Sometimes I wonder if I lack a certain "girl" gene. I love shopping and fancy china and pretty clothes. My list of favorite movies is almost exclusively made up of romantic comedies. I adore a good glass of wine at girls' night out (with chocolate on the side).
But I have no clue how to accessorize, do my hair or makeup, or pick out which clothes look good on my body type. While I wish I could present myself to the public as a polished woman who takes pride in her appearance, I find that I don't quite care enough to make it happen. When forced to choose between staying in bed 30 minutes longer or showering and blow-drying my hair before Timmy wakes up, I choose the former. When debating spending 5 minutes to put on make-up or go out bare faced because I probably won't see anyone I know, I choose the latter. When getting dressed, I choose jeans and a t-shirt over the dress because it's just more comfortable for chasing around a toddler.
I blame my mom for not teaching me these "girl" skills, but I guess that I should have taken it upon myself to learn them at some point between junior high and now. When I go out with some other moms from my neighborhood, they frequently comment on how young I am; I am starting to think they are commenting on my appearance more than my age. I know this will matter a lot more when I start working and I loved reading this article on Corporette today. While I don't shop at Express for anything, much less work clothes, I am most definitely guilty of looking like an intern at work.
Luckily, I am at least aware of my problem (half the battle, right?). Also fortunate for me, PJO was convinced to spend a portion of our tax refund to improve our wardrobes. So I want to know, where do I learn (really, have someone show me) how to do my hair, put on makeup and wear accessories? What pieces should I buy to upgrade my wardrobe? What tips do you have for looking polished and put together even when you're short on time, money and sleep? What regular female maintenance do you consider mandatory and what is just a luxury?
4 comments:
I'm sooo guilty of the lazy, roll-out-of-bed, my hair's still wet when I come to work look. But if I have to be in court, or meeting with someone that I care to look purdy for, then I actually put in some effort. ;)
My mom was a total hippy. She never wore make-up, never even colored her hair, never got nails done, and always wore jeans and tshirts. Still does, pretty much. So, I had to learn girly things from fashion magazines, and friends, and hair dressers, make-up artists and manicurists. If you want a make-over and learn how to do make-up properly, go have your make-up done at a Clinique counter, or hell, even a MAC counter if you want to go a little funky. Have your stylist show you how to flat iron/whatever your hair. Pedicures are a must for summer, I can't wait for summer, geez!
As for clothes, my favorite stores are White House/Black Market, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, Macy's, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Most of those stores have excellent sales staff that can help you put together a great look. I pretty much rotate out the same few pants/skirts/jackets, with different blouses. I'm not much for accessories, I wear the same jewelry every day. My best accessory is my footwear, I have fabulous shoes. No dopy bangles or scarves or whatever necessary.
My mom never taught me how to wear make-up too! Mostly, I don't think she even knows...she only puts on mascara. I am paranoid abotu going to work without making myself look presentatble so I never really do the roll out of bed thing but I dont know how to wear make-up or pick out clothes. I NEVER accessorize because it's too stressful, too much work and i never think anything looks good!
Maybe it's a lawyer thing :) I really do need hair help- I wear it the same way everyday! So, sorry I can't be helpful but only sympathize. I love Nordstroms though and the sales people there help me throw together outfits- although I know they have an incentive to do so...but it helps (at least more than my mom)!
Don't try to change that much. You are who you are. I wish I didn't care so much about what other people think and that I could go out of the house without makeup (I think I am still scarred from junior high thinking I was ugly).
My advice - buy nice clothes from the stores Proto Attorney suggests, and once you start working, you'll have no option to look sloppy and it will be easy to just put on classic pieces that work for you. Get a plain diamond or pearl solitaire (or herringbone) necklace that you can wear everyday. You will look polished and classic.
As for makeup, I know plenty of women at my big firm that don't (appear to) wear any makeup at all. Powder, blush, and mascara should do the trick if you want to look not so tired, though. Don't go crazy on makeup - it's just not you and you don't have to.
I can relate to this. Developing a more professional appearance is something I'm actively working on while I have spare time in this last semester of law school.
RE wardrobe. My MBA program had personal shoppers from Nordstrom run a session during our orientation to address the flattering professional attire question. I spoke with one of the personal shoppers after the session and they told me that if you give them your size and let them assess your body type and coloring they will pull professional attire that they judge to be most flattering (this service is free... at our Nordstrom at least). All you do is show up and try the stuff on.
Now, I cannot afford a closet full of Nordstrom's apparel. BUT there isn't an obligation to purchase and it might be a great way to get an outsider's relatively objective assessment as to what looks best on your body type.
I'm thinking of setting up an appointment, planning to buy one or two items if I find something that works (after all, they are providing a service), and otherwise bringing my digital camera to record the personal shoppers selections so I can remember what she had in mind for me.
As an added bonus, this is really great for folks that hate shopping. I strongly dislike clothes shopping so it sounds great to me. (I am concerned that they pick out only the most expensive stuff, but I'm sure you could give them a price range.)
okay, sorry for the longest comment ever!
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