Confessions from a clothing disaster zone

Shall I own up about what I am doing on Saturday? Don't mock me - I'm really shy about this, but I am going for a session with an Image Consultant and I am terrified.

I've always been a bit of a slob if the truth be told. I was an active child, prone to climbing things rather than fretting about my appearance and somehow I just never grew out of it. The whole grooming bandwagon seems to have passed me by. But I've decided, it's now or never. So I'm off for a colour analysis (where they show you which shades suit you) and an image consultation (where they ban me from wearing unflattering styles and things that don't fit properly).

I am steeling myself for a gentle telling off and hopefully lots of confidence boosting compliments too - after all, I am paying! I have been a very good student and filled in questions about what I hope to get from the day and what my problem areas are. I also made a mood board of folks whose style I like and, horror of horrors, taken a photo of what I've worn each day this month. No, I'm not showing you - if I felt good about showing you I wouldn't need the image consultation would I? I do wonder what they'll say when they see my crocs? Crocs with everything....

Part of me feels that the whole thing is vain and shallow and that my friends see me for who I am, not what I wear. But then it turns out that every second woman I speak to has had it done - outrageous - they never told me until I confessed.

So, anyway, here's a quick 'before' flash of the inside of my wardrobe. I hope they leave me with something to wear. And apologies of you hate this navel gazing post - part of me does too, but really, I think it needs to be done.

Comments

[P]

I would LOVE to do that - do tell us how it goes

[capello]

I'm afraid of those people.

What do they mean t-shirt and jeans aren't approprite for every occasion?

[caroline]

I haven't done it myself but I have a couple of friends who have and they swear by it - one even bought her mother a date for her birthday.

They were all nervous before the appointment but after 10 minutes thought "why haven't I done this before now". Some of the advice they junked as impractical or just not them but other advice they really appreciated. As much as we love friends and family they are partisan sometimes it takes someone you don't know to really see you. And heck if you hate what she says you can always ignore it and chalk it up to experience.

Most importantly have fun and enjoy the 'you' time.

[karen]

I think that sounds fab - I would love to have it done and I think every stay-at-home mum should be entitled to it for free.

When I worked I knew exactly what was 'now' and what to wear - nowadays if it is clean and doesn't smell too much of baby puke then it will do! And no, I am not joking - don't laugh.

[samantha]

I think it is a great idea and understand why you are nervous, but don't forget to remain yourself. don't think of yourself as bad and the consultant good - no, no, no. They are just a little more obsessive!!

[lindiepindie]

Good for you! I felt the same way when I hired a decorator to help me pick paint colors. How shallow was I??? But I didn't have the ability to do it myself. And actually, I'm pretty pathetic at doing my hair and make up so an image consultation might do me some good as well. Have fun - enjoy it and feel good about how beautiful you are! It's hard when you are a mom to stay feminine - especially when the kiddos are boys!

[krista]

Could you send her over to my place when she's done with you? When you described yourself, you described me as well. I've always dressed by my default - comfort, far over style. Style? What's that?
I am so glad you posted this, I admire your honesty and willingness to share this!
Can't wait to see pictures, there's gonna be lots, right?
And man, I'd give my left big toe to see that set of photos you took for the month... :)

[Sweet Treat]

Oh you are brave... I think I probably need it... I haven't gotten out of my track pants & croc gum boots all week! Can't wait to read how it goes!

[devinemom]

well you will have to tell me how it goes and pass on a few bits of advice. i always get so frustrated when i go clothes shopping, i am so far behind in the fashion trends that there is no use getting started.

best of luck...

[Monica]

fantastic! Good luck. One of my friends had it done years back and this mad lady made her throw away half her stuff.

She cried. Then she laughed and we went shopping like two crazy Tasmanian devils (remember the cartoon?). She didn't always follow this 'spring' colour chart she was given - colours like the queen mother would have worn - but knowing the right 'tricks' of the trade was really helpful. And the whole accessories thing is very good too.

Can't wait to hear what she tells you.

[Max]

Excellent. I have always said that I would love to be 'Trinny & Susannah'ed!'. My problem is that I like too many different things. I am envious of people who have a particular style, it must make life so much easier for shopping & looking good and you don't have to have a wardrobe full of crap! Can't wait to hear how it goes...

[Strikkelise]

That sounds fun!
Just remember those people don't decide for you, they are only for guidance.
We get Trinny and Susannah on telly over here, too, and even though they are becoming a bit of a cliche and keep saying the same 'nasty' things to people, they *do* often have a point!
And why shouldn't you look for tips to make you feel good about yourself.
You can still wear your crocs when you get home :D

[lera]

that sounds like so much fun!!! i'd probably be afraid, too, of what they'd say. i love to watch "what not to wear" and it sounds like that.

good luck. i can't wait to hear your prognosis!

[Anonymous]

Can you give us an idea of the price range for this service? I have no idea, but I'm really interested.
Enjoy it & Good luck!

[madmommy]

So, it's like "What Not To Wear" but without going on national television! Good idea! I definitely could use this, to see what can be done about my "mommy" look. Way to go!

[weirdbunny]

I went to one of those 'colour me beautiful' style things. The catergorise you under seasons. I was autumn, which is like all brown, cherry tomatoe colur and deep purple. Jewellery wise I was gold not silver. I turned up in an amazing white outfit with red lipstick which according to the women was so wrong... my best favourite, most flattering outfit so I thought. I could never stick to her colours they just don't suit my personality, I like bright things!!!!

[Angela]

Hey when you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, life is just better!
Will you show some after photos at least? I'm curious. Do they take into account your lifestyle? Like not put you in a business just because you look good in it? I can't see you chasing kids and crafting in a suit jacket. 8-p
Oh, I wear about the same 4 outfits throughout any given season. Lazy AND slobby.

[Megan]

I think it's a great idea, Ali. Look forward to hearing how it went.

[babybug]

how exciting! sounds great! i'd love to do that too! don't forget to share all the details and tips you learn! have fun tomorrow!

[manda]

I'm with Capello - scary, scary people! I bet it will be fun though.

[Momma Pajama]

Hi Ali! So----how did it go? You can see from all the comments that we're all itching to know (and a wee bit envious)!