Still Gotta Get Dressed, Right?

 Sad is sad, and there’s no getting around life’s challenges, but a woman’s still got to get dressed. I so appreciate having some tried-and-true choices that (I think) still pack a little punch for those days when thinking sartorially is rather beyond me.

Here, the Club Monaco Faux Leather skirt loans me a little attitude while shaping my middle with its pencil shape and providing enough length to add age-appropriateness to its inherent sass. So I hope. The cashmere v-neck in leopard is something I picked up 4 or 5 years ago at Winners — its CPW is probably in negative numbers at this point.

And I’m still loving my ACNE booties.

Three wardrobe elements, not counting my Hue tights and my treasured double-wrap H watch. . .

I often end up sitting on a table at the front of a classroom as I lecture, so I try to be mindful of what happens to skirt lengths . . . hence the chair pose . . .

I won’t say I’m ready for whatever life throws at me, but I’m dressed for it, at any rate. That counts, right?

(and on an even more upbeat note, my son-in-law just e-mailed me a delightful video clip of Harriet rolling herself from back to side in pursuit of the baby-in-the-mirror on her activity mat — 10 weeks old and impatient for life! Love it!)

25 Comments

  1. LPC
    7 February 2013 / 3:17 pm

    Just sending hugs for the sadness. We do all have to get dressed still. xoxox.

  2. K.Line
    7 February 2013 / 3:35 pm

    That outfit exudes strength! And it's very unfussy, very clean. Great choice.

    • materfamilias
      8 February 2013 / 2:14 pm

      Thanks! I do like its simplicity.

  3. Unknown
    7 February 2013 / 4:15 pm

    You look great. I love that sweater and love that the cpw is negative. Thinking good thoughts for you.
    Jennifer

    • materfamilias
      8 February 2013 / 2:15 pm

      Thanks, Jennifer.

  4. Madame Là-bas
    7 February 2013 / 4:21 pm

    Getting dressed and getting into the classroom helps the sadness. Doesn't take it away but you look
    strong and in control.

    • materfamilias
      8 February 2013 / 2:17 pm

      It does help . . . and one doesn't have the energy to sustain being sad all the time, so the possibility of another persona that needs to ignore the sadness for a while is welcome sometimes.

  5. Raquelita
    7 February 2013 / 4:37 pm

    I'm with Kristin. This outfit radiates strength. This semester my classrooms are too crowded for me to sit on a table at the front, so I don't have to be as mindful about skirts.

    • materfamilias
      8 February 2013 / 2:08 pm

      Yikes, that's a crowded classroom — sorry to hear that.

  6. hostess of the humble bungalow
    7 February 2013 / 5:05 pm

    Looking fashionable and pulled together is huge even when one has sadness in the air.
    Harriet is 10 weeks already?
    Wow!
    Time flies and babies grow and change so fast.
    My friends whose grand kids are miles apart Skype often to keep in touch.
    Sending you a big hug mater:-)

    • materfamilias
      8 February 2013 / 2:08 pm

      I knew a fellow Nana would be surprised by how quickly that passed! thanks for the hug.

  7. Unknown
    7 February 2013 / 5:54 pm

    I love that leather skirt. A very fashionable outfit.

    • materfamilias
      8 February 2013 / 2:17 pm

      Thanks, Marla. It's actually faux leather, but I really like it as well.

  8. Lorrie
    7 February 2013 / 7:06 pm

    Trying out the skirt while sitting on a stool is a great preview for appropriateness!
    Life goes on, doesn't it, swirling all around us, even when we wish that time would just stop, stop long enough to adjust, to catch one's breath, to breath deeply. Good to have tried and true things to throw on for the inexorable new day.
    Hugs.

    • materfamilias
      8 February 2013 / 2:09 pm

      It does challenge us, but the new days dawn with promise as well — and hugs from virtual friends. Thank you!

  9. Anonymous
    7 February 2013 / 7:45 pm

    For me, this post really hits home the point of collecting quality pieces, particularly accessories. So, ultimately, no matter how stressed and sad you feel, putting on your Hermes watch, quality boots and other pieces, or whatever one has, results in a chic, pulled-together look. Because no matter what's happening in our lives, work and other obligations still require us to go on and look the part. Thanks for such a wonderful blog. Sue

    • materfamilias
      8 February 2013 / 2:10 pm

      You're so right, Sue. It's always comforting to have something that gives confidence, assurance, so that you can forget about it quickly and get on with what needs doing.

  10. That's Not My Age
    7 February 2013 / 7:57 pm

    I've been wearing the kick-ass Acne boots a lot lately, they are pretty fab. Sorry to hear you're having a tough time – keep on keeping on.

    • materfamilias
      8 February 2013 / 2:11 pm

      I abandoned them for a while, thinking the heel was too high, but have got back to finding them comfortable and, well yeah, kick-ass! Thanks.

  11. Tiffany
    7 February 2013 / 9:14 pm

    Great outfit! You've given me impetus to wear my burgundy leather pencil skirt this winter (bought it last winter, never wore it) …

    Just the fact that you're managing to get up and get dressed is a testament to your stoicism.

    • materfamilias
      8 February 2013 / 2:12 pm

      Oh, wear that skirt! I bought mine, which is a pretty decent-looking faux and quite clear about itself, because I haven't yet found the good leather piece I want — so I need you to wear yours for me (and it's burgundy! perfection!)

  12. Pondside
    8 February 2013 / 6:26 am

    I have a couple of outfits that I say 'hold me up'. When the day is looking bad, when my energy level is in the negative numbers, there's a coral jacket that can help me fool all of the people all of the time. Love your outfit!

    • materfamilias
      8 February 2013 / 2:12 pm

      I like that expression — holding you up. That's real power-dressing!

  13. Duchesse
    8 February 2013 / 1:23 pm

    Fabulous, ma! Though a matter of personal preference, I find that length perfect on you b/c it shows off your legs, yet is womanly, not girlish; very chic. Sometimes dressing well is comforting.

    • materfamilias
      8 February 2013 / 2:14 pm

      I find this a more sophisticated length on me as well, but it does demand heels. My height and shape demand a shorter skirt if I'm doing flats. . . .And yes, dressing well can be as comforting as cashmere (have to tell you how much I'm loving my new v-neck cardi, bought thanks to you)

Copyright

Unless otherwise stated, all words and photographs in this blog are my own. If you wish to use any of them, please give me credit for my work. And it should go without saying, but apparently needs to be said: Do not publish entire posts as your own. I will take the necessary action to stop such theft. Thanks.