Nothin’ could be finer…July 19th, 2006 @ 11:01 am
Thanks for all the music suggestions for my free download. I hate to admit that I still haven’t used it. But I will. I promise. First I have to listen to a sample of the new Paris Hilton song.
Do you know what is the perfect way to cope with a baby that’s been crying all day? Crying all day while you’ve tried to get some work done at home?
You take yourself out on a date.
So that’s what I did last night. I treated myself to a night on the town. And by “night” I mean, I snuck away just long enough to see a movie.
I knew this might be my only chance to do this for a while, so I wanted to choose my movie wisely. I decided to see The Devil Wears Prada. I read the book years ago and remembered liking it. Plus I was pretty sure The King wouldn’t ever want to see it. And also? I think Anne Hathaway is super sweet.
Do you know what is not a good movie to see when you already feel like a frumpy mom?
You guessed it. A movie about super skinny, gorgeous women in designer clothes who live in NYC and visit Paris during Fashion Week.
While the movie was good, it made me feel worse about myself. Especially when I was watching it whilst enjoying a tub of popcorn all by myself.
I went home afterwards determined to wear my make-up better. I wanted the same smokey eyes as Andy. I even thought about getting bangs cut straight across. (See, I have a very intense love/hate relationship with bangs.) I wanted fabulous accessories. I wanted to wear my highest heels.
Guess what I’m wearing today at work?
You guessed it (again). All black shirt, all black pants. And my new Aerosoles. Nothing screams “hott new Mom” like Aerosoles. Blah.
I swear, it’s my uniform. And it isn’t pretty.
So tell me, what do you guys do when you’re feeling in a rut, but are too poor/too busy to actually purchase a new wardrobe.
I’m thinking that I should learn how to make my own jewelry and use it to better accessorize my existing wardrobe. Or what about going to Sephora to get my make-up done? Has anyone done that? Is it free? Tell me more.
Random
HollowSquirrel
said,
July 19, 2006 at 6:30 pm
I was a little hurt that you weren’t wearing my black shoes, but it’s the summer, so ok, you wanted to show some toe. Fine. To fight the frump, I take a shower. That, for me, is a big improvement. And then I blow dry my hair instead of letting it air dry into the sad state it is right now, for example.
You know how I feel about Sephora makeovers. We are GOING to do that in Vegas. And do it now, too. It’s free! OK, other things… let me think. Have you given yourself a pedicure with a funky bright color? I don’t have a lot of “freebie” advice, and I don’t know your wardrobe. Maybe you could take a picture of every single piece of clothing, accesory and shoe so we can do a mix-n-match for you. You have time to do that, right?
janet
said,
July 19, 2006 at 6:45 pm
Here are my free/cheap pick-me-ups:
1. cheap, funky earring from Kohl’s. They always have some for like $3 on clearance. You can even wear a cute ponytail (with a side part or something cute) to draw attention to the ears.
2. bronzer. I must use it every day, but I swear, it makes you look better.
3. blowdried (instead of airdried) hair.
4. a pedicure
(I realize none of these are new clothes, but they spruce up an black outfit and make you feel good without having to BUY the new clothes.)
Frema
said,
July 19, 2006 at 7:22 pm
I’m all about the hair. Even if my clothes and make-up look fabulous, a bad head of hair ruins everything.
My own mop is starting to look pretty pitiful, so I speak from experience.
anna
said,
July 19, 2006 at 7:26 pm
To copy Mrs. Squirrel and Janet, a pedicure is a great idea. You might also try an at home facial.
CPA Mom
said,
July 19, 2006 at 7:38 pm
I guess I’ll fall in line with the crowd. Pedicures are how I “spruce up” when money is tight. They are only $20 where I go and the massage chair you sit in, well it is to die for. It kneads your back like a real person, not one of those stupid vibrator chairs. Nothing wrong with vibrators, it just doesn’t do anything for me on my back, I’m just sayin’. Oh, also a totally new hair style at Hair Cuttery like I just did. Only $12 bucks. Add $8 for a new color, courtesy of L’Oreal, and I’m ready for a night out too. If only I could convince my husband to babysit….LOL
Britt
said,
July 19, 2006 at 7:41 pm
A word on bangs….I tried the straight across cut once. I wanted Hilary Duff bangs. Oh. My. Heck. I’ve never looked worse in my life!!! It took months to fix.
Making jewlery might be worthwhile if you have the time. I’ve made some super long beaded necklaces, which I love, but hesitate to wear because I don’t know if I’m hip enough, for way cheap. I’ve also made earrings, but it turns out I’m allergic to them. Go figure…
Carrisa
said,
July 19, 2006 at 7:43 pm
I thinking making your own jewelry is a great idea, but finding the time might just be near impossible. And Janet was right, cheap jewelry is the way! Like if you have one of those cheap Accessory City/Sam Moon type places you can go to. Or cute purses/handbags! And I’m all about the makeup. I wear mostly black all the time too so I try to wear a lot of eye makeup so it look dramatic and not mournful.
