This post is my entry into the fabulous Mom's Fashion File contest for an opportunity to win a personal style session during BlogHer 2011. Wish me luck! :-D
I can see it in the eyes of my long distance family and friends when we see them after long spells and know I look visibly worse for the wear. Carrying more weight than the last time they saw me? Yep. Looking a bit less stylish? Sigh. These past two years lamenting the transition from office professional to work from home mom have taken the toll on my inner soul to my outward appearance.
What hasn’t changed, though is my interest and involvement in the tech industry. Working from my home office across the country has isolated me from the fashionable friends I used to be so in tune with just a few short years ago. Unfortunately, I'm not near my trusted mom or sisters to tell me the honest truth – in the nicest possible way saying:
“Why don’t you coach our Girls on the Run Team with us?”
“Heids, have you thought about renewing your personal trainer certification? You should totally do that and spend the summer training women at the park and pool with the Kiddo!”
“Hey Heids, let’s go shopping for some cute new summer dresses!”
I don’t even have the opportunity to get offended by their subtle body language that only sisters notice and pick up on: eye rolls at me working on my laptop and not joining them for a run, or when they try to point out that something looks subpar and work tactfully to inspire me to fix it without starting a defensive argument. Because we live far from family and c2Dad is usually only around on the weekends, I've stopped putting in the effort with my clothes, and I’ve been missing those wordless reminders that serve as competitive or shameful motivation to maintain one’s appearance and health.
Fast forward to last month, and a recent photo shoot where I barely recognized the person in the photo proofs. That double chin was mine alright. That was me. Older. "Weightier." Less confident. Tears started forming. What have I done?!
I was still greeted with smiles and compliments each day…but…oh NO. People weren’t noticing and complimenting ME or my handbag or necklace. They were noticing my devices and gadgets! Had I really transferred all of my personal pride onto…my tech devices?!
Was I the fashion “don’t” accompanying my iPad 2? My mind raced through my rolodex of recent interactions…”Oh my gosh, Heidi! I just love your pink netbook! What kind is it?”…”Hey, is that the Windows Phone 7?” . . .
OMG. I was taking better care of my technology than I was of myself! I had become a TECHCESSORY. A drab accessory to my technology.
The next morning I walked the Kiddo to school instead of driving the mile (totally inspired by Melissa of Fits "n" Giggles. I quit a freelance writing gig that I was constantly falling behind on (working on from dusk till dawn nightly as it were). I reclaimed time for myself to get moving outdoors again, to swim, to catch up on all of that sleep I’ve been missing and castoff the deadline pressures that had been weighing me down. I’m focusing my efforts into my next big venture and feeling inspired and already more energetic in the few short weeks that I’ve been on this path.
In my journey to the new/old Heids, I’ll be launching a new logo and layout for personal blog next month. I’ve gotten my hair done, started moving again, and picked up a fresh set of make up and make up brushes. I’m purging through our basement and closets, and have even ordered new living room furniture. The one area I haven’t yet tackled? My personal style. Here I am, coming out of the fog, this re-energized, rarin’ to go make things happen techie mom in need of some style advice. STAT.
Enter the gorgeous and classy Mom's Fashion File team of Nicole from Momtrends, Andrea from SavvySassyMoms and Alison of Sassy Moms in the City and their contest for some select BlogHer 2011 attendees to win a private style session. AHH! A harp played, clouds parted and sunshine literally streamed down like golden ribbons of goodness when I first read about this.
To enter the contest and be considered for a style session, I’m listing my primary style issues, in hopes that I may be chosen to participate in the style consultation that may help me bring happy confident Heids to light again!
- Just HOW do you wear a scarf? No matter how many scarves I buy or how many times the saleswoman shows me how versatile a scarf is, I get home and am all thumbs, desperately turning to my husband and son for assistance (which doesn’t go far in women’s fashion ;-)). I honestly think large busted women have a harder time with scarves: knot it too low, and it sticks out above the widest part of your chest bouncing along as you walk, only accentuating the body part. Tie it too high, and it can add bulk where you don’t want it between the neck and the bust. Should I keep trying with scarves? What’s the best scarf look for someone like me?
- What are the best shoe styles to look for and wear when you have big feet? I wear a size 10 shoe and often drool over cute shoes and boots, only to try them on and realize they were designed to best show off size 7 feet. Flip flops, sandals, and strappy heels all seem to shine spotlights on my unsightly clodhoppers rather than the cute feminine piggies I envisioned. I’d love to identify the styles or cuts that would look best on me.
- With fall and winter approaching, what’s the best trench coat and winter coat style for my body? I LOVE trench coats. They’re classic and versatile and sexy and sharp at the same time. I don’t fit into my old trench coat of my skinnier days, and I’m considering buying a new one for me now. Also, winter coats can add such unflattering bulk to a woman. I avoided the mom-style slumber bag winter coat this past winter for fear it wouldn’t be flattering on me. So I’m asking for assistance in choosing the best winter coat style and cut for me.
- How can I style my short hair a day or two after a blow out? Headbands, barrettes, pins, clips? I just can’t seem to use them without looking like I’m a 30-something wannabe 15-year-old. It makes me long for my long hair of a few years ago when I could simply pull it up into a pony tail or a quick braid. How can I make my short hair look cute and stylish the day after a blow out when I’m a stay at home mom who’s only leaving the house for school drop-off/pick-up or to run errands?
- What are “my colors?” What colors will look best on me, and which should I avoid because they don't flatter me?
- What short and sleeveless dresses are the most flattering cut for my shoulders and biceps?
If I’m chosen for the secret style suite, you’ll likely hear my shrieks of joy!! :-D And after August 6th, you’ll hopefully notice ME over whatever gadget I happen to be carrying. If I’m not chosen, then you’ll see my husband crying as I rack up receipts from fashion trial and errors of my own…
I love that we share a respect of the trench coat. And shoes. Cannot forget the shoes. Never noticed your scarf issues, so you must hide it well. Hope you're chosen and can fill me in.
Posted by: Stacey | May 31, 2011 at 04:54 PM
Wait, you're getting a new design and logo??!! Do share!! Congrats on taking care of yourself.
Posted by: Stacey | May 31, 2011 at 04:57 PM
Yes! Working on the logo now and I adore it. I really can't wait to launch the new design!
Posted by: c2cmom | May 31, 2011 at 06:33 PM
Great Style questions!! I hope to answer all of them for you in the Secret Style Suite! Good luck:)
Posted by: Andrea Fellman | June 02, 2011 at 01:32 PM
What a great post Heidi. So honest and you've got some questions all professionals struggle with when it comes to running a home-based biz. We're moms and entrepreneurs finding time to do it all isn't feasible. Thanks for your entry. xoxox Nicole
Posted by: Nicole Feliciano | June 04, 2011 at 05:28 PM
Good for you...Great article. I don't care what the Oprah's and other fitness experts say, it is hard to find time for yourself. Go Heidi Go Heidi
Posted by: Becky | July 11, 2011 at 11:28 AM
Great post! I really hope you win so you can pass on some of the style tips. I wish we lived closer so we could go for runs and do fun "active" things together. Mad props for bringing it back! Love you!
Posted by: Annie Patzer | July 12, 2011 at 01:25 PM