My Life As a Failed Fashion Goddess

Nov 12th 2007
Claudia DainMy Life As A Plebe

66 Responses to “My Life As a Failed Fashion Goddess”

1. Kim on 12 Nov 2007 at 7:34 am #

   I definitely have a uniform. T-shirt and shorts. No bras or socks allowed. Now that its getting colder some days I wear long johns or sweatpants instead of shorts. This starts the furnace war with my husband. It goes something like this: Me, “Honey, I’m cold. Turn on the heater.” Him, “NO. Put some clothes on. Cover with a blanket.” Me, “NO, I want to be comfortable.” and so on back and forth

   The only jewelry I wear is my wedding band. Sorry, Claudia. I totally fail as a fashion Goddess.

   And that little girl is adorable! Don’t you just want to pinch her cheeks?

2. Karen Hawkins on 12 Nov 2007 at 7:36 am #

   My uniform: capris and comfy shirt! I’m in Florida so it’s warm here. When it gets cooler, I’m a strictly Jeans and comfy shirt woman. I just looooove comfy shoes and I only ‘dress’ when I have to, though I enjoy it the few times I do.

   You know, I like t-shirts, but I can’t STAND anything touching my throat, so I usually get something with a little bit more of a neck than a regular t-shirt. Anyone else like this or it is it just me? I also own some turtleneck sweaters, but haaaate wearing them, so they sit i the dresser. I need my throat-space!

3. Karen Hawkins on 12 Nov 2007 at 7:37 am #

   (and Kim, I thought the same exact thing about the little girl — PINCH!!!)

4. jessie on 12 Nov 2007 at 7:59 am #

   I wear jeans and a shirt every day. Not a T-shirt, just a regular shirt. They usually fall somewhere between girly and preppy. But, aside from color, pattern, neckline, or sleeve length, there’s no variation on that outfit. Sometimes I go into a black despair over my unoriginality and sameness, but then I tell myself to get over it.

   I feel the most comfortable wearing longish shirts (I’m tall, and hemlines tend to hit me weird) and long jeans.

   I NEVER wear jewelry. My mom is forever trying to get me to just please put on some earrings. I’ve even had to forbid my boyfriend from buying me jewelry (really, what’s the point if it’s just going to sit in my jewelry box–waste of money).

5. Maggie Robinson on 12 Nov 2007 at 8:14 am #

   I can’t wear jeans to work, but I would if I could. Twin sets and slacks are my uniform. Flat shoes. Maybe a crazy beaded necklace to hang my name tag on (I work in a high school library, and must be identified in case Melvil Dewey returns from the dead). And I can’t wear perfume because the head librarian is allergic. I wear a watch and my engagement rings and wedding band, but take them off first thing when I come home.

6. Michellynn on 12 Nov 2007 at 8:19 am #

   Unfortunately, my ‘uniform’ is fairly formal. I wear a skirt and suit jacket (or sweater set), five days a week, including in the summer. Full regalia in jewelry to accompany it…and occasionally a decorative scarf (I LOVE scarfs). But, as I’m sure you have figured out, that is my “corporate wear”. I could wear pantsuits…but I have a definite preference for skirts. On the weekends, I jump at the chance to dress a little more casually. In cool weather it is jeans or casual twills with a sweater or fleece sweatshirt. In the summer it is a skort (love the golf skorts, even though I don’t golf..LOL ) and cotton shirt of some sort. Jewelry on weekends is usually just my wedding rings, a watch and pair of earrings.

   Karen, I do know what you mean about having throat space. I have a hard time transitioning from summer to winter here when I have to start wearing turtlenecks. It takes me a good couple of weeks to get used to having that clamped feeling around my neck.

7. Karen Rose on 12 Nov 2007 at 8:21 am #

   Claudia, I am a failed fashion goddess who lives with a 13 year old girl who fancies herself a fashionista. “Mom, are really going to wear that?” Which, even if I had my own doubts, means now I must, just to make the point.

   Not sure what the point is, but I make it.

   I think I’d care more about clothes if I thought I looked better in them, sigh. I think all women should have an airbrush person to follow them around so that they look like the magazine cover they were trying to pull off. Or a spell so that that’s the way we look to everybody else, at least.

   This week I’m in NYC where fashion reigns. I am a frump, sigh.

