A few times on my blog, I’ve mentioned how lost I feel when I’m shopping for clothes. It’s a little embarrassing, because, as an “artsy person” I’m supposed to be good at that. I used to be good at it. I used to be fearless with my berets and blue nail polish and mary janes. I used to scour magazines for the latest fashions and trends in clothing and then I would hang out at the mall for hours, trying things on, picking through sales racks, putting together outfits. Then I started working in the corporate world. A pair of striped corduroys I was fond of became known as the “seizure pants” at the office and I knew I needed to calm down and grow up my wardrobe. I traded in my platforms for pumps and school girl skirts for suits and sweater sets.
Every once in a while, a pair of black and white wing-tips would sneak in, a messy hair style or some untucked shirt-tails, but I had the “business casual” dress code pretty much nailed.
Then I stopped working. Then I had kids. Then I gained weight. Then trying on jeans was torture. Then I didn’t have money for clothes or time to shop. Then it wasn’t fun.
I went shopping when I had to and bought things that weren’t the worst thing I tried on.
Then I lost 35 lbs. Then my business started to grow and I had a little spending money for new clothes. Then I started to enjoy trying on clothes. But even then, as I shopped, I didn’t know what I was shopping for. I just bought clothes that I could wear around the house, to paint in, to the playground and a couple of nice things for church.
Then my business took off and I gained 30 lbs. back and was so busy that I wore my hair in a bandana most days. Ill-fitting, paint splatter sweatpants became my security blanket. My job became the excuse for the holes in the sleeves, the year-round crocks and the faded, baggy sweatshirts. I would laugh about it and say I didn’t care…but I did. Of course, I did. It was just easier.
Then I was asked to be on the Nate Berkus Show and be in BHG and Women’s Day and Flea Market Style Magazine. It was my dream…and my nightmare. They didn’t just want to film and photograph my house. They wanted to film and photograph me. A panic ensued. I went shopping to find the “perfect outfit”, only to come home with a few things I felt mediocre about.
I had to give myself a few pep talks. Remind myself to celebrate and stop being so hard on myself. To be content in all things.
In Spring of 2012, I drove myself to the ER in the middle of the night with acute chest pain. A few days later, my gallbladder had to be removed. A few months later, I woke up to how unhealthy I had become. The baggy, paint-splattered sweats was just a symptom…an outward expression of my self-image. The heart of the matter was that I wasn’t taking good care of myself. I drastically changed my diet, I started setting limits, I started saying no more often, I started striving for balance, I started exercising and I started losing weight.
I cut my hair and retired the bandanas.
I got rid of all of the ill-fitting, paint splattered clothes…
…which was hard and liberating at the same time.
For about a year now, I’ve been waiting to hit my goal weight and then I’ll do some serious clothes shopping. Then I’ll accept the services Ella, a personal stylist local to me, offered. Until then I’ll just wear jeans and t-shirts and freak out every time there’s a special event.
No. That won’t do. Photo shoots and events and workshops and book signings are happening more often. I’m ready to drop the “mom excuse” and the “too busy with my business excuse” and the “I’m not at my goal weight excuse”. I’m ready for my clothes to be an outward expression of my creativity, success as an entrepreneur and evidence that I am not hiding in the shadow of my house.
So, I took a step and made an appointment with Ella of Start Close In.
We’ve exchanged some e-mails about my styles, my likes and dislikes, my expectations, my budget and my goals.
She’s been working on some pin boards for me based on those e-mails and then came out this morning to go through my closet.
I decided I would just wear sweats and a t-shirt when I answered the door. That’s my uniform and I might as well make her face it head on! Now, honestly, as I was waiting for her to arrive, I started to fear that the meeting would be a total disaster. She would pick and nag and roll her eyes and rub her temples at what a fashion mess I was. There was none of that. At all. Ever. Ella immediately set me at ease by asking me to pick out my favorite piece of clothing. I went right to the black and white polkadot shirt with the tie in the front.
“Oh yeah, I like that one, too!”, Ella assured me.
She instructed me to put it on with skinny jeans and boots, as I would wear it. From there, she started to pull out other pieces that would work with that shirt. She then started piecing together other pieces from my closet and creating outfits for me to try on.
She started where I was comfortable. Grays, blacks, white, jeans, boots, layers, scarves. She showed me how to add that extra element to take an outfit from nice to that-girl-is-really-put-together.
Outfits started to take shape all over the room…
I was actually ready to get rid of a lot of clothes, since a lot of them are too big on me and on the frumpy side, but she showed me how to rework them by rolling up the sleeves and, in the case of this cardigan, had me put it on backwards, which looked surprisingly cool and not at all like I was wearing a cardigan backwards.
She even worked with my chucks, which made her very endearing to me.
…and she put together pieces I hadn’t worn in weeks, months, maybe even years in a couple of cases.
…and gave me permission to wear a sparkly necklace with a sparkly tank.
She started freaking me out when she cinched things at the waist and made me tuck things in. I also found I’ve been wearing my skirts at the wrong place on my waist! Who knew? She paired a floral boutique skirt I was going to get rid of with a white prairie-style shirt from the GAP and made me pull the skirt up to the smallest point on my waist and then tuck in the shirt. I was pink-faced and flustered, but I was obedient. I wasn’t sure at first, but then I realized it looked so flattering and like a super-cute dress. We paired it with boots, lacy boot socks, a vintage chunky red necklace that belonged to my grandmother and a vintage apron a reader custom embroidered for me…
I have a photo shoot coming up on Wednesday and this outfit is the winner for the shoot…
By the end of the session, Ella had pulled out all of the clothes from my closet. We got rid of the ones that weren’t flattering or I wasn’t in love with and she put everything back in my closet, sorted by outfit.
She also made a list of the clothing we talked about to round out my wardrobe…some poly-cotton blend dressy t-shirts in bright colors, a classic white button-up shirt, some fun shoes, a few colorful pieces of jewelry and some skirts.
She introduced me to ModCloth and I immediately bought this pair of shoes…
In a few weeks, we’re going to hit the mall together, so I can try on some new clothes and learn how to shop for clothes with purpose. When she left, I felt energized and excited about stepping out of my comfort zone a bit.
