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The past few days, I’ve been trying to get my clothes together for the Romance Writers of America conference, which will be in Anaheim next week.
I bet Angel would wear all these dresses. I might, too, if I were 120 lbsweek.*
Now, a lot of writers find the conference grueling or exhausting, but I love it. It IS exhausting, but only because I stay up late talking to my friends and talking about writing and dancing at the infamous Harlequin party. My roommate is one of my best friends in the world and I don’t get to actually SEE her very often, so we have a billion things to catch up on. I also have a big group of friends—what Susan Elizabeth Phillips calls our ‘graduating class,’—that I can’t wait to have coffee with, hear the news, trade stories with. Many of us have been friends for 10, 20, even in some cases, 30 years. Our touchstone is that conference each year.
The trouble is what to pack. Clothes present an…er…interesting problem for me, aside from the usual panic over whether I look fat in something or if the tone is right or, well, all those things.
My problem is that my closet is STUFFED with clothes that really don’t belong to me. There are the shirtwaists Ramona from How To Bake A Perfect Life would wear, and the simple linen slacks that Elsa from Garden of Happy Endings likes (she would be an Eileen Fischer kind of woman). Angel, the hero of The Sleeping Night, is clever with store bought clothes, nipping and tucking to get a good fit. I lack this talent.
My closet is full of their stuff, because I have a tendency to go shopping in character. Now this might be a charming little eccentricity, except that none of them are anything like me physically. Ramona is a tall, willowy woman with very long hair. Angel is a slight, fair-skinned blonde. Elsa, from The Garden of Happy Endings, is a small, curly-headed brunette.
I am tall-ish, but hardly willowy. I’m a sturdy Irish ox with olive skin and blonde hair.
So as I go through my closet, trying things on to decide what to take with me for the booksigning and the cocktail parties and dinners with friends and two workshops I’m presenting, I have to decide which clothes are actually mine. I have bohemian tastes for the most part, bright colors and paisleys, and like Elsa, a fondness for scarves and bracelets. Mostly, if something is bright green or pink or turquoise, I can count on it being something I bought for me. If it’s brown or orange or (shudder) yellow, I know it belongs in the Goodwill pile.
My friends from the Camino. I am 4th from the right. I bet Elsa would wear these clothes.
It’s a funny problem, isn’t it? I wish I could say I was talented at shopping and dressing, but I’m a Colorado girl, and we tend toward Tevas and hiking capris in the summertime, jeans and boots in winter. (I suspect Claudia does not ever have this trouble—doesn’t she always seem to have a flair?)
In the end, I’ll have some dresses and a few pretty blouses in bright colors to show off my good coloring and try to downplay my tubby midsection and then, forget about it once I see readers and friends, and fall into the pleasure of the conference itself. It’s all good, right?
Do you make mistakes buying clothes? Do you have a clear idea of what your style is? What one thing makes you feel great, no matter what?
* If any of you are in the area, you really owe it to yourself to check out the MASSIVE booksigning for Literacy. More than 400 authors will be signing their books, including most of The Goddesses.
70 Comments on “Finding Myself In My Closet”
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I have made some serious errors with clothes and usually it involves short barely reaching my bum stuff. I am not made for that sort of style because I am a voluptuous, petite woman who changes her hair color regularly. I tend to live in sweat pants during the cooler months and wear shorts, the occasional skirt (long gypsy sort) or maxi dresses in the warmer months. I love cardigans, jumpers and sweat shirts and if they are baggier then they are even better.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 6:34 am.
The maxi look is really very flattering to many body types, are they? You sound like you choose for cuddly comfort!
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 8:47 am.
I definitely do, it tends to swing between cuddly comfort and slob but that depends on if I have uni stuff to do. Besides, I do hate dressing up unless I have to. I am thinking that I should have this afternoon when New Guy and I went out because we are at the movies watching the third Batman movie.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 9:12 am.
I make errors with clothes because I hate trying things on. Then I get home and discover things don’t fit or look wrong.
My style in my head is 70s. I’m so glad those clothes came back. I’ve got a lot of peace shirts and long skirts and bell bottom jeans. I wore a maxi to book club the other day. Love that dress.
For conference, I try to stick to mix and match, comfy things that look fairly professional. Skirts, pants, blouses. But I still wear a lot of flip flops. I bought sparkly ones at least.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 7:16 am.