8. Ellen Dior on 12 Nov 2007 at 8:29 am #

   I am in and out of medical facilities all day long. My point of call is the nursing staff. Now let me tell you something about nurses… They should not be wearing makeup, nail polish or have their hair hanging down. It all has to do with infection control. Image if you will their reaction to a corporate representative who shows up dressed to the nines. Not a pretty sight.

   So, I have discovered a nice middle ground. I’ve grown my hair so that it can be pulled up into a variety of styles…the ponytail being my favorite. I only wear mascara and a wee bit of eye pencil. I use blistex instead of lipstick. I wear black yoga pants and flat shoes. Over this I wear a pull over sweater. That’s it, day in and day out.

   I love those special occasions when I can dress up.

9. Meg on 12 Nov 2007 at 8:35 am #

   Although my unifrom for work is fairly comfortable, I HATE it. When I get home I just start shedding clothes and get into my “lounging clothes.” That’s usually pajama bottoms and a big t-shirt. That’s also what I put on first thing in the morning to walk out with the dogs. It’s what I love to wear. If I don’t have to work, I’ll spend all day in my lounging clothes. As for dressing up… Almost never. I do like to wear a small pair of earings everyday. Nothing too crazy. Maybe a pair of studs or a small pair of leverbacks. That’s about it for me unless I need to go out on a day off, then it’s comfy jeans and a comfy shirt. It’s all about the comfort for me.

10. twolilhahas on 12 Nov 2007 at 8:52 am #

    Karen, I’m totally like you when it comes to things around my neck. I have to have my neck space. Turtlenecks are out for me. Tight necked t-shirts are out. I like either v-neck t-shirts or older stretched out t-shirts that give me room.

    My basic uniform is tank top and jeans. Or pajama bottoms and a big soft shirt. I’m in Florida, so when the summer is here, it is HOT. When I have a/c in my car, I’m still into jeans, but when I don’t have a/c in my car, it’s shorts everyday. Now that it’s cooler, less tank tops, more t-shirts and still jeans.

11. Julia London on 12 Nov 2007 at 8:56 am #

    Alas, like Karen, I live where the sun never stops beating down. So my uniform is shorts and flip-flops. During the one month a year we have cooler weather (60s), I wear jeans, a shirt, and pashima to keep from shivering. We don’t like to turn on the heat.

    I can’t stand tight-fitting T-shirts. I have to have a little room in mine.

    Which reminds me: My first week on WW, and I didn’t lose a single stinking pound!!! NOT ONE. But I am soldiering on!

12. amy1242 on 12 Nov 2007 at 9:09 am #

    Give me my Levi’s, a cammie and some kind of overshirt and I’m happy. I love my casual shoes too, although they are getting kinda beat up looking. I have to put on my wedding ring, kachina doctor ring, gold (not real gold) hoop earrings, big faced watch and necklace with my cross, heart and mother and child charms on it. If Levi’s went out of business, I’d be SO screwed! And Karen, I agree with the neck thing. That’s why I wear cammies, they never encroach on my throat. I do wear turtlenecks, but only when I ski or snowmobile, and sometimes when I go to Packer games. I’m going this weekend but won’t need one until the snow flies. I love snowy Packer games, turtleneck or no!

13. amy1242 on 12 Nov 2007 at 9:17 am #

    Hang in there Julia! At least you didn’t gain a pound like I did. It was that last piece of pizza I had. I just know it. And maybe that beer I drank with it. And maybe because I didn’t take my walk like I was supposed to yesterday. This week will be better, for the both of us! You can do it Julia! We’re all here for you. Today is a new day! I feel thinner already!

14. Nicole Jordan on 12 Nov 2007 at 9:32 am #

    Oh, absolutely I have a uniform! Jogging suit in the morning, jeans and sweatshirt over shirt in the afternoons, and riding clothes when I go to the barn.

    I wish I had more places to go so I could dress up!

15. doglady on 12 Nov 2007 at 9:37 am #

    Unfortunately Wal-Mart has a strict dress code even if you do work in the bakery - khakis and a navy shirt. Fortunately that navy shirt can be a t-shirt! Because I work in the bakery I can’t wear jewelry of any kind. Now at home my uniform is completely different. Sleep pants and a baggy t-shirt, thick socks now that we actually have some colder temps at night. The best part about living in the sticks is that my place is hidden away from everyone. I can go out and feed my dogs in my nightgown and nobody will see me. Now I do love to dress up when I go to a readers’ luncheon or some other function. I love cameos. I have a small collection of them and I wear them any time I get the chance. I do go high fashion for that.