Here are some of my favorite things I learned today…
- I had some thin scarves that I never wore. She twisted two together to make a thicker scarf and it looked amazing.
- I can wear a necklace and a scarf at the same time. Mind blowing.
- I have a waist and Ella even suspects I’m still buying clothes a size too big.
- She pulled out jewelry that I haven’t touched for years and showed me creative ways to mix and match pieces.
- Rolling up sleeves or a pant leg will show off a skinny part of my body, highlighting my weight loss
- I should let cardigans fall open, showing the line of my waist inside.
- Ella introduced me to lip stain and I can’t wait to go buy a few tubes.
When I first thought about working with a stylist, I was a little resistant to it, because it sounded so fancy and uppity. But, I had the opportunity, so I went for it. Ella’s approach was so down-to-earth, though. She’s a big fan of TJ Maxx and Target and Kohl’s. She wanted to work with everything I had before even mentioning buying something new. In fact, her entire philosophy is about working with EXTRA-ordinary women…not celebrities and big wigs. Just regular women who need a little (or a lot of help.) I was looking up her pricing, so I could share it with you and was surprised to see that for the month of October, she is offering “Personal Pricing.” You can set your prices for her services, so it works with your budget.
She lives in the DC metro area, but she can go through your closet with you through Skype and help you shop through Pinterest, so if you’re interested in working with Ella as a personal stylist, you can contact her through her blog, Start Close In.
I’ll keep you posted on the shopping trips and the outfits! You can see what she did with my closet and some of the looks she created for me on Ella’s Instagram.
I didn’t realize this post was going to be so long or so emotional for me to write! It just sort of came out as the words formed in my head and I started to type. For me, this entire experience isn’t just about the clothes.
It’s about an outward expression of what’s inside.
Disclosure: This is not a paid promotional post. Ella and I wanted to work together and she didn’t ask for anything in return. I’m writing this post because I want to.
160 Responses
You’re very courageous, inspirational and beautiful inside and out………..thanks for sharing what you share…….I can relate!!!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the outfit with the apron!
So loved your blog. Embracing who you are right now!
Hi Marian~~~Fantastic post! The outfits are wonderful & you look great! Ella is a jewel~~~being so down to earth & balanced between business & fun. Thanks for the tips & I love your choice for the photo shoot. The red necklace is right up my alley :0).
Have a nice weekend & thanks for inspiring me in this direction too!
XO, Linda
How wonderful it must feel to get a stule! I often feel as I’m wearing my paint clothes around town geez I hope people don’t think I have given up! I make excuses too! Been thinking lately I need to step up my atyle when not painting. Thanks for sharing and giving inspiration. Traci
i have been following you for several years and i am proud of your transformation. you look great and you do great things.
OMG you are so courageous….I live in paint splattered clothes, and hardly ever leave the security and safety of my shop and occasionally the flea market…(I do live vicariously thru my website and instagram….shusssss don’t tell people) but holy crap! Someone going through my closet?!?! Oh Hell NO!!!! I shutter, I cringe at the thought….you go girl!!! Hell yes!! you look amazing. You are on the upswing of what looks to be an amazing career. I hope this time next year we are saying, “Martha who? She ain’t got s**t on Miss Mustard Seed….Worddddd!!!!” or something like that…..so in awe of you, honestly!
I love the outfits you girls came up with. Marian you look so amazing!
I want you to know that the honesty that you write your blog with is the reason
I read it. Whenever I feel like giving up my dream I think of you and say to myself, no Marian
did it and she is a real person … And so can I. Thank you!
Oh my gosh. Thanks for sharing. This is exactly my life (well, minus Nate Berkus, etc calling to talk to me and photograph me!) 😉 I’m a mom, finally have both kids in school, haven’t lost all the weight, wearing paint covered cloths every day while I paint. Thanks so much for the honest, forthcoming post. Hope I can use it to inspire myself!
O.K., I know this is a cliche, but I have to share the words on a sign I bought for my teenage daughter’s room… Be You tiful. When I gave it to her, she was feeling a little uncomfortable in her own skin. Fortunately a change of setting (college) has given her a fresh start. Now she feels as beautiful as I always saw her. I am jumbling this up… but you are beautiful inside and outside. I am glad the stylist is helping you see that.
Very cool. Good for you!
I want to know how to wear a necklace and a scarf at the same time! And twist two scarves together! When you wear those, post some pics. 🙂
How fun is it to have fun with clothes again? Yay you!
I love this post! I feel so connected. I am 50 and have always felt I can dress my home but I can’t dress myself. What is wrong with me? Figuring I have less years in front of me than behind it is now or never. Thinking this store was for the younger woman and I was always looking in through the windows I finally said “why not me?” I hate cookie cutter clothing and could never find what I thought was me on the inside and out. I no longer just look through the windows…I look in the mirror of the fitting room…I LOVE “FREE PEOPLE!” Expensive…yes, always check the sale rack, layering makes many outfits interchangeable. The saleswoman told me I inspired another woman that day. Made me smile!
I absolutely LOVE ModCloth.
I’m curious, and I apologize if this information is somewhere else on your blog, but when did you start using milk paint and what drew you to it? Thanks!
Loved reading this! You are so incredibly real and refreshing. Someone people can genuinely relate to.
Love this…I have tons of stuff in my closet and would love to have someone help me put outfits together!!
I’m thrilled for you Marian! go for it and have a blast.
Wow, does your story resonate with me! Thank you for sharing your experience. One question – what sort of lip stains? Can you tell us some brands? And thank you for the two-twisted scarf tip- brilliant!
I thoroughly enjoyed this post. I can relate in so many ways. You really came up with some great outfits. Absolutely love the apron!
Dear MMS, I’m so glad you are doing this for yourself. You always look marvelous but it helps the confidence level to know you look your best. Love your “new” outfits. Enjoy the process and thanks for sharing it with all of us. Hugs, Anne Boykin
I love how it’s all coming together for you, this was a wonderful and courageous step for you congratulations! I love that black and white photo of you, stunning.
How wonderful!!! Congratulations, you look fantastic. Your post was encouraging to me as I struggle with weight as well. Different set of stress circumstances, but still the yo yo dieting. I have got to take better care of myself too.
