What Not to Wear

[joannatsf]

I spent the afternoon watching a marathon of TLC's show, What Not to Wear.  I just got cable so it was new to me and I really enjoyed seeing women's transformations and I even learned a few things.  Then it struck me.  I won a service award last week that's a fairly big deal.  They are going to do a photo shoot and do a short documentery.  A videographer will follow me around at my work place and it will be shown at a luncheon with rich people and community leaders.  Myself and the other 3 recipients of the award will give a short speech.  Here's my problem.

I'm all of a sudden feeling very insecure about my clothes and overall appearance.  I really would like some help in doing a makeover from someone that knows what they're doing.  Is there such a thing as a fashion consultant that can help me with this?

[kaitygrl]

Claire,
     I will first say, "I love that show"! Before I go any further, understand that this show is quite biased in the sense that the fashion portrayed is not your everyday fashion for the regular person. The first clue is the amount of money spent on a new wardrobe and how little is actually acquired. If everyone took that show for gospel, there would be plenty of women who would become insecure about their appearance.

     With that said, if you are still insecure, find out what "real" women(women who don't have a fortune for clothes) are wearing by doing some research online. Google would be a good place to start. Try to develop a better sense of "self" and don't conform to the trends this show portrays. There are plenty of amazing fashions out there that don't require such an insane amount of money which will allow you to look just as good if not better. Also, look online for some discussions about the types of clothes to wear for your body type as well as some makeup tips for your specific skin tone, etc.

     I would imagine, that you have nothing to worry about. I don't have pictures of course, but I would say that you have come this far by being you and you should continue being you. Congratulations on the award! Don't let it change who you are because you are beautiful.

[tekla]

A fashion consultant?  In the Bay Area?  Where people wear fleece to the Opera and dress better for the gym then they do for church - that Bay Area?

I would think any fashion consultant that is the least bit sane has long since fled this wilderness.

try this:

http://www.google.com/search?q=fashion+consultant+san+francisco&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

[joannatsf]

Thank you both for your input.  I think what I'm most insecure about is that I dress too young for my age.  Black is a huge part of my wardrobe and I could incorporate more color and maybe even some prints to come up with a more womanly look.  I think I've let myself go a bit, too.

I know I can't afford to spend like they do on the show but I could buy a nice outfit for the video shoot and for the award ceremony.  I have a Bloomingdale's card with nothing on it so I do have the means to do a little bit of damage.

[kaitygrl]

There's nothing wrong with black but it can be overdone. As far as feeling you dress younger than your age... I can't say because I don't know. As long as you're not 50 running around in denim miniskirts, I think you'll be okay. 

If you feel you've let yourself go a bit, then feel free to return to the way you were. Fashion consultants are typically biased depending and you'd be amazed how far and successful you can be by having a little faith in your own abilities to coordinate. On the other hand, if your opinion of good style is a pair of rainbow spotted leggings and a silver sequined tank top, honey... Call me!

Have a little more faith in yourself, check out some magazines, pictures online, etc. and I'm sure you'll be great!

Look in the mirror, smile and realize you're beautiful because you're you!

[joannatsf]

Nope, no denim mini skirts!  I don't have bad taste so much as underdeveloped.  I think I found something for the award ceremony.  Check it out!

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=131149&CategoryID=5494&PageID=5494*1*24*-1*-1*6

[kaitygrl]

If that's your style, go with it. Personally, it's not mine, but I'm not you. If you like it, go shopping hon and spend some money! 

[Ms Bev]

Never wear what I saw yesterday on a 30-sumpthin woman.  Intelligent, pretty.......didn't matter.  Ya can't mix black patterned knee hi's with an above the knee plaid skirt and short leather boots.
Nope.
Don't do it.


Bev

[mickie88]

Never wear what I saw yesterday on a 30-sumpthin woman.  Intelligent, pretty.......didn't matter.  Ya can't mix black patterned knee hi's with an above the knee plaid skirt and short leather boots.
Nope.
Don't do it.


Bev

ewwww sounds pukiful...lol

[lady amarant]

I think I found something for the award ceremony.  Check it out!

Very nice.

~Simone.

[TamTam]

I like it!  Go with the black blazer/yellow skirt, not the other way around. It looks a little too fancy for every-day office wear, but for the ceremony, yeah that seems like a good choice.

Don't get the matching gloves though.

[Constance]

A fashion consultant?  In the Bay Area?  Where people wear fleece to the Opera and dress better for the gym then they do for church - that Bay Area?

I would think any fashion consultant that is the least bit sane has long since fled this wilderness.

try this:

http://www.google.com/search?q=fashion+consultant+san+francisco&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

I once heard someone from the midwest say that in the Bay Area we don't so much wear outfits as we wear costumes.

Kinda makes an SF Bay Area native proud. 

[Suzy]

I think that's a beautiful outfit.  I think you should go for it.  That is a wonderful show, and I have learned a lot from it.  My biggest problem is that I don't have a $5K debit card or airfare and accommodations in New York.  But I'd be glad to let them trash my wardrobe in exchange for it.

Kristi

[Jade H]

ewwww sounds pukiful...lol

...Pukiful... Cool word!

[joannatsf]

Thank you all for your input and support!  I pulled the trigger on it today (black top, curry skirt) and got a great deal, including free shipping.  Bloomy's is offering 40% discounts on purchases over $300.  While the recession definately sucks this Christmas season is a great time to shop!

I'll post some pics in after the luncheon.  I'm so excited!

[fusi]

ewwww sounds pukiful...lol

...Pukiful... Cool word!

haha i was thinking the exact same thing

[keriB]

The best bet is to become a voyeur lol.... go out and observe what other GG's wear in differing public situations and go from there.  I try desperately to blend in as much as possible, and I just want to look so much the typical average housewife.  Check your work place and see what the clothing style is among other gals, and then just remember to dress age-appropriate!  HTH...

[mickie88]

ewwww sounds pukiful...lol

...Pukiful... Cool word!

haha i was thinking the exact same thing

thanks..i thought of it while my cat was puking on my carpet--again!!! she does it about daily but the wife won't let me get rid of her!!!!