My Raleigh Style Now…

These days in Raleigh, I kinda like to have my own style. A few years after the turn of the millennium, I packed my bags and stuff and came to the Triangle. Do you remember the big worry of the computers possibly not adjusting to the ‘00? For that new year’s, I bought a cheesy polyester dress, the kind you find at a boardwalk shop that had “Y2K” all over it! I was just being in the moment!

But normally, I like to really mix and match textures and add colors and accessories. As you get older (and wiser ), you get more bold, and don’t really worry or care too much about what other people think or what ‘clique’ you belong to and those mind consuming activities in your teens and 20’s. That’s how we grow…oh boy, I sound like I’m 80 years old! Anyway, I’m NOT 80…and I hardly ever wear skirts any more. They’re just not very functional and I just the like the look of a tailored boot cut pant (it always so strange saying pant like you’re referring to one leg or half the pants). I like capris too (the modern day highwaters…remember those?). Short pants officiate spring for me. OH, by the way, Happy First Day of Spring! I already got a head start with putting away my heavy sweaters. There were only two of them …but hey, you know it is the warm south here.

Rummaging through my closet, I don’t really have a clothing brand that I die for. I’m very eclectic. I like to find unique pieces at boutiques, local Raleigh shows like Junior League Shopping Spree, …and I love to hear about and find sales! I mean what better than getting what you want for half price!

I wear casual stuff a lot. Back in my hotel management days, we had to wear skirts and pantyhose EVERY DAY. …And no open toed shoes or large non-classic jewelry. I mean C’MON! Can you imagine??? I mean what kinda archaic dress code is that? Spanx are the new pantyhose as far as I’m concerned!  Then, things were a ‘lil better in the software and technology working world except clothing was so bo-rrring…I mean pretty much khaki pants and blue shirts every day (that was for women too)…or matchy matchy cardigans.  That wasn’t dress down, that was dress like a clone. 

So those “professional” days for me are a thing of the past. I still have a closet full of suits and jackets. It’s hard for me to part with some of those ‘cause they’re all ‘one of a kinds’. But I’m gonna do it this year and get all that stuff outta my closet, outta my life. What about you???

More frequently I’m seeing people wearing more casual or business casual in their jobs…I love it! Companies are gettin’ it! I just don’t believe people should be judged on how much they charge on a credit card for a suit. But I’m not about sloppy dressing either. Like the just-got-out-of-bed-look. That just shows laziness.

I wear a lotta colorful and vintage tops, jeans, and comfy pants. Lovely! And…I love my hoodies, yoga pants and my Juicy Couture hot pink activewear! Oh, and my really unique small tees that have something cool written on it. I’m not a brand advertiser but if I go somewhere and see a tee that’ll remind me of a place and experiences, I’ll get it. Like when we went to the Hard Rock Park @ Myrtle Beach on opening weekend – I just had to get a rock band tee. Not the one size fits all T-shirts…nope I’ve had tons of those and they all get donated or become pajama wear.

I’m a scarf and Kate Spade handbag girl… not trying to name drop or anything but I’m just sayin’! Love purses too – but they’re usually too small for my bowling ball…j/k…wanted to see if you were paying attention!  My fav’rite scarf now is my classic pink plaid Burberry scarf but I also love my $5 colorful Old Navy scarves!

Have you watched “What Not to Wear”? I think it’s a fun but TOO sad to watch. Victims on there are just so CLUE-LESS about fashion. I guess that’s why their family and friends nominate them to be on there. …and they’re usually ecstatic about it. Not like I’m some fashionista or take the time to dress up like a runway model every day, but my wardrobe isn’t filled with baggy male shorts either. Sad, but I actually know people who are strickened with this lack of fashion-curse. They’re great people but I think they just never got into fashion and it’s work to them to put together an outfit. I dunno maybe you can shed some light here…

…But really, all they gotta do is ask for a ‘lil help! Oh and boy do they get it on that show where they have to ditch all of their clothes overnight, literally. No, slow and calming purging process like little by little. Nope, the Stacie and Clint duo invade the victim’s closet and have a bonfire-burning-like party with their clothes! I’d be upset if somebody did that to me. One time I moved, and put some clothes in a trash bag. Well guess what? That bag accidentally went out with the trash. I still haven’t gotten over it.

But for the most part the hosts know what they’re doing. Stacie (London) is a jean expert. It’s fun to watch and see how ‘off’ people are in choosing the right jeans for them. I mean girls try to squeeze themselves in these tight tight jeans and are left with jelly roll muffin top.  Did you see my article on the jean swap? Excuse me, but NO food or top should be in your jeans!

Oh and have you noticed that teen girls now are into their designer clothing at such a young age? I think it’s a shame they’re spoiled so young. What are they gonna look forward to when they’re an adult? I guess more of the same. There should be a rite of passage to move from mall clothes to designer clothes. Like when women turn 30 (40 for men)…
Shows like MTV’s “The Hills” don’t help this cause… where young twenty somethings like Heidi Montag only wears the latest designer clothing. Remember she’s not the one in couture fashion work like her ex-best friend Lauren Conrad. They’d make good “actresses” in ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ sequel.

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Category: Brandy's Special "Dish"