16. dbrown3400 on 12 Nov 2007 at 9:57 am #

    Like most of you, I can’t stand anything around my neck, so summer or winter I wear a top with a loose or v-neck. I don’t wear jeans but wear casual pants or capris in the summer and sweats in the winter. I hate coats and wear a light jacket until the weather is in the 20s. That jacket is going to wear out one day and I’ve looked everywear for a replacement. Google had one in a size medium peach color which won’t replace my XL size black. I don’t do skirts or dresses but rather dressy pants or pantsuits.

    I have one subtle necklace and two small pierced hoops in each ear. I never notice any of those until someone comments on my necklace.

17. Claudia Dain on 12 Nov 2007 at 10:29 am #

    Okay, girls, here’s the question of the day. Who invented turtlenecks??? I figure that it had to be someone with a very long, very skinny neck. Everyone else who wears them feels like they’re being choked. Of course, I OWN turtlenecks, but not many, and I only wear them when the weather is below freezing and possibly sleeting so that I can feel warm and cozy around my neck. Otherwise, my neck needs to breathe.

    Now, camis, I have those, too. (Naturally, as I am a failed fashionista.) The problem for me with camis (besides the unattractive upper arm display) is that my neck gets too cold! I always feel this draft, right on my cha chas.

18. Claudia Dain on 12 Nov 2007 at 10:32 am #

    You know, it’s funny about the jewelry thing. My mother had a boatload of jewelry and she rarely wore any of it, including her wedding ring. She never wore it. She wore a watch with a sweep second hand—it had to have that sweep second hand—and that was it.

    I think it’s perfectly clear what has happened to me. I’ve turned into my mother, except I always wear my wedding ring and never wear a watch. These little rebellions against mommy do seem to go on, don’t they?

19. Nicole Jordan on 12 Nov 2007 at 10:34 am #

    Not to interrupt this delightful fashion discussion or anything….

    But y’all ought to check out The Forum, Gifts from the Goddesses right now. Handmaiden Kim is running the first Forum drawing to win a copy of Juia’s first Desperate Deb book.

    Desperate Debutantes go pretty well with Claudia’s blog today!

20. Claudia Dain on 12 Nov 2007 at 10:35 am #

    Ellen Dior, can you tell my mom was a nurse?

21. Buffie on 12 Nov 2007 at 10:56 am #

    My “uniform” depends on the day of the week. I work in a law firm 3 days a week, so there I am in business dress — slacks, blouse, flats, and I usually have earrings and a bracelet on. On the two days that I am at home, it is jeans and a comfy shirt (or sweatshirt given the weather). I do wear earrings every day.

22. freshechelle on 12 Nov 2007 at 11:04 am #

    Judging from the vehemence of your responses, I’m guessing nobody here cares that high heels are taking a backseat to ballerina flats on the fashion front. I’ll spare you all my lecture on clothing other than sweats and T shirts that can be comfortable. I’m not a fashion worshipper but I feel more confident when I feel like I look good in what I’m wearing, especially heels - they’re a big self esteem boost for a short, over-weight girl. Sorry for the sanctimoniousness.

23. cail on 12 Nov 2007 at 11:11 am #

    ah, business causal, every single day.

    at home its jeans and a tshirt. sometimes earrings, sometimes a necklace, rarely a ring. no make up, no hair products. often high heals, usually ballet flats. I like to be able to get ready in 20 min or less.

24. Dot C on 12 Nov 2007 at 11:20 am #

    Not only am I a failed fashionista, I have, over the course of my life recieved several fashion citations. Probably the worst one was in art school when my “uniform” was a black long skirt, black pocket tshirt, penny loafers and black socks. I thought I was doing alright. It was a slimming, comfortable look. Back then, I had gotten a job for Lane Bryant, and they were nothing if not discriminatory over what the workers wore. You were supposed to be dressed UP, with MAKEUP (I was a “granola” and wore only grey eye pencil and tan matte lipstick) and your hair and nails were supposed to be done at all times. Looking back on that time of my life (where I actually quit because I was constantly being written up for not dressing well enough, even though i was wearing complete Lane Bryant outfits) I can’t imagine it is legal to practice those standards, but I am still into a casual dress although I enjoy quirky pieces in my wardrobe like Satin Big Shirts, or peasant blouses,

25. cail on 12 Nov 2007 at 11:21 am #

    oh, and i FINALLY made it over to the Forum. Yay for bank holidays!

