Not a new dress. But will this one pass? Mom says it could work (minus the belt. You need a silver belt!) She also suggested some new shoes–and why not buy a few new dresses, too? Read on….
le syndrome du remords de l'acheteur
: buyer's remorse
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
A few days ago, I began emailing photos of myself to my mom, in Mexico. The subject line read "cruise wardrobe. HELP!"
In two weeks, Jean-Marc and I will host that Paris-Normandy cruise I told you about. In a panic, I had bought two cheap dresses–and was now experiencing le syndrome du remords de l'acheteur, or buyer's remorse. But with any luck–and with a scarf thrown over the get-ups, maybe the dresses would faire l'affaire?
I knew I was putting Mom in a vise by asking, once again this week, for her critique. I'd just asked for her honest opinion on the 3-page book introduction I recently wrote–a solicitation that ended in a week of silent treatment (on my part) punctuated by a few desperate calls demanding that Mom reconsider her opinion. (I then put Mom through the torture of listening to me read and reread my book's unchanged introduction–a fate I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.)
I ended up rewriting the intro, spitting and cursing through the first few drafts–until it smoothed itself out. While my poor mom took the brunt of my frustrations, she also won all my respect in the end.
When next I asked Mom to edit my wardrobe, she was understandably gun-shy. To shoot down this polyester façade would be to shatter an ill-fitting shell of conformism.
"Honey, what about Jackie's red leather jacket?" Mom suggested, careful to tiptoe around the previous email I'd sent her (the blue dress in question, I realize now, looked like it was made of airplane blanket material).
"Mom! Jackie doesn't have a red leather jacket!"
Cutting to the chase, my wardrobe editor offered another suggestion. "Honey, why don't you go out and buy yourself some nice dresses?"
"But, Mom!" I fired off a list of reasons to leave things well enough alone. Besides, going back to the drawing board meant going back to the dressing room. Why don't they just call them for what they are? "Humiliation chambers."
Something about florescent lighting makes the scars across my face appear as train tracks. And, when I look away from the reflection in the mirror, my eyes catch–like the strained zippers on the hip-hugger pants the 20-year-old salesgirl just gave me–on other unsightly details.
"You are trying too hard." Mom said, gently. "You need to let go and let God."
***
Driving back to the supermarket mall, I shook my head. I get it that I need to quit trying to control or force outcomes; that the more I struggle the less I accomplish. I get it that Mom is talking about grace—but what is she suggesting.. that I take God shopping with me?
I'm sure God has more important things to do than help me try on shoes, so I've taken my 16-year-old daughter along as a backup. Along the way I try to let go. Let go…..
I drive past the cheap boutique and park in front of Esprit. They are having 30% off everything in the shop today–a good chance to "change up" those cheap dresses for better quality versions.
Squeezing in and out of a dozen cocktail robes, I avoid the mirror, but another unsavory detail soon demands my attention. A sour scent fills my nose there in the cramped dressing room….
If I thought the mirrors were humiliating now it was my own body that was mortifying me! I realized that in my haste and hurry to get my errands done, I'd skipped a very important step: deodorant.
Jackie! Je pue! I stepped out of the dressing room to breathe.
My daughter did her best to reassure me, but I was worried about tainting the store's clothing. I'd better slip off this pretty dress–before I ruin it!–and get my stinky, stressed self out of this store.
Just as I was spinning around to hurry back into the dressing room, I heard them. The three angels.
"Oh là là," they said. "That dress is lovely on you!"
Standing before me was the most expressive trio I have ever seen. The women, who looked related, wore thick make-up in contrast to their fair, copper-toned hair. The French "sisters" looked to be my mom's age (mid-sixties) and their mom could have been their sister. This much I gathered. I also had a hunch they'd just enjoyed a three-martini lunch. Then again, some people are naturally high, playful, and free. Such were these colorful ladies who stood in the hall of the dressing room, showering me with encouragement.
"Thank you!" I said, clamping my arms to my sweaty sides–until I remembered Mom's gentle words: let go…. Let things unfold….
"That is a pretty dress, too," I offered, returning the compliment. (One of the women had a pretty green dress on her arm.)
