Friday, October 12, 2012

Outfit Du Jour: Just because it zips, doesn't mean it fits.

In my previous blog post, I pinpointed what I believe to be the top "complaints" of dressing professionally. What do I hope to achieve from this particular post? My hopes are that although dressing professionally may not be a necessity at this time or for your particular career path, there may come a time when it may be and the insight I provide within this blog may allow you to view dressing professionally in a new and, most importantly, positive way. In addition, these points are also pertinent to every-day or casual clothing as well.
To my readers: Please don't ignore this post just because you have XY chromosomes. Keep in mind that this particular post is not only applicable to my female readers, but my male ones as well!

1. Is it really possible to have a wardrobe that is high in quality, but doesn't leave a hole in your pockets? It depends on if you shop smart and where you shop! In order to do so, analyze a product before you buy it and decide the amount of use you realistically will be able to get out of it (i.e. purchasing a cute, sensible, and sturdy handbag in a neutral color versus a knock-off, one that is gaudy, or has a "busy" design) as well as its price. If the amount of use is high, and the price is right, it should definitely be considered as an addition to your wardrobe. However, if the amount is low, but the quality is low, you should probably reconsider due to the fact that you'll probably have to invest in yet another bag in a few months time.
Sales racks are probably the best way to steer yourself in the right direction. As tedious as going through sales racks can be, it can be worth your while to spend some time in this section. That way you not only purchase something at a more reasonable price, but you also purchase something that can have style in addition to quality. And try to remind yourself that the sale section isn't the "reject" section. Usually the items are moved to this section to either make way for new merchandise or to transition to another season. Disclaimer: Sometimes you leave empty handed, but other times you might find a real steal! 
Another way you can show off your personal style and not break the bank is by investing in accessories for your outfit (belts, purses, jewelry, etc.).  This gives you the ability to revive an outfit rather than go out and buy a completely new outfit . Keep in mind too that accessories can be responsible for transforming your day-look to night-look with a simple pair of heels versus a clutch for the ladies, or jeans versus slacks for the gentlemen.  

2. Dress for your next job, and dress to impress. When going out, you never know who you might meet. So why take the chance of networking and letting yourself be "forgotten" by wearing a bland and unconfident ensemble of clothing? People may say that you shouldn't judge someone based on their outward appearance, but everyone does it; especially employers. There's a reason why ear plugs and tattoos aren't widely acceptable in the workplace or even in daily life. So don't give someone the chance to short-change you on something that is easily tweaked. 
For both the ladies and gentlemen out there, I would also like to make the point that this section of my blog can easily be applied to dating. When you look confident on the outside, chances are you will feel the same way on the inside and people (the opposite sex or same sex, whatever your preference) will take notice and respond. 

3. Don't play the "should've, would've, could've" game. Don't buy something that SHOULD fit you before hitting an all-you-can-eat buffet, COULD fit once you start using your gym membership, or WOULD fit you if you laid down on your bed and sucked in your stomach to snap your pants on. If you plan on making life changes and moving down one or more dress and/or pant sizes, then I highly advise that you wait before investing any more money in your wardrobe. Chances are if you have changed your lifestyle to change your outward appearance, you've probably had a good amount of mental/internal changes as well. 
Another point I'd like to make is concerning comfort. There's nothing worse than being uncomfortable when interviewing for a job, working, or knowing you're going to be stuck sitting for multiple hours. My advice? Wear something that isn't form-fitting or too small: something that you can do more than stand in. Remember that sitting, walking, and completing tasks that require arm movement are important features all pieces of clothing should allow you to do with ease. Form-fitting clothing may also seem like it hugs all of your curves or that you exude confidence in your body shape, but it usually is less flattering than wearing something that flows and allows you to breathe. The same can be said about clothing that is too big. Try adding some balance to your wardrobe by having a flowing top tucked into a pencil skirt or a slim fit blouse and a straight or wide leg trouser. For men, don't purchase a top, pants, jacket, or vest that are JUST your size or ALMOST your size. Make sure you have a little bit of room so that you can wear outer-wear easily and so you can wear an undershirt as a layer underneath your button-up shirt. This also allows you to have a bit of "wiggle" room for any minute fluctuations in weight. Overall, just because it zips, doesn't mean it fits.

"My Look" Pick of the Week:


What I'm wearing: A tunic blouse with a floral print by American Rag Cie, a wide, woven, black belt (to accentuate and bring attention to the smallest part of my body), a straight leg jean in a dark wash by Michael Kors (which is acceptable for professional attire as well as for casual affairs), metallic, pastel pink pumps by Candies, and a purple and blue purse by Ed Hardy featuring vinyl and satin material. 


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Thanks for reading, everyone!
Write me a little something in the comment box below or on my Facebook "like" page: https://www.facebook.com/midorioutfitdujour.
I also have started a "like" page for my modeling here: https://www.facebook.com/MidoriEsmeralda. New post will be up soon, so stay classy!
XOXO Midori

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