Heart on My Sleeve

I guess I was a bit hard on myself in my last post; I’m not a total dork and I promise my blog is not moving towards a chronicle of plummeting self-esteem. However, my clothes are not always what I would consider cool or properly fitting, often requiring me to wear control-top hosiery. 

Mike challenged me, "What is the dress code really at your office?  I know it might say business casual..."  I realized that the only real code is that we can't wear jeans or tennis shoes. No one would send me home for not wearing a suit or sweater set.  I went to work in house slippers one day by mistake.  No one noticed or if they did, didn't care.  

I began dressing for my body shape about a year ago – a huge step in the right direction which has helped my confidence quite a bit. I have long been confounded about how to dress my smallish frame with big hips. Otherwise known as "pear-shaped," or I've also received cat-calls about my "apple-bottom" which apparently is a compliment.  Whatever fruit my lower body represents, pants do not fit this shape. Ever. I have to go to the tailor to take all my waists in, wear a belt cinching the extra fabric in funny ways, or sport a gap revealing my underwear choice of the day.

The book series I stumbled upon last year, “What Not to Wear” by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine, held wardrobe revelations unknown. My three greatest discoveries:

1. Can you say palazzo pants?! Or my favorite, sailor pants?? They fit well because the legs are wide and flowy, allowing the waist to fit without alteration most of the time.


2. Forming fitting, knee-length or longer skirts actually look really good on me! Who knew? I'd always reach for A-line or full skirts for maximum coverage. I wouldn't touch a tight skirt with a ten foot pole until I learned that a curvy body looks good in stuff like this. I can't explain the scientific or aesthetic arguement why, just trust me.  Make sure to have a stretch fabric and "viola!" you look great!


3. Also – I found that blazers and other tops with busy stuff going on are great for drawing eyes upward. Brooches and scarves work too - and I have a ton, so I might start wearing them to work! 

Building a new wardrobe takes time and I struggle to find staples that work and last long.  I tend to reach for practical rather than fun items, which I think is why I'm still largely dissatisfied with my look. My goal is to take things to the next level, and not only wear clothes that are comfortable according to my shape, but according to my personality. And have the guts to say, "I look great!" Hope my sleeves can show what’s in my heart.