"Here, try it on!" she offered, handing me the glittery robe.
"Yes, yes, try it on, dear!" their mother, in a flamboyant hat and high tops, cheered. (my own mom would have gone to town with these women! )
Each time I came out of the dressing room the fair-haired trio raved.
"But isn't it too… (big or small or this or that)" I questioned, each time. Again and again, any doubts and insecurities were hushed, and even my daughter validated the women's opinion.
By now I had two dresses, a jacket, and even a leather skirt to add to my cruise wardrobe. Oh là là indeed! How quickly my luck had turned around–and how effortlessly things came together!
A joyful rush came over me and I threw my arms around the strangers. And when I remembered my sweaty secret I clamped my arms, which only had the effect of squeezing those dear women even closer to me. Like Pepé LePew I could not help but show my emotion!
If they were put off by my scent, they didn't show it. I looked over at the three women, who beamed.
God—incarnate in a flamboyant hat and high tops—had indeed gone shopping with me.
That's when the truth behind Mom's words struck me. In the end, it's a matter of grace.
* * *
French vocabulary
le syndrome du remords de l'acheteur = buyer's remorse
faire l'affaire = work
je pue (puer) = I stink
Everybody has their own style, Mom says. (That's Jules, above).
Discover more from French Word-A-Day
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I 2nd Annette & Amanda.
I have asked God to go shopping with me more than once when overwhelmed.
Jules has a definite style, and her lively personality shows through it 🙂
My favorite outfit would be denim pants, a soft, long-sleeved pullover, and comfortable, short boots. I think the answer to this question can reveal a lot about us, even to ourselves; i.e., how often are we able to live in what is most comfortable to us?
I 2nd Annette & Amanda.
I have asked God to go shopping with me more than once when overwhelmed.
Jules has a definite style, and her lively personality shows through it 🙂
My favorite outfit would be denim pants, a soft, long-sleeved pullover, and comfortable, short boots. I think the answer to this question can reveal a lot about us, even to ourselves; i.e., how often are we able to live in what is most comfortable to us?
Hi Kristin ! I like the dress with the boots — I think the belt should be wider and if your mom was thinking of a concho belt that would certainly make the whole look (and the belt could be used with other outfits — but positioned at the hip with pants and sweaters or tunic blouses. I live in Paris and this year I busted out of the black only syndrome. My favorite uni (uniform) this year: belted narrow wale medium gray skinny cords (from Uniqlo — a better cut for my American curves than the cords at Monoprix and they wash better with no shrinkage YAAAAAY) with a black or beige or brown or white sweater and a scarf (not silk)finished off with Frye ankle boots (I am tired of people stepping on my poor toes in Metro cars or the bus) and a coat or jacket long enough to cover my hips.
Hi Kristin ! I like the dress with the boots — I think the belt should be wider and if your mom was thinking of a concho belt that would certainly make the whole look (and the belt could be used with other outfits — but positioned at the hip with pants and sweaters or tunic blouses. I live in Paris and this year I busted out of the black only syndrome. My favorite uni (uniform) this year: belted narrow wale medium gray skinny cords (from Uniqlo — a better cut for my American curves than the cords at Monoprix and they wash better with no shrinkage YAAAAAY) with a black or beige or brown or white sweater and a scarf (not silk)finished off with Frye ankle boots (I am tired of people stepping on my poor toes in Metro cars or the bus) and a coat or jacket long enough to cover my hips.
Kristin . . . The post was wonderful! I see you inherited your mother’s beauty, both inside and out. My sympathies to Mr. Laskin who is not familiar with letting go and letting God.
Kristin . . . The post was wonderful! I see you inherited your mother’s beauty, both inside and out. My sympathies to Mr. Laskin who is not familiar with letting go and letting God.
I would totally agree with the statement somewhere above that we wear PERSONALITIES.. adorned with the fabric and color depending on our mood of a day. 🙂
A very nice duster, Kristi.
The soft and yet disorderly flow of the fur on top suggest that it could be worn with something loose, light, and flowy. Something like this perhaps: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/234539093064510263/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/234539093064829478/
or this
Perhaps, no constricting lines (hard boots or fitted gowns/trousers) to interfere with the romantique mood this duster of yours sets for.
