Did you all read Allison's post about blogging and body image the other day? If not, definitely check it out. She's hit on what I think a lot of us may have discovered through our blogs. Her closing paragraph sums it up nicely.
"In terms of body image, starting this blog was the best thing that I could have done for myself. Blogging is not just about the clothes. It’s about creativity, connection, and community. It’s also about acceptance and celebration. And somewhere along the way, I figured out how to love myself just a little bit more.
Allison mentions community as a result of blogging, and on that note, I want to thank you all for the kind words and suggestions on yesterday's post. I'll admit, I do usually get a little blue in the winter and it's really helped to hear that I'm not alone in that. Probably because our winters never, ever end. But I'm okay with it right now, and I plan to fight it this year. I've got a pretty steady gym routine in place, so the endorphins will help keep my spirits up. And unlike past winters, I'm going to try not to be a total shut-in this year. If nothing else, if I don't leave the house, I don't really have a reason to wear nice clothes, which is no fun.
And while we're on the subject of confidence, today's outfit was carefully chosen as I'll be co-leading a training class at work this afternoon. I can't possibly stress how much I dislike public speaking, although work making me do presentations like this periodically has helped me to be not too terrible at it. I don't know how you academics do this everyday though! Anyway, I wanted something that would be comfortable (skirts always are for me), but professionalish, and just something I'd feel good in. And I pretty much always feel good in skirts. I don't know how many people will be attending, but many will be my peers that I've worked with only via phone and email before, so it'll be interesting to put faces with names.
Does how you dress instill confidence? If so, what are your never-fail items?
Sweater: New York & Company (recent)
Skirt: New York & Company (2004 - bought for $5 on clearance!)
Shoes: Indigo by Clark
Brooch: Etsy
Earrings: Limited
That sweater is really cute.
ReplyDeleteI get down during the winter too, so I try to plan a lot of activities to keep me out of the house.
We do it every day by doing it every day. The more you speak in public, the easier it gets. I started with debate team in high school but it didn't get easy-ish for me until my second or third year as an assistant professor. And teaching dance has helped a lot, too.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great outfit on you, I can not say. The skirt is what I mentioned yesterday, a large scale pattern, and true to predictions it looks awesome on you. You could totally wear that skirt with one of your cardigan combos in a color, too.
Aww shucks, thanks so much for the mention!
ReplyDeleteI think your outfit looks great. I love the patterned skirt and the brooch is lovely! I know that when I need to feel confident, I need to also feel comfortable in what I'm wearing.
I totally get the blahs in the winter. It seems to just last so long! This year I'm going to try to do a knitting class in the evening.
You look so lovely and polished in this outfit. The broach really is the perfect touch. I have about 3 pins now, and you inspire me to learn to wear them.
ReplyDeleteBy the time I commented, I think you had diffused your comments on feeling blue a bit, but I totally understand the ways in which Chicago can be taxing. It is very different, mostly because of the light, but I have a similar problem with summer in the South. It is simply too hot (for me, anyway) to be outside. And so, I get depressed and feel like a shut in and like I am being mocked (mocked!) by the sun. And so, despite the very different conditions, you have my total empathy.
Cynthia is right, by the way. The skirt really works.
Awww amazing! I love that blogging can help promote positive body image / self esteem :) I feel the same way!
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing. The skirt pattern is lovely (have we seen this skirt before?) and the black gives it an authoritative air. I hope to hear all about it tomorrow/later.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I still get nervous about teaching, and I like to talk in front of a group of people (I'm just egotistical enough to think I have smart things to say). But teaching is me presenting general knowledge, so I don't worry to much about it. Presenting my own research is WAY harder, and I have to do deep breathing and other sorts of activities to calm down before presenting at conferences.
Like Cynthia, I find that public speaking gets easier the more I do it. I've gotten to the point after 6+ years where standing and talking in front of 30-40 undergrads doesn't really phase me. Doing it 2-3 times a week certainly helps, though. If I had more extended breaks between public speaking moments, I'd feel more nervous about it.
ReplyDeleteI love the $5 skirt. Such "Anne" colors!
You look so lovely in this sweater--it's such a pretty neckline on you! And I agree with AftK that you rock the brooches. I think brooch-wearing is probably one of your super-powers.
ReplyDeleteI am still very nervous about speaking in front of groups of people, including undergrads, which I do several times a week, though it does get easier the more comfortable I am with the material. I compensate by being completely ridiculous; my students often mention how "hilarious" I am on student evaluations, which is, honestly, not what I'm aiming for. I think my goofiness is mitigated somewhat by what I wear in the classroom, which is fairly subdued and I shoot for professional even if I don't always hit the mark.
And I hear you on the bleak mid-winter. We just got Netflix streaming in Canada and I think I may never leave my apartment again until spring.
Hi Anne. That outfit is great, the skirt, sweater, and brooch, all fantastic. This is a great "pay attention to me" outfit, professional speaking of course.
ReplyDeleteAnne--this outfit is very polished and you have every reason to feel polished for your presentation today.
ReplyDeleteRebecca: I'm trying to plan stuff too, which should help.
ReplyDeleteCynthia: Funny, I never even thought of this skirt as having a large pattern. And I'll have to try color with it. As long as I've owned the skirt, I think I've almost always paired it with something black.
Allison: A knitting class sounds fun! I've thought of taking a cooking or baking class too.
aftk: I just always assumed everyone loves summer like I do, but that stinks that the heat is rough for you. Enjoy the cooler weather while it lasts!
Heart Charlie: Thanks for stopping by!
Rad: Wow, I never would've guessed that you get nervous for conferences and the like. Hopefully they'll get easier too!
E-Jo: Yes, these are Anne colors, even before I had defined them!
D-Med: Right, I think being comfortable with the material is a huge help. What kind of things are you streaming on your Netflix? Fella and I have been watching the first 3 seasons of Mad Men nonstop this winter.
SU: I was going for "take me seriously despite my age" too, but I'll definitely take "pay attention to me!"
Terri: Thanks! I think feeling polished did help.
That skirt is lovely. I hope you had tons of confidence in that outfit because it is polished, professional, and you look fantastic in it.
ReplyDeleteYou look so lovely in this sweater--it's such a pretty neckline on you! And I agree with AftK that you rock the brooches. I think brooch-wearing is probably one of your super-powers.
ReplyDeleteI am still very nervous about speaking in front of groups of people, including undergrads, which I do several times a week, though it does get easier the more comfortable I am with the material. I compensate by being completely ridiculous; my students often mention how "hilarious" I am on student evaluations, which is, honestly, not what I'm aiming for. I think my goofiness is mitigated somewhat by what I wear in the classroom, which is fairly subdued and I shoot for professional even if I don't always hit the mark.
And I hear you on the bleak mid-winter. We just got Netflix streaming in Canada and I think I may never leave my apartment again until spring.
You look amazing. The skirt pattern is lovely (have we seen this skirt before?) and the black gives it an authoritative air. I hope to hear all about it tomorrow/later.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I still get nervous about teaching, and I like to talk in front of a group of people (I'm just egotistical enough to think I have smart things to say). But teaching is me presenting general knowledge, so I don't worry to much about it. Presenting my own research is WAY harder, and I have to do deep breathing and other sorts of activities to calm down before presenting at conferences.