From a fashion perspective, it can be frustrating to be stuck in the virtual, work from home or be masked world. I feel like my whole look is ruined when I have to mask up and no one can see my pretty lipstick (but I would NEVER go out without a mask). Or, when I'm on zoom, all people can see is a semi-blurry view of my face and neckline, and we don't even need to go into the fact that no one can even see my cute shoes!
This brings us to one very important lesson: you need to dress for yourself, for your own sense of aesthetics, your own style, your own comfort and your own happiness. What color makes you look and feel like you're in LOVE? Wear that. What shoes are the most comfortable friends you've ever had (yes, shoes can be a "friend")? Buy and wear those. What patterns give you energy, and what jewelry adds a special feeling to your day?
One of my current favorite things is my new pair of Lucky Brand ballet flats. The other day, after walking thousands of steps in them, I actually felt like doing ballet positions because the soft leather is SO comfortable. I have ordered a second pair in brown, and these flats will now be my go-to shoes. They are feminine enough for dresses and skirts, and will go with every pair of jeans, pants and leggings I own. If no one sees them and notices how they add such a cute finishing touch to my outfit, well, it doesn't really matter, because they make me feel so good! I will say goodbye to the pointy-toed worn out flats that no longer give me that spark of joy, although they have served me well for a long time.
As I mentioned, tops are really important these days, especially with all the zoom gatherings. A new top is a great way to update your wardrobe and express yourself, even in a zoom room. However, have you ever ordered something that looked wonderful online but turned out to be a dud? I have! Recently a lovely plum colored top in my exact size of petite medium turned out to be a very dull color and much too big! What a disappointment. I wanted so badly to look just as casual cool as the model, with her hands in the lovely POCKETS! Instead, I looked quite frumpy. By the time I realized the top was hopeless, I had already tried altering it, but the material was so thick and it just wouldn't work even after all my snipping and sewing. PLEASE, if you receive something that doesn't work, send it back right away! Lesson learned.
Luckily, in my online shopping journey, I found a company I had never ordered from before, Christopher and Banks. I ordered the lovely asymmetrical top below. Not only did it fit me perfectly, but I love the color and the happy pattern, and my husband even complimented me! Big win! The directions say to machine wash and dry, but I prefer to pull it out of the washer and hang to dry.
My mother actually told me that I should go ahead and get more tops like this one in different colors. Sadly, it was the only asymmetical tunic available. However, realizing I had found something that really worked for me, I proceeded to order a different tunic top in my size from this company. This one is a little longer and in a beautiful extremely dark navy. I love the thin, flattering, comfortable material, which contains polyester and rayon, and drapes so nicely, and the top was on sale for only around $15. This top is the perfect thing to wear with my plaid Old Navy leggings that have been hanging like an orphan in my closet. I am very pleased that I found tops that I absolutely love and that fit me so well. Being petite, my choices are sometimes limited, so I am so grateful for this find.
Fit is so important to me, as well as comfort, but I also care about color, pattern and presentation of a picture that is truly me. I like to look feminine, creative, and youthful with a touch of bold (the plaid leggings, for example). Most of all, I want to look, and feel, like me, so I can give my best each day.
What colors, patterns, pieces, shoes, decor, music makes you feel like the real you?
We all have to get dressed every day anyway, so we may as well have some fun!
-Karen