A NEW QUEST

I am on a new quest this month. Now my life is pretty simple, so I have to think of things to keep myself amused. This month my quest is to not wear the same outfit twice for the month of July. Sounds pretty self-centered, doesn't it. Well, it is just something I want to do and it certainly doesn't hurt anyone, so let me alone.

Truthfully, I could probably go the entire summer and not wear the same outfit twice if I wasn't so lazy and really put my mind to it. How, you ask? My name isn't Beyonce or Rockefeller, and I am actually pretty poor but I'll give you the secret....wise shopping, taking care of your clothes, and keeping the same size. (whether you be big or small). Not to mention accessorising. Now here goes ...

First, wise shopping. I've had some of my clothing, shoes, etc. for years and years. A big part of my outfits were purchased at bargain stores like Walmart and Gabriel Brothers. Here's the trick, NEVER pay full price for anything. Watch sales. Unless you see an item you just HAVE TO HAVE, never buy anything that doesn't already match with something you have. It will just sit in your wardrobe and you can look at it and that is about it!! Unless you have tons of money to waste on items that end up not matching anyway. I once did this with a pair of slacks that I thought were soooo neat. I've ended up with about ten tops in my closet, of which only two ended up actually matching the pants and the rest kind of just hang there. DON'T DO IT!!

Second, is taking care of your clothes. Now when it comes to t-shirts, I am a slop. I get all kinds of stains and food down me. Thank God I don't often eat in my good clothes. However, keep your clothes clean, don't throw then around, (hang them up), and change into old stand-by's when you get home. This is really important if you want something to last. Believe me, I just looked at a perfectly nice top that I've had since Christopher was a baby and I still get compliments when I wear it. I don't tell people it is old enough to vote.

Keeping the same size is the next step to having a grand wardrobe. I can wear things I've had for years. I go on a quest to lose weight every once in awhile but I like to stay within a certain limit. If I had a dream of being thin and attained that goal, I would have nothing to wear. I like the things I have so I try not to grow out of them....either up or down. Once in awhile when a favorite becomes too tight, I am sick about it. But it happens!!

The fourth item is accessorising. I am very big on that. A simple scarf, jewelery, or a a pair of shoes can make an outfit go from simple to stunning. Try different accessories with the same outfit and you'll make all the difference in the world. When I was younger, I had a supervisor who looked stunning every day. I started watching her and realized that she didn't have a vast amount of clothes. What she had were all interchangeable with each other and she had tons of accessories to change them up. It taught me a lot. Carole G., I thank you!!! Anyway, you don't have to spend a lot of money. Avon has great sales on jewelery; Pay Less has great shoe sales; and you can hit Gabriel Brothers for other items. Try yard sales, flea markets, or grandma's attic. (oh yeah, and add a little make up...nothing like dressing up and looking dead!! But don't paint too much, either. Leave that for evening.)

Now, the pic of me above is a good and a bad example. GOOD: the outfit matches. The accessories are all in-tune with each other, and look good together. BAD: first off ... I think the outfit was a little too "youthful" for me but it was taken in Jamaica and I was on vacation, so it didn't matter. It wasn't exactly flattering to my "figure". Second, it was sleeveless. This is certainly OK for Jamaica; but don't do sleeveless for the office. It is unprofessional and doesn't flatter anyone. If you have a sleeveless dress you love, add a little jacket or sweater. Even a shirt with the flaps knotted will look better than your flab arms. And yes, we ALL eventually get wings...even skinny people.

Oh yeah, the draw back is having enough closet and storage, which is pretty difficult. If you don't believe me, ask any man that has helped me move. It can be pretty cumbersome, but eventually is worth it.

Well, that's my advice for today. Take it or leave it. I'll let you know how July fares out.

PEACE!!!!!