When I was a little girl and going to school there was a dress code. It determined what length, style and types of clothes, shoes, etc we could wear. This was pretty much the same all throughout my school years. As an adult I started working in the financial industry. There was a dress code. Women were not even allowed to wear pants when I started! Corporate stylists came in and told us what we could wear, down to the color of our nail polish. There was a class on wearing light, tasteful make-up. In some ways it was helpful-the expectations were clearly laid out. Times have changed and even in the financial industry there is more room for self-expression. But, my life was formed with a very clear list of what I was “allowed” to wear. Fast-forward to being a stay-at-home mom. No Dress Code! So much freedom, but it is easier to make mistakes. And, I don’t “have” to really get dressed, sweatpants and leggings count – and I’m not going to get into trouble.
But I do love clothes. I remember going through catalogues as a child and picking out all the clothes and jewelry I wanted to wear when I was grown up. The clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry and even make-up that catch, my eye don’t exactly go with my life. I just don’t wear a flowing dress and heels while cleaning the house. Grocery shopping, doesn’t require the fiercest winged eyeliner with leather trousers and a spiked Louboutin heel. It should, but then I would need someone to do the actual shopping for me.
So some balance is needed. Some creativity is needed to put trends and beauty in balance with comfort and practicality. Oh, and I’m not 20-something, and I am someone’s mom. For 95% of my life, I can get away with leggings or jeans and a sweater with sneakers. Really, I don’t think anyone would really notice or care. . .well, except for me. I care. I am inspired by the creativity, but the jewelers who make beautiful items, and by the artists who create make-up looks and hairstyles. I love the transformation because it is fun, I don’t have to. I want to. This is a choice. Any person who shows up with plain jeans, sweater, and sneakers, I get that. But if you want – maybe we can get all our work done at home and still show up with something a little fun on!
I pretty much only have the time to get dressed once a day. But, that day may morph into several occasions – so my outfit needs to morph too. Yesterday, I had to clean around the house, I had a meeting and then I had to pick up at school. So, I wore black jeans and a white sweater. At home I usually run around in slippers or slipper socks. But when I left, I put on a very old and trusty pair of black motorcycle boots and an ombre faux-fur vest with a belt. I have to wear shoes and coat to go outside anyway. But, it is a bit more exciting that sneakers and a plain coat. It was fun for me. I was comfortable and happy as I made my way through the world yesterday!