Thanks for sharing your message.
Marilyn
Huzzah!
This post really hits home tonight. I just had a conversation in my kitchen with my 16 year old son about my faded yoga pants that I wear all the time. Apparently I am in denial about myself. His words really stung. I lost 40 pounds and worked so hard and now I have been finding them again. I went through my closet and promised myself I would never be here again and here I am. I feel like I am good at most things but I seem to miss the mark when it comes to me.
You look beautiful ! I love your picks. Thank you for being so talented but willing to share and be open especially the things out of your comfort zone.
You always make me smile. You’re adorable.
Your transparency is heart warming. I have felt lost many of days with my wardrobe. It’s good to know I’m not alone. I’m going to budget in a stylist. It’s not just for rich people. Thanks dearie!
I could swear you were writing my clothes story. I’m in my mid-40’s now and nothing seems to be age appropriate (too young, too old) for me. I struggle with clothing, have gained a bit of weight, and have just lost the joy of going out because I never know what to wear.
Your clothing looks beautiful- what a fun way to rediscover something that makes you happy!
all good, but that nose ring just leaves me cold; seems to cancel things out
Isn’t that one of the ways God makes the world interesting; that we’ve been created with unique personalities and different ways of expressing them? A nose ring is not my personal style either, but I enjoy the way it shows the spunky side of MMS in a harmless way.
Hi Marian! I LOVE this post and all of the outfits you shared! You look wonderful! I am definitely going to try to combine two scarves together, I never even thought to do that!
You look amazing girl! I don’t know you, only through your blog. But it totally seems like your personality is shining through both inside & out. I can so relate to the weight & clothes. I used to Love to shop for clothes. I worked in retail management for over 12 years of the beginning of my career. Once I had to start wearing suits my wardrobe became boring. A big girl in a suit 10 years ago there just was not much fashion there. Now I work in a business casual corporate office & have much more freedom, but I’ve gained weight & lost that creative spark. I’m working on my blogging career (I hesitate to call it that, but that’s my real dream.) & my creative dreams all the time, but the day to day me does not reflect that at all.
Thanks so much for sharing this party of your journey. You truly are an inspiration!
WOW I love all the outfits and you look fabulous!
Thanks for this awesome post!
Kaye
Good for you! You look beautiful and are one of the smartest and most talented women I have ever seen.
What a great post. It is so uplifting and I think most of us can relate to your story. You look great! I love your outfit you picked for the interview. It is so you:) looks great. Good luck.
Best,
Amra
Thank you for this post! So much of it mirrors my clothing/weight experience. I will take both courage and inspiration from you!
Best,
Annie
Love, love, love this post!. I made a promise to myself to rework my wardrobe and stop buying ill-fitting clothes – and to update my wardrobe as I lose weight. This post was just what I needed to read. Thanks! And you look terrific!
Thanks for this post!
My husband and I had to attend an art opening last night.
I had a major closet crisis.
It took me 5 outfit changes and I still wound up hating what I had on.
Just like you I need to get out of my artist clothing rut and pull together some outfits that I can wear to events. The hubby took 4 pictures of me standing next to my sculptures while we were there. When we returned home I wanted to post them on facebook. After review I didn’t post any. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some photographic evidence of me with my art? I’ve got to get it together!
Thanks again for the inspiration!
Laurie
I’m proud of you! That’s a hard thing to do but you’ll feel better. I’ve never had a stylist but Pinterest really helps me. I’ve even gone through matching outfits like you mentioned and I take pictures. It helps! Also, scarves can make anything look good. 🙂
What fun!, I’m so glad I have two daughters to help me out in this kind of situation. I truly believe that what’s on the outside reflects what you feel inside to. You are looking great,
I love this Marian!! What an encouragement and wealth of information!! 🙂 Thank for sharing such a personal side of you! 🙂
Wonderful post on so many levels – tell us more as you make your way on this journey!
Can you please tell what lip stain she recommended?
Reading that post made me just so happy for you! You look fabulous!
Your honesty and heart are encouraging and inspiring. Now I want to run upstairs to my closet…and get started. lol! THANK YOU!
So what do I wear to paint now …since u ditched the sweats n all??? 🙂 I find that is what is most difficult in being a “creator” , it’s messy and you cannot really where “nice” clothes to paint!?!? Your story hits SO close to my heart….
I thought you were going to tell us that you launched your own personal line of clothing! Thank-You for sharing your closet w/ us readers and making this REAL. We all face the same dilemmas from time to time and it’s nice to know we’re not along. Keep up the good work on your weight loss, you look fabulous!
You look AMAZING!!!! She did a wonderful job, I love the outfits she put together for you and you look really comfortable in them.
This is a great post, Marian. My only new advice to you would be to work on seeing yourself as we, your followers, do!! You look so great in your new wardrobe. Congratulations on the new you!!
How fun was that! My oldest daughter works in retail and she has done that for me before. She puts thing together that I wouldn’t think of and explains to me why I don’t wear certain things. I make less mistakes with my shopping now. One day I got to work and someone said “I see your daughter has been in your closet again!”
….you look cure as a button in all of the pictures/outfits………my favorite is the last one, with the apron and vintage look skirt, LOVE that !!!!
Miss Mustard Seed, you look like a million bucks!!! Thx for this post; couldn’t have come at a better time in my life. BTW, while I’m old enough to be your mother, you never cease to inspire me in one way or another. Thx for being you. I can’t wait to hear what happens next with your wardrobe! Loved the doublescarf trick with a necklace and gosh, anything red is de rigeur (sorry, I don’t know french)…I hope you still have those striped courdoroys cuz everything ‘old’ is new again! And I absolutely LOVE the wallpaper behind the bed in your pics; what is it? Might need to do the same in my apt…… You are fabulous!!! Never, ever forget it!!!
What a fabulously inspiring post! You look amazing – your clothes are so cute and you look wonderful! Thanks for sharing your journey. Right now I’m at the place you were in a while back, and I’ve been dreading going shopping. But seriously, I’m going to go through my closet, use some of your looks as a guide, and figure out what to keep, what to ditch, and what to get. And then, start — even though I’m not at the weight I want to be at yet. Thanks for the inspiration and for making it seem less scary, and not depressing!
