Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work, driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for, in order to get to a job that you need so you can pay for the clothes, car and the house that you leave empty all day in order to afford to live in it. –Ellen Goodman
I defer to RG daughter in all things fashion, particularly my own fashion selections. She inherently knows how to find clothes for me that strike just the right balance between stylish and not looking “too young.” It is not unusual at all for her to call me from a store in Colorado and say, “Mom, I have found you the BEST jeans. They are expensive, but you need them. They will fit you perfectly.” And they always do.
RG Daughter loves to shop–for herself, for me, for anyone. I despise it. In fact, I would be very happy if RG Daughter did all my clothes shopping for me. But alas, she is there and I am here.
Also alas, I need to look put together at work. So when I have to do it, I go on shopping jags that last for three or four days in a row, twice a year, but that only happen in quick hour-long spurts between walk/runs, eating, and work. Out of dire necessity, I recently had to do a solo marathon shop, mostly to buy clothes that fit my smaller frame, but also because I am in the tropics and my D.C. outfits are a joke both climate- and style-wise.
Grudgingly, I broke down and bought black slacks that fit, and some cute tops to go with them. Okay, I admit it, maybe I spent a little more than I usually do. Fine! I went to Saks, opened a new credit card account to get 10 percent off on my first purchase, and I spent a small fortune on a pair of designer black slacks and three expensive tops.
But they fit! But they look good! Quality lasts, right?
What took me completely by surprise, however, was the reaction of my co-workers when I wore one of the new shirts to work last night. Throughout the course of my shift, every single server, cocktailer, host, bartender–male and female–had something to say to me about it.
“Hey, RG, is that new? It’s pretty. How much was it?”
“Nice shirt RG. Really nice! But what was it, more than $100?”
“That is a great shirt, RG. Where is it from?”
“Come on, RG, for real, how much did it cost?”
“Seriously, RG, you spent a lot on it, right?”
This from a crew I thought could care less what I or anyone else wore. This from a crew that seemed a little too interested in what I paid for a shirt, and a little too quick to imply that for once in three months, I actually looked presentable. Who knew I worked with so many fashionistas, cleverly disguised as servers behind their white oxford shirts and aprons?
When my favorite busser finally chimed in, the last one to offer an opinion, by the way, I looked around for the hidden camera. Seriously, WTF? I said as much to him.
“Oh, no, RG. I only mean you always look nice. But tonight, I really mean it. You look good.”
Well, okay. A Gal can defer and accept a compliment, however it is delivered and for whatever reason.
So, the rest of the night I thought about how sometimes you have to spend a little more to get great results, how maybe I would wear these same slacks again on Saturday night, see how one of the other tops would work with them. Yeah, okay, I could get into this stylin’ thing. RG Daughter would be proud.
Later, as I climbed the steps to my tiny, motel-looking apartment complex, my neighbor was outside sitting on the steps, talking on the phone and smoking a cigarette, like she always is when I get home late at night. Her little Pomeranian made a bee-line for me, as he always does when I get home, because I always try to be nice to the yappy little thing, mostly in an attempt to be polite in front of his owner.
But as he jumped up on my pants leg, and I tried to shush him away to keep from getting his dog hair all over me, he got nervous and upset, and instead of backing off, he peed. All over my expensive designer slacks. Then he sat on my foot and stared up at me, panting.
When you’re hot, you’re hot.
For those wondering what kind of outfit could cause such a stir:
Comments
13 responses to “Clothes Make This Gal”
I used to be my sisters fashion advisor when we were in HS and College..
She still sends me pictures of stuff she thinks she should get and wants my opinion. 🙂
I’m sure you looked beautiful in that outfit..
Cheers to making peoples heads turn!!
Great outfit RG!
Hey, RG, you really need a gay/best-friend/fashion advisor. I hope you didn’t pay retail. No gay in their right mind would pay retail. We loves the bargains. At least I do. Plus, we’re your best bet for going out, having a few drinks, being your “wing-man”, and steering you away from the “pervs” 🙂
Junior–What a nice brother you are.
Katie–Thanks!
Ex-RM–Well, yes, as a matter of fact I do need all of the above. And yes, I did pay retail because I am an idiot and just needed to get some clothes that fit! Please visit me anytime in my south Florida wonderland. I will welcome the wing-man. Mojitos on me.
I.
Love.
That.
Outfit.
I don’t understand peoples’ need to ask the cost of something nice. A compliment should stand alone.
Someone actually asked me how much I pay in rent – with others close by.
I’m glad to hear you spent some well earned and deserved money on clothing; the outfit above is breathtaking. It’s classy, timeless, and clean; everything is really about cut; the better it fits you, the more expensive it looks. Since you had lost weight I bet your coworkers weren’t used to seeing you in tailored pieces!
I never used to buy super expensive clothes, until the fated day I tried on 200 dollar true religion jeans. I magically transformed from pretty girl to devastating femme fatale. I had to buy them; best 200 I spent on clothes, ever. I just wear them alot, haha. After all, why buy 200 dollars of mediocre clothing when you can one piece you will wear and have for years? I would reccommend H&M to you though; it’s less expensive, but many stores have a great career section; the top and pants remind me of something you’d find there.
awww, not a reason to deny yourself a pet! and, between the saks and the new computer for me….dun dun dun watch out mastercard…miss you!
Do you think RG daughter would be interested in being my personal shopper?
Jali–Thank you! As for people asking about $$, I am always surprised and not a little put off by the question, “How much…” And yes, I am asked all the time how much I pay in rent, too. Please!
Kate–Oh, the jeans. The expensive jeans. The ones I swore I would never, ever buy, because who would waste so much $$ on jeans, for God’s sake? Until I tried on Joe’s Jeans, followed by Red Engine. And so it begins.
RG Daughter–No pet for now! And you are welcome for the computer to replace your dead one. As for Saks and Mastercard, at least I get miles for the $$ spent so I can come see you in Colorado!
Natalie–She would be delighted. Just be prepared to be introduced to clothing that costs more than furniture. That’s my baby girl! And all we can do is dream about wearing it. Meanwhile, she’ll find you some fantastic looking, less expensive versions of the real things. That’s my best baby girl!
Yes, nice outfit – see, a little better than xMart. And even the dog liked it – cool!
BIWX
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Restaurant Gal » Clothes Make This Gal
Alyss
Restaurant Gal » Clothes Make This Gal