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Inspiration: J. Crew vs. Josie's closet

11/28/2016

I love this fresh, light outfit from J. Crew's most recent catalog, so I tried to duplicate it with what I have in my closet.

Her outfit: $98 for the sweater + $69.50 for the shirt + $120 for the pant + $268 for the shoes + $48 for the bracelet + $45 for the hat= $648.50

My outfit: free, all old stuff, originally around $75 total

J. Crew Mockneck in Italian Yard Sweater, $98; Stretch Perfect Shirt in Classic Stripe, $69.50; Martie in Bi-Stretch Wool Pant, $120; Lace-up Flats in Leopard Calf Hair, $268; Crystal Column Bracelet, $48; Italian Wool Blend Striped Hat, $45

Zara crewneck gray sweater, $9.99; Abercrombie & Fitch shirt, around $20; Banana Republic cords, $18; Zara shoes, $15.99; Zara hat, $5.99; gold bracelet, gift

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Looking in the mirror: a one-day diary

11/27/2016

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How many times a day do you look in the mirror? And when you do, do you like what you see?

If you drink a lot of tea or coffee or wash your hands a lot or brush your teeth after every meal, you have no choice but to see yourself in the mirror about a dozen times a day. What's interesting is how your impression of your appearance can change all day long.

As an experiment, I recorded how I thought I looked through one weekend day:

6:30 am: Well, I still have hair and teeth

9:30 am: I look horrible--tired

10 am: Pretty bad, mas o menos

10:30 am: Dressed, make-up--better

Around 4 pm: Glimpse--ok

5:30 pm: After exercise--much better!

7 pm: Eyes a bit red but look ok

10:30 pm: Tired but ok

11:15 pm: Before bed: I look like pure hell again

What I've learned: that I notice different features (forehead, eyes, hair) at different times of day. I'm most critical in the morning. The morning might also be when I'm most objective.

In general, my appearance probably doesn't change much; it's just my perception of it that does.

I've also learned once was enough for this experiment. Life is better not looking in the mirror or at least not thinking too hard about what you see there.

Mirror

You there. Someone else,
Some otherness toed for danger,
who are you? Mother, you are
not, nor child, nor lady yet as excellent
as your dreaming. Great stranger,
old accuser, last and only hater,
love is your saver. Alien of the clean
glass, we speak mornings and evenings
carefully casual, eternally
the other's leaner. But always
our eyes go strange rather than recognize
a dangerous truth. Our safety
is our separation.
by Jeannette Nichols

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Side-by-side: standout red tops

11/27/2016

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Jeans & a pretty red top can make quite a statement...

Boden Jennifer Lace Top, $168

Zara Contrast Sheer T-shirt, $25.90

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The real thing

11/15/2016

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Do you remember when you first bought the clothes that said you were the real thing?

The right clothes for the job

Have you ever carried a briefcase?

I remember when I got my first job, my father gave me his father's leather briefcase, a sign that I was entering the grown-up professional world. I used it for several years. Have you ever carried a briefcase?

I remember a friend at our 10th high school reunion telling me how amazed he was that every day he put on a suit for work. Do you wear a suit to work or have you ever? Do you remember how it felt when you first started wearing one?

The motivating influence of the right gear

Real NBA players wear leg sleeves

My son plays basketball & recently asked us to buy him Nike leg sleeves. We thought why would he need more than sweats? But many
NBA players wear arm & leg sleeves. He wants to feel like the real thing.

Have you ever purchased expensive running, cycling, or other athletic wear to help motivate you to participate in the sport at the next level?
An investment in right gear is a commitment of confidence in yourself.

I had my sights on a the University of Denver when I went looking for a graduate school years ago. I bought one of their sweatshirts, & I can remember wearing it as I wrote my personal statement & went through the lengthy application process--definitely a motivator!

Part of the team

Proud to be part of a volunteer team for Homeless Connect 13

I'm also always interested in uniforms--even just the
t-shirts you get when you run a race or join an organization or a cause.

Have you ever had to wear a uniform for work?

Did you keep the t-shirt from the last time you joined something?

Certain clothes represent a rite of passage. Certain clothes can serve as motivators. Certain clothes allow you to enter into specific circles & be part of a group.

What do you wear that shows you're the real thing?

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Inspiration: pink & blue (or blue & pink)

11/11/2016

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These days I'm perusing the catalogs more for inspiration than for shopping. How 'bout pink & bright blue--what do you think?

Boden Richmond 7/8 Party Pant, $91.80 + Marcia Top, $117.30; Party Heel, $168.30

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Inspiration: shades of taupe, gray, & off-white

11/5/2016

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Her outfit: $1094

My outfit: all old stuff--free!

Garnet Hill Eileen Fisher Wool Shawl-Collar Kimono Jacket, $378; Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Flannel Twill Shirt,
$238; Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Sateen Skinny Jeans, $198; Eileen Fisher Dole II Embossed Booties, $290

Old GAP maternity cardigan; old Boden shirt; old Banana Republic Skinny Ankle Cord, was $18;
Bandolino boots, years old

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Sleep well

11/1/2016

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The path of least resistance is what I'm craving. In one swift motion, I've thrown on a sleepshirt, & I'm covered--no fuss.

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Inspiration: J. Crew vs. Josie's closet

Looking in the mirror: a one-day diary

Side-by-side: standout red tops

The real thing

The right clothes for the job

The motivating influence of the right gear

Part of the team

Inspiration: pink & blue (or blue & pink)

Inspiration: shades of taupe, gray, & off-white

Sleep well

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Inspiration: J. Crew vs. Josie's closet

Looking in the mirror: a one-day diary

Side-by-side: standout red tops

The real thing

The right clothes for the job

The motivating influence of the right gear​

Part of the team

Inspiration: pink & blue (or blue & pink)

Inspiration: shades of taupe, gray, & off-white

Sleep well

Facebook

Archives

Categories

Twitter

The motivating influence of the right gear