I would also refrain from wearing this color with black (even though the modern designers offer this blue-black combination a lot for the last couple of years, but the colors should be in the same hue (and mood) to pull the entire look out. Just as they are here perhaps: (the combination is piercingly RIGHT 🙂 http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/383695?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-J84DHJLQkR4-_-ProductFeed-_-Mason_by_Michelle_Mason&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-dy0t78zqajhMNcfhRIRBMw
http://www.pinterest.com/sydneyjewellery/my-style/
generally is a very nice collection of very good clothing and color ideas. Enjoy.
I would totally agree with the statement somewhere above that we wear PERSONALITIES.. adorned with the fabric and color depending on our mood of a day. 🙂
A very nice duster, Kristi.
The soft and yet disorderly flow of the fur on top suggest that it could be worn with something loose, light, and flowy. Something like this perhaps: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/234539093064510263/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/234539093064829478/
or this
Perhaps, no constricting lines (hard boots or fitted gowns/trousers) to interfere with the romantique mood this duster of yours sets for.
I would also refrain from wearing this color with black (even though the modern designers offer this blue-black combination a lot for the last couple of years, but the colors should be in the same hue (and mood) to pull the entire look out. Just as they are here perhaps: (the combination is piercingly RIGHT 🙂 http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/383695?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-J84DHJLQkR4-_-ProductFeed-_-Mason_by_Michelle_Mason&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-dy0t78zqajhMNcfhRIRBMw
http://www.pinterest.com/sydneyjewellery/my-style/
generally is a very nice collection of very good clothing and color ideas. Enjoy.
You have a beautiful face, a lovely slim shape and a warm heart – you look fabulous is everything. I used to have no problems shopping when my pre-5 kid body made everything look good – now it is an exercise in concealment! Not to worry – you will have the best time.
You have a beautiful face, a lovely slim shape and a warm heart – you look fabulous is everything. I used to have no problems shopping when my pre-5 kid body made everything look good – now it is an exercise in concealment! Not to worry – you will have the best time.
Natalia, that is so true. So many people are thinking about other things–and thank goodness–and not at all focused on our real or perceived wardrobe mishaps.
Susan, that is exactly what Mom suggested: a concha belt. Also, I love the gray cords/brown sweater–and am bringing this along, too!
Trina,( re i.e., how often are we able to live in what is most comfortable to us?) It can be a blessing to work from home (in cozy clothes), but it gets complicated when it is time to dress up. I often watch the career woman, who grocery shop after work, and I think that their office outfits would be perfect dinner threads for me! I am sure professionals get sick of dressing up every day.
Sue in Seattle, I meant to explain that one to Allen, too, but what unsure if read the sentence correctly (it can be read two ways 🙂 I hope never to push my beliefs on anyone, but in todays story it is just part of the story.
Francesca, thanks for the term *duster*. I tried to look it home but Google shows 4-wheel drives or feather sticks 🙂
Thank you, Therese! and to everyone for the very kind compliments.
Natalia, that is so true. So many people are thinking about other things–and thank goodness–and not at all focused on our real or perceived wardrobe mishaps.
Susan, that is exactly what Mom suggested: a concha belt. Also, I love the gray cords/brown sweater–and am bringing this along, too!
Trina,( re i.e., how often are we able to live in what is most comfortable to us?) It can be a blessing to work from home (in cozy clothes), but it gets complicated when it is time to dress up. I often watch the career woman, who grocery shop after work, and I think that their office outfits would be perfect dinner threads for me! I am sure professionals get sick of dressing up every day.
Sue in Seattle, I meant to explain that one to Allen, too, but what unsure if read the sentence correctly (it can be read two ways 🙂 I hope never to push my beliefs on anyone, but in todays story it is just part of the story.
Francesca, thanks for the term *duster*. I tried to look it home but Google shows 4-wheel drives or feather sticks 🙂
Thank you, Therese! and to everyone for the very kind compliments.
