48. Lovely Loungewear

The woman shall incorporate in her wardrobe key pieces that are suitable for grocery store visits, lounging with friends, and midnight clandestine visits to the coffee shop (or other covert locations).

There is no excuse for anyone - let alone the highly evolved woman - to leave her home in anything remotely similar to pajamas.  There shall be none of the Hello Kitty PJ pants or SpongeBob sweatshirts outside of the comfort of a woman's home.

My good friend Becky in Ottawa always disciplined us for wearing the stretchy pants in public - thanks for that!  The act of putting on yoga pants or sweats is no more easier than putting on a nicely fitting pair of jeans, and if you know what you have available, it take no more time to select them either.

If you're not going to a yoga session, don't wear yoga pants when you're out and about.

If you're not going to the gym, ditch the spandex and sweats.

If you're not going to bed....I can't even go there.

Have a reliable uniform for your emergency trips out - something you can count on to keep you looking polished and put-together with minimal effort. 

You never know who you're going to run into - and where y'all might end up! 

44. Sunday Best

The woman shall, when attending a Christian church, dress accordingly to honor her environment, her faith, and the special meaning of Sunday service.

This is a special note, and it's a very personal one that not all readers will agree with, and that's okay.  Feel free to check out the next law:)

I'm just back from Easter service, and as a faithful southern church goer, I get excited about dressing up for church.  Back in the day, I can remember white patent leather shoes, frilly dresses and sometimes a white hat with a pastel ribbon - oh, and a purse to match!  Easter was a special time in my childhood, and it was the introduction to all things prim, proper, and ladylike.

We now live in an age where everything is casual.  There are casual Fridays, casual dating, casual dinner, etc.  Some people do prefer that - but every once in a while special events, dating someone special, and going somewhere special puts a twinkle in our eye.  For me, Sunday morning church service brings that twinkle.

I was really suprised during service today - Easter Sunday - to see so much casual attire on such a special day.  This seemed like a dressy church (you can always tell by the hats that the elder mothers of the church wear), and it was a bit disruptive to see fishnets, baseball caps, and lingerie -inspired dresses. 

I've picked up a few fashion rules from church divas, and here are a few to share:

1. If you're wearing a short-ish skirt/dress, carry a cloth handkerchief or a scarf to cover your knees (thanks to Miss Chris from Charleston).
2. Always cover your back.  Event if your dress is spare back there, carry a cardigan (thanks to Renee in NYC).
3. If you're wearing closed toe pumps, wear hose.  To pick your color, check out this Law.  

I understand that people must wear what they have and that attire should never prohibit one from attending church - that's not what this law is about. Rather, this law is about preserving the special meaning of Sunday service. There was a time when you had your Sunday best, and that's what you gave to God on His special day - your best. Perhaps this law is also about missing a simpler, more reverent time. Maybe this lil' law is just for me. Well, it's for me and all the Carrie's of the world who wear gloves to service.

20. Shapewear Selection

The woman shall invest in appropriate foundation pieces that compliment her frame and form.

Many of us have all have those dresses that need a little....restructuring of our form.  From girdles to SPANX, shapewear for the modern woman has evolved. 

Love your body, but know what it'll take to be ultimately confident.  For me, tummy troubles used to restrict me to loose fitting dresses.  I invested in a few pieces (both in nude and black) to streamline my physique, and they really work for me when the occasion arises. The most important thing is that your shapewear flatter you- and not make you short of breath.

Of course this is a temporary fix....still waiting for my time in the gym to show me what it's worth.

16. Bra fittings

The woman shall present twin peaks that are comfortably seated.

Know your bra size - and know that it will likely fluctuate (even within a year!).  I've got about 3 different bra sizes represented in my collection - bras fit differently, and that's ok.

It is very helpful to go get a bra fitting.  I promise Victoria will keep your secret. 

9. Floral Patterns

The woman shall know her limits with Vera Bradley-esque lifestyle products.  

I'm known to visit the VB Outlet in Orlando to pick up a healthy stash of pretty pens, but too many patterns can be a headache! 

I've just gotten my order from Thirty-One, and I'm really excited about how easy they make my life.  Here again, know your limits.

Shout out to Diana (Memphis, TN) and Jeff (Gainesville, FL) on this one.

8. Another Woman's Nude

The woman shall identify her skin tone in nude hosiery, and stock up on aforementioned products.

Nude for me is NOT nude for Angelina Jolie, and more hosiery manufacturers are becoming aware of the vast array of skin colors and tones. 

Once you find the perfect shade of your nude, stock up on those like it's the Depresssion!  Your skin tone may change come summer, but you won't be wearing hosiery that often anyway.

3. Label Whores Galore

The woman shall know what clothing flatters her, and she shall stay in this lane.

We love all things colorful, fun, uplifting, and well-fitting.  No matter your preference - Abercrombie, Liz Claiborne, Michal Kors, Ralph Lauren, or any of the eye-catching tags - just know what's appropriate for you, your environment, and your event.

I won't venture to say that some labels are age-specific (although we all know they have certain demographics that they serve), but get a sense from your gal pals about what should make an immediate exit - stage left! - from your closet.

And no track suits at the company picnic, ladies.