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Diane
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| Posted: Oct 30 2006 at 5:16pm | IP Logged
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Lately I feel like, well, a bit of a couch potato. Not that I watch TV or that I even spend much time on the couch. But somewhere along the road I seem to have fallen off the wagon. The wagon of loveliness. Maybe I should call it a coach. Anyway, I was doing so well wearing skirts and dresses all summer. Dh loved it. I loved it. My kids loved it. (Does one ever reach the point when they stop asking, "where are you going today?") It really was a very positive experience. So, why exactly did I stop?
I guess the days got a bit colder, and all of those pretty summer skirts no longer worked. Gradually, I stopped wearing them and found that I had nothing to take their place. The few warmer skirts I have are too nice for everyday. And I can't quite figure out what to do with my legs and feet. Sandals in the summer are so easy---are there cool weather shoes that are comfortable and sturdy, yet pretty enough to wear with a skirt? I haven't worn clogs since eighth grade. Will they make me look too granola? I don't have dress boots, and I wonder if they'd be comfortable enough for me. And must I really wear tights everyday?
One more thing. At some point during the summer, when I was wearing all of those pretty skirts with the comfy elastic waistlines, Mother Nature decided to give me a few extra pounds around the middle for my 40th. Or maybe it was the chips and chocolate. I can't be sure. Regardless, none of my jeans fit now. I've only got two pairs of pants that do. I'm determined not to buy new ones, because I really don't want to wear them anyway and I'm ever hopeful of getting back to my former size. So, I find myself putting on my Old Navy yoga pants or my Nike running pants. Not intentionally, mind you, and not everyday. Just when I have to go out to the soccer fields. Or walk down to the market. (Can you say, "there goes the American"?) Or clean the house. Or, well, you get the picture. Couch potato. I told you. It's not pretty. And I don't know how it happened.
So, I'm begging for any ideas you can offer. My sweet dh deserves better, and my girls definitely need a better role model for femininity.  I'm sure Helen has already posted some great ideas on this, I just have to find and read them again. Can I revamp my winter wardrobe without spending a lot (since I've already spent too much on good books this year)? Or should I just plan on moving down to a boat near Jennifer so that I can wear my sandals and summer skirts all year round?
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Peace,
Diane
Mom to five fair lasses and one bonny prince
The Journey of a Mother's Heart
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Elizabeth
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Real Learning
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| Posted: Oct 30 2006 at 5:21pm | IP Logged
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No ideas, Diane. Just empathy. I spent half an hour whining to Kim this afternoon on this very topic. Everything is the same as above, except my extra inches are courtesy of Karoline. And I hope they're temporary. So now my jeans don't fit and last year's skirts don't fit and I'm so confused about what to wear and what not to wear that I'm paralyzed and can't bring myself to buy anything that does fit. Just to answer anybody's curiosity--it's 6 PM and I'm wearing way-too-loose maternity jeans (that I didn't wear the whole time I was pregnant) and an ESPN Pardon the Interruption sweatshirt. How's that for feminine? And what does it mean about my dh's perception of me that the sweatshirt was a recent gift  ?
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Oct 30 2006 at 6:11pm | IP Logged
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skirts once you get used to the idea are warmer.. the air cools the fabric but the fabric holds in warm air.. when the fabric is up against your legs like with jeans.. your legs chill right along with the jeans.. with a skirt.. the skirt gets cold but your legs stay warmer.
I like the cute little ankle boots.. casual but nice looking.. and comfy. I wear knee high socks with them.
Denim, corduory, flannel, fleece all make lovely winter skirts.. a-line is nice.. generally flattering especially for rounded shapes and gives you a bit of that warmth catching space. When it gets really really cold.. I add a pair of silk long johns and knee high winter boots and stay toasty warm.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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Maddie
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| Posted: Oct 30 2006 at 7:21pm | IP Logged
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Spandex exercise pants! They keep your legs warm and they improve your shape.
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~Maddie~
Wife to my dh and Momma of 9 dear ones
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Genevieve
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| Posted: Oct 30 2006 at 7:35pm | IP Logged
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Where does one get knee high socks? Every time I look, I find only those that come up to mid-calf. Hardly attractive!
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Genevieve
The Good Within
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Lisbet
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| Posted: Oct 30 2006 at 8:45pm | IP Logged
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I'm struggling with the shoe issue. I do great with skirts, but, like Diane, now that it's cooler and I can't put on a pretty pair of sandles, I'm stumped for shoes. I have knee high dress boots that work for church and dressier occasions, but what about the day to day stuff?
I bought a few pair of thick tights. They keep me really warm, and are suprisingly comfy.
I go through this each fall. That's when I fall off the skirt wagon back into my jean and yoga pants too. I want to stick it out this year, but those darn shoes!!