..mmm.. 4 wheel drives?? or FEA-Ther sticks!!??!!!@@>! :-).. that’s something to laugh about for the rest of my day! 🙂 Thanks, Kristi.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duster_%28clothing%29
Duster (clothing)
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/266908715389404734/
A 1910 Review of the complete wardrobe for the fashionable woman for Autumn and Winter -Motoring costumes. Women wore fashionable “dusters” [ loose overgarments ] over the normal daywear to protect from dirt and grime.
http://www.pinterest.com/curatorkim/vintage-fashion/
Vintage wear.. 🙂 for anyone inclined 🙂
..mmm.. 4 wheel drives?? or FEA-Ther sticks!!??!!!@@>! :-).. that’s something to laugh about for the rest of my day! 🙂 Thanks, Kristi.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duster_%28clothing%29
Duster (clothing)
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/266908715389404734/
A 1910 Review of the complete wardrobe for the fashionable woman for Autumn and Winter -Motoring costumes. Women wore fashionable “dusters” [ loose overgarments ] over the normal daywear to protect from dirt and grime.
http://www.pinterest.com/curatorkim/vintage-fashion/
Vintage wear.. 🙂 for anyone inclined 🙂
Love it, thanks Francesca. *Duster* is a great word for my writing vocabulary! Always trying to nourish it!
Love it, thanks Francesca. *Duster* is a great word for my writing vocabulary! Always trying to nourish it!
This is what they call “duster” now. My first one I bought about 15 years ago.
http://www.venus.com/viewproduct.aspx?BRANCH=7~69~&ProductDisplayID=19811&cm_mmc=ProductSearch-_-Google-_-XWEBGPF13-_-adwords_labelsBrown_Multi_Cascading_Duster&sc=XWEBGPF13&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CJWj_ZOWsLoCFWtxQgodTFIA0A
http://www.jessicalondon.com/Product.aspx?PfId=345910&ProductTypeId=1&affiliate_id=049&affiliate_location_id=23&affiliate_id=049&affiliate_location_id=01&mr:trackingCode=3DFFE6FE-32D9-E211-A755-BC305BF82162&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=27451664265&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=51948577185#.UmlwvxC424g
http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Double-Collar-Duster-Coat/zquu3/?iid=2677517&cid=13948&Rf900=3717&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=9999&sort=-1&clr=Black&utm_source=google_product_search&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=google_product_search&WT.tsrc=Google%20Product%20Search&WT.srch=1&affid=2365&WT.srch=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term={adwords_producttargetid}&utm_content=&utm_campaign=&cvosrc=ppc.google.{adwords_producttargetid}&network={network}&mobile={ifmobile:1}&search={ifsearch:1}&content={ifcontent:1}&creative={creative}&ptid={adwords_producttargetid}&adposition={adposition}&gclid=CIKsj5eWsLoCFUXhQgodjWIA0w&r=2&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1Eb3VibGUtQ29sbGFyLUR1c3Rlci1Db2F0L1Byb2Qv
This is what they call “duster” now. My first one I bought about 15 years ago.
http://www.venus.com/viewproduct.aspx?BRANCH=7~69~&ProductDisplayID=19811&cm_mmc=ProductSearch-_-Google-_-XWEBGPF13-_-adwords_labelsBrown_Multi_Cascading_Duster&sc=XWEBGPF13&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CJWj_ZOWsLoCFWtxQgodTFIA0A
http://www.jessicalondon.com/Product.aspx?PfId=345910&ProductTypeId=1&affiliate_id=049&affiliate_location_id=23&affiliate_id=049&affiliate_location_id=01&mr:trackingCode=3DFFE6FE-32D9-E211-A755-BC305BF82162&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=27451664265&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=51948577185#.UmlwvxC424g
http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Double-Collar-Duster-Coat/zquu3/?iid=2677517&cid=13948&Rf900=3717&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=9999&sort=-1&clr=Black&utm_source=google_product_search&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=google_product_search&WT.tsrc=Google%20Product%20Search&WT.srch=1&affid=2365&WT.srch=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term={adwords_producttargetid}&utm_content=&utm_campaign=&cvosrc=ppc.google.{adwords_producttargetid}&network={network}&mobile={ifmobile:1}&search={ifsearch:1}&content={ifcontent:1}&creative={creative}&ptid={adwords_producttargetid}&adposition={adposition}&gclid=CIKsj5eWsLoCFUXhQgodjWIA0w&r=2&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1Eb3VibGUtQ29sbGFyLUR1c3Rlci1Db2F0L1Byb2Qv
🙂 I love the outfit up the top…belt and all!!!