26. Dot C on 12 Nov 2007 at 11:26 am #

    or my favorite……velour. I also love shirts that are embroidered, or have glitzy stuff on them. I wear no jewelry, LOVE camis (with something over them) and don’t much care for skirts. When ya gots big thighs, and ya walk alot, skirts lead to to big RED thighs. My biggest thing is comfy footwear. I’m on my feet 12 hours a day, and I need my feet to feel good. Thats primarily why I don’t wear any dresses to work…I can’t wear my LL Bean mocs with the dress…it seems a little odd.
    Anywho, my latest fascination is with Animal Print. As a big girl..I probably shouldn’t wear it as I look like an obese leopard, but it’s so much fun I don’t care! LOL…One of my halloween costumes was an animal print sarong dress complete with fuzzy cheetah print slippers. So the fascination started with that, and is probably my latest fashion citation.

27. Cookiedough on 12 Nov 2007 at 11:41 am #

    I wear stretchy jeans and t shirts all the time when I’m working. when I go out into the real world, I’ll dress up with dress pants and a nice sweater. I wear jewelry only when I’m not looking after children. simple hoops- I want to keep my ears and babies are grabby!
    Sneakers are the order of the day!
    Home life it’s pajama pants and tacky tshirt
    My mother was a crow when it came to jewelry, and I’ve enherited some of those tendancies, but won’t wear the good stuff all the time. I have one favourite amythest ring that she had made for me.

28. Claudia Dain on 12 Nov 2007 at 11:43 am #

    Animal prints: I have them. I don’t wear them anymore and I don’t know why. Oh, yeah, I do. It’s because they’re not part of my uniform.

    High heels: Love them. Whenever I dress out of my uniform, I wear high heels. I’ll even wear them with my uniform if the occasion serves, like lunch out with a friend. So, jeans, sweater, high heels, and jewelry. Actually, what I love about my uniform (and why it’s so hard to ditch it) is that it’s so easy to dress up or down.

    Where would the world be without American Jeans??? We had a French exchange student living with us one summer and all she wanted to do was shop for Levis. Had to be Levis. I felt it was a small but important victory over French Fashion.

    Perfume: I wear perfume every day. I honestly feel naked without it.

29. ct009ct on 12 Nov 2007 at 12:08 pm #

    I’m a stay-at-home Grandmother, so my “uniform” is pretty much jeans and a top. But only tops with v-necks, boat necks, square necks, etc. - anything AWAY from the neck. NO t-shirts or turtlenecks here. EVER.
    I once had to borrow a t-shirt after a spill and after half an hour was told to keep it as the neck would never be the same. (I had mangled it without realizing it).
    And flat shoes - sneakers, ballarinas, and yes, I own a pair of those rubber clogs (I forget what they are called).

30. ct009ct on 12 Nov 2007 at 12:11 pm #

    I forgot about jewelry - I wear the same hoop earrings everyday. The rings on my fingers never come off.

31. Lisa H on 12 Nov 2007 at 12:46 pm #

    Hi Claudia and girls—Claudia we have a lot in common! I love high heels. I never wear flats because I am short (except for flip flops in the summer) I live in NY and if I didn’t wear heels with my jeans, I would have to hem them all and I hate to sew. I love jeans and a button down shirt in the winter ( with a courdouroy or denim jacket)

    Capris and scoop neck or v neck tee-shirts in the summer and spring.

    I always wear a watch. I always need to tell time, yet I seldom wear jewelery because I have a 2 1/2 year old. I am afraid to wear my engagement ring, because the diamond might scratch him, and he pulls off my necklaces and earrings.

    My stay at home mom uniform is black stretchy yoga pants and a short or long sleeved t-shirt. I need my neck space too Karen H, I only wear v or scoop neck t-shirts.

    I love to dress up, but don’t have much opportunity. I always wear a full face of make up everyday and 99% of the time, I fix up my hair.

32. Suzanne Enoch on 12 Nov 2007 at 12:49 pm #

    T-shirts and shorts, baby. For cold weather (MY version of cold weather), I’ll throw on sweatpants and a sweatshirt. And like Julia, I’m a flip-flop girl. I have a flip-flop tan on the top of my feet.

