It’s Laundry Day and it’s ok to like her best.
First off, I’ve been quiet. I’ve been still. In life and here with the newsletter. I haven’t been still or quiet because I am overwhelmed by doing this or uninspired by sharing with you. I have been quiet because like all of you, I have lots going on both personally and professionally. Maybe you feel like me, like you have small little fires in various corners of your life. Maybe you feel like me, like some of those little fires are containable, easily left unsupervised for a moment or two. These are mostly normal life fires that don’t disrupt much and end up burning out on their own. Recently however, I have had some out of control fires that found more oxygen and suddenly started to engulf my drapes. At times, I felt unsure where the flames could spread to next. Then, I did what I don’t normal do, I stood still. I was quiet and watched the flames and felt the heat. I didn’t need to put the fire out. Instead, I backed away slowly and cautiously, then quickly with more strength and purpose. Soon I was so far away from that fire then I had ever been. I felt less heat but I wasn’t less cold. I can’t always control what fires I see or feel, big or small, but I can control how close I get.
Too much for a fashion newsletter? Maybe. My point in telling you that I struggle with all types of life things is because it often plays out in the clothes I wear and why. Like I have mentioned before, my clothing has been and still is my armor. Clothing plays as a protector for me when I feel I am not all that I want to be or look like. Sometimes, I feel stuck in my mood and I don’t know what to wear, let alone feel. Sometimes, I wear the same thing over and over again because I simply want to think less about what I put on my body and more about how to contain whatever fire I am in. So, let’s make things easy for you. For whatever reason you may have that makes you want to think less about how to wear your clothes.
The White Button Down. She may be hands down (pun intended) the favorite or go-to item in your closet. She may be the forgotten item in your closet because you think she is boring and predictable. She may be the item you only wear for one purpose because nobody told you it was ok to try her elsewhere. Maybe she’s all three, she gets around. When I want to think less about how to get out of the door, I usually pick one item that I know won’t fail me and if you catch me multiple times that week and look closely, you may see that item over and over and over again.
The White Button Down Goes to School Drop Off
My daughter woke up 3 times the other night because she peed in her bed. Yes, 3 different times. She is tiny but clearly her bladder is on a timed evening release… she has real talents. So taking them to school or camp required an outfit that went well with the bags under my eyes. Tuck that shirt into your favorite jeans, unbutton a little because yes you are still sexy, roll up your sleeves and add some interest with your belt. Done, easy and presentable.
The White Button Down Goes To The Office
Back at the office? Yep, now you have to get completely dressed like the fully functioning human you used to be. Button that white shirt all the way up or show a little neck. If you are feeling wild you can even push up your suit sleeves and unbutton the buttons at the cuff of the white shirt. Let the cuffs hang out past the jacket in all their glory, because yes you meant to do that. Stan in accounting might not know what to do with the new you.
The White Button Down Moves to Best Supporting Actress
Some might be surpised by this but I, um, I spill. Yes, I spill on my clothes all the time, guilty. However, a stain on my shirt isn’t going to stop me from showing off that collar. I love the easy trick of putting a white button down underneath a dress or anything for that matter to add something crisp to a wild pattern or a muted color. I added the black velvet ribbon and tied it in a little bow to add a grounding color to the two neutrals. A rhinestone broach would also look cute.
The White Button Down Goes To A Play Date
Weekends with kids can be exhausting and yes it is only 8am. I have cooked 3 times already and played Pokemon and princess saves the puppies 20 times. Is it nap time or cocktail time, not sure? I need ease and comfort and let’s be honest, something I can pick up from the floor. Enter the white button down, who looks cute with a sweat short and the illusion you are pulled together by tucking it in. For extra credit you can overlap the two ends in a small cross, keep the shirt unbuttoned and tuck into your pant. This looks great when you have a bralette or something underneath you don’t mind sharing.
The White Button Down Goes To The Beach.
I don’t remember the last time I “laid out” at the beach and actually got a tan. I am in and out of the water, building sand castles and cleaning sand off of everything from my sand-fearing child. I may need a little cover and the white button down easily comes in for the save if I forgot my tunic. Tie her at the waist, unbutton her and push the collar off the shoulder for a little sass.
The White Button Down Goes Out On The Town
It’s been a long week and even tired Mama wants to go out, have a drink and feel like a grown up. Channel your best Sharon Stone and pick your favorite skirt and tightly tuck that white button down into it. A button down looks great with a long, tight, big or frilly skirts. Let the sleeves hang down and open, or loosely roll them up. Pop one side of your collar and you are classic and chic.
How To Roll The Sleeves Of Your White Button Down
I like a loose roll with a little of the cuff peeking out. That is my preference and if it is yours, here is an easy way to do it.
Put your arm straight down by your side, extend your shirt sleeve out all the way, unbuttoning the button at the cuff helps
Taking the cuff and pull it up past your elbow. The inside of the sleeve should now be exposed with the remaining fabric below the cuff.
Begin to roll the sleeve portion that is now below the cuff up by one roll at a time until you cover most of or a portion of the cuff.
Allow for the cuff tip to stick out. The tip is where the button hole is on the cuff. Here you can manipulate how much cuff you want in or out by tucking it into the rolled sleeve or not.
Here are just a few of my favorite white button downs in the market. I have so many because they aren’t all created equal. I also like to look in the men’s department for an oversized feel, structured collar and starch cotton vibe.
Trovata $198 Gap $39 AYR$135 J.Crew $69.50 Ralph Lauren Petite Size $69.50 Frankie Shop $89 Everybody&Everyone Plus Size $108 Rika Studios $290 Everlane $70 Alex Mill $98
If you made it this far, thanks for reading. As always you can send your Dirty Laundry to sarahsdirtylaundry@gmail.com
x Sarah
I love my men’s white Oxford from Joe Fresh! The XS for me perfectly! Love how you’ve styled yours! 🤩
You are so real!❤️