The unlikeliest of places

I've been in the market for some new duds. Because, you know ... I had a baby a few months back. And I managed to get down to my pre-pregnancy weight pretty quickly. And, well ... because I wanted new clothes. There. I've said it. No justification needed, right? I wanted some new clothes.


So, because I am a grown-up, I went and I bought some.


But of course, it wasn't that easy. See, apparently, my standards are just too high. Or too low. Or too something. Because really, finding clothes shouldn't be that much work.


I started in my normal places. I'm an Eddie Bauer, Land's End kind of gal for the most part. I also like J. Jill and Ann Taylor, but I have a hard time justifying some of those purchases because I really need fabrics that don't require someone to clean my clothes professionally, if you know what I mean.


Immediately post-partum, I had slipped into the habit of wearing jeans, jeans, and nothing but jeans. They were comfy and they got the job done, but when I looked in the mirror, I wasn't feeling inspired. I needed something to make me feel pretty, if you know what I mean. And for me, jeans are utilitarian. They're something to throw on quickly in the dark of the morning, but they're not a fashion statement.

So I looked online to see what the styles were this season at my usual haunts. I was categorically unimpressed. For the money, I felt like I could do better. The clothes just didn't say, "Mom of seven trying to look like she's somewhat put together." Instead, they said things like, "I've got a fabulous, high-paying job and my kid is in daycare!" or "I'm going home right now to seduce my husband!"


You get the picture.


Anyhow, I decided to broaden my horizons. Think outside the box. Go shopping somewhere completely new. If you've read this blog for any length of time, you know how un-MG-like that is.


But I did it. I was brave. I went shopping. And I came home with not one, but four new skirts from--are you ready for this?


Orvis.


Yep. A fly-fishing shop.


Because you know, nothing says pretty like a fly rod and a long, flowing patchwork skirt, apparently.


The good news is that I now have a volunteer to go shopping with me again come summer, if I feel the need. Mr. Blandings says he won't mind escorting me to the mall one little bit. What a dear!


So there you have it. New clothes and a date to boot. Guess I ought to go shopping more often.