I try to keep up with the “babe” part of being a ChronicBabe, but it’s hard at times. I’ve never been big into makeup and nail polish, although they’re fun once in a while. Thanks to back and hip pain (not to mention knees and the occasional ankle) I’m not a heels person either. However, I like to think that I can pull together something great on short notice for special occasions. Saturday was the holiday party for hubby’s company.
And I failed.
Let’s start out with the fact that I gained a lot of weight over the last few years- 40 pounds in five years. I have lost and regained in my struggles with first my hypothyroidism and then RA. The weight gain is really no surprise and I’m well aware of my size. With a fancy dinner coming up, I knew my favourite go-to evening skirts would be straining at the seams, so hubby and I hit Kohl’s (he also needed a new suit jacket for similar reasons). I found three gorgeous skirts in my size (currently 14): black, gray, and a lovely black-on-grey floral that I could dress up or down and are perfect for the office (as an administrator, business casual is the rule at work). I had several lovely blouses that I could mix-and-match and thought I was set.
I was wrong.
Note to self: try on the whole outfit before going clothes shopping. Red satin? A little strained over the chest *ahem* area. Black satin- how did I buy the exact same shirt one size smaller? I couldn’t even pretend to button that one. Burgundy satin with sheer sleeves? Couldn’t squeeze my upper arms in. Opera blouse? Sleeves great but there was an inch that those buttons just could not reach.
I was pretty discouraged. I went with a sheer black sweater, maroon scarf and sparkly pin with the floral skirt. I felt rather dressed-down when I saw the crowd, but I didn’t stand out either.
Of course, that was just the outfit.
Shoes? Luckily my black heels were fine, although I’m not used to wearing them and had to sit and rest my ankles a few times. My calves were rather shocked at first, but no charley horses so I call that a win!
Pantyhose? I had one pair of tan, and a pair of black tights and grey tights. The tan had a run before I even finished putting them on, so I went with black tights- a bit snug and not as dressy. Got home later and found a pair of nude and black sheer tucked in a separate drawer for whatever reason. Oh well, at least I don’t have to buy more yet!
Hair? Came out pretty well if I do say so myself. I am growing out layers so I pinned back the sides using some barrettes a friend left last time she visited (usually barrettes just slide out of my hair, so I don’t bother) and let my fringe frame my face. Luckily, I was the only ginger there so I think I won that round!
Makeup? Well, I have decided that I am not intellectually suited for loose powder foundation. It was a noble experiement, but I can’t manage to use it without dusting the whole bathroom. Also, it’s been so long since I applied eye shadow that my appliqué sponge disintegrated- time to buy another. I skipped mascara since we were cutting it close and the way I was going I’d poke out an eye. I did use lip liner and gloss, of which I am very proud!
In all we both looked great. I need to do a little more planning beforehand, and I now have several more pieces of “target” clothing to fit back into. Thankfully, I expect our elliptical machine to be delivered within the next half hour- I hope that the new year will see a fitter, slimmer me!
Elizabeth, I hate parties, I hate getting dressed up for anyone except me, and did I mention I hate parties? I’m not thirilled at trying to look “cute” and they never have food that I can eat without being miserable.
But I am sure you looked adorable
And I’m glad you had a good time!
mo
You know, I keep hearing you talk about how you aren’t beautiful.
I don’t believe it. You can’t fool me.
According to your writing, you are a beautiful, funny, interesting person. And I’m sure your husband finds you absolutely gorgeous.
Being a babe comes naturally, even to those of us who struggle with makeup, or clothes (won’t even mention heels… supposedly IQ goes down with every half inch. So you are sitting intellectually pretty with flat shoes). 😉
Thanks so much! I think I look okay *bats eyelashes not-so-modestly* and you’re quite right that hubby loves me just as I am, but sometimes it’s hard to feel good about myself when I feel so bad. I am pushing myself pretty hard right now and my body is letting me know that it’s not happy. And some aspects of my illnesses are not pretty, figuratively or literally. Aside from getting gussied up, I’m struggling a bit with basic self-care (washing my hair is hard on my shoulders as an example). I just feel frumpy- I don’t want my outsides to reflect my insides quite so much!
[…] illness persists for a lot of people. Maybe that’s why it’s so important to me (and I’m not alone, clearly) to keep the babe in […]