Darling readers,
Like every human on this planet, I have a few talents that I’m proud to call my own. I can play the piano, I know a few secrets in the art of makeup, and people seem to like my cooking. But one thing I’ve just never been able to do properly is shop for myself. That’s right, you read that correctly. I have no idea what clothes suit my body, or what I should wear to look like a million dollars. I am that girl in the shopping mall who looks at the sales girl with questioning eyes when trying on clothes. I usually return about half of what I buy, because when I get home, I see that I’ve bought completely ridiculous outfits that would suit only a clown. My first year in Poland, I once spent a ridiculous amount of money on a skirt that looked like a parachute, and if it wasn’t for the amazing negotiation skills of my wonderful Polish friend, to this day I would be stuck with that awful skirt.
The thing is, I love to dress up, I put plenty of time into my appearance, and I have a great pleasure from looking my best – but I just don’t have this talent, this ability, this gene to be able to know what looks good on me! So finally, after a couple years of embarrassing purchases, wasted money, and awful styles, I made a deal with Justyna – I’m not allowed to shop alone. Ever. Purses? No. Shoes? Don’t even think about it. Shirts? Only the staple plain white shirt, no extras! I have the great luck in life to have a best friend who also happens to be the greatest stylist in the world, so shopping is to be done only when Justyna will come with me and pick out my outfits. And the result is nothing but amazing.
Our last shopping experience went like this: After a wonderful crazy day at Galeria Mokotow, after four hours running around the stores on our high heels, energetic from our cappuccino, I had a few perfect outfits. Outfits that I would NEVER in a million years have chosen for myself, but outfits that suited me perfectly. Deep rich blues, exotic oranges, sensual pinks, silk shirts, bright maxi skirts. Clothes that brought out my “Latin” type look, enhanced my brown hair and dark brown eyes, and made me stand out amongst the crowd. Clothes that were enough versatile to wear to work or wear on a date and feel like a million dollars at both. Clothes that made me feel proud to be an hourglass girl, but that hid the parts of my body that I wanted to hide. And the best part of it, these were clothes that were enough affordable that I’m not wondering where dinner will come from until my next paycheck.
As the days passed and I proudly wore my new outfits, I realized that clothes are so much more than just a fabric or a statement of our style. Clothes that perfectly suit us – our body, our personality, our coloring – make us feel beautiful. We feel sexier, attractive, more fun, more ladylike. When we feel beautiful, we are more open to others and to the world. When we are more open to others, we are more successful in our personal and professional lives. When we are more successful, we contribute more to our close friends and family, employer, children. We feel prepared for the day, self confident, ready for anything. Not only clothes make us happy – but believe me, it can make us feel much better about ourselves.
This blog also serves as a “thank you” to Justyna – my friend, business partner, and lifelong personal stylist. Her energy and enthusiasm when we go shopping – and patience as I try on outfit after outfit – make me feel confident in these “new” styles. I never before felt comfortable in short shorts, “kombinezy”, and bright colors, but shopping with Justyna gave me the confidence to know that I look good in such clothes, and it’s worth it to have fun with fashion! Justyna, you’ve given me the gift of good style. And from good style, I’ve gotten a sense of good living. When it’s comes to fashion, I trust you 300%!
So, invest in yourself. Try a day of personal shopping. Be open for Justyna’s suggestions, and when you see yourself in the mirror, I am sure you will feel as happy and excited as I have. Anyone can look amazing, and I believe that most of us use only 5% of our true beauty. So I dare you, have fun with fashion – and watch the world roll out to you a red carpet!
Try a day of personal shopping with Justyna!
Kisses
Debbie
