You look great darling...

I am a girly girl.  Always have been.  I hope to always be.  Since I was young I can remember only wanting to wear dresses.  They are still one of my favorite things to wear. This does not mean, however, that I am a slave to fashion.  I have worked to understand my body shape and what is flattering on me.  I love color and am brave in wearing it. I pay attention to what colors and which pieces of clothes other comment on when I wear them.

As a kid, I LOVED getting a new dress for Easter!  They were better than getting a new dress for Christmas.  New shoes, a new slip, and new hair ribbons!! 

Fixing my hair and applying my makeup is enjoyable.  I have always experimented with my hair in terms of styles.  Some years ago, my husband asked me to grow it out long.  While it is not my favorite way to have my hair, it delights my husband.  (He has few requests from me, so I am happy to oblige.)  I also like experimenting with my makeup.  Thankfully, my oldest daughter is great at providing honest opinions!

Since I have a chronic and annoying condition, fibromyalgia, I use dressing nicely as a coping mechanism.  The whole process of getting dressed and fixing my hair and makeup really help me put how I feel in perspective or, on really painful days, camouflage how I feel internally. If I look nice, it helps me feel better.  Just the opposite is true too.  If I look crappy, I feel crappy.

I have a few favorite resources for help in dressing and applying makeup.  One is TLC's What Not To Wear.  Fun to watch and tons of lessons to learn. Here's a link to TLC's website for the show.

http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/what-not-to-wear/photos/what-not-to-wear-style-rules-pictures.htm

The hosts have authored several books that are great too, including the makeup artist.  Here's some links to amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/Dress-Your-Best-Complete-Finding/dp/0307236714/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371934874&sr=8-2&keywords=what+not+to+wear

http://www.amazon.com/Truth-About-Style-Stacy-London/dp/0670026239/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1371934913&sr=8-6&keywords=what+not+to+wear

http://www.amazon.com/Get-Positively-Beautiful-Ultimate-Gorgeous/dp/B005IUVJGQ/ref=la_B001H6IKLM_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371934963&sr=1-2

I know some people do not share my opinion in how you dress matters.  Nonetheless, I truly believe it does.  Yep, it takes effort, time, attention, and money.  It doesn't have to be expensive, time consuming, or exhausting.  Because you care how you look doesn't mean you are arrogant or proud. I think it speaks volumes in terms of how one esteems oneself.  You don't have to be dressed to the nines.  You can be dresses neatly and well groomed.  You can be considerate and dress accordingly to the situation you are in or the event you are attending.

Some may think I expect everyone dress to my taste and liking. Not true. I love seeing individuality and creativity in how one dresses. I also understand that some people don't care about fashion and prefer to dress simply or have a personal uniform.  I get it.  Being well dressed doesn't mean you are wearing the latest fashion or trends.

House shoes in public?  They are called house shoes for a reason. Flip flops to a professional job? I don't think so.  Bra hanging out of your shirt?  Respect yourself. Jagged and dirty nails?  Did you just finish working in the garden?  Psh.  Please girl.

This message isn't just for the ladies.  Men listen up.  Long nails that would make Flo-Jo jealous?  Get your clippers out.  Pants too short or too long?  You height doesn't change that much over time, although your waistline may.  Chest hair popping out of your shirt?  Tuck in your gold chain and button one or two more buttons. Dude. Come on!