The first day I was free to shop, I went down to the Max Mara store in Pacific Place and bought a pair of black dress pants. My new outlook on shopping is buy the best quality I can afford, and have very few things. I was very interested, too, in Sally’s idea to only buy things that are needed, combined with Tim Gunn’s (I love him) advice to have basics that fit well. That following day, after my trip to Max Mara, I went to New York. I had heard about this store called Karen Millen, she makes clothes for curvy women. Her shop is in Soho, but while there they told me they also have a store in the new Bravern in Bellevue. I bought 4 items there, a skirt, a vest, a sweater and a jacket. Again…all black. They fit me perfectly and no tailoring was required. Yes, I have hips, and the skirt makes no apologies for my shape.
I also bought 2 James Perse t-shirts, one gray and one teal. Last week I went to Patagonia and bought a teal rain coat, 3/4 length, with a hood. No more denying that I live in Seattle and it rains here. Might as well stay dry and be in a color other than black. I am happy with my well made basics, and they all can be worn as separates, and dressed up or down. No more crappy clothes, that are poorly made, or sweaters that pill and look awful after one washing. Any suggestions on sweaters?
I also went down to Lulu Lemon and bought a pair of yoga pants and a pink long sleeved running top, and a jog bra.
So, that is what I have so far. It felt like “back to school” shopping because my freedom from TGAAD came in September. The only class I have now is a meditation class in Wallingford, where I show up with baggy pants, a sweat shirt, and shoes that look like baked potatoes. I will save my new clothes for opening nights at the Seattle Rep or ACT or my charity cocktail event at Book It Repertory Theater (Tues Oct 12th). Yes….I had to plug my event for CAIR, so come at 530 and I will pour you a $5.00 drink. You can also get 20% off your ticket for Cider House Rules. I hope to see you there, you can tell me what you think of my new outfit. I think what this diet has taught me is that we shouldn’t buy clothes without a focus, and not just unconsciously buying things just to shop. In the end, too, I think buying quality (as best as a person can afford, even second hand shops) saves money because the clothes last longer. Ok, that is it. I hope you new people can stick with it, it really does change your perceptions for the better.
