There Was A Time…

There was a time...
...When I used to be fashion conscious.

Now let me say that I have always beat to my own drum when it comes to fashion. I have always worn what I want, but it at least followed the style of the day. I had the bad hair of the 1980s and ’90s, the big glasses, the giant earrings and the ugly clothes, which, sadly, are making a comeback.

Today, while I wish I had more money to spend on clothes, I am surrounded by people who think they are fashion gurus and are not shy about their views, making such blatant statements as:

• Women who have blond hair and are over 30 are trailer trash because they obviously dye it and it looks ridiculous. (For the record, I have two aunts who both have yellow-blond hair. They have never dyed it and they are 45 and over 50.)
• Women who dye their hair all one colour are trailer trash. I have to dye my hair so now what?
• Girls under 30 have no right to wear red lipstick, they look like trailer trash. Are you seeing the pattern here?

Any way, these types of people drive me crazy because I do not think fashion is black and white.

Fashion is shades of grey and is all about interpretation and wearing something that makes you feel and look good.

However, dealing with people like this makes me want to go in the complete other directions, which, I know, is ridiculous.

There was a time …..
...When I baked nightly.

I would get a recipe for work that didn’t come with a photo, go home, make it and take photos of it for the paper.

My coworkers were happy because they often got samples. I would bake cookies and brownies and bring them in to share. I would have tea biscuits nightly.

Then I had my little guy. And after he goes to bed, I get ready for work, have a shower, read and go to bed myself. No baked goods to share. No tea biscuits for me.

There was a time….
...When I would read many books in a course of a week.
I can now read a magazine in the course of week, a book is a month or so.

There was a time…
...When the green monster would rear its ugly head every time I heard the words ‘I’m pregnant.’

The monster didn’t stay long and I eventually was happy for whoever was lucky enough to be pregnant, but still it appeared and made me feel badly for a bit.

Then I was lucky enough to become pregnant myself. My son arrived and he has brought me constant joy.

So there may have been a time when I had extra money and time, now I have little-boy giggles, pee on the floor, impish smiles, cute laundry, hugs and open-mouth kisses, peak-a-boo and constant happiness.

Shopping Heartaches

I understand clothing is important. I appreciate the fact that a nice-dressed person may have an advantage.

But that doesn’t stop the fact I hate clothes shopping. And I hate it because when I go, I am frustrated, angry, broke, disappointed and left wondering who clothing manufacturers make clothing for.

Because it isn’t me. And it likely isn’t you either.

I will admit it is getting a little easier to purchase clothing, particularly pants, for me.

In the past, my Mom and Dad would bring a tape measure to ensure the pants would have the required 34-inch inseam. And often, being tall meant being fat, and properly fitting clothing was next to impossible to find.

I still struggle to find pants that are long enough and it’s a rare day when I can find pants that are long enough and are on sale.

I usually have to pay extra, perhaps for the length.

Top shopping is a little easier as I have a petit top half, however, as noted in this blog, I don’t have a chest, so many of the shirts are less than flattering as I have nothing to fill it with. And as I don’t want the world to see what I don’t have, many tops cannot be purchased.

I was really worried about finding clothes that fit when I was pregnant.
And then I discovered Thyme Maternity.

After leaving that store, I understood why most women like shopping.
It was fun. Things fit; were reasonably priced; and there was no shortage of items I wanted to take home. In addition, the sales staff was fun, helpful and knowledgeable.

I told them I was coming back for all my regular-clothing needs. I can simply roll down the belly or eat more chocolate.