How great you must feel after going “shopping” in your own closet and learning how to put together new outfits! I love that your stylist asked you to choose your favorite item and then you built outfits from that.
This was a very inspirational post. Thank you so much for sharing!
I cannot believe how she NAILED your personality with that skirt, top and apron…..it’s so YOU! To me, a great stylist knows the PERSON she is dressing, and helps the clothes match that personality. She totally got you and using what you already had too. I’m going to have to ring her up. Thanks for sharing Marian!
Wonderful post, full of great insights as well as positive reinforcement. I truly believe that anyone at any size and with any budget can be well pulled together. I also believe that we overlook accessories (belts, scarves, jewelry, hats) which really become the cherry on top and take any outfit to the next/finished level.
I sell a line of women’s clothing (Carlisle & Per Se) that is not within the financial reach of everyone. However, I mix and match all the time incorporating items from Target, Wal-Mart and even thrift stores all together.
Using social media sites like Pinterest, Polyvore and others to see what appeals to you, allows you to choose a look and copy it.
I think your point about sizing is a great one. Ignore size labels, find the pieces that fit as closely as you can and then invest in alterations it will make all the difference.. Thanks for another great post..
Thanks for such a fun and informative post Marian. So many of us have this dilemma, I appreciate your honesty. I am very overweight, one health problem after another ,nothing seems to work in my body correctly. So I have several black skirts , many sweaters, blouses don’t fit right, and skirts hike up in the back so I have to roll the front up so the hem is even. I suppose I am not dowdy but I feel it. Clothing for big women is made weird, sleeves are 16 ft long, but the upper arms are tight! and other problems like that. I would love to have a brighter happier funner wardrobe, I am so glad you have done it and so happy with your weight loss success.
btw..I wear Rev##n “color stay overtime” …it really really lasts hours and hours and hours!!! I never have to reapply after eating drinking etc! Just apply more aloe shine!
Thanks for the great post! ♥
You look great. Thanks for being real and opening up. A lot of women feel the way you do. We can’t wait to do things but need to move forward from where we are. You are inspiring us to be who God created us to be and use our gifts and talents for others as well as for ourselves.
When it comes to our makeup and new lip stains, I would humble recommend that you contact a local Mary Kay consultant. You can try before you buy in your home or hers or a neutral place, 100% satisfaction guarantee, made in the USA and a company started by a woman who had a dream. Fifty years later the company is growing and empowering women.
Go to http://www.marykay.com and put your zip code in. A consultant in you area will pop up and you can contact her should you choose this route. I would love to help you, but I live in California.
I will be starting a Milk Paint project this weekend for the first time. I bought the supplies at a local distributor of the paint, The Treasured Home in Fair Oaks, CA.
Looking forward to seeing more “looks”.
Perhaps this session was the birth of your own eventual clothing line. 🙂 Thanks for sharing. Love what you wrote and I’m happy for you that you took that step with Ella. Since I am a person who likes to go right to my comfort clothes, this was good for me to read.
Although I am way older than you-I appreciated your experience and the stages you went through with or without style-I could relate!!! I loved the outfits Ella picked and coordinated from your closet-they are you-and you look comfortable-professional and polished! Especially liked the cardigan with the flower-that’s one of my favorite looks with jeans and boots and a touch of bling!!! Keep it up you look mahvelous!!!!
Oh my Marian…did I ever relate to thus blogpost. I saw your Facebook pic yesterday and I was wondering what kind of blogpost you were going to come up with. I need this woman – I can’t tell you how many pants and jeans and shirts and shoes that now have gobs of paint on them. I have kind of lost hope on being fashionable (or rather – artsy). My kids often say they can pinpoint what I will wear to a family event – I only have about 6 or 7 outfits that I feel comfortable in. I have a lot of stuff in my closet as well that I am not sure I shoukd keep or toss. You had a lot of things that you could really use – amazing the way she put everything together…in your style (that you knew you had …but it was hidden!)
Great post!
Linda
What a fun time. I remember losing quite a bit of weight and putting on clothes that look good. I didn’t have to say “Does this make me look fat”? It was great going out because I felt like I looked good. I’m working for that time again. You look fantastic and the outfits are adorable.
Bravo! It’s hard to ask for help, but you did it! Thanks for sharing your experiences and putting your heart on your sleeve. You are an inspiration for me and, I suspect, many other women.
I want to Thank You for sharing about your weight, clothes and not having a clue about putting it all together. Love the pictures,it helped me! I’m artsy too, but all I wear is black. I hope you continue to share your photos, be proud you look amazing!
your photo shoot outfit seems so you! and it’s super cute!
Yay! You look great!
I really appreciate this post. I am working hard on my health. But regardless of weight, the clothes that I wear have always been important to me. I do believe that people treat you differently if they see that you value yourself. If you can take the time to change out of your pajamas aka yoga pants to drop your children off to school, you will find your day goes much smoother. But I seem to be the only one who does in my neck of the woods. How do we train our children to take care of themselves and not model that same behavior? I am ready to greet the day when I am dressed. If I do not change out of my sweats, it takes me a lot longer to accomplish anything. There seems to be a fine line between judging a book by its cover, and understanding that it is a lot easier to be good when we feel pretty, to loosely paraphrase LM Montgomery. Cheers to your success!
Oh wow this all looks just fabulous! One day 😉 I’m going to treat myself to a stylist and colour coach – as I approach my 45th birthday I feel it’s time to reclaim me from my 4 girls and become a yummy mummy again 😉
I haven’t read your blog in awhile and I was pleasantly surprised to see such a personal post. All your points about weight, health, & style are so easy to relate with. It is so easy to get stuck in a rut and forget ourselves. Love all the outfits Ella helped you style and your new haircut is fabulous. You are an inspiration!!!
Yay for you! I love the outfits you two have put together. What fun to shop from your own closet! I work at a Coldwater Creek store and we offer this “personal stylist” service to our customers free of charge, we encourage them to bring items from their closet that they may not be wearing for whatever reason. I will never understand why more people don’t take advantage of this service. Sometimes a fresh eye is all it takes to shake up our wardrobes.