Boots are so versitile and comfy…maybe just find another pair of shoes for the couple of times you dress up… I also love black tights! 🙂 Keep it simple, think of what you are doing on the cruise and don’t overpack! Accessories are wonderful outfit changers and are not usually as expensive!!
Relax and enjoy time away with friends! xxx
🙂 I love the outfit up the top…belt and all!!!
Boots are so versitile and comfy…maybe just find another pair of shoes for the couple of times you dress up… I also love black tights! 🙂 Keep it simple, think of what you are doing on the cruise and don’t overpack! Accessories are wonderful outfit changers and are not usually as expensive!!
Relax and enjoy time away with friends! xxx
Ah…I, too, am struggling to gather a suitable (or, at this point, wearable and reasonably unwrinkled – I have no idea where the iron has hidden itself) wardrobe for a certain upcoming cruise. Having lived in boring Florida for 12 years, the bulk (correct word) of my clothing is cotton, cropped, faded, or otherwise unsuitable for public use. Not to mention, Kristie, that you are making us meet in Paris… PARIS!?!? where every woman of every age and every size is gorgeous and chic and has been since birth. I am aging, graying, drooping, and slowing. But happier than I have ever been and so looking forward to sharing this journey with my dear Old Tom and some pretty nice friends. (Big smile here.) Of course, I do understand that you and J-M will be in the spotlight, but you are already beautiful and so many of the people on the cruise are already loyal, loving fans. And I will be there cheering for you. Can’t wait!
Ah…I, too, am struggling to gather a suitable (or, at this point, wearable and reasonably unwrinkled – I have no idea where the iron has hidden itself) wardrobe for a certain upcoming cruise. Having lived in boring Florida for 12 years, the bulk (correct word) of my clothing is cotton, cropped, faded, or otherwise unsuitable for public use. Not to mention, Kristie, that you are making us meet in Paris… PARIS!?!? where every woman of every age and every size is gorgeous and chic and has been since birth. I am aging, graying, drooping, and slowing. But happier than I have ever been and so looking forward to sharing this journey with my dear Old Tom and some pretty nice friends. (Big smile here.) Of course, I do understand that you and J-M will be in the spotlight, but you are already beautiful and so many of the people on the cruise are already loyal, loving fans. And I will be there cheering for you. Can’t wait!
Kristin, I read your blog every time it comes out but have never commented before. I want you to know your honesty is endearing and priceless and for me, it’s what makes your column so worth while. Thank you. Plus, I love France and enjoy hearing what it’s like for an American to have made a life for herself there.
Kristin, I read your blog every time it comes out but have never commented before. I want you to know your honesty is endearing and priceless and for me, it’s what makes your column so worth while. Thank you. Plus, I love France and enjoy hearing what it’s like for an American to have made a life for herself there.
Kristin, thank you for sharing and expressing what we all go through. If nothing else, something MUST be done about the lighting in dressing rooms! I must also agree with everyone here who says you are beautiful, truly, physically of course and then enhanced by the joy, honesty, kindness, and humor within that all seem to radiate from you, especially when you smile.
And it’s not just me!! Looking at the photo of you (I hadn’t pointed you out yet) and Max and his buddies, my students, with whom I had shared your writing but not yet your picture, thought you and Max were twins. I told them I thought you’d love to hear that, and this is the perfect time to tell you.
Much affection,
Lorraine
PA, USA
Kristin, thank you for sharing and expressing what we all go through. If nothing else, something MUST be done about the lighting in dressing rooms! I must also agree with everyone here who says you are beautiful, truly, physically of course and then enhanced by the joy, honesty, kindness, and humor within that all seem to radiate from you, especially when you smile.
