But I dither. Back on track. I guess what I really mean is, have fun with your clothes. Don't look at them as just something to keep you covered or warm. And despite what you might think, you make a statement no matter what you wear, by the choices you make. You may not think you do, but even if you throw on the nearest item that isn't in the dirty-clothes hamper, that is also a statement. If you pull dirty clothes out of the hamper to wear, well, that's a whole 'nuther kind of statement, and I won't go there.
For me, since I might only get into town once a week, if that, making an effort is fun. I get tired of looking like a transient most of the time. Working around animals is how I spend most of my day, but let's face it, neither my horses or my cats are going to be impressed with what I have on while cleaning stalls or cat boxes. When I know I am not going anywhere, I live in sweat pants & sweatshirts. Lately, due to the extreme cold, when working outside, I look even sillier, since I'd rather be warm than stylish. But once I head for town, I try, I really try, to make an effort to "clean up good."
This does not mean I throw on a fancy dress. I am a jeans and T-shirt kinda girl. But you can have a hell of a lot of fun with those as well. There are times I wish I was even braver, and a bit more eccentric. But at my age, I can only push the envelope so far before people start wondering if I belong in a padded room. But I still push. If the general reaction is good, then I push a little more next time.
Add to this effort the fact that I am artistic, and a whole new area of expression in clothing opens up. I can sew, bead, embroider, applique, and otherwise restyle all kinds of things. But as stated, since I live in a rural area where getting "dressed to the nines" only happens on New Years Eve, if then, it makes sense that all that embellishment has to go on something more practical than a fancy gown.
So here is an example of how I "make an effort" without looking like I'm trying too hard (a cardinal sin), or without ending up looking ridiculous, 'cause I've been there and done that, believe me!
The hat is felted wool and was custom made for me by a good friend. The long, handwoven scarf was gifted to me by another good friend. The sweatshirt is the embellished one I just finished. And, courtesy of The Gap, my go-to store for basics that I wear FOR YEARS, is the nylon bomber jacket and skinny jeans. I have on short street boots that kinda look like hiking boots. And jewelry. There is always jewelry.
On the arm of the couch is Sabine, who approved the outfit.
A better shot of the hat and scarf. Lots of times I will put jewelry pins on the hat, but I had just taken off the vintage Christmas-ish looking one, and haven't decided yet what to put back on. My husband, who took the pictures, thought I looked quite dashing.
So, there is a small example of what I mean by making an effort when you go out the door. Assuming of course you're not going out the door to work in the garden, clean stalls, or mow the lawn...although that last one has possibilities (visions of my first husband mowing our large lawn in a lime-green Speedo butt-huger comes glaringly to mind, alas).
Bottom line. Have fun with your clothes. Why not? You have to wear them every day, anyway.