Congrats on your healthy new lifestyle and wonderful business opportunities. You are an inspiration, girl!
Love, your hair short. It’s works well with our (new look) …
Yes! Yes! Sometimes it takes another person to help you sort through the mess and set you straight. I used to do this twice a year with a friend of mine. I would want to get rid of something and she would pair it with something different for a completely new look.
I have had good luck with Brooks Brothers shirts (the Oprah shirt) and horizontal striped Tshirts and sweaters like a French sailor. Find your perfect fit designer jean and never wash it, dry clean it. Look into Stella and Dot jewelry. Good Luck, we are waiting to see the entirely new you. Ann
Wow! Your wardrobe was an asset, it just needed to be unlocked. If only Ella was in Australia!
I am so moved by this. I know what it’s like to struggle with body changes and being too comfortable ( I should say stuck!). I love how you went ahead and did your “makeover”! Cute outfits. Thank you for sharing and making me realize I need to be kind to myself right now. I am going to go visit and maybe, I’ll hire her too. You have energized me to get going ! :o)
Hugs,
Cecilia
Although I loved your post today, I have to comment on a totally unrelated subject. The other day I was having a really rough day. You know those days when all you can do is cry? Anyways, I pulled myself together and went to a local health food grocery to have dinner with my son. After eating, we were approached by a woman who asked if we enjoyed our dinner. She then went on to tell us how she often eats there for dinner because she is batteling cancer and likes the healthy food. She then told me that she recently lost her husband to cancer. Ok, my day wasn’t bad at all compared to what this lady was facing. I immediately told her how sorry I was to hear about her struggles. She smiled and pointed to her necklace. She said to me, I will be OK because I have the faith of this mustard seed. Yes, she was wearing a mustard seed around her neck. This was not a coincidence! I truly believe that God was sending me a message. We went on to talk for about 20 minutes. Of course, I told her about you and how I follow your blog daily. I’m not sure if our paths will every cross again, but I will certainly never forget her. When my son and I got in the car, I told him that I believe she was an angel. I think it’s time for me to wear a mustard seed….maybe you could add them to your online shop.
Kelley,
I completely believe these things happen for a reason. You both benefitted from that encounter! God works in wonderfully mysterious ways. *hugs* to you, I have “those days” too.
Awesome, awesome idea of a personal stylist helper. My daughter has asked me to do the same for her. I LOVE the outfit with the apron, that is going to rock a photo shoot!!! Congrats!
I am so jealous…I want a personal stylist too!
You’ve done great on the weight loss!! Congrats and now it is time to reward yourself with some new things.
I love all the pants outfits – especially the one with the black cardi/pants and the loose blue (teal?) top and that great scarf. I’m not crazy over the skirt with the apron – but that’s just my opinion. I can see where it could be representative of your creativity.
I read over some of your friend’s blog – some great info there. Now I am not one who puts together a bunch of accessories with one outfit. I have a ton of great necklaces and scarves (they can really make an outfit), but I don’t put them together. I’m not one to wear several rings on each hand, bracelets of both arms, earrings, necklace, etc. I prefer a great standout accessory and go from there.
Going to check out the website where you found the shoes now!
tina
You are more stunning than ever! Congratulations on your weight loss and health gain! I am at a different place in life just retired after more than 30 years of teaching, yes, yay!! and have fallen into the “since I don’t go to work there’s no need for me to wear REAL clothes”. Your words have inspired me to look in my closet and wear something other than these very comfy, oversized sweats. Thank you. You never know how your words will touch complete strangers. Many thanks.
I think she nailed your personality. I had to chuckle when you wore the cardigan sweater backwards because in the 50’s that was the fad! (showing my age). I wonder if your stylist knows that!
Loved this post! You look fantastic, and I’m impressed with Ella’s skills. I live in Northern VA and would love to check out her services…
This was such an inspiration to me. I recently lost weight and want to keep losing to be healthy. I work in corporate world and like to come home and dress in jeans or sweats. I like what Ella has done with the things you already have. I need to rethink my closet! 🙂 Love the styles she’s created and that she totally nailed your spunk! Thank you for sharing!
Just wanted to say Congrats on your weight loss journey. You have been a inspiration to me . I look forward to reading your blogs everyday and I love your book also. I too have used the mommy excuse to many times and lately I have been thinking that I need to make a change and make myself a priority not only for myself but for my boys ( 20, 3). I need to stop wearing my stretch pants and my pj’s ( that look like a moo- moo your grandmother would wear0 and my hair in a pony tail. So I would like to be one of your accountability partners and make myself a priority.
Oh Marian – You are absolutely darling no matter what you wear but what fun to have a personal stylist come in and help you shop your closet to put together so many cute outfits. I love some of the great looks you’ll be sporting and they will indeed be a reflection of your inner creativity. I think you are going to have fun with some of the more blingy items pictured. Good for you girl!
Blessings,
Patti
I really enjoyed your blog today! It inspired me to go through my closet and dresser to see what I can do with what I already have…it also inspired me to take a closer look at my health, thanks for the honesty and the inspiration! Have a blessed week!
Wow! I would love to have someone do this to me and my wardrobe! Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in a rut clothes wise. I love the use of the apron. It looks soooo cute and feminine. Shows what great style you already had hiding in your wardrobe! Go girl!
I am so happy for you Marian ! Love the outfits that she found in your closet, such a great way to start. I may go take a look at my own clothes in a different way now. Enjoy !
Marian,
It amazes me how we women will go through “seasons” of clothing styles as our priorities change and our focus isn’t so much on wardrobe. I am a fashion design /merchandising graduate of a 2 year local college. All the things I learned being an artsy girl, as you said went out the window as I went from single to married to parenthood and now mid century (and I love being vintage!). I use to enjoy shopping for clothing, deals, thrift store finds, etc. but now I would love to have someone else to pick out my clothing for me. I tend to be comfortable in the gray/black neutrals, blue jeans and layers as well. With another new season of life as a brick & mortar shop owner, I could use some pointers!’
I am so excited for you In this new season of your life and look forward to seeing your fashion statements! Btw…I too love the photo shoot outfit.
