I have a bit of a dearth of outfit shots from the past week, folks. Rest assured, it isn't because I haven't been wearing clothes but making time for photos has been a bit low on my list of priorities. I did get one from last Sunday, and one from today, and I'm calling them both for the Shoe Challenge:
Sunday, 17th October 2010. Ruby Belle Sailboat dress, Marks and Spencer Cardigan and Irregular Choice Oz Shoes
Although this dress is very definitely a summer frock, I think it just about works for early autumn with these tights. The shoes clash a bit, but they clash with everything. It's part of their charm. I love these tights as well, they're so bright! I'm sure a lot of people would avoid them for that reason, and because they don't want to draw attention to themselves. I think they're fun. They really do draw attention though. I wore them to work in the week (with my Knightley dress and purple shoes from Faith) and as I stood on the platform at Leamington station I definitely noted some surprised (some disgusted, heh!) looks at my garishly coloured legs, but feck it. I think they're awesome.
Sunday 24th October 2010: Marks and Spencer dress and patent belt and Vivienne Westwood Anglomania for Melissa Lady Dragon shoes
I bought this dress in the RSPCA charity shop last week. It came with a belt, but it has a fussy clasp detail that looks like something out of The Girl From Tomorrow so I substituted my faithful skinny patent belt. I don't think it photographs very well, but the skirt is a very flattering cut and it feels quite glamorous to wear. Today was the first time I wore my cherry Lady Dragons and I love them. It makes me feel very happy to look down at my feet and see the cherries, and I do know how frivolous that sounds. These shoes also get stares, because they are pretty ridiculous. I may not be able to wear them much over the next few months as it is definitely getting colder, but the sun was shining enough today for me to chance wearing open-toed shoes.
I did attempt to do a wardrobe switchover a few weeks ago. I didn't really have any winter-specific clothes to take out of storage (and also: no storage - just the shelf in the top of the wardrobe) but I did put away some of my more summery dresses. Not all of them, and I think that as it gets colder I'll have to be a bit more ruthless because there are a few that just will not layer up sufficiently for the winter. I was weak, because some of them are just too bright and pretty to sit in the top of the wardrobe for months (I'm looking at you, Corbusier Atlantis dress) I was also a bit depressed by all of the black dresses (I have my dresses arranged by colour, fact fans) so I moved those to the end. I can still get at them, but they're not the first things I see when I open the wardrobe in the morning.
When it gets to this time of year, I always start longing for (and usually buying, because I have no restraint) really flamboyant, colourful and totally unsuitable for the weather clothes. This autumn it's the turn of the halter-necked circle skirt dress. I didn't have a specific one in mind (although, that said, if any mysterious Daddy-Long-Legs style benefactors are reading this, I really like this one by Tara Starlet from Aspire) Personally, I blame Natalie for looking so amazing when she wore one to a wedding) and also Amber for this photo, in which she looks incredible. Yeah, thanks ladies! Anyway, I was in Coventry on Saturday with Nic, Lysy and The Scientist, and I bought one. Pictures to follow when I wear the dress but needless to say, it's flamboyant and bright and completely unsuitable for the coming winter. It's fabulous, however, and I'd like another one.
I've been reading lots of interesting blogs recently about body image and personal style. Bright Side Dweller, Already Pretty and Rabbit Write have all made that part of my brain fire up. I didn't take care of myself physically when I was ill - I was finding eating very difficult because anxiety was making me feel sick all the time and, as a result, I lost weight. Not a huge amount, but enough to be noticeable to people who see me all the time and the variety of reactions I got to this has been really interesting and thought-provoking. Two people - a colleague and a good friend - pointed it out with a note of concern in their voices. A few more people commented on it as a compliment and, while I know they meant well, it was hard to take it as a compliment. When I looked in the mirror and could see my collar bones more prominently, for example, all I could see was how stress and anxiety had made something as basic as eating really bloody difficult. I didn't feel great about my body, I didn't feel good about anything.
I'm not setting up a fat/thin skinny woman/real woman thing here, it's not what I mean - just that, it bothers me that a physical manifestion of a negative emotional state could be seen as a good thing. No-one who commented meant anything shady in their comment at all, but it's sad that commenting on my weight could be thought of as a compliment. Other bloggers have written about this more eloquently than I have, so go and read the blogs I've linked to. I have noticed that, since I've been feeling better and eating better, how I feel about my body has improved. I've been dancing around the kitchen, enjoying cooking, taking pleasure in climbing the stairs or the brisk walk to the station in the morning and I've been wanting to wear brightly-coloured and ridiculous clothes again. This is nice, and it's another reason why I am glad and grateful to be feeling like myself again.
On the subject of food - my dinner has just gone in the oven (veggie sausage and chilli bean casserole) so it's time for me to say good evening to you all. Have a lovely Sunday evening!
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