Lately, the demands of work have been crushing me. No time for fun, no opportunity for relaxing. Being unable to dress up magnified the strain.
So today, for the first time in a while, I carved out a little me-time. A chance for Ally to express herself. It hardly mattered what I wore; what counted were calming moments. I shaved my legs, painted my toes and put on something feminine.
I'm wearing a thrifted dress that cost practically nothing. Since animal-print can be overwhelming, I'm toning down the dress with matching tights and heels, letting a belt serve as the only accent. This is a simple outfit but, for purposes of relaxation, a satisfying one. Creating and wearing this ensemble makes me feel good.
Does fashion ever make you feel good? How?
I love that leopard print dress! Work has been keeping me away from blogging lately too. Glad you're getting some Ally time!
ReplyDeleteCool dress, and you've accessorized it perfectly! I like fashion best when it's comfortable, but still looks flattering and creative. And I don't have nearly enough of the right things to do that every day, but I'm working on it!
ReplyDeleteFashion does make relax -- it's fun.
ReplyDeleteLoving the animal print dress ! Looking fierce ! Fashion does make me feel good, always !
ReplyDeleteFashion and Cookies
Love that dress as it showcases your killer legs!!!
ReplyDeleteClothes have to be comfortable ... I don't see the need to wear something because it is fashionable but uncomfortable ... I probably wore some uncomfortable things in my youth but no longer.
Beauitiful. You look so svelte and femininely fierce in this outfit.
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely, dressing the way I like makes me feel myself, comfortable, calm. But it can also be exciting.
You look marvelous Ally. Love the animal print on you, so beautiful. The heels makes your fantastic legs even more awesome. You are right, wearing nice clothes are relaxing, calming, exciting and fun, too. Hope next week is a better one for you, sweetie.
ReplyDeletehugs
Lenya
Glad you got some Ally Time in (and looking gorgeous as ever!)... it's rough that when our lives are stressful, we generally have less time to do the things that relax us.
ReplyDeleteLovely. I had noticed you weren't doing outfit posts, and wondered if you were busy with work. When things get hectic, I like to retreat into tactile softness and comfort! X
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you have found this way of expressing yourself and that through that medium, we get to meet you and get to know you!
ReplyDeleteI think when work or life situations get stressful, they can make us feel overwhelmed or powerless. Getting to choose the way we dress lets us play and explore in a happy environment. We rediscover our personalities and our sense of delight, and express ourselves!
Wonderful dress on you. Love the print and the saucy little cutouts; both suit my Ally wonderfully!
ReplyDeleteLove this on you Ally!! The yellow belt is just the right spot of color!!
ReplyDeleteAnd your legs look AMAZING!!
Scandalous! I want to see the back!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you've been so busy lately. I can relate (well, at least I think I can: I have no idea how busy you are but I think I've been busy myself lately, too!). Sometimes it seems so stupid to take out an hour to get ready and get all dolled up when you've got so many other things on your plate, but I'm beginning to realize how much we actually NEED that time to maintain our sanity. I'm trying to take more time out for 'me' but it's next to impossible sometimes!
Hope you at least got some time to enjoy the weekend!
Thanks, pal. And I know you're equally busy.
DeleteThe back of this dress is truly scandalous. I'm not sure the readers of my blog can handle it. :-)
Good on you Ally, nice to see you take some time for yourself. And what a dress to do it in!!
ReplyDeleteHave to admit that I dont dress up much anymore, I'm much more interested in going for a ride when I get some spare time, that's my relaxation. Though I do like to put a dress on occasionally unfotuanately dresses and bike dont really go hand in hand .. yep I've seen that post and know you can do it .. but I really dont have the legs for it :D
Thanks for the amusing comment, buddy. And I get what you say about riding.
DeleteSometimes something as simple as doing my nails can ground me again after a too-busy week. It feels good to take care of myself :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, Adele. Thanks for contributing your thought.
DeleteI like that you went with the dark hose and shoes - they play up your killer legs and really let the animal print pop. The sneaky-peeky side cutouts are a fun, daring touch.
ReplyDeleteI agree that fashion can be relaxing and therapeutic! Wearing a favorite outfit or even accessory helps me get through a hectic day. I also like to think that dressing stylishly telegraphs the pride I take in my work. :)
Def hard to balance work/downtime. You are looking fierce and I think the simple accessories were a good choice.
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable leopard dress! I'm glad you were able to have some me time this weekend and relax. Putting on a cute outfit always puts me in a good mood, too :)
ReplyDelete-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Scarf Giveaway!
OH I think this is my new favorite! What an adorable dress! I am glad that you made time for yourself, that is really hard to do when you get so busy!
ReplyDeleteAnimal-print dresses are SO hard to pull off, and you did it beautifully! Seriously, I've never seen one styled quite as sophisticated-ly as this :)
ReplyDeleteThat outfit would not only make me feel good, it would make me feel pretty sassy too! Animal print always makes me feel empowered and fun. :-)
ReplyDelete-Jamie
ChatterBlossom
fashion makes me feel good, seeing you dressed up in leopard print makes me feel even better!!
ReplyDeleteGreat outfit!
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to thank you for the cute Halloween card! Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I too have been engulfed in work and my internet presence has been rather minimal.
I like you in leopard. Sorry to hear that work is a bit crushing but I am glad you carved out some Ally time!
ReplyDeleteI have always loved leopard print and is looks fabulous on you.. It always makes me smile when you talk about fashion making you feel good. It truly is so much more than just wearing the clothes. It makes me feel better all the time. I use it as motivation when I have to get up really early for work. If a pretty outfit is awaiting me, it is a little easier to get out of bed!
ReplyDeleteI love this fitted shift dress on you. Hugs your body perfectly. Sorry you are going through a crazy time with work. Glad you carved out some time for yourself.
ReplyDeleteDaphne.
Looking wonderful in leopard, I see. There's nothing like leopard to get your zeal back, wishing you a brighter week. /Madison
ReplyDeleteFabulous styling! I love that you opted for black on the bottom, it really helps ground the leopard and make it seem more "workday appropriate" (as opposed to more of a party look, which leopard mini dresses can often convey). We were both sporting leopard this weekend. I have a great repro leopard print skirt that matches autumn's palette really nicely, and I partnered it with a black velvet blazer, black 50s hat, and some brown gloves (in the same shade as the brown spots on my skirt) yesterday for a day of running errands in Kelowna.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
you have the best legs!! woot woot
ReplyDeleteThis is so fun! I love the pumps and pop of yellow.
ReplyDeleteI think my day ends and begins with the comfort of what I'm wearing. If I don't feel confident in what I'm wearing. I'm bummed out all day. If I do, then I can take on the world.
I love that you gravitated towards a bold animal print for a pick-me-up; animal prints are also really hot right now, you trendy minx! I can definitely sympathize about the work situation, and I'm glad you were able to carve out some time for yourself. Fashion always makes me feel good; in fact on the days I feel the worst, be it something stressful in my life or just a bad case of menstrual cramps or a few too many glasses of wine the night before, I always tend to dress with a little more panache. If I feel like my outfit works, it gives me a little boost and helps me get through that tough day.
ReplyDeleteI've been such a lazy commenter lately; forgive me! I hope you know I'm always here though.
So glad you took some time out just for you.
ReplyDeleteFashion, or at least clothing most certainly makes me feel good and can be such a mood lifter. When you put an outfit on that resonates with your true self, you feel like a million dollars ... its hard to beat that feeling.
Hugs
Very elegant indeed
ReplyDeleteOooh la la, tres oooh la la!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear that you are getting some time for yourself.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you are ready to hit the bar scene... nicely done.