I saw that movie too and it makes a thin girl feel fat, so you can imagine how I felt! But I didn’t care. And you shouldn’t either.
Hey maybe you could get The King to paint your toenails for you. Oh and fight the urge to cut the bangs, it’s always a good idea for a minute. And then we’re just pissed off a week later.
Cindy
said,
July 19, 2006 at 8:03 pm
Do Not, I repeat, DO NOT, get bangs when in a funk. Never do anything that drastic when in the “i-hate-everything-i’m a frump..etc” mood. Go with Janet’s idea and get some jewelry to spice up the black ensembles. And if you’re not going to wear Hollow Squirrels shoes I’ll be happy to cram my size 10 into them. I love those shoes!!!
Katie
said,
July 19, 2006 at 8:19 pm
I agree with those who said do not do anything drastic while having a moment - bangs, while fun at the right moment, will only fuel the “ugh” feeling if done in haste.
If I’m in a funk I usually eat ice cream by the truck full bit it doesn’t always have the right effect. So here are my more proactive suggestions::
1. Do some Yoga. The breathing and centering techniques will cause you to focus on something other than your bangs and your craptastic clothes.
2. Have sex - lots of it. It makes you feel good (ideally) and there is actually a chemical in a man’s sperm that fights depression in women - that is why after sex we feel a little more energetic than the fellas who just want to take a nap.
3. I’m a huge supporter of retail therapy…go buy something just for you. Whether it be a fancy coffee or a new pair of earrings - nothing too big or expensive but something fun for you.
4. Strip aerobics is fun and sexy…
5. Sing and dance with the baby…it’ll make both of you a little more relaxed and it’s good for you.
Hope it all gets better soon. :0)
Courtney
said,
July 19, 2006 at 8:24 pm
Yes, I’d like to reiterate… DO NOT CUT BANGS!!!
Wait 2 weeks. If you still want them, then go for it… other wise you’ll suffer for months and months while your impulse hair cut grows out. Trust me on this one.
Oh and I’m also with everyone on the list - Jewelry is the key to un-frumping me. I wear super boring clothes and then add funky earings and a necklace or bracelet. But I’d stear clear of making my own. I tried that once… went to the bead store and spent a FORTUNE on supplies and then only made ONE necklace. ONE! And I ended up giving it to my sis as a b-day present. Ugh.
Oh, AND, yes - Devil wears Prada is not so good for the esteem. Andy felt FAT as a SIZE 6!!?? What’s up with that!? What kind of message are we sending to women every where? I thought 6 was the “perfect” size. Sheesh.
Jezer
said,
July 19, 2006 at 8:25 pm
First off, you KNOW I’m loving me some Aerosoles. And those that you linked to are very cute.
I think the frumpy funk is a 3-month thing…When I hit mine, I got all my hair chopped off like I had it back when I was cool. That really helped me get out of the rut. But I’m pretty sure that’s NOT something you’re going to go for!
Other funk-fighting tools I use: pedicures (home or store-bought–they both do the trick), deep conditioning treatments, home facials–exfoliation, hydration, etc. Also, I clean out and organize my makeup drawer, wash my brushes, and maybe buy a new lipstick or eyeliner or something. That motivates me to take more time with my makeup.
When my wardrobe is getting me down, I iron all my clothes, organize my closet, and polish my shoes. The organization makes me feel more put-together and polished. Also, taking inventory inspires me to put things together in combinations that maybe I hadn’t thought of before. OK, so that’s more of a non-fix, but it’s free!
haggalicious
said,
July 19, 2006 at 9:51 pm
I LOVE turquoise stone jewelry w/black clothes…not the native american looking style, but more the funky style. Always fun. And I also go through my jewelry box to see what I haven’t worn in a long time. One more idea: If you always wear silver jewelry, switch to gold, or the other way around.
Christar
said,
July 20, 2006 at 12:26 am
Now that I’m in school, I definitely know what it feels like not being able to buy anything. What I like to do is buy new makeup and then even though I can’t buy any clothes, I’ll go to the mall and try them on anyways. Sometimes I’ll get lucky and find something on the clearance rack and get that.
If all else fails, just put on makeup that you already have, and get dressed up nice in older clothes you already own, for no special reason just to make yourself feel good.