Yay for flip flops. I have a knee injury that will not let me wear anything but flat shoes, so I am going for the sparkly sandals this year. I love it that the 70′s styles have come back–feminine, easy to wear and pretty.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 8:50 am.
I feel your pain, of course with different inspiration. I
When I’m in a funk, I buy what fits which isn’t always what I like. When I hit on that perfect item that combines my taste and fits, happiness.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 7:18 am.
I hate shopping when I feel that way, Fresh. It really does feel like hitting the lottery to find something both flattering and attractive.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 8:51 am.
After years of trial and error I have a specific work style that allows me to move from professional to evening if necessary.
My personal style…well…my boyfriend loves it. My sister, the bombshell just shakes her head, not glittery enough for her…
I’m an eddie bauer meet bohemian mix up that works for me, (jeans with this awesome top I found in a boutique), tailored with just enough uber girlie to fulfill the artist in me kinda gal with killer shoe sense, unless I’m hiking.
Which is fine until I tell you my weakness.
I love color! Love, love, love it! Adore it! And thank god flourescents came back, because the ones I’ve managed to stash away from the site of people who want to “manage” my wardrobe were wearing thin indeed. I mean seriously! How could you not feel good with a rocking light flourescent pink shirt on, or a dayglo green or blue t?
OK you can all look aghast now. But you are fairly warned. If a fair skinned red head in killer heels, a tailored pair of black pants with a SPLASH!!! of color top walks up to you…it might be me.
How bright? At dinner a while back I had a less than brilliant moment and my one friend leaned across the table, patted my hand and said “It’s ok Pesky, that shirt must have sucked all the brightness out of you.”
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 7:45 am.
Pesky, I love your description of your style! bohemian meets Eddie Bauer is very close to my style, too.
You must look spectacular in those neons! Go, you!
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 8:53 am.
I have no style. Just give me shorts or blue jeans and t-shirts and I am happy. When traveling we wear the same t-shirts so we are easier to find in a crowd. At a campground a woman asked for help with her laptop. I sent her to the laundry mat to ask my husband for help. I told her that he was wear a shirt identical to mine. I tend to wear blacks and blues to I’m trying to add color to my wardrobe.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 7:58 am.
That’s a smart idea, the matching shirts. I’ve seen tourists around Colorado Springs dressed that way.
Oh, yes, do try color. It makes me happy.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 8:55 am.
My weird problem is that I don’t really know what my style is. I know what I like, but it varies. And mostly I just want to look good in what I’m buying, so if I see something I don’t like that much, but it fits and looks good on me, I’ll buy it just because of that. I know, strange. My FAVORITE is jewel tones, but I have other clothes. It makes the prepare for conference activity a bit daunting.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 8:33 am.
I think that most of us spend so much time alone, drinking tea and peering through the screen to other worlds, that it’s hard to come fully into this world in any meaningful way to dress like other people.
I make my biggest errors when I try too hard to look “business-like”. Really unkind looks for me.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 8:57 am.
My non work uniform is jeans and a tshirt. School-work is pants and a button down. Forge-work is jeans and ratty shirt. I buy duplicates of everything that I like. Like one in every color and then doubles of colors I wear a lot. If you go through my closet you’ll find sections that are the same thing in different colors. I’m a very boring shopper.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 9:08 am.
Sounds like you know what you like, Cail. That’s smart, not boring.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:03 pm.
Barbara…an Irish ox? Come on now!
When I buy clothes I usually take people with me who have waaaay more fashion sense than me. I work outdoors and tend to get dirt under my nails, and on my shirts, and smeared into my pants. Those clothes are the basic shorts, tees, jeans, and sweatshirts. I do have some nice outfits though tucked in the back corner. I don’t get to wear them much, but they are usually white, black, greeen, and blue. I have recently learned that I need to shop more. I am becoming…outdated! Needless to say Claudia would open my closet door, inhale the insanity, and slam it shut again. The one thing, clothes wise, that makes me feel great? Sweats! *g*
On another note I have recently read The Garden of Happy Endings and The Secret of Everything. I loved them! Have fun at the signing, and conference. Maybe one of these years I will get there!
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 9:18 am.
An ox is sturdy farm animal, strong and capable.
I kinda like oxen.
I have tried to do that, take people with me to shop, but it always ends up feeling like I’m dressing in their clothes, not mine.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:05 pm.
Also, thanks for letting me know you read Garden and Secrets and enjoyed them!
Hope you can make the conference once of these days.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:12 pm.
