I’ve mentioned before that I have some sandal issues. Namely that I absolutely hate having wet feet, and wearing sandals makes wet feet far more possible. So I prefer sandals with a little platform. Doesn’t have to be huge! Just something that puts a bit of distance between my tender tootsies and any offending puddles. Or wet grass. I also hate having anything between my toes, so flip-flops and anything with a flip-flop like construction are right out. My ideal sandal has an ankle strap, a strap across the toes, and a small heel. Basically, my ideal sandal is this one. Though I have an almost identical pair by Miz Mooz and have seen several similar styles by other companies this season.
And you? What’s your preferred sandal style? Any deal-breakers in terms of comfort, design, or appearance?
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Many women who love style and fashion collect items related to dressing. Vintage scarves, polka dotted clothing, brooches, or even “anything Prada” all qualify. Some fashion-minded women don’t collect based on narrow criteria, but instead look to sweeping categories: Handbags, hats, shirt dresses, pencil skirts, round-toe pumps. And even women who don’t consciously collect or even consider themselves fashion-minded often have multiples lurking in their closets: Black cardigans are common, as are jeans, dress pants, and tights.
If you were to peer into your closet, what would you find in surplus? Do you have lots of this item because you collect it, because its a staple and you like to have multiples, or some other reason?
There are women out there who can walk into a mall store, pick up a specific size right off the rack, slip it on, and have it look perfect. In my experience, they are the exception, not the rule. Women of all heights, weights, shapes, and sizes experience fit challenges because clothing manufacturers design to statistical body shape norms, choose to design to socially sanctioned norms, or opt to follow fit and design trends. (Low-rise jeans, I’m looking at you.) And, of course, women who wear tall, plus, and petite sizes face a whole other world of biases and issues.
Me? Blazers that fit at the waist are often too small in the shoulders. Pants that fit on my hips and thighs gap a bit at the waist. Many sleeves are too tight. I’ve got my own work-arounds and go-to brands, but I know these to be some of my fit challenges.
What are your fit challenges? What problems do you consistently face when purchasing off-the-rack clothing? How do you deal?
Once upon a time, I took pride in my ability to roll out of bed and be ready to leave the house 10 minutes later. Sadly, those days are gone. If I have to wash, dry, and straighten my hair, it takes me about 45 minutes to get ready in the morning. And that’s assuming I don’t hit an outfit wall and spend yet more time refining the day’s ensemble.
But what really drives me nuts? It takes me at least half an hour to get ready for bed now! With the flossing, toothbrushing, face washing, Clairsonic-ing, and applying of various lotions and potions to my face, legs, feet, and hands. I actually dread bedtime a little because I know I’ll be performing my nightly ablutions for so darned long.
How about you? How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? How long does it take you to get ready for bed?
Today’s poll question comes from reader Dee!
I have a topic idea that I think might elicit some interesting and possible funny stories: Have you ever WORN a fashion trend before it was known to be the lastest trend in your city or town? If so how did you feel? Did you feel really trendy or did you feel odd when you realized no one thought you were in style? This didn’t happen to me but a few years ago I did see someone wearing what I thought was an odd style and thought “maybe that is the style in NY or CA and it hasn’t made it here yet”… sure enough that was the case!
We all have days when we feel discouraged about and frustrated with our bodies. There are many important ways to look inside, reflect a bit, and find ways to work towards more positive feelings and thoughts on our own. But it can also be incredibly helpful to turn to loved ones, friends, and family for support.
Who supports you when you’re feeling upset or discouraged about your physical self or personal style? To whom do you turn when you need help or encouragement? Does anyone in your life rely on YOU for this kind of support?
As you all know, I’m a fan of matching. I like monochrome looks, coordinated accessories, and cohesive color schemes. But even I have my limits. I buy the occasional jewelry set, but will always wear the pieces separately. If I’m doing one bold accessory – red boots, for instance – I’m unlikely to repeat that boldness elsewhere in my outfit. And, much as I love it, I hope never to make an appearance on matchymatchycouples.com.
Over to you: How do you feel about matchy-ness? Will you match your shoes to your bag? Bag to belt? All three? Do you wear matched jewelry sets? Prefer discrete or repeating color schemes within your outfits? Which kinds of matching do you utilize, and which kinds do you personally avoid?
A friend once explained to me that designer fashion, runway fashion, high fashion was as much about spectacle and drama as it was about clothing and trends. I had always pooh-poohed runway shows and the looks that graced them, feeling that it was an exclusionary, impractical parade of overpriced, unwearable stuff. I still think that some of the time. But since I try to find inspiration everywhere, and since I’m interested in trends, and since there’s a lot of fascinating history behind many of the design houses, I’ve started to pay attention. But then I see the single body type, the lack of diversity, the refusal to acknowledge that there is a market for high-end goods above a US size 12, and I get frustrated. I flip-flop a lot. I see both sides. It’s fun and fabulous, but it’s also insidious and damaging.
What do you think about designer fashion, runway fashion, high fashion? Idly interested? Couldn’t care less? Eat up the Fashion Week coverage? What appeals to you? What turns you off?
