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The Olympics ended more than a week ago, but I’m still humming a tune from the music-themed closing ceremony – “Always look on the bright side of life,” sung gamely by Eric Idle (still spry at 69 and sporting tights to boot!). The song, from Monty Python’s “Life of Brian,” may be a joke, but it’s still a good reminder to consider the silver lining in less-than-ideal situations. I especially try to keep this mindset when it comes to my closet.
For instance, I look young for my age; I’m 29, but have been mistaken for anywhere from 16 to just-this-side-of-legal. The bright side of this constantly carded conundrum? My youthful appearance extends to my physique. I can – and often do – fit into children’s sized clothing. This opens up my shopping options and usually frees up my wardrobe budget, too.
Recently I purchased a dress on a whim in the kids’ section at Zara. Fourteen dollars on clearance, and I fielded compliments on it all day. Earlier this summer, I avoided a jeans shopping-related meltdown (the worst kind of meltdown) when a salesgirl proffered up a pair of denim from the brand’s Crewcuts line when nothing in the adult section of the store fit me. The price tag? A third of the price of the ill-fitting jeans I had just tried on.
For me, buying kids’ clothes is my style silver lining. I may be carded ’til I’m 40, but if I can every once in awhile buy clothes at my favorite stores for a fraction of the regular price, I’m good. You’ve just got to take the less-than-great (eternal baby face) with the pretty-freakin’-great (cheap, great clothes!). You’ve got to look on the bright side of life.
What’s your style bright side? Small feet … but can always find your size during a sale? Hair that’s graying early…but remains thick with no bald patches in sight? Inherit your dad’s stocky build … and his extensive wardrobe of custom-made Italian suits? Or maybe you still live at home …but your mother does all your laundry? There’s always a bright side; you just have to look for it.
