Wardrobe Meltdown

I am not sure, but kind of sure, that I am not the only woman in the world who has had a wardrobe meltdown. Between being a crazy, menstrual woman with mood swings from week to week, if I have an event to attend, I usually feel like I need something brand new to wear. Not only that, but I, like I've heard plenty of other women say, feel I should not wear the same outfit twice. Typically that will mean wearing a similar outfit paired with different accessories, but it's still fresh in my mind.

I have this issue almost every week day when trying to get ready for work. I've been told to pick out my outfits the night before, and trust me, I have tried this. There was one evening in particular I picked out three different outfits and set them aside only to find that when morning came, I wasn't into any of them. This has become a serious problem, as I will stress to no end, kind of like I used to as a teenager when my mother wouldn't let me wear make-up to school. A total meltdown ensues! I sound like a complete spoiled brat, but it's a little sad that I can actually become depressed when I don't have the perfect outfit to wear in which I feel completely confident when leaving the house. It makes me feel pride for Mennonites who see clothing as a waste of time, but in the world I live in, clothing can mean everything from first impressions to a job advancement. I'm very particular about this especially because of where I live in Dallas, it is rare you see someone dressed down unless they are about to or just finished working out, which they do a lot around here. I feel extreme pressure to look my best, and my brain does not always run on a creative level. I have spurts of inspiration, and then due to my mood, nothing will look right. I am sort of running on a rant, to not only try to relate to others out there, but it makes me aware of my full round issue with fashion.

On a limited budget, I enjoy reading InStyle magazine in order to find affordable fashion tips, where one of my most enjoyable articles are when they break down spending budgets for clothing. I kind of dislike fashion shopping as much as grocery shopping, even though I love fashion and food. I've come to discover that the reason is due to not knowing what I'm looking for and the distraction of so many options. I have to tell myself to make a list, and look at nothing else but what's on that list or else I will spend everything I have on something like $15 gourmet cheese (which is a weakness since I'm from Wisconsin) or a funky shirt I will likely wear once. This is why I enjoy shopping online, but it's not convenient for last minute.

Malto Formaggio at Highland Park Village, Dallas, TX

I was inspired to write this article because last Friday was a great example of my fashion issues. I was grouchy and hormonal with an obligation to attend a graduation event for Highland Park High School. It was my first time invited to a graduation with this wonderful school. I spent two hours hunting down the right dress, walking in Gap wedge heels from store to store carrying a Red Bull for motivation. I ended up collapsing in bed without a dress and feet too sore to put on heels again. Unfortunately my scalloped wedge teal flats do not look so great when you're 5 foot and trying to look dressed up. Heels are a must! And I have limited options in my wardrobe at this point, so I ended up spending the rest of the afternoon in my Adonna cush robe. One sad example where clothing won. It almost happened again on Sunday when I went to the graduates party at Nick & Sam's. I frantically ran to DSW hunting down a fresh pair of black heels (wearing Roma flip flops this time), since I only own wedges and one pair of black stripper height heels. Fortunately they have lovely discount racks, and I was able to find an adorable pair of Tahari Lucie Pumps.

I typically don't let my insecurities run awry, but it can be difficult when faced with so many wonderfully dressed people. It's times like the aforementioned when a personal dresser is the best option. I found that Nordstrom has wonderful personal dressers. Last summer before a trip to Anna Maria Island, I went on a shopping spree and based upon the items the kind sales woman relieved from my aching arms, she filled a dressing room with items that would look great with my choices. And then again, I was head over heels in options. But it was wonderful to try on every outfit instead of individual items, and find my best options.

So, I guess you could say, the moral of the story is, when in cohorts with a wardrobe meltdown, find a personal dresser.

xoxo,

Stephanie

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