Sunday, October 17, 2010

Fashion Phobia


I've decided that I'm a little odd. How can it be that I can front up week after week to train till my heart rate is through the roof and I'm red and pouring with sweat? Putting my self on the line like that doesn't phase me at all. But ask me to do something that most women love and I turn into a panicky mess.

A couple of posts ago I mentioned how my youngest sister was getting married. I'm really happy for her and Brad. And I'm excited about the wedding ... all except for one thing. That little thing that I'm dreading is (cue ominous music) finding something to wear.

Seriously, I HATE shopping for clothes. I hate looking through racks of dresses, skirts, blouses, whatever and trying to find something that suits me and is age-appropriate. And don't get me started about shoes! I am no Imelda Marcos - except when it comes to my runners. My best shoes are the ones I got married in almost 25 years ago!

When I go shopping all my insecurities come to the fore. I have four sisters and three of the four love to dress up, love to wear make-up and love being the centre of attention. I feel like the ugly step-sister in amongst them. I was the shy, bookish one who paid more attention to going for goals than looking good. It's just who I am and I'm comfortable with myself nearly all the time - except when I'm put in these artificial situations.

And not only do I have to find something for the wedding but Lucy and Brad have also decided to throw in an engagement party and I'll have to find something for that too. I'm wishing for a fashionista fairy godmother who will just wave her magic wand and clothe me so I look gorgeous. I could always buck traditional expectation and wear what I'm comfortable in - a sequinned technical singlet, running skirt (leopard print, of course) and my cleanest runners.

11 comments:

  1. I love shopping for running clothes but dress up stuff - not so much! Good luck and no I did not do the corn maze.

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  2. I love the sequined singlet idea!

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  3. Haha, I can just see you in your runners at the wedding! Good luck with this...so glad I'm a man.

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  4. It's funny because I don't mind wandering around shopping for fun but once I know I HAVE to find something, it's not fun anymore.
    Good luck!!

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  5. The only clothes I like buying are running and hiking ones.
    I am with Johann here. If you went with your runners it would certainly make the wedding more memorable for everyone. :)

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  6. Love this.

    There is nothing like one great black skirt and one rocking black dress to make the phobia disappear. ;)

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  7. I love shopping for clothes if I have the money and if I weren't on the verge of obesity :/ - but neither of those are happening for me right now. Good luck, girl!! I find if I shop online a little to get some ideas, that helps :).

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  8. I am sorry but I don't know the Lake Maggiore Half Marathon. We race around Roma and in south Tuscany, lake Maggiore is too far from here. Anyway let me know if I can help you (contacts, advices). Feel free to e-mail me for any kind of information.

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  9. I love window shopping, but if I have to actually find something in particular, I can never seem to find it and get frustrated! Don't let it get to you...hopefully you can find something you like. Never know!

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  10. Yes, I've done Comrades before and will be running next year as well. I'll definitely post lots about this.

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  11. Oh, I can sympathise with you here! The one thing I have found that helps is finding dress up clothes that "feel" like my workout clothes - i.e. stretchy form fitting fabrics and simple cuts. This makes me feel much more comfortable and "at home" in what I am wearing. and who knows, maybe you could find some really posh looking trainer type shoe that would match your new outfit???

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