Mommies Magazine

Fashion 101

Posted on 22. Nov, 2006 by Audra Pettit in Dressed Before Noon

A secret fear haunts me at the grocery market or local discount store. I shutter to even mention it! As I’m out with my children, running errands or picking up a birthday present for a party, I suspiciously scan my surroundings, investigate around clothing racks, and peer behind me. I know it will happen someday. They’ll get me! All I can do is pray to avoid being the target of a makeover show looking to ambush some poor woman stuck in a comfortable-clothing rut.

It’s not that I don’t like to dress nice, but it hurts to throw away good clothes when they get stained from sticky fingers. I’d rather wear a cheap t-shirt and toss it without guilt when needed, than buy an endless supply of soon to be destroyed clothing.

I blame it on my stage of life. Since having children, the desire to look “cute” has been substituted for the need to feel “clean.” No matter what the makeover shows say, comfort IS key when you are constantly caring for children. What is a person supposed to wear when they spend each day as a personal napkin and human jungle gym?

I’ve had it with feeling like a fashion inferior. Forget the so-called style experts! It’s time to embrace a new fashion philosophy. Personal style is the key, and my eighteen-month-old daughter understands that perfectly. You won’t find her flipping through magazines for the latest Baby Gap advertisement. She has a style all her own, and it works.

For example, the other day as we dressed for church, she decided her red velvet dress with the embellished belt buckle would look best with her white and purple sneakers. An interesting choice, considering she was wearing her light blue sweat suit only an hour before with her black, patton leather, ankle strap dress shoes. Sure, it’s gutsy, but I see what she’s trying to say. Be bold! Be unique! I don’t need a stylish, head-to-toe outfit–just a little something special that makes me memorable.

After eating breakfast this morning, we prepare for our usual trip to the gym. She picks out her Halloween shirt with the girly skull and crossbones, and carefully pairs them with her silver dress-up shoes, with lavender fur across the strap. A refreshing combination!

 

 

I dress in my regular workout clothes and inspect my make-up free, ponytail wearing reflection in the mirror. Something is missing. What will pull together my black sweat pants, white t-shirt and athletic shoes?

 

I nod with satisfaction. Fire engine red lipstick!

The perfect outfit is born.