The art of getting dressed.

January 20, 2015

The art of getting dressed (photo source)

I see myself in some of these women above. I have a feeling I will be wearing big sunnies and a yellow scarf at the age of 73. There’s a reason for that…

I have three beautiful children, each with their own inquisitive, curious, and unique personalities.
They ask me approximately 143 questions each and every day.
Since Max cannot talk yet, he smacks me on the leg an equal amount of times to get my attention or show me something new.
Oh how I love those little dimpled hands, and their dimpled cheeks and wonderous eyes.
And oh how weary I can get by 5 PM.
Motherhood is my favorite aspect of life, and so I commit each week to try to become a better one.

One of these ways is getting up a little earlier than my little ones to get spiritually and physically dressed.
I have a little prayer/meditation time, and then I sometimes (sometimes mind you!) I get dressed.
I go into my closet and instead of being on the receiving end of many questions, I get to make some decisions. I get to creatively assemble what reflects the weather, mood, or goals for the day. Sometimes that is workout wear, but sometimes, it is my favorite jeans, oversized sweater, and bold lipstick.
The art of getting dressed.
It does something for me. It gets me equipped for what the day will bring like a fresh cup of coffee and a clean kitchen. You see, we each have this ability to choose who we will be in this life, and how we will give to those around us. We each have our own set of physical characteristics as well as personality and character traits. There are not two of us who are the same. In this fact alone, I celebrate! I celebrate the ability to have a fresh start each morning, with the choice to be the best version of myself.

My grandmother Lucia had a marvelous hat collection.
She is one of the strongest women I have ever met.
Having lived through poverty, the loss of children, moving her spanish speaking family to an english speaking city, and feeding many mouths faithfully and lovingly every day of her life. Lucia dressed her best every single Sunday, and would pull out one of her many hats to wear to church. She would smile and hold her head high, and you could sense the pride in which she felt when she was her best dressed.

My grandmother Margaret still does her makeup.
She also raised  a large and wonderful family, and worked every day as an oil painter for my grandfather’s photography business.
In every photo she is breathtakingly beautiful.
She can ride her bike around town, and her old victorian home draws in many grandchildren and visitors who love to have her ear. She is such a good listener.
I received a handwritten letter from her this week I consider it a treasure.
She still has incredible style, and puts on lipstick for all the right occasions.

I get dressed every day because it is the art of womanhood.
It is taking the example of the great women who exemplified living a life of purpose.
It is small step in the goal to pass on with grace the life giving love we are capable of.

I think I’ll read this essay again tomorrow afternoon when my son’s peanut butter stained hand is patting my favorite jeans…

 

Leave a Comment

  • Lucia’s story would give a beautiful book or movie. Your grandma was a wonderful and strong lady! 🙂

  • Hadley Grace

    Beautifully put. As a work-at-home mom, I’m often asked why I get dressed, why don’t I just wear sweats or pjs every day? Sure sometimes I do, sometimes my daughter wins the 5am wakeup and we just go with it. But I feel so much better if I’m dressed. My new uniform is jeans, sweater, a dress if it’s nice, but it’s my “me” time in the morning getting put together. Even if the only one who sees me that day is my daughter, but it’s just what I enjoy.

    • Hadley, you make such a good point. Some days it is just my husband and kids that I see and others I may be meeting friends, but ultimately it is so good for our own quality of life! 🙂 x

  • So good! I’m with you mama…. three littles and I think our littlest is around the same age! Skylar can’t talk yet either and yet SO wants mama’s attention and wants to communicate with me all day long. I usually feel pretty well spent for the day around 5pm as well. It’s nice to read another mama in the trenches along with me, and good perspective on staying true to who we are and wear what makes us feel great even if we are just staying in for the day. 😉

    xo
    ~Tabitha

    • Oh those adorable little ones who want so badly to talk! They demand all your patience and give you all the love in the world at the same time:) There is solidarity in knowing you aren’t alone in that 5pm hour!
      Hugs beautiful mama!

  • Outstanding post! The photo of the older ladies dressed with such flair is perfect. Thank you for pointing out that beauty, elegance, and style can be found in women of all ages. I love your perspective as viewing yourself as part of a long line of graceful, strong and loving women. Beautiful!

  • Loved this post – like all the others – but I particularly needed this one today. Clothes can be a tricky part of my day, but done just right and it makes me feel powerful or comfortable or dainty or cute. And sometimes I can feel all of those at once if I really hit it out of the park. I’ve started making more time for myself in the morning before work and I have realized this “me time” has been really powerful.

    Thanks for all the great posts!

    • Jessi thanks for taking the time to leave your thoughts! I was struggling to get up a little earlier to make the effort but have realized what a game changer it can be for the rest of my decisions for the day.
      Cheers!

  • Sharyn Busick

    What a sassy, joyful photo! Love it! This is a subject I mull over frequently. One of the joys of being a woman is the ability to do relatively small things daily to produce a change in appearance and, often, mood. I never leave the house without makeup, jewelry and cool shoes – not for other people (although compliments are appreciated!) but more for me. It’s just how I’m most comfortable, I guess. I sometimes feel a bit sad by how super casual society has become, even in places like church and nicer restaurants!

  • gosh, you just made the art of getting dressed even more beautiful!! thanks for writing and sharing whats in your heart! one day when I have kiddos, I hope I remember the beauty of the art of getting dressed just as you wrote it today!
    xo Danielle

  • […] Today starts the new style series! I tend to look for a little substance behind most things I do because really, it’s the only way I will stay motivated. This year, I wanted to share a topic in fashion that would be a good resource for those of you who come to visit each week. It’s also my nod to the art of getting dressed. […]

  • I stumbled upon this and I love it! Now I no longer feel guilty of dressing up (Idk people ask me why I always dress up and I’m getting tired of it) I was raised by a grandmother who dressed up everyday. And so I like dressing up too. It uplifts my mood and makes me feel ready to get everything done for the day. It’s like armor for me. And shoutout to all the mamas, you guys are awesome! xoxo

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