What a neat post. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to work w/ a stylist. Sounds like she was a perfect fit. You look adorable! Xox
Hi Marian,
Obviously, you’ve been reading my mind AGAIN. For me, work = suits and blazers. Home = painting pants and men’s oversized shirts. There’s not much in the way of fun or snazzy in between. I think most women have image issues of one sort or another, but your head-on candor in sharing this universal vulnerability is gutsy and refreshing. Once again, you inspire. Treadmill, here I come. Might have to give Ella a call, too.
Anyway, I think you look ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC; happy in your own skin. What more could a girl want?! Congrats on your journey! Clearly, you were put here for a big reason.
Enjoyed your post. Interesting though the things that you didn’t like or got rid of like the bandanas and paint spattered clothes are some of the reasons that endeared you and your blog to me. I thought you looked adorable and unique in your bandanas and the paint spattered clothes made you seem real and authentic.
Oh, i’ll still have paint splattered clothes! They just won’t be ill-fitting and what I wear ALL the time. 🙂
Hi Marian,
I really enjoyed this post. I enjoyed shopping,then I had kids,gained some weight and was a stay at home mom. Now the kids are grown,lost the weight, was working now I’m back to being a stay at home mom and I live in jeans and chucks(I have the same pair you do). I love my chucks. I’m trying to come out of my comfort zone.
I love the outfits that were put together for you. You look great. I really like the outfit with the backwards cardigan. Are you wearing leggings? I bought two really cute shirts that are thigh length that I paired with leggings. My son told me I can not wear leggings unless I wear a skirt. Now I’m paranoid to go out in public wearing my cute outfit. I really need a stylist!
They are “riding pants”, so are a bit thicker then leggings and have some seams that run in strategic places to slim. I like that they are thicker, so they smooth me out a bit more, but they are still fitting like leggings. They are Simply Vera Wang from Kohl’s.
You look amazing! She did a GREAT job, but also realize you HAD those pieces, so your eye is still good, you just needed new vision.
I live near a ‘wealthy’ neighborhood…right on the edge. One day I realized I was the only person wearing a logo (something written/design on it) t shirt and a ‘baby time at the library’ and my grandson was wearing very casual clothes and no shoes. All the other moms and grandmas were wearing ‘real’ clothes, accessories, belts, nice shoes, etc. all looked pulled together, makeup, etc. All the babies clothes were coordinated, high end, dressed fully to a ‘t’. We looked a bit scruffy by comparison. Pulling outfits together with accessories is like decorating a house, and was my favorite part of getting dressed. Then I gained a lot of weight and stayed home with my kids…went away. This is inspiring:)
So happy for you! You look great! Thanks for sharing this experience!
I couldn’t stop reading this post… The whole thing sounds soooo fun! I would love love to do that! I have all these cool random pieces, but when i go to put them together i can never remember outfits… I love the looks she came up with for you! You look great!!!… You look better than you think you do… and your haircut is perfect too. I loved the idea about twisting the scarves together…what a great trick…. If she lived near me i’d hire her in a heartbeat!
Cindy
Love your post Marian, you are so good!! I too have lost 30lbs!! Went shopping today & felt good to find some new jeans, sweaters & tops too!! Ive got more to loose but like you felt I needed some new clothes. I’m a 53 year old grammie, but no frumpy grammie here LOL . Its had to get rid of some of the “old” clothes put very freeing at the same time!! You are adorable & LOVE that outfit, it’s totally you!! Can’t wait to hear more from you <3
This is a very timely post for me. I was just having this conversation with my friend Shelly. She basically told me I have taken myself off the list and I need to put me back on it. I told her I need to release myself from me. There is so much going on inside and I display that outwardly as well. Thank you for being brave enough to write this post. This is a scary place for me and a lonely one. I want to do things differently without all the excuses. My friend gave me an extra push tonight and you confirmed it.
Wow! What a joy to read through all of your comments. It is an absolute honor to work with Marian, and I’m so excited about our personal shopping trip coming up! One of you nailed it on the head-her inner light really shows in her face, and it’s just a pleasure to get to highlight some of that. Also, in case you wondered, her gorgeous home was even more amazing in real life! -Ella
Oh my gosh What an inspirational story…..Since I took an early retirement, i spend all my time painting my furniture treasures. I now look in my closet and realize that I have more clothing that I only wear to paint in, than items I consider my “nice” clothing….I need a personal appointment with Ella, desperately! Today I was a vendor at a Vintage Market and my biggest concern was what I should wear that would make me feel like a confidant “business” owner, I threw an outfit together and just felt frumpy all day!! I’m all the way across the US in San Diego….But I’m going to start looking for someone like Ella!
Marian….You GO Girl!!!
Janine, I do virtual sessions, too, if you’re ever interested!
This post was so perfect for today. My daughter and I were actually going through our clothes today trying to pull together a few (pinterst) outfits, we both agreed we need outside help ! You are so right about your outward appearance reflecting how you feel about yourself, need to work on this.
I met you at The Chapel Market and you were just as I had hoped, warm and friendly and just so sweet! You are actually smaller in person and just adorable. I love your honesty that comes through in all your post and just wanted you to know , you truly inspire and encourage so many people. You were so kind to sign my little blue chair at the market~ love it!
So now you may have to incorporate a new chapter in your Blog called What I Wore this week! Everything was adorable. And I must compliment that all your hard work is paying off – you look fantastic. Perhaps a new profile pic to compliment you new outlook! And tres chic haircut. Keep it up!
You have inspired me to try a little bit more. I am a jean and tee shirt gal. Once upon a time years and years ago. I use to have a little style when I was working and attending design school. But, then just like you I got married. Stopped working. Had children. Put on 60 lbs. Stopped even trying to find cute things to wear. My weight has yoyo’s up and down. Recently I went back to school to get into nursing. Now I wear scrubs. While comfy, not very stylish. So, thanks for the inspiration.
You go girl! You look fantastic in those pictures and I love your haircut! I have the haircut but don’t feel comfortable in anything I own as far as clothing goes. Urgh. One of these days I’ll have to check out Ella. Thanks for sharing.
