During an extensive bout of e-mail volleying, my friend Jen informed me of her recent wardrobe upgrade. I could sense the sigh of relief in the tone of her messages as she talked about getting her “funky” style back. And I admit that it makes me proud because I’d like to think that years of listening to my rambling on about fashion may have found it’s way into her shopping psyche. (I could be wrong but let’s assume I’m not.)
But the thing that really stuck out in my mind was the reference to getting “back” to the style that she once had. Does that sound familiar to you? Do you look in the mirror and think, “Who the hell are you and what did you do with the cool version of me?” I think many people can relate to abandoning or losing their style as the years wane. Below I’ve identified some of the reasons people forfeit the fashionable versions of themselves. These are the Style Thieves:
Children – A lot of stylish people can write “fashion victim” next to their name after they venture into parenthood. This situation typically applies to mothers who understandably declare that they don’t have time to care about what they put on themselves. There are kids to dress, feed, teach, and develop. These caregivers are probably thinking, “I’d buy Manolos if they help me clean the house, cook a meal, or baby-sit.”
I don’t have kids and let me assure you that I’m not in anyway trying to be judgmental. However, if you are a mom who is interested in putting slightly more effort into her everyday look, check out the Mommies with Style blog.
And if you don’t have time to wade through the internet for suggestions, see my post on wardrobe must haves for a quick list of items that are always fashionable.
Weight Gain – Let’s face it, most of us are not the same size we were 10 years ago. And that’s okay. I personally hate to hear people say that they are dieting in an effort to return to the size they were when they were 18. I don’t think the body is supposed look they way it did when you graduated high school. But unfortunately putting on the pounds does not motivate you to purchase new clothes. It often makes you want to hide under sweatpants and baggy tops. When I'm talking to someone about updating their wardrobe and they mention their weight as an issue, I recommend that they explore the reasons for the weight gain and really try to uncover the emotional stimulants for gaining weight. If you know why you put on the extra pounds and are taking steps to address it, then you can start to focus on your wardrobe. Please don’t think that I’m recommending that you schlep around in ill-fitting clothing until you reach your ideal size. I think it’s important to obtain a few new pieces as you lose weight because it will definitely boost your confidence when you see how much better you look and feel. Just make sure you’re not concentrating on shopping as a way to avoid other, not so fun, issues.
Workplace Conformity – Ahh, my personal pet peeve. If only I had received a small donation for every time I heard a comment like, “I just wear anything because that’s what everyone does.” This thinking reminds me that we’re all still 13 years old at heart. We can’t make a move without checking to see what the other kids are doing. And if everyone at work wears khaki pants and woven, button-down shirts, or cardigans, or purple lame’ pants, than darn it, so be it! Who are you to challenge the bastion of office culture? But before you rush off to purchase those purple lame’ trousers, think about what you like and what message you’re trying to convey when you walk into work. I doubt many of you aspire to look like the disco version of Barney so really stop and think about what your clothes say about you. Trust me, if you can only muster up enough “give a crap” for one place and one place only when it comes to the way you dress, your workplace should be the recipient of said affection. Your want your colleagues to see a distinctive, confident person who looks capable of doing the job well. Is that what your co-workers see? Or does one look at you make them say, "It’s time for an intervention?"
Okay if you want to break free from the poor dressing habits that workplace conformity can bring, start small. First assess your situation. If you already have pretty things hanging in your closet, start wearing them. If not, you should make a plan before you commit to spending any money. And at the bear minimum, refrain from wearing anything to work that’s dirty, smelly, or holey. This includes casual Friday.
Where's the posting for today? I NEED STYLENOSH DAILY! :o)
On another note, I'm going out of town this weekend and I don't know what to pack. Any suggestions?
Posted by: Satrice | April 05, 2007 at 02:20 PM
Dear Satrice, please don't harass STYLEnosh. :o) I'm doing my blogger due diligence be reading other blogs right now. There will be a new post before you know it! And thanks for the idea about what to pack. I think everyone can benefit from a few packing tips. Since your trip is this weekend, please e-mail me at stylenosh@gmail.com for immediate assistance! :o)
Posted by: STYLEnosh | April 05, 2007 at 02:43 PM