    No jewelry — that’s for dressing up days.

33. Lisa H on 12 Nov 2007 at 12:53 pm #

    One thing I NEVER wear except for when exercising: Sneakers!

    I hate the way they look with real clothes. Even when we go on vacation, and we will be walking all day long, I wear sandals with my capris.

34. Claudia Dain on 12 Nov 2007 at 1:03 pm #

    My winter uniform shoes are Born clogs. Love them! Love that super high, super cushy heel. It adds height to my vertically challenged self, and it cushions each step I take. I don’t wear Sneakers as an everyday shoe either, LisaH. For one reason, they’re too hard to take off and I’m constantly kicking off my shoes to curl up on the couch (because my feet don’t reach the floor).

    I live in flip flops during the summer, too, especially those thicker, cushier ones. Love that cush factor!

35. Mia Rose on 12 Nov 2007 at 1:03 pm #

    I work in an office that consists of contruction guys and me so I’m lucky enough to be allowed to wear jeans, uggs, tennis shoes or flip flops and a t-shirt every day (sans make-up and with my hair thrown up in a clip or hair tie). I absolutely *live* in my lucky jeans. And a t-shirt is the highest neckline I’ll go for, and even then I’m picky because I own some long-sleeve t-shirts that have a horribly high neckline that just grates, but turtleneck’s absolutely strangle me! Hate ‘em! The only jewlery I wear consistantly is my wedding ring.
    I only dress up if I happen to be traveling into public on a weekend out… and then I’m dressed to the max with heels (I’m short, so heels are a must outside of work) and jewlery with my jeans.
    Even dressing down to work everyday, the FIRST thing I do when I get home is change into my comfy’s. Lounge pants, shorts or capris paired with a wife-beater or my favorite worn out t-shirt that’s almost see through by now.

36. twolilhahas on 12 Nov 2007 at 1:08 pm #

    Flip-flops are a must have staple of my fashion style. Love them! And I never wear jewelry, except one Native American choker that I drag out occasionally. It’s called a choker, but it’s loose on me or I would never wear it. I cannot stand jewelry of any variety, not even watches, because I can’t keep myself from twisting it. If it’s a ring, I twist it around my finger, a necklace, I’ll grab the charm and drag it back and forth on the chain, earrings go round and round in my ears. It’s a terrible thing that I can’t get over, so I refuse to wear the stuff. lol

    Oh, and I love jeans but can’t stand jeans with spandex in them…even 1%. I hate to feel like the jeans are glued to my legs. I like regular 100% cotton jeans that are a couple sizes too large, so I have room to move.

37. Jami Alden on 12 Nov 2007 at 1:10 pm #

    I’m the queen of impulsively buying trendy little things that I never wear. When I’m not getting peanut butter smeared on me, I’m alone in front of my computer. I rarely have any reason to dress up. (except for when I go out to lunch with writers who are WAY more fashionable than I) In the spring and summer, I wear shorts and old navy ribbed tank tops with flip flops or ballet flats. In the winter, jeans and a t shirt with a sweater, and my dansko clogs. As for jewelry, just my wedding ring and my sterling silver turtle necklace my husband bought me. i used to accessorize according to outfit, but I don’t think my two year old cares. I do, however, wear makeup every day. I scare myself otherwise.

    Aside - I cleaned out my closet this weekend, and gave away 3 hefty bags of regular clothes and shoes, and passed on enough maternity clothes for 5 pregnant women to my newly pregnant friend. as soon as i could fit back into my clothes, i realized I hated most of them.

38. Claudia Dain on 12 Nov 2007 at 1:11 pm #

    Mia Rose, you’re not the only one who’s mentioned having favorite clothes. For those of you who do have favorites, what is it about your favorite clothes that makes them favorite? The way they make you feel? Someone complimented you while wearing it? The color? The zing you got when you first tried it on?

    I want to have favorite clothes and I want to WEAR THEM. When I love an item of clothing, I will wear it the least often, trying to save it. Then it either goes out of style or shrinks on the hanger (hate when that happens) and I’ve barely worn it.

    I’m an idiot.

39. Claudia Dain on 12 Nov 2007 at 1:13 pm #

    I’m also one who will wear make-up everyday. It’s just not going to help my sanity to see the real me in the mirror or reflected back from the kitchen window. A little mascara and concealer, so cheap, has done a lot to keep me functional!

