Shopping Siren has always been partial to trousers.
Sure, skirts are great in a flowing, breezy sort of way, but slacks are warmer, easier to move in and generally more convenient for everyday life. (Ever look for a skirt with pockets? Finding a Yeti is easier.)
So I understand the passion of ladies — like those in Malawi — who are willing to fight for the right to wear pants.
In their honor, this week is all about women’s slacks, trousers and dungarees. A pair of shorts, even. (Hey, summer will be here eventually.)
Viva la pants! At least until more skirts come with pockets.
* Fashion Bug jeans, Fashion Bug $29.99
In medium blue, straight leg or boot cut and tons of sizes, including plus. Dress them up with heels or dress them down with flip-flops, jeans are a must-have for pants lovers. And these are currently buy one, get one half off. Just don’t wear them playing in the snow with the kids. Lesson learned: Denim isn’t fun when soggy.
* Fashion Bug Secret Slimmer slacks, Fashion Bug, $39.99
Also buy one, get one half off. Part rayon, part nylon and part spandex, with a slight flare at the cuff, these sand-colored slacks are the perfect mix of shapely and stretchy. And, apparently, they slim secretly. Which is much better than slimming openly.
* Fashion Bug workout pants, limited sizes, Fashion Bug, $9.44
Made of cotton and polyester, but with the texture of velour, these are super-soft workout pants at a super price. (Regularly $26.99, marked down to $13.49, with an additional 30 percent off.) In black, gray or aqua. So cute they’ll make you want to work out. Or put them on and just say you did.
* John Deere pajamas, limited sizes, Tractor Supply Co., $9.99-$14.99
PJ pants with a T-shirt. Pants designs include green-and-white checks, pink camo, and farm-theme words scrawled in whimsical script. Pants for relaxing. Which are my favorite kind.
* Carhartt outerwear overalls, Tractor Supply Co., $62.99
Thick, winter overalls to go over . . . all. In brown or pink. Because, really, if you’re going to throw on a pair of overalls to feed the cows or change the oil in your car, those overalls might as well be pink.
* Indera thermal pants, Tractor Supply Co., $7.99
White or pink thermal pants to wear under, well, other pants. If you’re a pants girl in Maine in February, it doesn’t get better than that.
Best find: National Outfitters shorts, Chapter 11, $4.99
In various colors and sizes, many with rolled cuffs. They’re pants, but short. Summer is only four months away.
Think twice: Onguard webtex outfit, Chapter 11, $5.99
Bright yellow and plastic-like. Not exactly the kind of pants you want to throw on for work or an afternoon shopping with the girls. Unless your workplace and shopping habits are vastly messier than usual. In which case, go for it! But otherwise, stick with jeans or slacks. Your legs will thank you for it.
Score!
Note to bargain hunters: JCPenny just put ladies’ winter coats on sale for $20 each. On your mark, get set, go!
Shopping Siren’s true identity is protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who refuse both pants and skirts) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach her at shoppingsiren@sunjournal.com.
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