Look in the Mirror

I’ve gone to a few sewing conventions, and have got to say that they were jaw-dropping events. The classes were great, that wasn’t what shocked me. It was the way most of the attendees were dressed. Since these events were about home sewing, I expected to see people decked out in beautiful, flattering things they’d made. Ha! I saw loads of polyester pants with elastic waists. I knew the waists were elastic because oversized tee shirts were tucked into them. As a topper, there were a lot of patchwork vests and jackets that showed off the exquisite needlework skills of the wearer. Even though the toppers would have been beautiful to view on a hanger or a wall, as garments they were unfitted and unbelievably unflattering. 

Lest I sound like a big snoot, let me just say that I have nothing against ugly clothing. In fact, I really like it as long as I’m by myself and in my own house. This morning is cold and rainy and I’m alone, writing and periodically taking breaks to work out. I’ve got on stretchy pants that are in a shade that can only be called baby stool brown, shoes that are comfortable but make my naturally oversized feet look clowny, a tee shirt that appears to have been chewed off at the neckline because I tore into it with a pair of blunt scissors one day when it felt too tight, and a pilled shapeless fleece sweater.  

This outfit is comfortably delightful for my tasks this AM, but I’m meeting some friends for lunch. When I go out of the house, I’ll change my clothes. I’ll do so for one reason—because people judge each other on appearance.  

Since I have some amount of control over how I look, it amuses me to look like something the cat dragged in when I’m here by myself and then to look pretty good when I go out into the world.   

To get back to the sewing convention–as I was wandering around, trying to keep my eyes fixed on something other than the ugly clothing, I kept wondering if all of these people had avoided looking in the mirror before they left home. Which brings me to the first of the style suggestions that I will make here on my blog: Get into the habit of looking in the mirror before you leave home. Check the back view as well to make sure there’s isn’t anything that you’re missing, like a big spot on the seat of your pants. While you’re looking, try to be kind. If you usually don’t have a gander at yourself before leaving home, there might be a reason—like maybe you are overly critical when you look at yourself. Don’t do that now. Just make sure that you look decent. We’ll move on to more challenging assignments later, but for now, get used to your own reflection.