Changes

Who likes changes?  Well I suppose that depends on what those changes are.  Perhaps it's getting married,  starting a family, changing jobs, starting university, opening your own business, becoming a grandparent.  So many changes can happen to us.

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  There is one change that is happening to me that I don't like.  Wait for it........ it's changing shape.  Ha, you were expecting something deep and meaningful, weren't you?  Tricked ya.

I went shopping for a pair of jeans Friday.  I live in the things and the two pairs I have are on the way to seeing better days and just don't cut it for best anymore.  Oh I have more than two pairs of jeans.  I have another two pairs in a size 10 that I'm going to fit into again one day.  I lie not, (yes I do).

So how does one cope with a body that is changing, changing it would seem of it's own accord, with only a teeny weeny bit of help?  I've always been wide on the hips but I just can't hide the extra treats I've put into the saddlebags in the last few years, in a pair of wide leg jeans anymore.

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You know the kind of treats I'm talking about, chocolate cake, chocolate, ice cream, two biscuits instead of one!
  The tummy is looking a bit like those cream sponge cakes I love to eat too.

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It can't be hidden underneath a pair of high waist jeans like the svelte retail assistant assured me it would.

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Heck, I wore high waist jeans in the 70's.  Maybe I should have held on those too.

I went into many different shops in a bid to find a pair of jeans that were acceptable in style and in price.  I tried jeans on in the help yourself type stores and the "What size do you need" shops, none of which were particularly wonderful experiences.  It's those mirrors.  I'm sure they install those fun house mirrors that make you look like this,

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with legs and a behind that look like this.

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Gok Wan encourages me to embrace my womanly body, lumps, bumps and all.   And I would, I truly would if only I could find a pair of jeans that would not remind me how much I've been embracing food.

So as you can see I'm having a bit of a crisis.  A crisis in not being able to find clothes, jeans in particular that will fit my changed body shape.  You see I can get away with wearing something that I'm less than happy with around the house but I have two very special events coming up soon and I don't want to look like a dork, and a lumpy, bumpy one at that.  These special events are the 21st and 18th birthdays of my two gorgeous daughters.  Now before you get all worried, I'm NOT trying to compete with my daughters and I certainly don't want to look like "mutton dressed up as lamb".  URGH!

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However I would like to look like a slightly up-to-date 48 year old mum and not be an embarrassment to my daughters or myself.  Do you know what I mean?   

So I've purchased a pair of dark blue jeans in a style I've not worn before.  All I can see is hips and saddlebags so I'm going to enter the fascinating world of illusionary dressing.

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To draw the eye up, up and away from those hips.

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Here is what I've discovered can help me.  Wear a scarf, dangly earrings and a big smile.  I found a cute little top in a thrift shop in my colours, under which I'll wear a long singlet top to create a layered effect.  I've also discovered that a wide belt on the lower waist gives the illusion that I actually have a waist. Wearing a heel will also give me the illusion of being taller and narrower, not that I'm short as my height is 5' 6".  So this is the outfit for the 18th which will be a party at home with family and friends, good food, fun and dancing.

The 21st is going to be a slightly more formal affair but no less fun.  We are going to a restaurant we love with family and friends to celebrate.  I had a big think about what I had in my wardrobe and keeping in mind my newly discovered illusionary tips, put together an outfit that will be smart, dressy and up-to-date.  The only new thing I bought for this outfit was a wide black elastic belt and it was on SALE.  Yippee. 

Am I the only one learning to cope in a world that seems to only make clothes for the young and svelte?  There is a huge gap in the clothing market in Australia for my age group.  :(

While sitting up in bed this morning enjoying my Mothers Day breakfast, I decided to a little research online and see if I could find some web sites that would point me in the direction of how to dress for my shape.  To my surprise and delight, I found this website http://www.birdsnest.com.au  It has a special section where I can shop according to my shape.  I have no intention of buying from this website but they have very helpfully put outfits together to give you an idea.

I'm quite partial to these few outfits.
 

Above clothing images all from http://www.birdsnest.com.au

What do you think?  I'm going to trawl through my wardrobe and see what I can find that might fall into some of these categories.  I'm going to borrow this book written by Gok from my library 'cos I need professional help.

 What a self indulgent post this has been, but I know you'll forgive me because it's Mothers Day and it's all about taking a little bit of time out for me.

I hope you've had, are having or have a lovely Mothers Day.

Bye for now,

Anne  xx