Words: the difficult ones

A little while ago my online friend and teacher hosted an interesting conversation on Facebook about her use of the word “guys” (I wish I could find the link but I just cannot). She spoke about her intent in using that term and any misinterpretation it might receive. The conversation turned to the way we refer to people collectively — what makes us cringe and what makes us feel accepted. I don’t mind at all being classed as a “lovely” or “lady” but some took real umbrage to those terms. Others were happy to be referred to a “biatches” (and various similar things), which I personally loath.

Words

It made me think about words, the ones we avoid, the ones we are afraid to use and the ones that inadvertently cause hurt. Read more

Getting back to Corporate Style

Next week I step back into heeled shoes and corporate clothes (read more about why here). After a couple of years working for myself, it’s a huge sartorial change.

getting back to corporate style

At the beginning of the year I culled my wardrobe. It’s a new year tradition. This year I focussed on figuring out my office wardrobe, how it would play with my existing casual threads and identifying any clothes I would need. Happily, I discovered I have a lot of clothing that translates into office wear. Unhappily, many of the pants and dresses I wore years ago no longer fit.  Read more

Why I buy (and how to curb it)

This year I am committing to less. I don’t even have a word for the year. But it would be “less” if that didn’t feel so counter-intuitive. One of my commitments is less spending (on clothes in particular). It seems like my corner of the internet is going wild over the Minimalist documentary right now. Full disclosure: I haven’t seen it. We don’t have Netflix. How is that for minimalist? Even without seeing it, it’s clear that less consumption is on a lot of minds at the moment. My personal commitment came after a wardrobe cull and the realisation that I absolutely do not need any more clothes.  Read more

Holding onto Holiday Feels

I drafted this post relaxing in a camp chair, listening to the ocean and watching the sand and waves. By the time it’s published, I’ll be in thick of back to school preparation and the working year.

The calm will be a distant memory. It’s funny how that happens. We take holidays to relax and recharge and the recharge fades as soon as routine sets in.

I wish I could take the rested me into the stress of normal life. I wonder if I can.  Read more

How to shop the big confusing stores

How to shop the big shops

I love browsing carefully curated boutiques with a small selection of beautiful clothes. There is a sense of calm and order. Each piece has been considered before earning its place on the rack. Shopping is a pleasure.

There is no such ambience when I walk into a large chain or department store. Instead, I often feel overwhelmed. That I am trying to find needles in haystacks. The sheer amount of clothes is confusing and it even makes me a little sad. It’s hard not to think of landfill when there is just so. much. stuff. There are times when I would prefer to run away than shop. And I like to shop.

Of course, I buy things in large chains like Uniqlo and H&M or department stores like Myer or Target. They are often the best places to buy basics. There are times when I need a broader range (and lower prices) than offered by a local boutique.

How do you navigate the large shops without feeling overwhelmed? Or walking out with everything other than the garments you actually needed?

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