And it’s not just me!! Looking at the photo of you (I hadn’t pointed you out yet) and Max and his buddies, my students, with whom I had shared your writing but not yet your picture, thought you and Max were twins. I told them I thought you’d love to hear that, and this is the perfect time to tell you.
Much affection,
Lorraine
PA, USA
Thanks for this post. I so identified with it. I, too, hate shopping for clothes in the “humiliation chambers.”
The outfit in the picture at the top looks great as it is; you needn’t change a thing as far as I’m concerned.
Am going to try to remember “It’s a matter of grace.” 🙂
Thanks for this post. I so identified with it. I, too, hate shopping for clothes in the “humiliation chambers.”
The outfit in the picture at the top looks great as it is; you needn’t change a thing as far as I’m concerned.
Am going to try to remember “It’s a matter of grace.” 🙂
I am very late posting this but here goes – For 20 years I was a career woman, suits pumps, full makeup, pantyhose, perfect hair, the corporate world. Uck!!! so glad to be rid of all that. Now – black jeans, black/camel/color cashmere and scarves with basic good(small but real) jewelry. You only have two ears and one neck and two wrists. So get real. Comfortable shoes – they can still be stylish. You can go anywhere. You are beautiful – do not try to hide it. If you feel good in it – then it is for you! Your heart knows-don’t let your mind over analyze. I will forever use the humiliation chamber term – love it. Have a great trip and enjoy all that you see and do. We all wish we were there with you.
I am very late posting this but here goes – For 20 years I was a career woman, suits pumps, full makeup, pantyhose, perfect hair, the corporate world. Uck!!! so glad to be rid of all that. Now – black jeans, black/camel/color cashmere and scarves with basic good(small but real) jewelry. You only have two ears and one neck and two wrists. So get real. Comfortable shoes – they can still be stylish. You can go anywhere. You are beautiful – do not try to hide it. If you feel good in it – then it is for you! Your heart knows-don’t let your mind over analyze. I will forever use the humiliation chamber term – love it. Have a great trip and enjoy all that you see and do. We all wish we were there with you.
You look spectacular in the above photograph, and the outfit is just part of why. I do like the outfit on you very much; it looks put together but not fussy, and you wear it beautifully. I’d keep the black belt (and add other belt options if you wish). Of course, the important thing is how you feel in it, but I hope our very positive opinions influence that. Have a wonderful cruise, Leslie
You look spectacular in the above photograph, and the outfit is just part of why. I do like the outfit on you very much; it looks put together but not fussy, and you wear it beautifully. I’d keep the black belt (and add other belt options if you wish). Of course, the important thing is how you feel in it, but I hope our very positive opinions influence that. Have a wonderful cruise, Leslie
A few encouraging words for Nan Morrissette:
“Dear Nan. The Beauty IS inside.”
Please take a look at this picture — she is a BEAUTY QUEEN!!
:-).. And it is not only I who feels this way. There’s a comment at the bottom of the picture by somebody else (who is also in Arts of course 🙂 :
–Sydney Jewellery School • 1 year ago
“In about 20 years I can only hope to look as fabulous as this beautiful woman” —
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/234539093064521912/
lo-o-ve the “humiliation chamber” term as well! 🙂 I am with you on that, Nancy from San Antonio, Texas. …:-) The prices there are sooo overblown and they feed us THEIR sense of “fashion” 🙂 which, of course, someone like me (with acute sense for line and color and Tha Feeling they provide) would be vvverrry cautious to even look at. 🙂
Kristi, once again, thank you for the wonderful “piece of internet” you created many years ago! 🙂
A few encouraging words for Nan Morrissette:
“Dear Nan. The Beauty IS inside.”
Please take a look at this picture — she is a BEAUTY QUEEN!!