I just found this blog & I have to say….I fell in love with you the minute I started reading it! What a delight you are. I wish you God’s Blessings always & will be following your adventures. You’re a JOY, delight & an awesome person. XOXO!
What a fun and inspiring post! You look amazing and it was courageous of you to share your journey! I love the idea of re-purposing things that you already have and looking outside of the box (what a great way to save $$). Keep us posted on your shopping trip! Can’t wait to see what you come back with! Thanks for always being so real and inspiring! <3
Great post! Love your look. Very much along the lines of what I like. You are looking fabulous by the way. I’m enjoying ModCloth. Thanks for sharing.
Love this post Marian….one of my favs!!! I love Ella’s site…she’s awesome!! Have fun with this and thanks for sharing!! You Rock!!
OHHHH by the way…….LOVE those shoes!!!!! :))))
Thank you for the sweet words! So glad you liked Modcloth, too! I’ve always liked everything I’ve gotten there, and they have good services, too.
Love this post. I could have been written about me as far as my fashion sense is these days. I think I might buy my clothes too big as well. I hate the feel of tight clothes and always felt I look slimmer in looser clothes. I think the opposite is true. You look fab and give me inspiration to go over my own wardrobe.
You look AMAZING, my friend. So proud of you and for you!!! can’t wait to see you again!
xo,
shaunna
Thank you so much for the inspiration. I had to attend a dinner that I didn’t really care how I looked for. Pulled out a basic dress. Boring! Pulled out a skirt and tights(and the rest of the necessary clothing items of course) and a fancy necklace I’ve never worn and went for it!
That’s great! Sometimes it works to just dive in!
Great post, I think a lot of us can relate! I love how she shopped your closet and used what you already had, it also means that you still have good taste! That knowledge would boost my confidence a bit, if I were you! Love, love the new shoes you’re ordering! Can’t wait to read about the shopping trip!
You look mah-va-lous!!!!…You certainly have that sparkle in your eyes!!!…You go Marian!…
Every woman should have the possibility to get this fantastic help! Just the fact that Ella looked at what you already had, instead of getting you buy all new…..! GRAT!
and I love to see you in the White outfit with the apron!
Phenomenal. Inspirational and so totally on target with me its just a little scary. Thanks, i needed that!
….. you have really inspired me!! Thank you. And I lovelovelove the outfit you chose for the photo shoot.
Thank you for sharing your experience! This was encouraging and uplifting at the same time!!! Please continue to post about this awesome expedition that you’re on.
WOW! You look amazing. I love the pensive photo of you in black & white. You are showing facets of MMS that have perhaps only been hinted at before. We grow and change, grow and change; we think we have the clothes thing nailed, then suddenly it isn’t AGAIN! But your stylist is a great idea! We keep forgetting that each of us has something amazing to offer. Cannot wait to check out Ella’s site!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about shopping – I share many of the same feelings about clothes and body image. I’ve found a lot of inspiration from the blog You Look Fab (YLF) and since it arrives daily in my inbox I never have to spend a dime on fashion magazines. We recently moved from the Toronto area to a small town and I miss seeing what (fashionable) people are actually wearing out there. You Look Fab has really helped in that regard.
Love your blog ! And sign up for YLF – here’s the link:
http://www.youlookfab.com
Sharon
Really beautifull!
Marian,
I am sitting here with tear filled eyes and a heavy heart because I felt as though you just wrote my life history regarding my struggles with fashion which always have revolved around weight and still does. I love love love layered looks and scarves and boots with great tights or awesome socks just above the top of the boot and something just a little off the beaten path including Chuck Taylors as well. Of course County Living is not asking for a photo shoot but when I walk out of my home I want to feel amazing and because of my weight (sz 12-14) and much more importantly my inability to actually shop and put the outfits together and find my style, I just wear my paint splattered sweats and old t-shirts (I’m a MMS wannabe). I have enough clothing to get by because why buy anything else if it is not what I love anyways? So I purchase mediocre clothing and let it be. so sad….maybe I will be inspired to put myself out there with a Stylist.
Great and fun blogpost Marian. Proud of you!
Thank you for your inspiration in seeking and going after the Wow factor. I just sent an email to Ella asking for her help as I also need direction in going that extra mile or two. I’m hopeful that she can do for me what she has done for you…that same feel-good feeling is what I need. Your smile definitely captures that and more!
So happy for you Marian! I will get there some day. First things first! But in the meantime…thanks for making me feel normal! How exciting…I love that you are taking time for YOU! Wonderful!
You are always so inspiring and Ella was the icing on the cake today. Thank you both for
all the fashion hints.
Thanks for featuring the my apron! I love how you pulled the outfit together. So cute!
Marian added that touch, and it was just perfect! What a beautiful apron!
I am so proud of you! As I was reading your post, I found that I was smiling. Smiling because you have come so far and I am so happy for you that you are finally recognizing that you DESERVE this prettying-up. Go for it! Frame that beautiful, sweet face that we all know and love with some jewels and pretty clothes! Celebrate your success! YOU DESERVE IT!
Hello,
I really enjoyed this post. It was completely entertaining. I enjoyed the tips about the cardigans. Girl you look great! Keep up all you hard work both personally and mustard seed wise. You are a great inspiration!!!
Warmly,
Amanda
Marian,
As a wife to a disabled husband, mom to 7 and care taker of my mom…i usually only wear comfort, and since I never know when I will have a few mins to paint (started my own business in Feb). my clothes usually have paint on them.
Due to my husband’s 20 yers of disability I shop the local thrift shops…..and I have some GREAT outfits….but I have ALOT more things….that I get becuase it is cheap and some what fits.
BUT, Thanks to your posts….I have begun cleaning out my closet. I went through 1/2 of it yesterday, after reading your post. I tried on several things…and wasn’t in LOVE with the way they fit…so I put them in a bag…and the things I never wore went into a bag. I am left with WAY too many clothes, still. But, the process has begun.
SO..I am thinking I need to put together some outfits to help me sort through a bit more.
Can you share a bit more about that process…..I noticed you have all the stuff grouped together on a hanger…is this how you organized it to make help you make decisions on what to keep or what you needed to buy?
I am in ohio, and am also wondering if you only went through clothes for this season, fall/winter?
