Took in my staff tuition reduction form (for the tai chi class) today, and on the way back stopped in the shopping center with the Other Grocery Store - because they have wheat grass. Which always elicits from Moby the most beautiful double take of "OH! For ME?"
The other stores there are largely expensive and froufrou in the extreme, but I had a ditherment upon me, so I poked my nose in to a few. And found t-shirts with longer sleeves. Now, see, I took away from the (British) What Not To Wear a few principles, one of which being that very few grown women look good in very short sleeves. Unless very slim, and young, or very muscular and toned, most women would do better with longer, even 3/4 sleeves. But it's hard to find these days, as clothing stores are only interested in selling to stylish young girls, and only make larger versions because there is money to be made. Scaled up, but not properly designed to be flattering. No concessions made to maturity. Or women who prefer not to display an unshaved armpit. So, little capped sleeves, very cute on little girls, flirty on slim young women, make fatter, older women look like mutton dressed as lamb, and there is not much else out there.
So, I'm glad, I'm getting three t-shirts - on sale no less, dressier than the men's t-shirts I usually wear (because they are sturdier, and cheaper.) And I'm burbling this to the sales rep, who is probably about 23, and a good hundred pounds overweight - although she carries it well, and wearing, yes, well, a very tiny sleeved shirt. I think I managed to stop myself before implying insult. And it's not like I'm anything like well dressed myself here. The other woman in the store has even shorter sleeves, although she is my age, she does carry it better than I would.
I really don't like hurting anyone's feelings. Especially on a subject as frivolous as clothing. And my own status as not-at-all-fashionable puts me in the position of "who thehelldoes she think she is?"
Ah, well. Needed a few shirts. Most of what I have is old, stained, or both.
For some reason, this tattoo is not to be found on this site. So, in response to Trouser, the last, and possibly friendliest of mine, on the back of my calf.
8 comments:
I love "what not to wear" and learned a lot. The U.S. one is not bad either, but you can't beat Trinny & Suzanna (are they the right names?)
Addressing the right support for "the girls" made everyone ask if I'd lost weight (redistribution counts too!).
Throwing out the 80's shoulder-pad clothes was a big leap. They weren't worn out, but that is not the point we are stiving to achieve and where did all those years go anyway? Never again buying something that "might fit if I lose a few pounds" is a cardinal rule now too. Sigh. I look like a grown-up most of the time.
If I've seen that photo correctly, that looks like a rather magnificent tattoo you have - if you don't mind me saying so.
To English Rider - yes, it's Trinny and Suzanna.
The girls at work were talking about our bingo wings tonight. I have arms like all the women in my family - big and wobbly. I've got super strong legs but a gooey upper body. And like you, I despise the short sleeve trends. Even the big lady shops don't get the hint that we look terrible in them. Sigh.
ER,
Trinny and Suzanna are my heroes. Dressing in a flattering way to feel better about oneself. Not that I think I dress well, but I don't think I'd ever be nominated for their show either.
Trou,
I've tagged it, so you can see that and the other tattoos. Have to get one of the fourth, don't know why I don't, sure thought I'd put it up...
And, yes, thank you.
PG,
And it's not that wobbly arms aren't fine, they just look better swathed and accented, rather than exposed and pinched.
My upper arms resemble pork butts. And I have the same complaint about shirts/blouses. I may have to go back to making my own tops again.
:)
PS: enjoyed all your posts about tattoos.
My left breast has some worrisome things we keep track of each year, and I've said that if I have to have a mastectomy, I'm getting a crow tattooed across my chest. Maybe just the outline, at first.
:)
Yes! to longer 3/4 sleeves.
I miss Trinny and Susannah desperately. The American version just doesn't hold a candle to them. Congratulations on your tee shirt find. I'd rather take medicine than wear short sleeves.
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