I will not be a schlumpadink

I was born and raised in a tiny hamlet, raised my family and worked in a small town most of my adult life, and five years ago moved to a very small, yet rural city.

And the one thing I notice? No matter where I’ve lived, I see beautiful and unique women of all shapes and sizes that don’t know that they are beautiful and unique. They have forgotten (or perhaps never known) that two extra minutes of makeup, a regular hair appointment and a few wardrobe basics will enhance every amazing feature that they already own. What they have also forgotten (or may have never known) is that enhancing those features will indeed make them stand taller, feel prouder, live livelier, work and relate in a whole new way...even though they live far removed from the big city.

Please don’t misunderstand…this is not about vanity….which may seem odd coming from me, and my community of sewing bloggers…since we appear to love photographing ourselves!  It’s about being aware of our own individuality and recognizing that deep down, feeling put together and confident can have a huge impact on how we relate to others and the world around us. And make no mistake about it, it’s not about emulating the exact images we see in magazines and on the internet and in runway shows. It’s about being inspired to take that one step toward confidence. And it doesn’t take a lot of time or money.

(Today's work outfit. Simple black cardigan, a stripey peplum top ( no kidding... Kohl's clearance for under $7.00 and a black ponte slim skirt that I made.)

Heaven knows, I have always loved fashion. Even in that little hamlet, surrounded by an agricultural community, I noticed the things my sister wore that I thought were cool. I noticed that my mom was always put together, even though she had a factory job and we camped on weekends…not in a glamourpuss way, but a natural, reasonable confident sort of way. I noticed fabrics and how they worked together. I poured over every Seventeen magazine that came in the mail. I dared to wear a mini skirt to school only to have my father called to come and get me. I wanted to be different, I wanted to be individual and I wanted my clothes to reflect that. I was and am a smart girl…I am interested and passionate about many things in my life and in the world. The clothes that I wear in no way minimize who I am on the inside…they are one more way to reflect the complex person that I am…my individuality.

This is what makes the outfit special...I envisioned this necklace in my mind, then I bartered beads so that my friend Janelle would make it for me. I LOVE it!

My husband and I are a normal, hardworking couple and we do not have an unlimited budget. Sounds like most people, right? That’s why I sew. And thrift. And barter. And make careful selections about what’s in my closet.  I still feel like I’m trying to find my unique style, but that’s the fun of it! My body is not perfect, so I am always trying to find that place where comfort meets flattery and where comfort does not mean hiding. A little makeup goes a long way… A haircut every four weeks is without question. I don't fool myself into thinking that I will ever be what I see on television, in print or online.  But I'm learning to love the whole unique package of me and that’s an ever changing process, even at my age!

Thoughts?