MY CLOSET'S A FASHIONISTA

I'm Just Visiting

I love clothes. And shoes. And purses. And every accessory ever invented.

I love makeup—the colors, the textures, the endless possibilities for the dramatic.

Does that mean I want to be dressed up and powdered and primped most of the time? Nope. Not even some of the time.

My appearance swings between two extremes: I’m either polished for work, dinner, or tea with the Princess (let’s be honest, who really wants to sip tea with the current queen?), or I’m a mess bordering on slobby.

Honestly, I think I’d be happier collecting and cataloging stylish clothes than actually wearing them. If I had my druthers, I’d live in workout shorts, a tee, and my Nikes from dawn till dusk.

In preparation for work, I hustle to my closet and check what’s still clean (just kidding, that was a long time ago). These days, I hustle to my closet to decide who I’m going to be that day. It’s like prepping for a role. Am I dressy me? Sporty me? Quasi-hippie me? That decision also dictates how I’ll do my makeup.

The whole time I’m going through this dress-up ritual, all I really want is to peel off the outfit, wipe off the makeup, and snuggle into my deeply loved, well-worn exercise shorts and a 20-year-old tee.

When I’m not working, I’m not even remotely concerned about looking “presentable.” As long as the essentials are covered and my teeth are clean, I’m good to go. Ladies, a cute baseball cap and large sunglasses work wonders!

Growing up, my father insisted that my mom and I be fully dressed and coiffed before sitting down to breakfast. Every. Single. Day. I’m pretty sure unapologetic, messy-me is just lifelong rebellion in action.

I adore the style, fit, textures, and colors of clothes. I work in ladies’ retail. If given the opportunity, I could spend days using our separates to create display outfits. Every once in a while, I take the opportunity to do just that, and I love every minute of it, especially since it’s not me I’m dressing.

Applying makeup is an art. The varied colors, textures, and application processes are a learning experience each time.

I don’t want to get dressed and made up because I have to. I want to do it because I want to. When I want to. Most of the time, I’d rather be messy-me, admiring my clothing and makeup counter from afar.

So, do I want to have my cake and eat it, too? Why, yes, I do, thank you very much.