shirt — Express Essential Stretch (Express)
pants — Impressions Lifestyle (can't remember; they're older than dirt)
shoes — Dansko (thrifted)
belt — Land's End (thrifted)
I also wore this jacket going in to work, but I took it off as the day progressed — it was just too hot to keep it on.
jacket — Chequers (thrifted)
I really wanted to wear this necklace, but I chickened out at the last moment, and switched it out for something more conservative. I kind of wish that I hadn't.
Anyway, all truth be told ... I'm not so sure of this outfit. I felt okay leaving the house in the morning, but when I see the pictures? I just groan. My hair. My weight. And maybe the belt was a bad idea — it probably cut me in half or some such fashion rule that I flubbed. I dunno. All I know is that it was tough to even find a picture to post because I hated them all — pained expression and all ... I guess I knew what I was going to look like before I even saw the pictures.
So ... now the big question — what happened to me? I disappeared after I was laid off at the end of March. It probably comes as no surprise (you all have probably gone through a similar thing) that my identity is so tied up in having a job that I get kind of lost when I don't have one. I took one day off, which stretched to another, and another, and another ... and before I knew it? I didn't know how to start back up.
On top of not having a job, I was dealing with this menopausal weight-gain thing, and that totally freaked me out. A couple of years ago, it had started to get harder and harder to lose weight and easier and easier to pack it on. When I had a somewhat normal job, I could eat sensibly and keep up some semblance of an exercise routine, but then when I started commuting to Herndon, Virginia? Everything went to hell in a handbasket at lightning speed. I not only became sedentary (no time to exercise thanks to that hellish and god-forsaken commute) but also started to eat junk food like my life depended on it (and maybe it did ... I was always on a bus or a train or in a car on in a train station). That's not particularly healthy, and I'm paying for that now in spades.
I'd love to say that I got a whole lot done and came to some remarkable revelations during my self-imposed sabbatical, but that would be
Kari, it's so good to see you, and congrats on the new job - with a short commute? I think you look grand, esp with your bold necklace, and confident posture. I'm sorry to hear your sabbatical was tough, and I hope it's much better sailing from here. Email me if you have time : >
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Kari! Your readers missed you. And that's great news on the job front--please say that the commute's reasonable these days!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the menopausal weight gain thing. I bet once you're back in a routine and a better place emotionally you'll find it easier to deal with--I know that's been true of me.
Oh, and my daughter's trip to Norway in April was a spectacular, no-holds-barred success! We'll be welcoming her host family's daughter here in October. Thanks for all the tips.
Fantastic necklace!! You also have a really great haircut. Congrats on your new job!
ReplyDeleteI'm just so glad that you're back! And I hope that blogging offers you some encouragement. I know that I "disappeared" for a few months last fall, having a similar existential crisis. And, then, I decided that I needed my commenters to help keep me straight! You look fine for the new job and the necklace was a great addition, although I know if I was starting a new job I would be cautious at first myself. Did I tell you that it's great to have you back?
ReplyDeleteInteresting blog, You looks great kari as always you are. This blog is fantastic and great move.
ReplyDeleteAwww welcome back, Kari! And Major congrats on the new job! I'm so glad you found something new. The old one was just kicking you down in a bad way. You'll get back on track and things will be better. I think this is a great outfit, especially the seaming on the blouse. However I tend to agree - skip the belt. It does create a visual disconnect. The beautiful statement necklace is plenty of shine for this black and white outfit.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the job! Yay! I know it must be a huge relief, especially in this economy.
ReplyDeleteI like this outfit, and yes, I think the original necklace was a a keeper, but not knowing your new workplace, don't blame you for taking the conservative approach.
Welcome back!
So glad to see you back. Congratulations on getting the new job!!! I can relate to the weight concerns, but I really think that dressing well is the best solution. It keeps you motivated to stay within a certain range (so that you can keep wearing items you love), but more importantly, it makes you feel like the best possible version of your current self. So welcome back to outfit blogging! We are happy to see you.
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