Dear Boo and Lulu

How I choose work day outfits and get ready

I am a clothes horse….there, I said it. I have a lot of clothes (and shoes and bags), probably more than one person should have. I’m not going to justify it except to say that I enjoy being a girl and dressing each day to face the world and along with that comes a love of shopping. I love all kinds of shopping – sales, bargain hunting, looking for a specific item, eBay stalking, self-indulging, thrifting, malls, online, boutiques, discount stores, etc….it’s all good!

This love of fashion and shopping have one drawback. Getting ready in the morning can sometimes be difficult. The many choices I have can be daunting. Here’s the thing, I’m all about choices. I like restaurants with a large menu even though I always get the same thing because I don’t want to be disappointed with a dish I’ve never tried before…crazy, I know. With clothes, I have a couple of neuroses: (1) I’m always saving an outfit I love for a special day instead of just wearing it when I want to wear it and (2) I also like a lot of choices in fashion which is why I always over-pack, but I agonize over comfort and style – I can’t stand to wear fussy things that’ll have me fidgeting all day and wondering how I look from the back (LOL).

Over the years, I’ve learned how to minimize anxiety (and tardiness) by employing a few tools and following some simple steps. If you’re somewhat like me, first I’m sorry (just kidding), second, this list might be of some help.

A few facts that may provide some context to my madness:
1. I have a full time job and I go into a casual office everyday – I can wear jeans or dress professionally if I want to.
2. I conduct and attend a lot of conference calls, some of which are video calls with co-workers from all over the country. This is an important distinction as to how “put together” I need to be 😉
3. I live in a state with 4 seasons and we get extreme weather conditions.
4. I am a wife and busy Mom with two beautiful girls and a Japanese chin.

The List:
1. The night before after my girls go to bed, I check the weather for the next day.
a. If it’s going to rain or snow, I choose faux material accessories (boots, purse) which can sometimes drive the outfit decisions I make.
b. If it’s going to be too hot, I choose lightweight materials.

 

2. I check my work schedule (meetings, tasks, etc.).
a. If I’m going to be a on video call, I try to choose outfits that are more business appropriate (at least on top where it’s visible on camera) and I actually put on makeup…lol.
b. If I’m going to be working on projects and staying to myself all day, I’ll wear something more casual.
c. If I’m going grocery shopping or other errands after work, I try to dress comfortably.

3. I look at my closet and visually start making choices. If based on weather, I’m wearing skinny jeans and boots (typical), I pick out what can go with that combo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. I go to Polyvore and create a draft of the outfit so I can visualize it and also keep my Polyvore page updated (click the image below to visit my Polyvore page).  If I actually end up wearing the outfit, I publish it later in Polyvore.

5. If I’m happy with the outfit, I pull the pieces out of my closet and separate them for easy dressing in the morning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. If I have time and I’m not too tired, I try on the outfit to make sure it looks good on (vs. just on Polyvore) or if anything needs to be ironed.

This has been working out for me for a while now. Although it seems like a lot to go through for something trivial like outfits, it’s something that I enjoy doing. When I don’t follow this method, I end up with a messy closet, messy room, frustration and tardiness. So needless to say, an important factor in this method is an organized closet which is easier said than done when you have a lot of stuff like me. I occupy most of the closet I “share” with my hubby and an entire guest room and some parts of an office and the basement….hoard much?

I know a lot of the items I mentioned is common sense but everyone has their own idiosyncrasies and unique situations. I’m hoping this helps anyone out there who may be frustrated every morning trying to get ready for the day.

That’s it for now!

Posted in Fashion, OOTD, Outfits, Polyvore, Shopping

Tags: Choosing Outfits, Getting Ready, Polyvore sets, Shopaholic

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