my awesomeness cannot be contained

Thank you everyone for the encouragement to be the me that I be. In the spirit of those boots (which I am not yet wearing because we are at present in some controversy over sizing — see below) yesterday I was inspired to put an outfit together that DIDN’T involve either yoga pants, flip-flops, or Uggs, or an empire “waist” blouse. I looked pretty smokin. Felt good too. Dressing nicer does involve being willing to subject said items to food stains, grass stains, et. al. But seriously? Those yoga pants are getting TIRED.

So, in the spirit of Miranda July’s Learning to Love You More where she once had an assignment that involved photographing an outfit you wore at a significant moment in your life (but not obvious, like a wedding), here are photos of my newly-reinvigorated rededication to somewhat dressing nice/fun, using stuff I already have that still or mostly fits.

Yesterday, I wore this on the long walk down to Lakeshore, for an afternoon of shopping and the park with the boy. Resulting in only one new stain on the shirt. We mainly went on the walk to buy an owl stuffed toy and all the toy store had was a really ugly beanie baby — because we couldn’t find the tiny 1″ quilted owl that usually goes in the “O” pocket of his Alphabet wall hanging and he just kept forlornly saying “whooo whooo” and I had to do something. The beanie baby is really really ugly, but it only cost four bucks, so that isn’t bad. For no clear reason, it’s wearing a graduation cap that says “Class of ’99” on it. Still, it made him happy.

Love how the scarf pulls it all together? I’m a genius.

And then the next day…

So this outfit did involve Uggs, but at least they were my newer, non-grungy ones, and they matched, and not with yoga pants. Right? Wore this to Tumble and Tea where I was kind of sad and lonely because I didn’t know anyone  and the kids there seemed particularly intent on running over or tumbling off of playstructures onto Jonah so I had to interfere a lot with waving hands. Personal space, people. Come on. But one friend I’d called, a woman from my mom’s group whom I haven’t really had a conversation with in EONS, called back and came in.

Getting out of the house is crucial, yes, but being around strangers does not cure the loneliness. What this photo doesn’t show is how my black lace nursing bra invariably peeks (or rather leers) out the top of the flowered shirt.

Also not shown are the two patches on the butt, and the two other places where holes sprung, were sewn up, and have sprung yet again. Not because my butt is too big, but I think because the fabric is just too soft and stretchy and thin and lovely to stand up to long term use. I’ll keep patching them.

And now, about those boots: I am quite convinced that I need, deserve, will be adorable in, am going to own come heck or high water, a pair of awesome stomper boots with cunning buckles. This particular pair however, may not be it. I have the 39. I have the 40. One’s too big, one’s too small. Could have the 39s stretched since it’s a width issue, but these aren’t the highest quality boots, so not sure they’d hold up. I’ll report back when the storm clears.

Meanwhile, I’m keeping the ballet flats, and husband gave me these for an early xmas gift:

Can you say groovy superhero (with superdry feet)?

Wheeeeeeee.

P.S. We did find the tiny owl today. Nanny knew where it was: in a small canvas bag that he enjoys putting things in and taking things out of.