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Lisa, wife to Tony,
Mama to:
Nick, 17
Abby, 15
Gabe, 13
Isaac, 11
Mary, 10
Sam, 9
Henry, 7
Molly, 6
Mark, 5
Greta, 3
Cecilia born 10.29.10
Josephine born 6.11.12
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St. Ann
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| Posted: Oct 31 2006 at 3:00am | IP Logged
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I just bought some cotton mix stockings in winter colors. 100% cotton or wool just doesn't work for me, because I wear holes in them way too fast. I like stockings that hold up at least 1 season. I think that loafer type of shoes work well for everyday wear. I even have a sportier pair of brown suede shoes, that are really comfy. They almost remind me of tennis shoes but not.
Even 3-5 months post partum I could be seen wearing an occasional maternity piece of clothing. You are not alone Elizabeth.
Diane, I think that you would be able to find 1 or 2 skirts for a good price at a 2nd hand store???? You need to get yourself something to wear, so that you feel pretty again. What size do you wear? I probably don't live that far away from you if you are in Belgium. I am near the Holland border.
Eat Pasta this week and save 10 Euros for a 2nd hand skirt!
Stephanie
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Servant2theKing
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Second hand is a great way to go...prices are very reasonable and the styles are usually more modest. I am 50yo, plus-size, and reconciled with my family inherited apple shape. Over the past few months I've been very blessed to find several long sleeve moleskin tops and , longer skirts, and even found two coats that I am just thrilled with, all at our local Goodwill. I like to pair a solid moleskin top with a color coordinated skirt...two favorites, an ankle length, a-line black moleskin with a slight flair and a black & brown floral with Spandex, which is really comfortable. I like to wear microfiber tights and mule loafers (I buy tights and shoes at the end of the season, when they're often marked 75% off). Another favorite everyday combination is a denim jumper, or skirt, with a choice of several long sleeve corduroy blouses worn like a jacket. I have a couple Eddie Bauer floral corduroy tops I just love. All of my clothing comes from Goodwill... I like to say a prayer for the career women whose lovely clothing I'm blessed to inherit, and I often pray to St. Anthony to help me find things that reflect our life and are reasonably priced! When you fuss less about your body image, and allow yourself to radiate peace of heart, mind and soul, you'll find yourself feeling ever more beautiful!
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All for Christ, our Saviour and King, servant
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Cay Gibson
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| Posted: Oct 31 2006 at 7:51am | IP Logged
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Diane,
After reading Erin's post it seems to be a clothing dilemmi all the way around.
I opened my closet the other day thinking how I love the cooler weather after the heat of summer. Then I started looking at my old long sleeve tops and frumpy pants and thinking "I have nothing to wear! They're all old! I hate bulky coats. I hate itchy sleeves. I hate being cold. I hate being hot."
The only shoes I own other than sandals are black tennis shoes with bleach dots on them.
Then while shopping (mentioned in reply to Erin's post with my dd who had money to burn but I didn't ---does that make any sense???  ), I noticed how women my age and older had their hair done, nails done, clothing up-to-date.
I don't even know where to begin...
I rather spend my money on books and my kids than on clothing for myself.
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Cay Gibson
"There are 49 states, then there is Louisiana." ~ Chef Emeril
wife to Mark '86
mom to 5
Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks
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Maddie
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| Posted: Oct 31 2006 at 8:36am | IP Logged
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Cay Gibson wrote:
| I rather spend my money on books and my kids than on clothing for myself. |
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I love it!  Reminds me of the quote: "When I get some money I buy books, if there's any left over, I buy food and clothes".
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~Maddie~
Wife to my dh and Momma of 9 dear ones
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BrendaPeter
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I wear most of the same clothes as I do in the summer, but add layers. I have quite a few prairie skirts that I bought at Walmart this past summer - 2 denim & some patterns. I love that they are so feminine. Also they fit me even when my weight fluctuates. In the winter I add a slip underneath just for an added layer of warmth. I also wear leggings underneath. I have short, medium & the longer length but I wear the longer length the most. Since my skirts come to my ankle, I find I can get away with regular ankle-length socks. I usually wear blue with denim & black with mostly everything else.
For tops, I'm a big turtleneck fan so a turtleneck with a long-sleeve undershirt and/or a sweater is what I usually wear on top.
For shoes, I will wear regular running shoes in the house. When I go out I'll wear leather Keds in the fall or spring. In winter, I wear short "granny-style" lace-up boots. I have them in both brown & black. I'd love to have taller boots but they're really not necessary & the shorter ones are perfect to keep on in the house.
The winters were what kept me from wearing skirts full-time for a while, but once I figured out how to stay warm in the winter, I ditched the pants.
HTH!
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Blessings,
Brenda (mom to 6)
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
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