I am truly hoping for next year! It would be great to meet all of you…my heroes!
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 2:53 pm.
I hope I have flair! I may just give the illusion of flair . . . but that still counts, right?
Anytime I wear bright colors, I feel happy and bright. Power of suggestion, I guess. Orange is my go-to color. Orange brightens the world and my complexion and makes me feel sparkly.
I know my style down to the last button. What this says about me I don’t want to know.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 9:26 am.
Some of us were born with a pulled-together gene, Claudia. That’s a gift. Enjoy it.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:05 pm.
I’m a born and raised Texan and, as such, am a t-shirt, shorts and flops kinda girl.
For work, I definitely have to dress up a little more, but I still dress for comfort more than for trends. My sister has always been the trendy one…and she is usually maxed on her credit cards trying to keep up. She has not been so bad the last few years, but when I was a kid, I shudder to think of what her bill must have been like for my brother-in-law.
When I’m going somewhere and will be there for several days, I pack pretty lightly. If I’ll be gone for a week and it will be a fairly warm climate, I usually take a pair of jeans, 2 pairs of shorts, and 3 tops, plus the undergarments. I might throw in a skirt if we are planning to go somewhere nice. I usually travel in my sneakers and bring a pair of sandals or flops. I can usually get it to easily fit in one bag, including toiletries, and still have room to put souveniers on the way back. I’m pretty low-maintenance.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 9:30 am.
Low maintenance! That’s the way to think about it.
I once had to pack for England and Spain in the same trip. Summer in England was soggy wet and cold. The Spain portion was scorching. That was the biggest packing challenge ever.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:07 pm.
I have a lot of clothes in my closet that were buying mistakes. I imagine myself having a different style than I really do when I buy them but in the end I wear classics and avoid the flashier stuff that seduces me in the stores. My best purchases have always been really well made classic pieces, always bought on sale because at full price they are way too expensive. But shopping in character would be a lot of fun!
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 9:51 am.
I haven’t even started, Barbara. I have doomed myself with a deadline this week.
My biggest problem is buying too young. When I am down but the university campus, in my head, I am still that bohemian girl with the spaghetti strap t-shirts and the short skirts. I buy off the rack, I rarely try on, and then I go home and, man. What a disappointment. There’s a 50-something woman standing in front of me in clothes wildely inappropriate for her age. So I take them back and slink away.
I recently had my closet installed (elfa systems, container store. I am in love). So I purged it. I have maybe half the clothes I did before, things I have worn. The rest? Off to goodwill, some with tags still on them. SOB!
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 10:02 am.
Wait. You had a closet INSTALLED?
***jealous panting ensues***
Pictures. I. Want. Pictures.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 10:27 am.
Installed. with shelves and drawers and storage space. I don’t have a single shoe on the floor. Not one. BECAUSE I HAVE SPACE FOR THEM NOW!!!
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 11:25 am.
Ha. We’ll see how long *that* lasts. Don’t you know that there is a Law of the Universe that dictates that shoes will always produce more shoes?
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 2:30 pm.
Amen, Claudia. Some Laws of the Universe just ARE and that’s one of them.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 4:44 pm.
Is there a law of the universe that explains how I can be running out of space for shoes, yet NEVER seem to have just the right pair of shoes that I need at a given time? I mean, I HAD to go out and buy the platform sandals wrapped in the twine-looking fabric, because what else was I going to wear with jeans when I was trying to look cute but casual?? Heels were too dressy, tennis shoes too casual, and, well, I bring shame to my generation when I say I haven’t figured out how to walk in flip flops.
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 5:39 am.
I’m slobbering with jealousy over the closet, too. Oh, my.
I’ve done that, too, bought something as my 19-year-old self then come home and said, “Oh.” Bummer.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:08 pm.
I like dresses and lovely skirts – but I really loath clothes shopping and usually hit one store when I need something and hope I find something that works – then hang onto it forever. This means my wardrobe has a lot of black in it because that seems to be what I find most in those store dive-bombs.
However, I just luck upon a great sale and found (ok, the associate at the store found – huzzah for great service!) some fun, colorful pieces.
I don’t think I really have a style anymore – at least from what you can see in my closet – though Middle Age Semi frumpy Girl might be close.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 10:22 am.
You are not frumpy, Sheridan! I loved your style at my party.
I have become less opposed to shopping lately. As long as I go when I’m not tired or rushed, I can enjoy it. My trouble comes in leaving it too late, then rushing around, feeling anxious because I can’t find something just right.
