How To Wrap It

Best. Skirt. Ever.

Growing up, I was short and skinny. Not just thin, but bone-y and pointy and I am sure I could've been wielded as a dangerous weapon in a street fight. Then I BECAME WOMAN. I had kids, and BECAME MORE WOMAN. The time arrived when I had to learn how to dress myself in a figure-flattering, I-DO-care way. 

Lesson #1: Low-rise skinny jeans are the enemy for most, unless you are Kate Moss or a teenage boy.

I have spent many an hour berating my thighs and hips for not squeezing just so into a tiny and unreasonably confining area. No more. I am done-zo with that crap.

Lesson #2: After 30, wear a short skirt at your own (and anyone who happens to be standing behind you's) risk. After a certain age, and certain amount of children, things tend to ... flap ... and ... sway ... in a different manner. Clothe yourself accordingly. For me, that is a form-fitting skirt hitting slightly below the knee at the shortest.

Lesson #3: Only buy if it's love. If you try a piece on and you would like to elope with it, then by all means, buy it. Buy in multiples. 

Now, perhaps my fellow thrifters are gasping and shaking their heads right now. However, if something makes you feel great, looks sublime on ya, and you would actually wear it often, I suggest you get it whilst the getting is good. Budget for it. There are other corners to be cut. You are not a corner to be cut.

Lesson #4: Wear the awesome stuff you buy. Wear it all of the time. Going to drop off or pick up the kids? Throw on a comfy silk dress. Sound ludicrous?  Maybe it is. But you will feel like the best version of yourself, and that leads to happier momma and happier babies and happier world.

IN LIFE

So, my happy place is a pencil skirt, like the J. Crew versions, shown above. They are classy (with a 'c' and not a 'k') and quite versatile.  They look pretty awesome with a tucked-in silk top and a thin patent leather belt, or all 90's-like with a destroyed tee. 

Either way, I will wear them with J. Crew Valentina kitten heels, which I find for the fraction of the price on Ebay:

They make me feel special and human. I am at the age and stage in life when I am pretty much done with flats because I look squat in 'em, and so a small pointy heel doth appeal to me much. 

And that's what I wear when teaching or church-ing or performing or dining with friends.

IN PLAY

When I am knocking around with the little ones at home, or on the go, I prefer a silk dress like this:

Delicate? Sure. Machine wash and hang dry? Absolutely. Sooo worth it. Billowy and cooler than cotton in the unforgivingly sweltering Phoenix sun. When you bend over, no boobs pop out. Long enough to scoop up a little nino without a blinding flashy-flashy. Sleeves. Most importantly: you can run after (or away from) children in it. Pair with a leather sandal, like these from Asos:

IN LOVE

Three cheers for date night!

I love me a pencil dress with sleeves and a bit of length. Form-fitting without being too revealing. Gotta leave a bit (or bits) for the husband to discover later. Covers up the troublesome upper-arm issue, all the while highlighting the high waist and voluptuous thighs and behind. 

And it makes yo man happy. 

So, love yourself. Love your body and enjoy it today, right now. The Lord made it, and He said it is good. 

It's all good, honey.

t.