It’s true! I’ve been nominated and interviewed for a fashion makeover on TV. It is an incredible lesson on “who am I?”, “how do others see me?” and “how do I want to be seen?” Feeling like “Queen for a Day”, which totally dates me, this has been a defining moment, even before I hear back whether I’ve been selected.
My co-workers responded to an email requesting nominations for some one they knew who is fashion challenged, does not spend a lot of time getting dressed in the morning, and has a special event coming up. They thought I fit the description perfectly and they’re right, sort of. As a single, working mother of twins, time is not a luxury and mothers knows that are our lives are filled with accommodating our children’s needs, not necessarily want. Even though it’s summertime and the schedule is easier for everyone, meaning not dropping the kids off at school at 7:30AM for clubs, etc., who has the time to “dress”?
In all honesty, I am thrilled with my lifestyle that allows me to be able to dress casually, extremely casually, to work and, therefore, one less item to think about. I no longer commute to the city, run to catch the train in the morning, spend 1 1/2 hours each way, dressing to impress, and being exhausted when I get home. My move to the Long Island office changed my commute to 15 minutes, I’m closer to home and the kids, and can get a lot of things done, including going to the gym and staying late at work without it being a major effort. Since most of my work is done over the phone and email, my clients don’t know what I’m wearing or where I am, as long as what I need to get done gets done. It does and I am a happier person for being able to do it in a way that works for me. I feel so lucky to be able to dress in T-shirts, yoga pants and sneakers…comfortable, edgy, funky sneakers…instead of heels or confining pretty shoes, that look nice and just don’t have that comfort factor.
On the other side, when I do have client meetings, I dress in business attire and look my best, the whole nine yards, heels, makeup, jewelry and suits. It feels good to look good and although I am always professional when it comes to work, given my preference, I like to be comfortable. It is who I am.
So here’s why I’m not completely fashion challenged. I know nice clothes, read about them, watch programs about them, buy clothes from magazine articles, like them and even like the way I feel in them. It seems I have somehow drawn a line, as if there are only two distinct arenas for me, either total comfort or clothes for an event (thank you Marla for helping define that for me). Where is the middle ground? How would dressing nicer every day, not just for work but on the weekends too, change me and my life?
The answer is in marketing myself and that is very important to me right now. As a friendly, optimistic entrepreneur and business woman, I meet and talk to people all the time. What is the impression I am giving when I am wearing my “comfort” clothes? With a little bit of effort, I hope it’s only a little bit, I can be taken more seriously and generate more business, which is important right now, especially with how these economic times are going. Besides, it’s all about reinvention for me right now and how can I model it. So I say “bring it on”, I’m ready to cross the line and take the next step into casual professional sans sneakers and without the 4″ styletto Manolo’s. Somewhere in between would be just fine as long as it’s my style and I ‘m comfortable in my own skin.
This show would make an incredible difference in my life. The stylists on the show are my role models and what a trip to be able to have them help me put it all together. No matter what, there has already been a shift in me as I see all that I have and am grateful for, and always how I can make that better.
Just as a side note, Josh asked me a lot of great questions, including what my style is and was I always like this. It struck me that how we think about how we dress is in the same par with how we think about money, self esteem, relationships, etc. Then I realized that when I go out with my sweetheart, I dress for the occasion, look feminine and sophisticated, without giving it a second thought So why can’t I do that everyday? Because I don’t have to? Is that a good enough answer? Guess I’ll figure it out or maybe I just need to get out more.
