Dearest Reader,
Sometimes a girl needs to play in a serious way.
My
life has been comprised of a long succession of style changes. From
hair to makeup to hemlines and blue jean shapes, I've done it all, worn
it all. (Except for fake hair, eyelashes, and nails. Could never go
there.) Like many other women, I often cringe to see photos of myself
in clothes from the distant past. My personal regrets include the Q-tip
Head hair era, the "So Many Men, So Little Time" graphic tee I had when
I was *gasp* fourteen, and any number of big-shouldered jackets with
epaulets. (I have broad shoulders and looked like a linebacker.) But
now that I'm a certain age, I've finally developed a style that I have
confidence in, and it continues to evolve.
One thing.
I'm vain about my clothes. I depend on them to give me confidence that
I don't necessarily feel inside. It's a terrible habit that's only been
exacerbated by my career as a writer. If I don't feel like
the author I am or want to be, I at least want to look like her!
This
next year is a kind of test for me. Yes, I'm kind of a snob when it
comes to clothes. I can pretty much buy the clothes I want to buy when
I want to buy them. (Within reason, of course.) I love, love, love a
true bargain and will spend four hours in a TJMaxx, spend $50 and come
out with five pieces that retail for $500. But I'm not averse to buying
a $500 dress if the occasion warrants it. Then I'll wear $30 shoes with
it and $30 earrings. It just all has to work!
I also
like to have fun. I love puzzles and challenges. So this year I'll be
shopping exclusively at one of the world's most reviled but also most
innovative retailers--Wal-Mart (including Wal-Mart.com and Sam's
Club)--for all of my clothes, accessories, makeup, jewelry, lingerie
and shoes. (Note the single exception in the "Rules" section! Hey,
they're my rules!) There will be those who will accuse me of
"slumming," but they don't know me very well--or at all. This is the
place where I often buy my groceries, home goods, eye drops, etc. This
is a personal challenge for me.
If you think this
project is silly or trivial, it is on some level. I won't be hurt or
angry or anything if you find it's not your cup of tea. But it's also a
serious project for me. It has nothing to do with anyone else or their
circumstances. Yep. It's all about me.
We'll see what
I learn. About myself. About the world. About planning ahead. About
other people. Along the way I'll tell you about some stuff I know or
learn about. I plan to enjoy myself. I hope you'll think it's fun, too.
Blessings--Laura