I still need to buy either a skirt or a pair of capris, and some more shoes.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:10 pm.
I seem to be allergic to COLOR. I love it, surround myself with it in my house, but I never WEAR it and yet I’ve been told that I have a ‘fall coloring palate’ and should dress in those colors — reds, oranges, etc.
Nope. You’ll see me in black and gray. Although I have been trying to add one pop of color to every outfit, hoping to wean myself away from my boring lack-of-color. I’ll let you know how it goes. :-/
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 10:26 am.
I’m surprised, Karen. You seem like a colorful person, and if I’d been asked what your colors were, I would have said something bright and cheerful, like kelly green or something.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:11 pm.
Karen, purple looks amazing with black and grey. I know this thanks to finding a purple and grey scarf at a shop that I went to last year before a date and picked up shirts to match.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 2:08 pm.
Thanks, Kelly, I’ll remember that.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 4:44 pm.
My wild splurge this summer was some hot color jeans in pink and turquoise. Soft Surroundings carries lovely feminine tunics and other yummy stuff. I have also found that a soft cotton knit wrap dress can easily be recycled from daytime to evening using different scarves and statement jewelry.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 11:02 am.
I keep seeing those jeans, Diane, and wondering how it would feel to wear them. Now I might have to try some on.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:13 pm.
Barbara, Try Nordstrom @ Park Meadows. They carry ” Not Your Daughter’s Jeans” in those yummy colors. They have stretch and hidden tummy control!
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:25 pm.
I bought jeans shorts this year in hot coral. Boy, howdy, do I feel fine when I wear those shorts.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 2:32 pm.
I am stuck in the 80s. I love khaki slacks, a crisp white shirt and a navy blazer over them. Although tucking your shirt into your pants should never come back! Shoulder pads should stay in the past too.
Most of my buying mistakes are looking for 80s type clothing.
I love color and most of my tops reflect this but I tend to stay away from them being too bright. Pesky can have all the neon! Burnt orange may be one of my favorites along with deep turquoise and purple.
I have more shoes than should be legal. They are what makes me feel great. But, most of my high heel pair are missing. DD2 is the same size and she has scampered off with most of them. I have to plan a raid at her apartment if I need to go somewhere in heels. I guess this is a compliment!?
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 11:18 am.
I would say that’s very much a compliment, Kez. I wouldn’t have worn a pair of my mother’s shoes on a bet!!
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:14 pm.
My basic wardrobe pieces are black and brown and I add colors and patterns to those. I have three sons and eight nephews with no daughters or nieces so, to counteract that dearth-of-estrogen feeling I often get, I like to buy pinks and purples in every shade and intensity.
When I lived somewhere that actually had all four seasons, my favorite things to wear were jeans and sweaters. Now that i live in the land of summer and not-quite summer, I wear lots of capris and non-fitted skirts.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 11:33 am.
Capris are favorites of mine, too. It’s such a forgiving and comfortable length for almost every body type, and they have so many kinds these days.
Hmmm. Getting the urge to go shop, but Must. Get. Pages. Done.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:15 pm.
Great post, Barbara. Since I was in a navy uniform for 9 years (13 if you count the USNA time) it took me a long time to let go of my ideas of “business”–think formal, stuffy suits that my ample bosom looks matronly in. Now that I accept that I’m a rugged creative (North Face meets Anthropologie, but with a TJ Maxx budget), it’s a bit easier. I think a new thread from the comments could be “Fifty Shades of Closets.”
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 11:38 am.
LOL, Geri. Perfect.
I always think you look fantastic–arty and creative and pulled together.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:16 pm.
I live in the desert so wear nothing much all year long. ; Went shopping in my closet this past weekend in prep for National conference. It seems nothing matches color wise. I’ve got a bit of this a bit of that, but nothing that will fit into casual business mode. I refuse to buy another pantsuit that I will never wear again. Ugh. Off to check out Chico’s today.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 11:45 am.
That’s what happens to me, too–I end up with clothes I buy for conferences that I never wear again. Annoying.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:21 pm.
