Fashion Senseless
May 12, 2010 
There are several things that happened regarding the commenting on my last post...
a) Though the more poignant topic was interpersonal relationships and their complexities, most of us preferred to discuss muffins and danishes instead. Through this voyage of self-discovery I came to the conclusion that I love chocolate chocolate chip muffins the most. I thought you should know.
2) Some of you are not letting me off the hook about this baby thing. If I become pregnant anytime soon (but I won't) it will be on your shoulders. (But I won't.)
iii) One of you, Leah, actually did address the topic of interpersonal relationships, and I think she shared some sage insight... "As for relationships, well they are as complicated as you make them in my opinion. I've found over the years the more open you are about things, even if you think it may make life complicated at first, in the end, things actually seem simpler."
Well said, Leah. Thank you.
So, being Leah was the only one who did pipe up on the subject, I'm guessing it might be a little too serious. A little too personal. A little too real for this here blog.
And in that spirit, I am changing the subject.
To fashion.
Or my lack thereof.
(This is my new avenue for my anti-baby campaign.)
(Not that I'm anti-baby, per se.)
(I'm just anti-baby-gestating-in-my-own-womb-at-this-particular-point-in-time.)
(So we're going to talk about something else for awhile.)
(And talking about fashion reminds me that I would, indeed, like to fit into the majority of clothes in my closet for the forseeable future.)
(See where I'm going with this?)
For the past year or so, likely spurred on by our whole moving process, I've been weeding out the contents of my closet and dressers. It needed to be done. Truth be told, I've actually been fighting the urge to give away my entire wardrobe altogether and start over completely. But then I remember I still can't afford to buy a money tree to plant in my back yard, so I'd best not be too overzealous.
I have managed to downsize quite considerably, however, and I'd say I'm mildly happy with what I've got. The thing is, though, I have a lot of items that really don't go with anything else I have. A LOT of them. Like, a dressy, flowy tank top that goes with absolutely nothing else I own. And a really cool wrap around scarf that, again, goes with absolutely nothing else I own. Except a pair of buckskin boots. But I think we can all agree it might be wise to fill in the gaps in between the scarf and boots with some other items of clothing.
I have also realized that I gravitate toward brown way more than I should. I'm a brunette, so brown always just kind of 'goes' with my complexion and lots of clothes I already have. I love brown. Brown has a place in my wardrobe and always will. But one must not walk through life looking like a giant turd all the time. This is my credo.
(No it's not.)
And my final observation, and perhaps the most deeply philosophical, is that I have found that somewhere along the way I have purchased clothes, for myself, that would only be appropriate for a life I do not lead. They are for a life that I thought I might lead someday. I attribute this to the agony and ecstasy of going through your 20's... You trapse about the clothing stores, somehow believing that it is entirely possible that one day you may indeed become a wool-wearing Icelandic shepherdess or a ranch working, cattle driving cowgirl. The world is your oyster.
Never mind that you do neither of those things at that actual point in time.
Nevermind that you have an aversion to wearing thick, itchy wool sweaters or thick denim.
The point is that someday you might live that life, and that wool sweater is on sale for a rock bottom price today, so you buy it. And when the day finally comes that you actually do become an Icelandic shepherdess, you and your sweater will be prepared.
What I'm trying to say, in my round-about way, is that I have finally come to the place in my life where I am settling into who I am, and I think it is extending to my fashion as well. I know that I don't like t-shirts that are tight around my neck. So, you know what? I no longer buy them.
I know that, day to day, I pretty much only pick out zip-up hooded sweaters and sweatshirts to wear. So, you know what? That's what I buy.
I know that, day to day, I'm most likely to be moving around a lot, down on my knees playing with the kids, changing diapers, cooking or working outside, and getting spit-up on regularly. So, you know what? I invest most of my clothing purchases in sweatpants and comfy t-shirts (without a tight neck, of course.)
So, to narrow down even more what I am trying to say, is that I have lived, and I have learned. Something.
About myself.
However insignificant.
These sandals are one of my latest purchases. And guess what! I can actually wear them with other things I own! They're fun and cute, yet functional. I even bought a shirt to go with them specifically.
I am becoming so wise in my old age.
And my new credo (to replace the one about looking like a turd) is to try to maximize and round out what I already have in my closet with some coordinating pieces.
I may recruit your help with this.
And you are not allowed to suggest any maternity wear.
Unless it is for Marigold.
The end.
Good bye.
I love you.
Live long and prosper.
The end.
Seriously.
Reader Comments (7)
Those sandals are so cute! I think you should take a picture of your footsies in them.
(aren't you proud of me for not saying anything about your ovaries or womb?)
Duly noted. ;)
Haha, I used to wear a lot of brown, too. So I decided to "branch out" and try a new color. Look in my closet now and you will see a sea of black! I think I need some fashion tips too.
I am stuck in a fashion rut too... especially when it comes to my hair. I haven't cut it in years. I've trimmed it, but not cut it. Seriously, it's been like... a decade since I had my hair cut in a different style. (It's just long and straight. Like down to my butt and straight. Oh, did I mention it's straight?) It's kind of a comfort thing, I guess. I have finally decided I just need to let go and get it cut; I know I'll feel 10x better and look a few years younger if I do. But now, my husband doesn't want me to cut it. He has never seen me any other way, so I don't think he would know what to think. I'm working on him though... I showed him a picture of the cut I wanted and he loved it... just not on me, or so he said.
Anyway, I blab too much. But I am in the same boat as you. Wardrobe, hair and all.
Oh, yeah... Don't even get me started on the hair! I didn't color my hair for over six years. Now I'm experimenting with some highlights. It's emotionally draining. ;)
Rayleigh's Mom - You're trying to convince your hubby to let you change your hair style AND have another baby? You're an ambitious gal. Good luck!
Sorry not to have contributed any words of wisdom to the relationships post - but as my most intense relationships at this point of time seem to be with my new chickens - I didn't feel well qualified to comment.
Anyhow - love the sandals, and as a jeans / t-shirts / trackpants kind of girl - I'd say go with what is most comfortable in regards to fashion.
I have weeded through and passed on more than half my wardrobe. Little by little I have been trying to find things that fit me and my life now.
Ruth