You know your ex will be there with the new girlfriend. The new girlfriend is disasterously smart, cute, and funny — all of which is making it impossible to hate her. But that doesn’t mean you can’t outdress her.

This post is all about me refraining from “pot of gold” jokes. I humbly request that you admire my restraint.

This is Laura’s beachwear. The rainbow dress is from Target, the shelf-bra tank is Banana Republic, and the flip flops are Rocket Dog.

I know you saw this headband coming — also from Target.

Is there a blogger left who doesn’t own one of Andrea’s Superhero necklaces? There should be a secret handshake. Obviously, Laura is wearing hers as a bracelet.

Her actual necklace features a Thoreau quote, “Live the life you have imagined.”

Laura’s glasses are from Urban Outfitters. I suspect Laura made an Urban Outfitters run before this trip. Fess up, Mayes.

And there you go. Pretty good for one little carryon, especially since we didn’t even touch on what she packed for New York. She probably just paired this with leggings and a scarf. Voila! Business casual.

Laura, thanks for your patience with my camera, and for your willingness to spit in the face of jetlag. You make things more fun.

Shopping for Thanksgiving wine.

Yesterday’s cute headband was hardly the only one in Laura’s travel arsenal — this one is from Urban Outfitters. There’s something so Texan about all of her hair accoutrements; I kept expecting her to clip on a fake ponytail for fullness, or pull a wig out of her duffel bag. Then again, I’m the one who packed set of hot rollers for a beach vacation.

Her dress is White House Black Market and I love the full skirt. So comfortable when you’re traveling.

Also well suited to impromptu musical numbers. Do you get the impression that Laura has never worn a sweatsuit in her life?

Her houndstooth heels are vintage, and are clearly a commitment to cuteness.

Another simple sundress, this time from Target.

Her scarf is also from Target, though her shoes are Gucci:

When I was asking Laura about her clothing brands, I said, “Do you realize all of your stuff is either Prada and Gucci or Target and TJ Maxx?”

“That’s so me,” she said.

I’m officially Momversing again, after a brief hiatus so I could remain sane while furiously checking things off the Mighty Life List. This week, we’re talking about online shopping versus brick and mortar stores. Does the mall give you hives?

On a related note, you know what doesn’t taste nearly as good as I remember? Orange Julius. If you haven’t had one since you were a kid, keep those halcyon memories intact and maybe grab a Coke next time you’re at the mall.