I was getting a pedicure yesterday when I saw myself through the young woman’s eyes rubbing oil on my feet.  “So, a homeless lady came in today…” I could hear her tell her friends later.  I looked down at my ensemble, pieces of identities past and mix-matched, in a horrifying realization that I forgot to buy clothes somewhere along the line.  I looked down and saw the long, faded skirt, the dingy apron, the so-worn-it-is-now-black cream flouncy slip that peeks from beneath, the two t-shirts that don’t match so I didn’t have to wear a bra, and holy leggings underneath to cover that I didn’t shave my legs.  I felt like apologizing.

I went home and looked at my closet and realized that everything was holey, dingy, old, gonna fix that soon, it doesn’t fit but someone just gave me that, that was grandma’s!, or I haven’t worn it in twenty years, all on hangers.

When I was in my early teens my aunt would have been in her late twenties and she was gorgeous and young and dated drummers.  She always told me how pretty I was and one of the compliments in my life that stands out the most came from her.  My Aunt Karen told me that she had never met anyone that could take a few pieces of clothing and make them into so many different outfits!  I didn’t have a lot of clothes, mostly hand-me-downs, but I did seem to have a gift with combinations.  It has been virtually impossible for me to follow what I am supposed to wear.  Everything on the scene is always just a little boring for my taste (please don’t make me wear yoga pants and a t-shirt!).

PMSy, cabin fevered, and a bit sleep deprived, I sat down to draw out a design for clothes that I wanted to wear, the look I wanted to show the world, the way I wanted to feel.  The schlumpiness must go, for god’s sake.  Inspired by European designs (my husband and I watch a lot of foreign films), and pulling a little from the 1980’s (thankfully it’s all coming back again), and my sister-in-law’s Cabi clothing line she represents that I can’t afford, I put together twenty items that could make upwards of a hundred different combinations.  Just because I am home most of the time now doesn’t mean I have to look homeless, frumpy, or ten years older than I am.  And for goodness sake, find a bra that fits!

Coming home from work to find me in the state I was in my husband was obliged to take me to the mall.  I would have gone to the thrift store but then I would be back to square one.  I could probably find a few steals but I may just end up with an old, dingy wardrobe again.  Early February means big sales.  The big ticket item was fifty dollars, a new jean jacket.  The arm is falling off of the one I have been wearing for years.  I had some of the pieces like a mini skirt and ballet flats.  A few more pieces I will pick up later, like the flowey skirt and wide belt that I guess is still finding its way back from 1988.  I got ten new comfortable pieces for just under $200.  Tomorrow I will show you what items to get and how to pair them.

Spring is coming.  Life is short.  We deserve to feel beautiful in our own skin.  If we can’t be nudists we may as well have cute clothes on the cheap.  My daughter is coming over to do a photo shoot for me.  I am going to go shave my legs and put mascara on, y’all.  Photos of this beautiful clothing line and restored Mama coming tomorrow…