Audrey Hepburn (as Holly Golightly) in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
By Judy Berman
How did I fall so far from the graceful style of my idol – Audrey Hepburn?
No matter what she wore – Givenchy or a sweater, slacks and flat ballet shoes – she embodied elegance and confidence. Years ago, that was the self-assured image I aimed for.
Nowadays, it’s all about comfort. I’d ditched the suit and heels that are de rigueur in most workplaces. For me, every day should be Casual Friday. As I rummage thru my closet each morning, I fantasize about what I’d wear if I could.
My passion for fashion is kaput. Now, my go-to choices would be my Life is Good T-shirts and jeans.
Family and friends have hinted – not too subtly – that I need a style intervention. So I was surprised when a few friends invited me to lunch at an upscale eatery and told me: “Come as you are. Don’t bother to change.”
I was clueless as I walked in, even though I saw quite a few family members and friends sitting at tables throughout the restaurant. How odd, I thought, that they should all pick the same place to eat at the same time.
No sooner had I sat down and began looking at the menu choices than I heard the swelling of excited voices. I looked out the window. Nope, no ambulances or police cars. What could it be?
Then I heard the thundering of feet heading our way. It was Stacy and Clinton of TLC’s fashion makeover TV show, “What Not to Wear.” Still, I didn’t have any foreboding. I should have.
TCS’s “What Not to Wear” – Clinton Kelly and Stacy London
This is a show I’ve often dreamed of being on. I’m star-struck. That quickly fades.
They stopped at our table and shoved a microphone in my face. Stacy introduced herself and Clinton to me as a cameraman began recording.
I’m mortified as they show film clips about my obvious fashion faux pas as I schlepped to the mall or grocery store. The indignities pile up as friends laugh while Stacy and Clinton make snide commentaries about each outfit.
Then, they soften the blow by offering me a credit card and a shopping trip in New York City. I’d get to stay with them for a week for a makeover.
Finding clothes that camouflage my flaws is appealing. But, there was just one catch … I’d have to turn over my Life is Good T-shirts.
No doubt my anguished cries could be heard in the next county.
Then, I awoke, in a cold sweat. Had it all just been a dream? I ran to my closet to check.
Whew! My beloved T-shirts were still there.
My go-to apparel – a comfy choice. (Clothes from my closet. Photo by Dave Berman)
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Thanks to Lisa Tognola of Main Street Musings for egging me on to write this. Check out her story about a trunk party at: http://mainstreetmusingsblog.com/2013/02/04/revelations-from-my-first-cabi-party/
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Movie trailer: “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006). I almost feel sorry for the working girl (Anne Hathaway) who is at the beck and call of one of New York City’s biggest magazine editors, the ruthless and cynical Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zicgut4gpwU
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Judy Berman and earthrider, 2011-12. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to (Judy Berman) and (earthrider, earth-rider.com, or earthriderdotcom) with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Photo: Audrey Hepburn (as Holly Golightly) in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/Audrey_Hepburn_Tiffany%27s_2.jpg/800px-Audrey_Hepburn_Tiffany%27s_2.jpg
Photo: TLC’s “What Not to Wear” with Clinton Kelly and Stacy London http://www.listal.com/tv/not-wear-2003
