white Midwestern self (yes, I put on my winter weight here in the snow!) while not dying of heat exhaustion… Maybe jeggins?? must. work. out.

  • http://whatwomenwritetx.blogspot.com pamela

    I tried on a pair of jeggings and did not fall in love. Perhaps it was the wide elastic waistband that I had banned from my wardrobe post-pregnancy. But I haven’t give up hope. I will keep hunting until I find the perfect pair because I have several items in my closet begging to be worn with them. And, I concur: Jeggings is fun to say!

  • Rachel

    It takes a long time. I moved to Arizona for college and then BACK (yes, I’m insane) for law school. It took me a couple years to re-adjust to the temperatures in Minnesota, but once I did I realized I sort of enjoyed winter. At least through Christmas, then I think snow is just redundant. :-)

  • http://www.chicklitisnotdead.com Lisa Steinke

    Crystal- we MUST discuss the winter weight. Let’s just say it was pretty ugly when I tried on some, what I THOUGHT were forgiving, sundresses today! UGH. I must say I’m a bit envious that you’re heading West again. Maybe I won’t be far behind?

  • http://www.chicklitisnotdead.com Lisa Steinke

    Pamela- well at least the word is fun to say! I don’t expect everyone to jump on the jeggings bandwagon. But I do urge you to give them another chance. They’re just like jeans. It takes trying on 100 to find just one that fits right!

  • http://www.chicklitisnotdead.com Lisa Steinke

    Rachel- that’s the perfect way to put it. Snow is redundant. I asked my new hubby yesterday if it was “gone for good”. He promised me that we’re “in the clear”. But forgive me if I’m still nervous it could return…

  • Heather

    A brown braided belt phase? I’m shocked!

  • http://www.chicklitisnotdead.com Lisa Steinke

    Heather- Um, yeah. I blame it on my college experience. Not enough sleep, too many carbs…

  • Valerie H.

    I get the marriage of jeans plus leggings equals jeggings….but what about us 60 somethings who aren’t a size two anymore?? Do they have jeats? jeans married with sweat pants!!!

  • lisa hanson

    Brilliant again, Lisa..
    I am running to the nearest mall.
    Elastic waistband means maybe they will work as prego pants?
    Here’s hoping!

  • http://www.chicklitisnotdead.com Liz Fenton

    OMG, I’m totally getting some jeggings after reading this!!!

  • http://www.chicklitisnotdead.com Lisa Steinke

    Lisa- Oh yeah. Jeggings don’t discriminate! Pregos are people too! :)

  • http://www.chicklitisnotdead.com Lisa Steinke

    Valerie- I’m not sure if they make jeats? Don’t sell yourself short. People of all sizes can wear jeggings. You should try them!

  • http://www.chicklitisnotdead.com Lisa Steinke

    Liz- thanks! xo

  • Jenny Fishler

    Okay, okay, I’m sold. Actually, was thinking about trying them, but now really must. Would, I think, be great for traveling. Informative, entertaining post!
    Btw, love your chicklitsnotdead blog (hey, who can’t use a plug)? ;)

  • Jenny Fishler

    One would think when one plugs a post one would take the trouble to spell the name correctly. Sorry! :/
    chicklitisnotdead, chicklitisnotdead, chicklitisnotdead, chicklitisnotdead, chicklitisnotdead, chicklitisnotdead – oh look, my drink is here…

  • Patricia A

    Oh Lisa! I totally agree! I love my Paige ones too! Bought them at Anthropolgie (don’t have a Bloomingdales close by, so sad) and fell in love! :)

  • http://www.chicklitisnotdead.com Lisa Steinke

    Jenny–thanks so much!! xo

  • http://www.chicklitisnotdead.com Lisa Steinke

    Patricia- aren’t they the best? Love ‘em!

  • Kristi

    hmmm… haven’t tried the jeggings. However, they would pair well with my winter obsession of knee high boots. And yes, don’t give up the 4 inch heels… A nice sharp stiletto jabbed into the ice will stop your fall any day. GOOD LUCK… I’ve been in Colorado 8 years now & LOVE it. miss you, hope all’s well in Chicago :)

  • Catherine

    Loved reading about jeggings…your writing puts a fun spin on winter! :-)

  • http://www.chicklitisnotdead.com Lisa Steinke

    Kristi-They’re perfect with knee-high boots. They’re perfect with everything!
    Miss you too! Thanks for commenting!

  • http://www.chicklitisnotdead.com Lisa Steinke

    Catherine–thanks so much! If you can’t have the sun, bring the fun?!

  • Astra

    Oh, Lisa! You know I love my jeggings! I have a bunch from HUE, Urban Outfitter and Joe’s Jeans. Have the plain jegging and the ripped-jean style. Now, I’m going to take your lead and hit Bloomies in Sherman Oaks this weekend on the lookout for Paige. You just fueled my jegging addiction!