40. Ronlyn on 12 Nov 2007 at 1:26 pm #

    when I’m going to work I will wear slacks and a light sweater (preferably V neck) with my heeled boots 99% of the time. Esp. in winter when it’s cooler. In the summer I change it up a bit.
    At home you will find me in jeans and a tank top, with a sweatshirt over the top in the cooler months. I prefer to be bare foot, but if it’s too cold (and my new hardwood floors are chilly) I’ll be wearing slipper socks.
    I will always have makeup on…at least lip gloss and a swipe of mascara. I always wear my wedding rings and matching earrings. I used to wear my sapphire necklace everyday, but since my youngest has been headbutting it it’s now hanging on my bathroom mirror.

41. Lisa H on 12 Nov 2007 at 1:32 pm #

    My favorate clothes are a plain white button down shirt (which can be dressed up or down) and a black sundress. Not sure why, I guess I feel good when I wear them and I think they hide my many bumps and bulges! I tend to love black and white clothes.

42. Claudia Dain on 12 Nov 2007 at 1:36 pm #

    Black and white are just classic. The interesting thing to me (a recovering fashionista) is that jeans are the new classic. It seems that you can wear jeans anywhere with anything. I don’t think anyone expected this when Marlon Brando made his fashion statement in The Wild Bunch!

43. Mia Rose on 12 Nov 2007 at 1:48 pm #

    I love my fav old t-shirt because of how absolutely comfortable it is. It’s years old, tissue paper thin from being washed a million times so it barely feels like I’m wearing a shirt at all it’s so comfy. Not to mention, it just fits perfectly… not too tight, not too lose, not too long, not too short… it’s perfect.

    And Claudia, you’re absolutely right about jeans versatility! I love jeans for everyday, they can look great with a cute top and heels, they can be great cut-off’s (think Daisy Duke and cowboy boots), they can be paired with flip-flops or boots, or dressy shoes or even sneakers.
    I’m rarely seen in anything other than jeans of some sort… it’s like a fashion addiction.

44. Claudia Dain on 12 Nov 2007 at 2:25 pm #

    I know what you mean about jeans being addictive. I wear them in summer as shorts or capris and the rest of the time as long pants, but I have them in varying lengths, widths, and waistbands, from high rise to low rise.

    What I love about jeans is that they never look wrong. They wash easily, are easy to replace, and look just as good when they’re mostly worn out. My favorite pair are Levis, boot cut, low rise. They’re very faded and I’m living in fear of when they wear out completely.

45. Michellynn on 12 Nov 2007 at 2:40 pm #

    I’ll add my vote to the camp that likes heels. I wear them everyday and I actually like them. In the winter on the weekends I love wedges (not sure how long these will stay in style..but I love ‘em) and clogs with a bit of a heel to them. In the summer…love espadrilles and leather flip flops.

    As for my favorite clothing….that would be my boot length floral/paisley/print biased cut skirts made out of georgette or silk. They add a nice flowing feminine touch to my somewhat standard corporate look (they are always worn with a suit jacket). They are comfortable AND make me feel very feminine, giving me a very corporate look with a twist. I’ve always been a girly girl when it comes to clothes.

    As for jewelry, no one has mention pearls yet. I have a double strand pearl chocker necklace that I wear constantly, as well a triple strand of long pearls. If I could only keep one set of jewelry…I would go for the pearl choker and matching earring

46. Michellynn on 12 Nov 2007 at 2:44 pm #

    As for jeans….I too love the boot cut, low rise. What an amazing improvement over the old straight leg look.

47. Claudia Dain on 12 Nov 2007 at 2:51 pm #

    Michellyn, are you one of the rare few who can wear something tight around your throat? In other words, is your pearl choker really choking you or does it sit loosely on your neck?

    I love silk, btw, but live in fear that I’ll get a blob of greasy salad dressing on it. Wool is so forgiving!

48. Paula on 12 Nov 2007 at 2:56 pm #

    I live in jeans all year round with either t-shirts or long sleeved tops (weather dependent, I live in the UK!). In the summer I tend (when the weather is HOT!) to live in cropped trousers and t-shirts. I always wear my wedding ring, a watch and the diamond heart pendant that my husband gave me when our first son eas born. If we are going out somewhere smart I do wear a dress but not often.

