Confessions from a clothing disaster zone
Shall I own up about what I am doing on Saturday? Don't mock me - I'm really shy about this, but I am going for a session with an Image Consultant and I am terrified.
I've always been a bit of a slob if the truth be told. I was an active child, prone to climbing things rather than fretting about my appearance and somehow I just never grew out of it. The whole grooming bandwagon seems to have passed me by. But I've decided, it's now or never. So I'm off for a colour analysis (where they show you which shades suit you) and an image consultation (where they ban me from wearing unflattering styles and things that don't fit properly).
I am steeling myself for a gentle telling off and hopefully lots of confidence boosting compliments too - after all, I am paying! I have been a very good student and filled in questions about what I hope to get from the day and what my problem areas are. I also made a mood board of folks whose style I like and, horror of horrors, taken a photo of what I've worn each day this month. No, I'm not showing you - if I felt good about showing you I wouldn't need the image consultation would I? I do wonder what they'll say when they see my crocs? Crocs with everything....
Part of me feels that the whole thing is vain and shallow and that my friends see me for who I am, not what I wear. But then it turns out that every second woman I speak to has had it done - outrageous - they never told me until I confessed.
So, anyway, here's a quick 'before' flash of the inside of my wardrobe. I hope they leave me with something to wear. And apologies of you hate this navel gazing post - part of me does too, but really, I think it needs to be done.
I've always been a bit of a slob if the truth be told. I was an active child, prone to climbing things rather than fretting about my appearance and somehow I just never grew out of it. The whole grooming bandwagon seems to have passed me by. But I've decided, it's now or never. So I'm off for a colour analysis (where they show you which shades suit you) and an image consultation (where they ban me from wearing unflattering styles and things that don't fit properly).
I am steeling myself for a gentle telling off and hopefully lots of confidence boosting compliments too - after all, I am paying! I have been a very good student and filled in questions about what I hope to get from the day and what my problem areas are. I also made a mood board of folks whose style I like and, horror of horrors, taken a photo of what I've worn each day this month. No, I'm not showing you - if I felt good about showing you I wouldn't need the image consultation would I? I do wonder what they'll say when they see my crocs? Crocs with everything....
Part of me feels that the whole thing is vain and shallow and that my friends see me for who I am, not what I wear. But then it turns out that every second woman I speak to has had it done - outrageous - they never told me until I confessed.
So, anyway, here's a quick 'before' flash of the inside of my wardrobe. I hope they leave me with something to wear. And apologies of you hate this navel gazing post - part of me does too, but really, I think it needs to be done.
Comments
What do they mean t-shirt and jeans aren't approprite for every occasion?
They were all nervous before the appointment but after 10 minutes thought "why haven't I done this before now". Some of the advice they junked as impractical or just not them but other advice they really appreciated. As much as we love friends and family they are partisan sometimes it takes someone you don't know to really see you. And heck if you hate what she says you can always ignore it and chalk it up to experience.
Most importantly have fun and enjoy the 'you' time.
When I worked I knew exactly what was 'now' and what to wear - nowadays if it is clean and doesn't smell too much of baby puke then it will do! And no, I am not joking - don't laugh.
I am so glad you posted this, I admire your honesty and willingness to share this!
Can't wait to see pictures, there's gonna be lots, right?
And man, I'd give my left big toe to see that set of photos you took for the month... :)
best of luck...
She cried. Then she laughed and we went shopping like two crazy Tasmanian devils (remember the cartoon?). She didn't always follow this 'spring' colour chart she was given - colours like the queen mother would have worn - but knowing the right 'tricks' of the trade was really helpful. And the whole accessories thing is very good too.
Can't wait to hear what she tells you.
Just remember those people don't decide for you, they are only for guidance.
We get Trinny and Susannah on telly over here, too, and even though they are becoming a bit of a cliche and keep saying the same 'nasty' things to people, they *do* often have a point!
And why shouldn't you look for tips to make you feel good about yourself.
You can still wear your crocs when you get home :D
good luck. i can't wait to hear your prognosis!
Enjoy it & Good luck!
Will you show some after photos at least? I'm curious. Do they take into account your lifestyle? Like not put you in a business just because you look good in it? I can't see you chasing kids and crafting in a suit jacket. 8-p
Oh, I wear about the same 4 outfits throughout any given season. Lazy AND slobby.