I know a lot about clothes. Fashioning the perfect wardrobe has been a part of my life since Barbie got naked with Ken in the “Friendship.” (Yes I had the Barbie airplane and believe me when I tell you that Babs is definitely a member of the Mile High Club...)
I made my all the clothing for my dolls. Bob Mackie was my idol when I was little. (side note: Since I have an abiding love for all of Mackie's muses, Cher, Barbara Streisand, Liza Minnelli and Mitzi Gaynor I do believe there is a gay man trapped somewhere deep within...that is another post for another day...) Another fun fact: “Minnelli” is in my spell checker. Wondering if Microsoft Word is also gay….
Doll clothes segued into making high school fashions from my mom’s curtains, to Fashion Design School, Costume Design School, Color theory, Betsey Johnson, Window and Mannequin Design, and this whole happy bundle culminated into my career of being a wardrobe stylist for commercials, print and film. Phew.
(Above is an adorable shot of Kayla Carlin from a shoot I styled, that was photographed by Fancy Farm Girl Tiffany Kirchner-Dixon. Dreams do come true! *giggle*)
At some point along the way, I stopped caring about fashion. No, that’s not right. I still care, it’s just that my entire outlook about it has changed because I changed my focus to the pursuit of well being.
Now that I have been on this pursuit for almost a decade, I am back to loving fashion, more specifically ”style”, but with a whole bunch of well-being mixed in.
What do I mean by that? Well, when I think about “fashion” I think of being a slave to trend, spending way too much on the latest thing, trying to look like a sixteen year old model, and self-flagellation.
On the other hand, “style” is a part of well-being. When you feel comfortable in your clothing, you look your relaxed and confident best. You have things that are flattering, carefully selected and timeless. Plus you have a few signature pieces that don’t necessarily define you, but they can cement the “unique-you” part of your style.
The gorgeousness that comes from being uniquely you is where it is at. And it doesn’t have to be expensive.
But it does begin with a practice of self-love and nurturing.
So start there.
You may need to update your wardrobe. Toss out some dated stuff. Invest in a few new things. But before you even crack open your wallet, check in with your self.
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Am I willing to accept my figure and embrace a few flaws so that I can take the first step to finding my signature style?
2. Am I willing to have fun with clothing?
3. Am I willing accept previous fashion mistakes and let them go to the goodwill bag?
Before you go online and drop a ton of money on the new you, begin with the very first step in developing your own style. Fierce and abiding self-love.
Loving Bob Mackie will come later.