:-).. And it is not only I who feels this way. There’s a comment at the bottom of the picture by somebody else (who is also in Arts of course 🙂 :
–Sydney Jewellery School • 1 year ago
“In about 20 years I can only hope to look as fabulous as this beautiful woman” —
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/234539093064521912/
lo-o-ve the “humiliation chamber” term as well! 🙂 I am with you on that, Nancy from San Antonio, Texas. …:-) The prices there are sooo overblown and they feed us THEIR sense of “fashion” 🙂 which, of course, someone like me (with acute sense for line and color and Tha Feeling they provide) would be vvverrry cautious to even look at. 🙂
Kristi, once again, thank you for the wonderful “piece of internet” you created many years ago! 🙂
Be who you are. Met you at Rouge Bleu a few years ago now. Scars make the woman, seen or unseen. Beauty begins from the inside. Plus, we aren’t 29 anymore, and I certainly don’t ever want to turn back that clock, life is great now. Be what you are! The rest will fall into place. Have fun! 🙂
Be who you are. Met you at Rouge Bleu a few years ago now. Scars make the woman, seen or unseen. Beauty begins from the inside. Plus, we aren’t 29 anymore, and I certainly don’t ever want to turn back that clock, life is great now. Be what you are! The rest will fall into place. Have fun! 🙂
Kristen
I have done both karate and latterly, modern jive dancing. Both these pursuits involve a lot of sweat. I found out a remarkable truth, for me anyway. This was that it is not the sweaty body that smells, but the sweaty fabric.
By the time I was an hour into a karate training session, my gi (training uniform) would be smelling strongly of ammonia and this would continue. The gi would get a thorough washing and drying, but the same thing would happen next time. Also, I had certain shirts that would give off a revolting body odor and others that would not, when dancing.
I worked out that it was the bacterial population which varied with the cloth origin and characteristics that determined the smell made of my sweat. I suspect that in past times when clothing was all boiled, fewer bacteria survived, but probably repopulated from the wearer’s skin.
What did I do to those specific offending clothes so I could wear them without major concern? I soaked them for a week in antiseptic before washing. Resorting to this from time to time has, for me, removed the problem of body odor. Try it on the clothes you seem to smell in.
Regards
Les
Kristen
I have done both karate and latterly, modern jive dancing. Both these pursuits involve a lot of sweat. I found out a remarkable truth, for me anyway. This was that it is not the sweaty body that smells, but the sweaty fabric.
By the time I was an hour into a karate training session, my gi (training uniform) would be smelling strongly of ammonia and this would continue. The gi would get a thorough washing and drying, but the same thing would happen next time. Also, I had certain shirts that would give off a revolting body odor and others that would not, when dancing.
I worked out that it was the bacterial population which varied with the cloth origin and characteristics that determined the smell made of my sweat. I suspect that in past times when clothing was all boiled, fewer bacteria survived, but probably repopulated from the wearer’s skin.
What did I do to those specific offending clothes so I could wear them without major concern? I soaked them for a week in antiseptic before washing. Resorting to this from time to time has, for me, removed the problem of body odor. Try it on the clothes you seem to smell in.
Regards
Les
Hi Kristin,
I love the top photo, but why did you cut off your head? :-)….I like the look but maybe a black belt with a silver buckle? I have a tendency to dress too safely sometimes. I do not like the “humiliation chambers” either, especially when I am trying on swimsuits! UGH! Why isn’t there “soft focus” lighting and mirrors that say “images in mirror are really smaller than they appear”…..You will look great in anything, so stop worrying. I wish I could make the cruise.
Hi Kristin,
I love the top photo, but why did you cut off your head? :-)….I like the look but maybe a black belt with a silver buckle? I have a tendency to dress too safely sometimes. I do not like the “humiliation chambers” either, especially when I am trying on swimsuits! UGH! Why isn’t there “soft focus” lighting and mirrors that say “images in mirror are really smaller than they appear”…..You will look great in anything, so stop worrying. I wish I could make the cruise.
Now I am truly entertained, Kristi! 🙂
Not having time to read your entire post in the morning I thought you referred to department stores or clothing stores in general when you coined the phrase “humiliation chambers” 🙂 Because that’s exactly how I feel with their choices of offered clothes (and prices) and fabric, (and that dreaded polyester too) and many styles that I would not go for, if I ever stop there on a super rare occasion. I prefer internet shopping and the freedom of MORE choice that comes with it. Now, when I finally got to read your story in detail I found that your term “humiliation chambers” (and the feeling of being trapped, constricted and minimized by any if not all means) has really resonated with me and made me smile at the unexpected and yet broader meaning I readily jumped to and loved. 🙂
Thank you. I love the way you view life and everything that comes with it.