49. Michellynn on 12 Nov 2007 at 2:56 pm #

    Jami, you mentioned the impulse buying of trendy things you never wear. I do that too…and yes, usually something I came across online. LOL However, I’ve really tried to cut back on that as I’m getting tired of cleaning out my closets ..LOL (which, btw, I too recently had several bagfuls of clothes to dispose of and they ended up with the Salvation Army).

    LisaH…I’m with you on the aversion to sneakers. I have become rather fond of sporty Mary Janes (Skechers and Kangaroos have some nice ones) if I have to wear something close to a sneaker because of a lot of walking. But, unless I am working out…no sneakers for me either.

50. Michellynn on 12 Nov 2007 at 3:02 pm #

    Claudia, it is interesting because I struggle with turtlenecks at the beginning of winter but get used to them after a few weeks. As for the choker pearl necklace, it is moderately tight and I am fine with it. So I suspect it is not a “natural” state for me, but that I have sort of trained myself over the years to not notice it perhaps. Or maybe I just love pearls more than comfort…LOL

    And yes, I am a little more guarded when I where the silk..LOL. Georgette on the other hand is surprisingly easy to spot wash.

51. evlqn on 12 Nov 2007 at 4:05 pm #

    My uniform of choice is jeans or cotton pants, t-shirts or camis w/ shelfbra,and barefeet. Back in the day I could not only wear 4″ heels I could high jump in them (did it on a bet).I haven’t even attempted a turtleneck in so long I don’t remember who was in the White House! I also HATE anything around my neck, so I take the binding off the t-shirts. They stretch out wonderfully and are very comfortable. I usually buy them 2 or 3 sizes larger so I never have to worry about shrinkage. My weakness is silver jewelry, especially rings. I stopped wearing earrings when my Granddaughter thought she needed mine and I didn’t need the earlobe.

52. Claudia Dain on 12 Nov 2007 at 4:18 pm #

    Don’t we all sound so much alike in our daily uniforms, especially if there’s no work dress code? No wonder I look almost exactly like every other woman I see. We’re all wearing comfortable pants and shirts and shoes with a minimum of jewelry, except for Amy1242, who sounds positively regal in all her glittery splendor.

    I really have to start wearing all this jewelry I just *had* to have.

    Has anyone besides me been watching Mad Men on cable television? It’s hard to remember there was a time when the uniform for women was a cotton shirtdress!

53. Judy F on 12 Nov 2007 at 5:16 pm #

    At work I wear docker type pants and a casual top. The moment I get home jeans…. At my second job, pretty much the same as my day job.

    If I don’t have to go anywhere its a comfy pj day. I like my jammies roomie.

54. lisa on 12 Nov 2007 at 5:45 pm #

    I feel much better when I’m put together. Even if I wear jeans I want something structured on top. Really casual, sweats, tshirts, etc are for the gym in my world. I’m short and feel dumpy when I’m in the gym wear. I do throw on lounging clothes sometimes on the weekends if we’re not going anywhere–especially in the winter. And I don’t own a pair of flats except for flip flops. My pants and/or legs look much nicer in heels. Jackets are also a great way to dress up jeans and shirts without a lot of hassle.

55. Santa on 12 Nov 2007 at 5:56 pm #

    I don’t think I was ever a fashionista. My mother, on the other hand, still has her black satin stilettos circa 1967. I fear my daughters are following in her footsteps!

    As a Deli Diva, my uniform consists of jeans, a polo shirt in summer and long sleeve button down shirt in winter with our company’s logo on it and a black baseball cap. Holidays I switch up the black cap with either an tan or grey one. When all is said and done I look like a psycho female truck driver. Not a pretty picture. I used to rush home and change my shirt and try to get rid of the hat hair before I went to school stuff for the kids. Lol, I don’t even do that anymore. Heck, everyone I see there has seen me in the store earlier in the day so WTH! At home, I just take off my sneakers and put on slippers my godmother crocheted for me.

    I still dress up for church and family and my DH’s corporate parties!

56. Claudia Dain on 12 Nov 2007 at 6:17 pm #

    You know, I’m seeing a theme here. We shorter women are much more attached to our high heels than the taller types. Even my Born clogs add 2 inches to my height, effortlessly, too. One of the many reasons I love them.

