Fashion Sense (or Nonsense?)

I also have been told that I've never been "much of a dresser." I take this to mean that I didn't pay attention to what I wore. So why now, I'm asked? When did I become so interested in fashion?

I'm not sure that I wasn't paying attention. Like everyone, I think that I always had a style. Mine was just a less conventional one. Admittedly, even within that style (if you could call it that), I often wore the wrong color and the wrong size, but that's where the emotions come in. What drove the rebellion behind the ripped and worn clothes that defined me? And what was behind the fear of not wanting people to look at me?

Once I began to be aware of and pay more attention to what I wore, I had to be prepared that others would pay more attention as well. I had to be ready to be judged by others based upon my style or lack of style. I had to be ready for the slights as well as the compliments. I had to be ready to be examined and dissected. This is where all that therapy comes in handy. Awareness and preparation.Now if styles change and those low rise wide bottom black slacks are no longer "in", does that mean that I have to shop for new clothes? Or can I simply be aware that my clothes (and therefore me) are not "in style" and be okay with that? And what if I lose 10lbs (and I just may with these braces on my teeth) - does that justify a new wardrobe? Or can I find a good tailor and have some adjustments made?

Most women relish being the first with a new style. We feel better about ourselves when wearing the latest item from the catwalk. We fear being judged poorly by wearing something obviously dated. And anyone who has ever lost 10lbs or more desperately wants to show off our new figure with a new outfit (if not a new wardrobe). We want to celebrate our weight loss by shopping for a smaller size! Nothing wrong with all this, but let's be honest about all the emotional shopping going on and not hide behind our justifications.

That's what I'm talkin' about.