first impressions

Lest anyone get the wrong impression and think I had a negative experience with the Fashion Expert Lady from Russia, I'd like to let everyone know that nothing could be further from the truth.

Oh. My. God. I haven't had so much fun with my wardrobe since before I had a real job!

Allow me to dig a deeper hole...

Way back when I was young and the earth was still cooling, I had a job as a receptionist. My job was to take phone calls, type things, and decorate my desk. Sure I did some organizing, I did some creative work, but at the end of the day it wasn't the most challenging job I have had. When I had nothing better to do but look good all day, I got creative with my wardrobe. I was bored, and my fun for the day was putting something interesting together to push the boundaries: How many pairs of earrings can I wear in each ear? How weird can my shoes be before my boss says something to me? How many colors can I add to my hair before I start to look like a street person?

Eventually I realised that this was a career path that didn't really suit my abilities, and I went to school to do an engineering degree because, you know, that sounds hard. And my wardrobe went the way of all students: sandals, sweatshirts, shorts, etc.

Then I lived in the UK and dressed like all professionals there, and my wardrobe went black. I did pick up a few cool things when I lived there, I learned about good cuts and designer labels. I learned how to make more with less.

Then I had babies and my wardrobe went into the toilet.

Anyway.

I'll post more on the experience soon (omg, the shopping trip was hard), but here's a picture of how awesome I look. In my messy office.

Anyone who knows me will know what a huge departure from my normal wardrobe this is...

That's right. I'm wearing a girly top. And I'm wearing color -- it's purple.

That's my shade of purple - go get your own.

I'm also wearing a velvet jacket (that the chic lady found in my closet, that I totally forgot I had).

And velvet pants.

And riding boots.

Hah!

My new "look" isn't about what she (or my mother) want for me, it's about finding something that I like, that works for me, that makes me look good. Since my shopping expedition with the Chic Expert, I have to say I. Look. Awesome. And I don't mean I look "Cover of Cosmo Magazine" awesome (since for me, that's not appropriate) I mean I look Attractive. Put Together.

My old look was I Do Not Care.

My new look is Quirky and Fun.

Where's my face? That's what I asked myself when I started to take pictures. Clothes look great, but my face is washed out. Pale. And let's not discuss the goggle line from this morning.

So this weekend I get to meet with makeup lady and find some face.

Just so you know, if anyone is up for a really fun, push your boundaries, find-your-best-you experience, I'm happy to e-mail you her details - she's been great, and she's truly an expert at her job.

Sayin'!