57. Claudia Dain on 12 Nov 2007 at 6:19 pm #

    I’m also one who, even though I’m dressing down far more than I’ve ever done, can’t imagine spending the day in exercise clothes or pretty pjs. I’m pretty sure I’d look like one of the 7 Dwarves—Frumpy. I’d look about as tall as a mushroom, too.

    Though never say never, right? I never thought I’d get to the point where I wondered whether to wear earrings or not. Just watch; in 10 years I’ll be living in my bathrobe.

    But it will be a pretty bathrobe. I think.

58. Claudia Dain on 12 Nov 2007 at 6:22 pm #

    Santa, I’m jealous about the 1967 black satin stilettos. I can’t even imagine being able to scrunch my feet into shoes I was able to wear in my prime. I’m positive that my feet have grown just like my waistline.

    Your mom really rocks.

59. RachelG on 12 Nov 2007 at 6:55 pm #

    I wear PJs until around noon, then change into jeans and long sleeve t-shirts. In the summer I change into a skirt or sundress. Mostly though, I wear PJs while I work. Me and Hugh Heffner.

    rgibson

60. Marie on 12 Nov 2007 at 7:00 pm #

    Jeans and a top. Top can be cute or grungy. But I am always in jeans. Shoes depend on shirt. Black stilletos to brown flipflops. Everything goes with jeans. I’m a 20 year old college kid that lives in Oklahoma so that means I’m one of hundreds that has this outfit.

61. Sabrina Jeffries on 12 Nov 2007 at 7:05 pm #

    At home, I dress casual, just because it’s easier, and it saves my “nice clothes” for when I go out. Which is WAY too much, these days. I don’t have a set uniform, though. No jeans, since they’re not comfortable to sit in at my weight. I wear khakis, sweatpants, knit pants, whatever I’m in the mood for. I wear sweatshirts, sweaters, knit shirts (NOT t-shirts, since they accentuate my fat arms) … all kinds of stuff. At home, no jewelry, but the minute I leave the house, hoo, baby! I do love to sparkle.

62. amy1242 on 12 Nov 2007 at 7:10 pm #

    LOL I sound “positively regal in my glittery splendor”? Anybody who knows me would be laughing their arse off at that. My friends are always trying to get me glitzed up when we go out. When we went to Vegas several years ago for a girl trip, they actually dressed me, put on my makeup and accessorized me before going out one night. I look at those pictures today and still wonder who that hooker is with all my friends! Too Funny!

63. Claudia Dain on 12 Nov 2007 at 9:07 pm #

    Heck, Amy, you’re doing more bangle dangle than the rest of us peasants. We’re dolling up if we manage a pair of earrings! LOL

    Rachel, I love the reference to the Hef. You two do have so much in common! I may have to start working in my jammies since it seems to work so well for Hef and Gib. *G*

    Sabrina, don’t kid me. You’re dressed to the 9s every time I see you. In fact, you’re the only person who’s blogged today who doesn’t have a uniform!! I wish I had some sort of prize to give you. But I don’t. So don’t get your hopes up. I mean it. *g*

64. ladydawgfan on 12 Nov 2007 at 11:34 pm #

    Late to the party, but here we go. My “uniform” at work consists of slacks of some kind (usually Khakis) and a nice top or sweater. Once home, however, I am in jeans and a sweat shirt or tee shirt soon after the front door is shut. Jewelry consists of my watch, my class ring, and the gold chain that holds my Crucifix and my Medjegore medal. I can’t wear perfume (allergies), and most makeup contains alcohol (another allergy) so that, too, is out.

    As to shoes, my fave is my pair of New Balance runners. Super comfy. Am I the only one who feels like high heels are really Machiavellian torture devices in disguise?? My feet just don’t work that way!!

65. Sabrina Jeffries on 13 Nov 2007 at 2:52 pm #

    Yes, but Claudia, I do almost always wear the same shoes, don’t I? New Balance walking shoes. I’m just not a shoe fashionista.

    And you don’t exactly look like chopped liver when I see you either. *G*

    But it’s funny, my first reaction when I read your blog was that I’ve become MORE of a fashionista as I’ve gotten older (and when I discovered Catherine’s and ulla popken, the best mail order place for large women EVER). I have really got to stop buying clothes. It’s insane! I’m becoming a clothes horse!

66. amy jo johnson on 29 Nov 2007 at 10:22 am #

    Man i love reading your blog, interesting posts !…