I recently just found myself in my closet a few months ago – literally. I also had a jammed packed closet, filled with clothes from the last 10 years. Clothes that were pre-baby when I lived in California, and also post baby clothes – As I dug in my closet, I found myself purging 3/4 of it. It was so freeing! I had a Oprah “Ah ha’ moment…I finally lost those 60 lbs of baby weight, it felt so good to get rid of those “big” clothes knowing that I would never be that size again. Then I looked at my “smaller” pre-baby clothes that I could fit in now and I should be excited, but I realized I was not that person anymore, and never would be. Im a Mom now, Im older, I dont live in San Diego anymore, going out every weekend to the clubs… I live in Colorado Springs now – but I dont wear Teva’s or Mountain wear – BTW – LOL! Its funny how emotional clothes can be, as I bagged up 20 bags of clothes I saw the shirt I wore in London, the big one to hide my middle, the smaller tops I wore in Maui when my husband proposed to me – so many memories filled in those bags. I realized its time to move on, look forward and buy new clothes that are “me” in this stage of life. A little off topic, but had to share.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 11:50 am.
That’s beautiful, Michelle. We should all embrace the selves we are right now, exuberantly and enthusiastically. I really need to purge my closet–it would make it so much easier to see what’s there and what I want to wear.
I know that the fire has made me think about possessions in a whole new way. Like, what do I really love? What do I really want to have around me? What needs to be purged?
Thanks for your sweet insights.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:23 pm.
Barbara – Get some wine, play your favorite music and get in your closet to purge it – it will make it so much easier! A good question about the fire..as I grocery shop, or am at the local stores in the fire area I seem to run into people who lost their homes, or just effected still by the evac.. it almost gives me a sense of guilt to buy or take on more things in my home. Even thinking about Christmas shopping for my kids (yes, Im one of THOSE people who shop early) makes me feel strange, since so many lost so much to include childern that are the same age as my own. Given what we went through it really does give you a sense of what we really love and treasure – to include, our clothes, bags and shoes..lol.. – and what we “really need”. I have some bags of clothes left I was going to resell, now Im going to donate since so many women lost so much – so my purging will help others be clothed, and hopefully they will be able to create/rebuild wonderful new memories in them.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 1:30 pm.
That’s a great plan. I also have been stacking up things for donation, all the best used goods and things I’ve never worn. It’s mind-boggling to imagine not having a single thing when you start over, not a teaspoon or a potato peeler or a box of pens.
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:32 pm.
I really don’t have any style. I mostly dress for comfort, and this means alot of yoga pants and v-neck t-shirts. In the summer it is v-neck t-shirts and cotton shorts. My closet is full of black. Anything dressy that I own is black. I also live in flip flops or flats.
After I had my second baby, I would go shopping and try and squeeze myself into a smaller size thinking that it would eventually fit me. I have things in my closet that still have tags on them, and I now accept that they will never fit me, and I am ok with that. I am not a fan of shopping, but learning to dress my curves has made it at least a little easier.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:22 pm.
It’s always a relief to accept the self we are at a given moment. I like my curvy self, too.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:24 pm.
When I moved to Colorado, my East Coast wardrobe migrated with me. Twelve years later, I don’t have a shred of what I considered stylish and now think of as stuffy EC wardrobe left. I do not, however, have an atypical Coloradoan wardrobe and don’t anticipate putting on Uggs boots with my shorts anytime soon. I, too, tend lean toward bohemian. As I read the comments above, I would remind you that anyone coming to see/hear/meet you already knows how beautiful you are and would feel the same if you showed up in a ratty bathrobe. The thing to remember is that Nicholas Sparks and Pat Conroy do not stand in front of their closets before a book conference saying, “I wonder if these khakis make my a** look fat?”
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:34 pm.
Alyse, you always say something so magnificent at the start of every conference. Special love to you. <3 <3 <3 <3
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 7:39 pm.
I love that you shop in character. How fun! And I’m jealous of all of you going to national. This year is the first year I’ve missed national since 2000 but I’m going to other events later this year so… But now that it’s almost time and people are posting about packing and closets and shopping, I find myself getting a little sad. Have fun at the Harlequin party! My friends and I always close it down.
Kay
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 12:56 pm.
Kay, I’ve skipped a couple of them, too, and always feel sad just beforehand.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 7:39 pm.
I absolutely know my style. I’m not sure how I’d describe it. Maybe a little Anthropology-esque because I LOVE and wear vintage clothing and shoes, especially the late 30s to mid-40s, and yet, I love my jeans and hot pink Chucks or turquoise Addidas. I LOVE color and a closetful of blues, corals, greens, and yellows that enhance my red hair. And yet, I like the look of a white or black tee with jeans, especially when I add a pop of color with accessories. I LOVE accessories – I wish hats would be all the rage, again. I love it when it’s all drizzly here in SoCal because I pull out my cloches to wear since wearing a hat doesn’t look so strange. Jewelry’s important, too, especially since I’m a jewelry designer. I love mixing new pieces with old.
