On Marriage & Fashion

I love writing these weekly marriage posts. It forces me to be reflective. To stop -- pause -- and think about the lessons I've been learning lately

And on Saturday, when C said my maxi skirt and side braid looked "frumpy", I just thought he was being mean and I blew it off. Until, I read this post on Story of My Life, about an almost identical issue (or "discussion", if you will) with her man.

Her post was warm & honest. I could tell where her heart was, and I totally related to, and appreciated, the emotions so sincerely conveyed.  The post she was inspired by, on the other hand, was honest but in the "truth sucks" kind of way. I'm glad I read Jenni's blog first, but Raven's post really hammered that nail in.

And so the reflection began. I couldn't help but want to explore the topic -- because it was so near to my heart & fresh on my mind. So I put aside my blogger blinders and sense of pride, and began to really think. How much does C's opinion matter? And then I realized I write a weekly marriage post, and not a weekly fashion post, for a reason: one is more important than the other in my life.

And when I think about it, I'm lucky to have a guy who pays attention to me -- and who has always been willing to help me shop. He even claims he has better style than me & knows how to dress me better than I know how to dress myself.

And I have to admit, over the years, he's been proven right.

So, I decided to get my guy's opinions, and preferences. I asked him to make a list of what he likes and dislikes. I'm considering this my "personal style Polaroid reference card" straight from Stacy and Clinton...



[these are quotes, unedited. straight from C.] 

Hate on you:

Love on you:

When your hair looks less like strands, more like individual hair. Unnecessary fabrics - undershirts, cardigans, ruffles Things that hide your shape - it doesn't have to be skin tight, but no giant skirts or boxy dresses Anything with a "tagline" -- if you have to explain why it's not stupid, it's stupid. I don't want to know the theory or explanation. Make-up to impress women: French tips, sparkly nails, bright lipstick

Things that  look like you -- I've seen you naked. I don't need a lot of skin, but don't hide your shape. Boots, hats, eyeshadow, low-cut shirts... anything that shows you are confident. Jeans and T-SHIRTS. You don't have to be "the girl next door." Just look comfortable without being a slob. Anything worn confidently without maintenance or constant fussing. Just look good & be comfortable in your skin. Me. My arms, hands, lips... any part of you wrapped up in part of me.

I have to admit - parts of his list shocked me. Others just reminded me of what he tells me often. What I realized most, though, was he doesn't list specifics like women tend to do. (Notice: no mention of pelplum.) Instead, he focused more on the vibe, the emotion and attitude, caused by what I'm wearing.

Confident. Low maintenance. Proud of who I am.Got it.