Suzanne
said,
July 20, 2006 at 1:40 am
I was in the bathroom at work today and a really cute girl, with a really good makeup job and cute clothes was in there too. I left the bathroom with my pale face and funky hair, went back to my desk & put on some lipstick. Didn’t look in the mirror again until I got home. I am so in a funk right now!!! I went to TJ Maxx tonight and bought some new BLACK pants & decided that I am going to do my makeup & hair REaLLY well tomorrow & wear a cute outfit!
then I came home & read your blog!!!!!
Now, I think I’ll go paint my toenails!!
If you make any jewlery - make sure to share it!!
I hope you make yourself look HOT tomorrow!
Lisa B
said,
July 20, 2006 at 3:14 am
I remember those days. YOu’ll get your grove back over time. By the time the child is two, you’ll feel like, “hey, a part of the old me is back and kicking some butt!”
I used to paint my nails (toes and fingers) and yeah, buy a pair of sparkly (yet cheap) earrings. And then I’d go get some cheap eye shadow.
DeAnn
said,
July 20, 2006 at 5:54 am
I am so low-maintenance when it comes to fashion/primping that the tiniest bit of shopping and/or a pedicure pick me up out of a rut. No, really.
Durga
said,
July 20, 2006 at 12:46 pm
Paris Hilton video/song which you can stream quickly is found here http://www.muvids.com/paris_hilton_videos/
Do i like it? It kinda sounds like every other pop song. Will it be a hit? unfortunately yes.
Erika
said,
July 20, 2006 at 1:22 pm
The Aerosoles are ADORABLE but I totally get how you feel. Every day I see a girl at work dressed so cute, usually in an ACTUAL SKIRT and I think…I could dress like that. But at 5:10am I am thinking…what can I wear that won’t require me to iron and/or shave my legs? So I end up in pants and a simple shirt every day. I like Jezer’s idea of getting organized, I think that’s what I do. I don’t wear makeup so I’m no help there. The sad thing is when I’m in a serious rut, I can’t resist the temptation to shop. Kohl’s here has a revolving credit plan where you pay 1/3rd every month and it calls my NAME. And I only lasted until 2 months pp before I returned my hair to its natural short state a la Jezer.
Jennifer
said,
July 20, 2006 at 2:16 pm
That movie made me feel sort of bad too (although I enjoyed it). I like fashion, but I thought the most decieving thing about that movie was how overnight she went from “frumpy” to glamorous. Where was she getting those clothes from?? I don’t think Miranda was paying her enough to go shopping like that, so I have to assume she was getting them from the samples room at the magazine. And also having her hair and makeup done by the magazine people every day too? Well, if we all had access to that kind of thing, maybe I wouldn’t have such a love affair with the Gap.
I have to admit that I did some damage at a Devil Wears Prada-induce shopping spree at the Banana Republic outlet after I saw that movie… but my usual solution to feeling frumpy is to treat myself to a new peice of jewelery (I’m talking from The Limited or Ann Taylor — not Tiffany’s). I’ll buy something I would usually tell myself that I couldn’t pull off, and wearing it with my normal outfits makes me feel so much better.
Audrey
said,
July 20, 2006 at 2:21 pm
Getting a new hair cut (even if it’s nothing drastic, just a slightly different style) always makes me feel better.
Pedicures are also great for getting out of a funk. I would suggest getting a foot spa (http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=13758948) so you can pamper your feet even when you don’t have the time or extra cash to go get a pedicure. My husband got me a foot spa several years ago, and i use it all the time. It’s wonderful.
Lizzie P
said,
July 20, 2006 at 2:39 pm
ACCESSORIES SISTAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Big earrings!! Lots of bracelets!!!! Pretty colors!!!!
Erika
said,
July 20, 2006 at 2:41 pm
Oh, and I just finished reading TDWP this morning. I really liked it!
Liza
said,
July 20, 2006 at 3:01 pm
I agree with EVERYONE who said “Nothing drastic to the hair!” I tried to do that at 10 weeks and thank god my hairstylist talked me out of it. Nothing will make you feel worse than a haircut that turns out to be a disaster.
I vote with jewelry and good makeup. Maybe even scarves.
Liberal Banana
said,
July 20, 2006 at 3:36 pm
I was thinking about posting pix of how I do my makeup step-by-step just to give others ideas of how they could try theirs. Not that I’m all great of anything, but I know that when I see other people’s makeup techniques (like on What Not to Wear), I try them out…
And I’m with Jennifer. A fun piece of jewelry that can spice up boring outfits is a cheap(er) way to help bring yourself out of a rut!
Nap Queen
said,
July 21, 2006 at 3:37 am
You are SUCH a cute mom!!! You know what’s funny? I make jewelry, but I never end up wearing my own stuff. I guess I’m just too critical. I like Kohl’s for cheap trendy jewelry and purses