I’m planning on attending the literacy signing since I’m about an hour away from Anaheim. My dilemma is what to wear to the signing that will work at the Goddess Blogs party as well. Since it’s my first signing, what do I need to bring?
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 1:54 pm.
Just bring yourself, Janae. I will so look forward to meeting you and seeing if you’ve worn a hat. (I love cloches, by the way. I have a vintage velvet one, brownish green, that is fantastic.)
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 7:41 pm.
I’m jealous – I would love to have a vintage cloche.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 9:44 pm.
I hate buying clothes.. Because the top and the bottom of me is so differnt in size… I alwasy end up with a two peice outfit.. But what makes it for me is the shoes and the purse.. If I have them co-ordinated with the outfit, I am in like Flint…I have a couple of pieces that I can where with just about anything. Basic black and then I can put what ever colour I want with them..
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 2:04 pm.
That’s the great thing about black, for sure. You can dress it up in any color you like.
My grandmother had a lot of purses, but I only ever have one. Recently, I wondered why I limit purses when I don’t limit shoes or scarves or….
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 7:42 pm.
My problem is I have to dress per the dress code at work – khaki or brown slacks and a navy shirt. (Yes, I work at Walmart! Once I can leave that job I will probably burn every khaki and navy article of clothing I own! And my shoes are all tennis shoes as I work in the bakery and need comfortable non-slip shoes.
Going to Nationals is the highlight of my wardrobe year! I have some items I take every year – blazer, black skirt, blouses over camisoles. And I wear business type dresses. I always take dress slacks for the evenings out at restaurants. My big weakness is shoes! I have some really great dress shoes and I only get to wear them during Nationals. As a result I usually bring a small suitcase just for my shoes. I am going to try hard to limit my shoe choices this year!
I try really hard to find clothes that are cute, professional looking, and are age and SHAPE appropriate! I am a 50 plus year old ROUND woman. I will NOT be wearing bright flowery clothes. Nobody wants to see a runaway hibiscus tree rolling toward them on six inch heels!
My wardrobe when I was working as an opera singer was very elegant and very business-like. And there are times I miss shopping for that look.
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 9:40 pm.
LOL, a runaway hibiscus tree! No way you’d look like that.
I bet the shopping for life as an opera singer would be really fun.
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:33 pm.
My biggest problem is that I am a completely different person with different sets of friends. Okay, maybe not COMPLETELY different, but I always set up any description of myself as “my mom grew up on a dirt road in Michigan, and my dad grew up in New York City, and I literally grew up in the middle of the two, bouncing back and forth for holidays and occasions”.
Second biggest problem? When I’m in the dressing room, I’m thinking “I could wrap a belt around this to bring the waist in, I can safety pin between the buttons so the gap doesn’t show, I can adjust the bra straps so that they don’t show…” At 6 AM when I’m dressing for work? “Hm. I don’t have a belt that matches this, can’t find my safety pins, and I need to do laundry.”
Third biggest problem: I just lost over 30 pounds. This, in theory, should not be a problem. However, Stacy and Clinton recommend having a wardrobe for your size no matter where you are in the weight gaining-losing process. My friend, who is my best fashionista AND knows my budget, tells me that she KNOWS I am going to lose more weight, and therefore should wait to buy new clothes. Half of the time, I’m just trying not to let everybody else see the panic attack I have when I think about gaining the weight back. If everybody sees and comments on the success, what will they say if I fail!? (Yes, that is an unexpected quirk to my personality that most people don’t realize is there.) The other half of the time, I’m a little disappointed as I remember that even when I’m skinny, I’m not SKINNY. So, as much as I love boho dresses, house dresses, “skinny” jeans, leggings, etc… well, they’re never going to happen.
All this aside, and I still LOVE coming home with new clothing…
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 5:55 am.
That’s almost the same thing as shopping for characters, isn’t it?
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:35 pm.
I am only 5 ft tall so I have problems with wanting cute dresses, slacks, skirts that don’t look right on me. Yrs ago petite was only a wish but now I have more choices.
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 12:38 pm.
I have a tiny aunt, so I know what you’re talking about. It used to be so hard for her to find clothes, but it’s a lot better now.
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:35 pm.