Have a wonderful, relaxing and emotionally enriching trip!
Now I am truly entertained, Kristi! 🙂
Not having time to read your entire post in the morning I thought you referred to department stores or clothing stores in general when you coined the phrase “humiliation chambers” 🙂 Because that’s exactly how I feel with their choices of offered clothes (and prices) and fabric, (and that dreaded polyester too) and many styles that I would not go for, if I ever stop there on a super rare occasion. I prefer internet shopping and the freedom of MORE choice that comes with it. Now, when I finally got to read your story in detail I found that your term “humiliation chambers” (and the feeling of being trapped, constricted and minimized by any if not all means) has really resonated with me and made me smile at the unexpected and yet broader meaning I readily jumped to and loved. 🙂
Thank you. I love the way you view life and everything that comes with it.
Have a wonderful, relaxing and emotionally enriching trip!
Les, glad to have this information on sweat and fabric! I will see about some experimenting of my own 🙂
Eileen, your note: images in mirror are really smaller than they appear–is brilliant! You could print these up and sell them to all the boutique chains and department stores. The signs would bring a smile–and, in turn, relax a lot of shoppers. I think I will print up my own, on a sticky note, and slap in on the mirrors when I go shopping!
Lorraine, please pass along this hug to all your students. What a smile they bring! Thanks to everyone for these gentle words.
Les, glad to have this information on sweat and fabric! I will see about some experimenting of my own 🙂
Eileen, your note: images in mirror are really smaller than they appear–is brilliant! You could print these up and sell them to all the boutique chains and department stores. The signs would bring a smile–and, in turn, relax a lot of shoppers. I think I will print up my own, on a sticky note, and slap in on the mirrors when I go shopping!
Lorraine, please pass along this hug to all your students. What a smile they bring! Thanks to everyone for these gentle words.
As I sit here reading this instead of prepping for my classes today, I had to smile… I have these same experiences every time I go shopping! And, seeing as we just started a clothing/shopping unit in my French 3 class, I have found my “mot du jour” for today! I may even link this post to our class website so they can read all about your shopping adventures in France, too! Have a fanastic time on your cruise! I would love to do that someday!
As I sit here reading this instead of prepping for my classes today, I had to smile… I have these same experiences every time I go shopping! And, seeing as we just started a clothing/shopping unit in my French 3 class, I have found my “mot du jour” for today! I may even link this post to our class website so they can read all about your shopping adventures in France, too! Have a fanastic time on your cruise! I would love to do that someday!
To the Francesca who posted some encouragement to me after my post. THANK YOU for the link to an amazing picture. Everyone who is older today than they were yesterday needs to see this. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/234539093064521912/
And you are right… Beauty IS inside. I find myself at the extreme age of 66… 67 in a few months. (My beloved Bob Dylan warned me in the ’60’s not to trust anyone over thirty… And in many ways I still believe that!) I offer my mother as a role model. She will be ninety in April and, rather than feeling old, is planning a big birthday party where everyone will have lobster flown in from Maine and lots of Champagne. Thank you Francesca!
To the Francesca who posted some encouragement to me after my post. THANK YOU for the link to an amazing picture. Everyone who is older today than they were yesterday needs to see this. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/234539093064521912/
And you are right… Beauty IS inside. I find myself at the extreme age of 66… 67 in a few months. (My beloved Bob Dylan warned me in the ’60’s not to trust anyone over thirty… And in many ways I still believe that!) I offer my mother as a role model. She will be ninety in April and, rather than feeling old, is planning a big birthday party where everyone will have lobster flown in from Maine and lots of Champagne. Thank you Francesca!
Meghan, thanks, I appreciate your sharing this post in class.
Nan, loved your note and was so relieved to know you do not iron either! I cannot remember what you wore, last time I saw you, but I do remember the twinkle in your eyes.
Meghan, thanks, I appreciate your sharing this post in class.
Nan, loved your note and was so relieved to know you do not iron either! I cannot remember what you wore, last time I saw you, but I do remember the twinkle in your eyes.