I have some exciting news!  I really don’t know if I am supposed to talk about it yet, but I need help so I have to talk about it…just a little bit.

I have been invited to New York City to a very cool blogging shindig!!!

But since I don’t know if it’s supposed to be “public” knowledge yet, I am not going tell you what it’s for.  But I can say that it’s going to be awesome.  It’s for a major network, meeting a famous lady and getting a preview of some new products.  That’s all I am saying.  You can’t make me say anything else.

I will only be in the City for one night.  About 26 hours total.  Which is actually a total bummer because I have never been to NYC and there is so much to see and do.  I don’t know how to fit it all in with only about 10 free hours to myself.  I arrive at 4pm on a Wednesday and take off again at 6pm on the Thursday.  Talk about a wild ride!  I will be staying at a hotel right in Times Square so at least I will get to see and do some pretty cool things in my free time.

I’M SO EXCITED!

And then I started thinking….holy crap!  I don’t have anything to wear to said cool major network event.  I can’t possibly show up to a fancy luncheon wearing my stained mommy t-shirt and stretchy pants now can I?

And then I also realized…I am broke.

Excitement turning to panic here.

I am a big girl.  It’s not easy to find cute and trendy on the cheap.  Also, I am a stay at home mommy, not good at being cute and trendy period.  I’m not saying that a SAHM can’t be cute and trendy…it’s just not what I am good at anymore.  Haven’t been good at it in a long time.

So that brings me to needing you all.  I need help picking some clothes.  I am hoping to be able to run down to the mall tomorrow morning and check out Lane Bryant’s clearance rack.  But in the mean time, I found a couple of half way decent options online and I would love to have your opinions on them.

I found this cute outfit at The Avenue.  I had never even heard of The Avenue until Lee from My Sentiment ExactLee told me about it.  But I went looking and found this.  What do you think?  I love the color and that it’s not too short.  But it’s a sweater dress with 3/4 sleeves and I am afraid I will roast.  I am hot, hormonal and chunky.  So will I melt into a purple puddle?  I would most likely not get the $50 boots (even though I love them), so what other shoes do you think might go well?

Or how about this Printed Ponte Dress also from The Avenue?  What does “ponte dress” even mean?  I don’t usually go for brown colors.  I am a bright and colorful kinda gal.  But I like the style and it seems flattering enough.  I am just not sold with the colors.  Besides, at $40 bucks it’s a good price and I could afford to get some shoes, too.

I really like some of the stuff out of the new Icon Collection from Lane Bryant but it’s really out of my price range.  Like this cute dirndl skirt…love it!  I don’t know what shirt I could wear though.  *sigh*

See, I am bad at shopping.

It’s why I need you!

What do you think about either of these first 2 outfits?  Don’t be afraid to tell me to scrap either one.  Like I said, I am going to try to hit the mall in the morning so I may very well come back with something totally different.  But if there is nothing, I will get one of these.