blue artichoke

I've learned the dangers of grocery shopping while hungry, but today I learned the dangers of shopping while high on endorphins.

Immediately following my Muay Thai class, I went on a shopping spree... at Dollar General. I actually did need to get something there, so the location wasn't entirely happenstance. Usually I'm a get-in, get-what-I-need and get-out sort of shopper, but after a rather strenuous workout, I browse. I bought some after-Christmas bags and ribbons. I bought a plastic collapsible crate (these are actually quite handy. I have some already that I bought at The Container Store. These were not as sturdy, but only $4!). I bought the lotion that I went there to buy. The rest just seemed like a good idea at the time. I didn't need any of those things, but I'll certainly use them.

This happened last week too. Then, I went to the mall, specifically to J.C. Penny. They were having a ridiculous sale (40% off + an additional 70% off of most things in the store). GC found some shirts he liked ($6) and wanted more. I wanted a new winter coat. I spent hours browsing and trying on clothes before deciding I didn't like or need anything. I did, however, get a new coat. I haven't taken the tags off of it yet, because I might return it. It's very unlike me, and I haven't decided whether that is a good thing or not. As I buy new clothes throughout the year, I'm trying to adopt a new style, one that doesn't mimic that of my mom or grandmother. Right now if you looked in my closet, you'd think it belonged to a middle-aged woman. There's nothing wrong with that, except that I'm not middle-aged.

The problem is that that's my style. Conservative, I suppose, would best describe my dress. Also, comfortable. I'd like to keep the comfort part, but dress a bit more stylishly. So, I'm trying out new looks, to see which fits best. If you see me prancing around in something entirely inappropriate, bear with me. And if you see me in a department store holding the same pair of slacks the grey-haired cashier is wearing, please slap them right out of my hand.

The coat I bought is red, wool, and swing-style. It's cute. I'm not sure that "cute" is the look I'm going for. Thirty is too old for cute. Also, for Ugg boots, shorts with words across the booty and giant sunglasses. Especially all together as an ensemble. I'm not sure what 30s style is. It's a bit of a catch-age; too old for college couture and too young for elastic-waisted trousers. I don't have kids, so I can't go for the harried-mom look. I don't work in an office, so I can't go for business-casual. I'm at a loss. Hopefully, this year will be about finding my own style. And growing out my hair.

Getting to Know All About You: Do you have a "look"? What's your style?