The Uniform

I know. This blog has been a vacuum of content lately. I have an excuse! I just started working. Once I figured out what I was doing, I had to sit back and think of the most critical issue of all: WHAT TO WEAR.

This is different, see. I can't wear jeans. My entire wardrobe is built around jeans. But if my students can't wear 'em then it's only fair that I can't either. Mind you - I could wear yoga pants and flip flops (as some staff do) but it's...uh, not me.

So I was thinking about the uniforms that the students wear. And it's smart. Really smart. If it works for them, then somehow I can rock it too. ROCK it. (Not look like a flight attendant.)

Here's what I'm going to try:

1) The Grey Sweater Phenomenon. I keep buying grey sweaters. There must be a reason! Because, it's not like I need another grey sweater. (Husband can be heard smacking his face into the monitor in vehement agreement.) Maybe I am subliminally in tune with my fashion core. Maybe it just means I know that grey sweaters work for me.

2) List Making. We all need to edit our clothes. Good advice I heard was to make a list of the things people compliment you on. Then, make a list of the things you love to wear. If your list has something that matches the other list - you've got yourself a keeper.

3) The Costco Mindset. Buying in bulk might actually be a smart way to go. Once you find a brand and style of shirt that works buy a few. Anyone who has experienced the heartbreak of their favourite jeans being discontinued knows this to be true. Husband has a thing about socks. He really hates it when I wear his socks. (I maintain that "they're just socks" but I steal his because they're nicer than mine.) But recently, he bought 30 pairs of them. Why? Because he knows he likes this particular kind. Or maybe because he knows I will snatch 'em.

I worked with a woman who had 19 white blouses. It's all she wore. I thought she was really weird. But now, I get it. She was actually very clever. If that's too OCD for you, maybe buy every colour of the pants that fit you perfectly.

4. Remember The System : My mom had The System. She'd find something like, a pair of boots for $250. She'd divide that number by the number of outfits that would go with them. Then she'd divide the new number by the number of times she thought she would wear them. She would always come home telling my dad that, "She couldn't afford NOT to get them,". (She also squirreled receipts away. That helps.)

5. Unmistakably You. Necklaces, scarves, cuffs, hosiery, hair and makeup. 'Nuff said.