Frustrated by Fashion

Do you ever have times when you are just plain BORED with what’s in your wardrobe?

First world problems, I know …

But it happens, and that’s how I’ve been feeling the past few weeks.

It was time for a little retail therapy, but I haven’t been able to find anything I like enough to bring home! What an exercise in frustration.

Apparently the shops don’t think women want to buy work wear in summer. They think we are all lolling around at the beach and barbeques, based on what’s been in store.

Unfortunately, I’m more in need of a skirt and a couple of new tops to wear to client meetings and such – but it’s slim pickings indeed.

It also seems to be one of those times when the latest trends are not my friends, and there is nothing that appeals. Paperbag waists and tiered peasant skirts and dresses just make me look enormous!

I must be getting fussier as I’m getting older. I’m sure that has its advantages (like not wasting money on items I’ll never wear), but it’s also frustrating.

My criteria are a lot more specific these days! For example:

• Is it a colour that suits me? I had my colours done a couple of years back, and while I don’t always stick to my Autumn palette, it has proven to be  a great guide! The only problem is that fashion dictates what colours are “in”, and tough luck if you’re in a time when they don’t suit you, because you’ll be hard pressed to find anything else …
• Is it my style? I like to wear natural, practical clothing. My style personality is (surprise surprise) natural for everyday / romantic for special occasions, and I love big bold prints.
• Is it comfortable? Gotta say, I’m not a fan of linen, wool or other scratchy fabrics. And if an outfit requires a strapless bra, I will always pass over it in my wardrobe when I’m trying to pick out something to wear!
• Is it in a nice fabric – one that’s not too clingy, or too sheer, for example.
• Is it low maintenance? Handwashing and ironing are over-rated 😉 .

Sizing can be an issue too. I tried on a black straight skirt at Target but the 16 was too tight – and the 18 swam on me. Out of desperation I bought the 18 but I never feel comfortable in it, I should probably take it to be professionally altered so at least I have one decent skirt.

To be honest, I was a bit shocked at the impact Covid has clearly had on local retailers. It’s obviously been a while since I’ve been clothes shopping, because some of my favourite stores have just disappeared from nearby shopping centres … Crossroads, Rockmans, Katies, to name a few. They still exist; just not near me!

It seems I will need to go further afield in future, to one of the major centres like Westfields at Carindale, when I want to go clothes shopping.

And now to add insult to injury – winter stock is already in store, even though it will be at least 4 months before the temperature starts to drop here in south east Queensland!

There was one bright spot on the horizon however …

I was very happy to note that teal is making a big comeback. It’s one of my favourite colours, is in my Autumn palette, and as an added bonus, matches my eyes 😉 .

And yes, I might have found one top that was worth spending my hard-earned dosh on … except they didn’t have my size, so I’ve just ordered it online.

What’s your biggest fashion frustration at the moment?!