Issue 10. What my recent acquisitions say about my priorities today

Fantasy self has left the chat

My shopping patterns have changed considerably over the last few years.

While I used to experience a good deal of imposter syndrome, always looking for something to make me look ‘cool’ or like someone else, I’ve settled into a routine of things that work for me, affording consistency and comfortability without compromising polish.

I credit a good deal of this transition to my meditation practice: accepting my body and life for what it is, rather than resisting, resisting, resisting. I listen to how I feel in a pair of pants, I pay attention to the frustration I feel when I can’t wear something because it needs to be dry cleaned. And, I pay attention to what I put on each and every day, and what is left untouched.

So, what do I wear consistently as someone working from home in a small coastal town in Northern California?

• Cotton, linen, wool, cashmere and other breathable tees and knits - I’m a sweaty gal so I appreciate tops that are machine wash, and knits that can be worn a few times between washes.

• Elastic waistbands - I work from home and bloat frequently as a result of IBS.

• Monochromatic looks - I’m really enjoying navy as a replacement for black following my color analysis results (I’m a Cool Summer). Full post about my experience with color analysis coming soon!

• Supportive bras without underwire - If you’ve worn underwire you know why I don’t wear underwire.

• Tevas - weekly, if not daily, for walks to my yoga studio, to check the mail, etc.

• Nail polish - which I paint myself. I’ve stopped getting them done, as I never really enjoy the experience and like changing the color frequently.

• Daily jewelry - stud earrings and my nose piercing.

A few years ago, I would probably been horrified to hear how casual my style has become. I strove to be a *fashionista*, turning looks day in and day out. At the time, the collective ideal of what it meant to be stylish was extremely stifling. RE: high heels, skin-tight jeans, styled hair, patterned dresses, different colors every day, etc. Even in college, when I was walking miles every day, I hardly remember wearing sneakers, which would have been a completely appropriate shoe for the situation.

I hope normalization of being comfortable in your clothing is here to stay. I certainly will continue to advocate for the importance of physical comfort in clothing. And yet, I have never stopped caring about how I look. I see clothing and personal style as a creative act. My body is my canvas. I want to look polished, coordinated, intentional, relevant, and fun.

And with that, a quick analysis of my recent acquisitions: