FashBlog.com

By Christina VanGinkel

I have several appointments outside of the house tomorrow, which means that I have to actually get dressed. Yes, I get dressed each day, but usually in jeans and a sweatshirt, or maybe just sweatpants with said sweatshirt. The sweatshirt most days is also a bit ratty on the ends of the sleeves, and even the collar. I like to dress comfortably, and once I own a piece of clothing, chances is it will be in my closet until it literally falls apart. Tomorrow, I have to get dressed in something a bit less laid back than that, something that even says to whomever I might run into that, I am a real adult, not a kid just pretending to be one.

I do have some nice outfits though, and it will be one of those that I choose to wear tomorrow. However, when I was checking out what was in my closet, I realized that while I have a few nice choices to choose from, my closet seems to be lacking one of this season's most promising touches. One that is noticed immediately upon entering any store that sells women's clothing these days, or even flipping open the cover of any magazine that has a fashion section. What my closet, my entire wardrobe is missing, is color!

Lamenting this fact to a good friend of mine, one whose choice of clothing is exactly the opposite of mine, and who always knows just what to wear fro whatever the occasion might be, she responded that I just needed to add a few choice accessories.

For some reason, when I think of adding color to an outfit via accessories, I immediately think of scarves, and while some women can wear scarves with style and aplomb, I am not one of them. I tend to focus my thoughts on the scarf, and fiddle with it constantly, making it the least desirable accessory of choice for me. Hats are not really for me either. I have an ongoing issue with my hairstyle, and I am afraid that a hat would knock it all out of balance, if I were to get it how I like it before I leave the house that is! Large earrings could carry a spot of color into an outfit, but again, earrings and I really do not go together. I at one time had my ears double pierced, yet I could not recall the last time I wore a pair of earrings, even if my life depended on the fact. Shoes are another bright spot of color for many people, but my one pair of shoes that are suitable for real dressing, actually the only pair of 'dress' shoes that I own besides tennis shoes and hiking boots, is a pair of black, flat toed, pull on boots that my daughter bought me last Christmas and gave to me early. This so I would have something to wear to the annual Christmas party given by an associate of my husbands. My daughter was afraid I would go in my boots that I wear while doing chores. I assured her that I would not, but I do not think she believed me!

I do like accessories. I really do. It is just that they always look better on other people. I am so content wearing nondescript outfits, that nothing that is going to make me stick out from a crowd is something I feel comfortable in. Actually, going out in public in my normal attire would have me sticking out in a crowd, but you know what I mean. I am afraid that I will.

Mulling this all over, I think I have the perfect choice to wear tomorrow. I have a pair of comfortable slacks that are tan; they are comfortable and stylish all at the same time. I will wear them with a simple white blouse, and to add a bit of color I will wear my favorite teapot pin. It is bright yellow with red flowers. I will also swap the contents of my purse into a smaller bag that is also yellow; though a bit lighter yellow than the pin. No, I will still not be the bright spot of any waiting room, but it will be a tad more stylish than what I normally wear! I guess even I can wear an accessory or two if they are the right ones.