Day of the Socks

Posting outfit photos and sharing them with the amazing, supportive community over at Patti's Visible Monday is a wonderful and educational experience. Through my participation I'm slowly discovering my style and learning to be OK with it.

When I think about how I clothe myself words like practical, comfortable and affordable come to mind. I'm beginning to add words like ethical, thrifted and local to my wardrobe vocabulary. 

My go-to weekend outfit is usually a variation of what you see below. Outerwear to suit the weather. Jeans. Footwear appropriate for walking, or lunching or shopping. 

Weekday clothing can be tricky. I'm supposed to appear professional at work, but that's a discussion for another post. Maybe. If I ever figure out just what exactly my employers mean by "professional".

Last Monday presented particular work-wardrobe challenges. A friend and I were meeting to see "Day of the Doctor" at the theatre. I knew I'd only have enough time after work to grab a quick bite to eat. An outfit change before the show was out of the question, but I knew wanted to showcase my...

...TARDIS socks!

What's a Whovian to do? Plan her work wardrobe around her TARDIS socks, that's what!

Oh, yeah! Sonic screwdriver!
3-D glasses!

OK, I didn't actually wear the socks to work. I wore tall black boots then switched them for the socks and booties later.

I didn't bring the sonic screwdriver to work either, though I might in the future. Having it at the theatre gave me the courage to ask the very tall young man in front of me to switch places with his much more moderately-sized date. Usually I'd be too shy and too darned Canadian to ask. The fact that the couple complied so easily leads me to believe in the magic of the sonic screwdriver.  Imagine how much easier my workdays would be if I had the power to get others to comply easily. And if they didn't I could always build a cabinet at them. 

Linking up with the ever-timeless Patti and the out-of-this-world crowd over at Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday. Hope you'll stop by and check out the fun!

Working Skirt?

Back in March some friends and I took part in a writing contest. We were to write a fictional piece about work. Sadly, none of us were selected as finalists. I wasn't surprised that I didn't make the cut, as I didn't actually finish my piece. Road to hell. Good intentions. Yada Yada. 

We went to hear the six finalists read their pieces a few weeks ago. There were four prose pieces and two poetry. I've come to the conclusion that I'm never going understand poetry. I wasn't even sure that the poems were about work. I've also concluded that fictionalization of job dissatisfaction is the way to go when writing about work. 

For this bohemian event, I took a chance and wore my 20-year-old, gypsy-like skirt. The skirt remains in my closet because it is an integral component of my Baba Babushka costume. Choosing my real-life wardrobe from the Tickle Trunk may not have been the wisest idea.

The elastic in the waistband had lost it's stretch, and the 20-year-old drawstring didn't have the staying power it once did. Also, I had forgotten how much this skirt needs a slip until I saw my refection in a shop window. Oops. Still, I like how the skirt looks with the boots and the denim jacket. And, as I was seated at the event, I spent minimal time hoiking up my skirt. With a little care and attention I managed to stay decently covered (except for the lack of a slip) all evening. 

I'm linking up with Patti of Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday. There you'll find inspiration to tickle any imagination. 

Panicked Pictures and Perfectly Playful Boots

Last week I panicked. I didn't like any of my outfit photos, so I posted a picture of my Rocky Horror costume instead. 

The rejected photos featured outfits I wore to work. This week's photo features an outfit I wore to play. (Hubby and I went out for lunch, then shopping, then to a matinee showing of Iron Man 3.)

There's much I could write about my work/play wardrobe issues. Especially the work issues.

Photo-bombed by a poppy!

My satisfaction with this outfit has much to do with my new footwear. 

On Wednesday I went shopping with a friend - something I hadn't done in years. The experience was so enjoyable that I was a bit giddy. Then I found the boots. Last pair. Half-price. My size. AND a brand I am growing to love. 

I cradled the lone display boot while I browsed. It was as though I was afraid someone would rush in from the street on that rainy afternoon and grab the last pair before I could...what?

There's much I could write about my shoe issues.

I wasn't planning on buying the boots. I don't wear heels. I don't need more shoes.  Then somehow I got talked into trying them on. Really, there wasn't much else to do. It was too rainy to leave the store. For the record, I also tried on a pair of green, floral, strappy sandals. Something like these.You know. Just for fun. They did not follow me home. Have to draw the line somewhere! Besides, I couldn't actually walk in them.

The boots, on the other hand, were very comfy. Still, I wasn't sure. Were they comfy enough to wear to work? I am on my feet all day. Where would I wear them if I don't wear them to work? What would I wear with them? Even at half price they still cost about a day's pay. Doubt. Doubt. Doubt.

Then I decided that I can't make all my wardrobe choices based on what will work for work. Besides, given how miserable my last shift was, I deserved the damn boots!

Sometimes you just gotta say WTF!

And in the spirit of WTF, I've decided to post the rejected photos. I may not like these outfits, but I think I'm learning from them. I'm ever grateful to Patti at Not Dead Yet Style for giving us a place to play, to experiment and to grow. Head on over for Visible Monday. I am!