I loved reading everyones thoughts and reactions to my Fight the Frump post. It is obvious that this is something that both excites and frustrates/overwhelms us all.

I wanted to revisit the post, because there were some questions and a couple of things that people took issue with. Obviously, my specifics and thoughts about these will be mine and not Charla’s. Charla, if you hear me, come help us out! You too, Stacy London!

This is the list I posted. (As one reader pointed out, the original list was 25 and not 24. I forgot overalls. She thought maybe I excluded them because I love them. No, dear reader. I do not. Just because I just got rid of my maternity (EEK!) overalls, that I’ve had since my first pregnancy 8 years ago, doesn’t mean I love them. No siree. Actually, I just missed it when copying and I looked that list up and down until my eyes crossed, looking for the missing item…)

Holiday sweaters with bells and appliqués (reindeers, teddy bears, bumblebees, pumpkins).
Granny necklaces that tell how many grandchildren you have.
Souvenir T-shirts.
T-shirts with meant-to-be funny sayings.
Acid-washed jeans.
Ripped jeans.
Overalls.
Shoulder pads.
Flannel shirts.
Muumuus. (**Does this really need to be stated?)
Photo handbags (the older you get, the more sophisticated your accessories should be).
Flesh-colored hose.
Penny loafers.
Oversize blazers.
Mommy robes.
Thin gold chain necklaces.
Elastic-waist pants.
Granny undies.
Baggy sweats.
Bearlike, full-length fur coats.
Short shorts.
Cargo pants.
Stockings with reinforced toes.
Three-piece suits with vests.
Backpacks.

Several people took issue with getting rid of clothes that are comfortable and that we really do enjoy wearing, regardless of what some list says.

I think the point that Charla is trying to make, and one that I tried to zone in on, is that there are clothes in all sorts of styles that are comfortable. But not all of those styles are flattering. And what may be flattering on you may look like a something my cat regurgitated, when I wear it. But, I think that universally, there are some trends that we fall into without realizing that there is a better option.

I’m certain we can all agree that there are times when some items on this list are practical. We can certainly find an occasion to wear most items on this list at some point. But we aren’t talking about saving your baggy sweats for days when you are sick or have dirty jobs to take care of. We are speaking about not wearing those same baggy sweats all day every day.

I found this quote from Charla and think it sums it up nicely: “I think women in America are so hung up on comfort, they walk around in clothes like they’re going to the gym,” she says. “If you dress well, you will get people to sit up and take notice.”

Frankly, people are gonna notice us one way or the other. The question is, do we send off something positive or negative?

What a Difference!!
For some great before and afters, look here.
photos are from oprah.com~ Backpacks: an item some of you wondered about. I used to use a backpack diaper bag. They are handy and necessary when you are juggling several kids. Otherwise, your diaper bag tends to manage to always flop around and whack you in the belly and fall off of your shoulder. I am thinking she meant avoiding using it as your everyday purse. There are many attractive options out there for larger bags, if needed. Another possibility she meant, was to avoid the backpack purse that a lot of teenagers use. Again and again, she mentions that we should not try to look too young, as if we are stuck in the past.~ Granny Undies: I am wondering if when she mentions granny undies, she means to instead wear one of these (as opposed to what some might have thought, which was that she was implying a thong. nothankyouverymuch.

lipoinabox

Isn’t the difference AMAZING!??! Seriously, it doesn’t even look like the same bottom. Her clothes even fit her differently.

(I hope these photos don’t offend. I’m hoping to answer some questions and show examples to clarify.)

~ Thin Gold Chains: this one perplexes me. But my best guess is that, as we age, our accessories should become more sophisticated (as mentioned in the list above). Since we all might have our own definition of sophisticated, for clarity sake, I will say, that there are many many lovely, feminine jewelry pieces to choose from now. They range from small and dainty, to large and chunky. Don’t just limit your choice to gold chains.

~ Cargo pants: these fall into that vague area too. I think that there are some styles that are more fashionable and others that just look trendy and junior miss which is what we should avoid as we age. If you choose to wear these, find some that are flattering to your figure. A lot of cargo pants tend to be loose fitting and can be too baggy and unshapely.

Remember, larger clothes don’t hide. There are flattering clothes for every shape.

~ Mommy Robe: honestly… I have no idea. I am assuming this means don’t wear your robe and curlers around town… but I just don’t know…

Lest you think I am looking down my nose at anyone who wears sweats and souvenir t-shirts, I am writing these posts for my inspiration as well. I was able to get away with these things when I was young and spritely, but as I approach 40, I realize that I need to take care of myself in all areas, not just physically.

One last thing. I realized last night that I didn’t post my outfit. The weekend got away from me. I will (try) to post it tomorrow if I am able to pull it off of myself without crawling into a corner in the fetal postion… old habits die hard. Stop by and leave a comment if you post yours!