Thank You for Sharing, and Inspiring.
Deb Claytor
OldFangled
…how completely wonderful! I am thrilled, you an expert in your field, used an expert in her field!
Love that you could tweak things you already had!
Fabulous blog entry and I appreciate your honesty!
Marian,
Thank you so much for your honesty in sharing your struggles. I’m at the very beginning of a health turn around and admire when we women can help one another along by sharing our own trials. It helps so much to know we are not alone in our struggles!
What a blessed opportunity to have a stylist come in to help you! It looks to me like you already had the makings of a great wardrobe, you just needed a new perspective on how to use what you had. 🙂 (The same would NOT be true of my closet! lol)
Thanks again for sharing… Annette
I sometimes feel a little lost when shopping too. I find pulling together outfits inspired by my clothing pinterest board helps, as well as being intentional about trying new pieces together. That and having a few good friends who you can talk clothing together with. I love the pieces you guys put together and I love that it looks like it was a fun get together with a girl friend. So smart starting with your closet first, then shopping together for any holes. Thanks so much for sharing.
My friends and I have and so much fun clothes shopping at Goodwill. The first Saturday of the month is half price. You would not believe the name brand clothes you can find that still have the tags on. Meeting early for breakfast and then heading to Goodwill is a fun “girls morning out” and we are home by lunch. Last week I went to Goodwill to look for a clock for my Sunday School class and came out with a pair of brown leather Liz Claiborne pumps for $4. I know – it took my awhile too before I would actually even go down the shoe aisle! They did not have the tags but looked brand new. Our girl time together makes clothes shopping more interesting and fun. Especially when we reveal our great outfits to each other and brag about how little we paid for them.
Marion, you look beautiful!! I am going to check out those Instagram pics. Love your style, right down to the Chucks! I have the same phobia of clothes shopping. I feel much more confident digging through piles of dusty old antiques and cast off finds than racks of clothing, shopping for jeans makes me want to curl up in a fetal position, but Pinterest has been a life saver for my wardrobe. My funds are limited as is my desire to go to the mall, but a few mix and match items from Marshall’s and TJMaxx have been a big help. Thank you for sharing your experience and for being so transparent and honest. You are a huge encouragement! God bless!
I also can’t forget Ella’s brilliance and smart practicality!! After watching those makeover shows that make shopping for new clothes seem so impossible and impractical without actually going on their show for help, Ella, thank you for showing us that being stylish is only as far away as our own closets!! Ella, do you want to come visit Florida and help me with MY wardrobe???=0) Amazing!
Florida in the winter sounds pretty nice! I also do virtual sessions if you’re interested ever!
Marian, I too have taken back my health over the last year and I know it is hard to get that spunk back. Glad to see you are enjoying the new you and dressing the body you have been working so hard for.
You look amazing! Love all the outfits she put together for you. It is crazy to think she uses things that might be 2-3 years old. Just goes to show that some fashions are traditional and very classic. I suspect she is going to be one busy lady!
Oh goodness, this is amazing! What a cool service to have! I love reading about people that I can relate to and how they take care of themselves. It inspires me to take better care of myself. Thanks!
This makes me really happy. Every woman deserves to realize and accentuate how beautiful they really are. You shine just as bright as your furniture and interiors now. You reflect what you make, and it is so very lovely.
Marion, the honesty and vulnerability you shared was really touching. I think that many women battle with negative body images and also feel intimidated by fashion and think they can only look cute if they are super skinny. Furthermore, admitting this and asking for help is even scarier–as women, we’re supposed to know how to put ourselves together, right? And it’s hard to let the security blanket of those frumpy baggy clothes go. I think you verbalized what many women don’t even know how to confront, and they probably think they’re the only ones facing these challenges. Bravo. Wonderful piece. Thank you.
That was amazing! She is really good! Clothes are my worst thing: to shop for or to put together. I would much rather remodel, redecorate, paint, shop for the house, anything but clothes.
I think everyone wants an Ella! I sure do. . .
Happy you are doing so well and have more balance in your life!
Miss Mustard Seed,
I think some solid color or small print wrap dresses would look great on you. The boots are super for you but try a small heel at times. It gives you confidence. The vintage necklaces and such are nice when worn with figure flattering attire. Stay away from loose fit but if you do choose that get some nice belts and cinch. You have great hair and I think a bit longer works for you. Keep up the good work. Don’t be afraid of make-up either. You have gorgeous skin and eyes that you can show off. You are a successful woman and have alot of fans including me!
Kind regards,
Maye
Thank you God for Marian. Tomorrow is my b-day, I think I will gift myself permission to live my life like I deserve and not putting myself below last, and I will take my inspiration from you Marian. As always, I appreciate you and your openness, this is the final push that I have needed. All my love to you.
First I must say I read your blog almost weekly and love it so. I have lost 30 pounds as well.
It started as a diet but more came off due to extreme stress of ailing parents and in-laws.
I too never bought the right size and I really have no idea what I am doing to dress for
today’s hipper image. I worked in banking for 16 years and wore the conservative suits and
typical heels. I thoroughly enjoy your journey and writing about your feelings. You have
motivated me to take a good look at my closet and shed the items that no longer work.
THANK YOU MARIAN.
thanks for the post Marian…It was very inspirational not to mention emotional from you….I want to say even though I don’t know you…I feel like I do….you are an inspiration in that you did jump out of the comfort zone of sweats and paint clothes…for that…I give you tons of credit….I too paint a lot with items handmade and signs…and I find I spend quite a lot of time in those sweats and sweatshirts that are chalked full of paint and stain….you really forget how to dress outside of that arena….I loved reading how you stepped out of that box and allowed yourself to grow.
Wow… so inspiring. Thank you for letting us into your REAL, RAW emotions. I now, want to clean out my closet and do the same thing.
Thank you for being so honest.
~ Lisa ~
So, I saw you at Wegman’s today and I just wanted to say that your outfit looked great! Loved the green t-shirt, black & white scarf combo. You’ve really made me consider using Jessica’s services. Do you think she’d come to Mechanicsburg?
So somehow Ella autocorrected to Jessica. Oops! That’s what I get for not proofreading!
Yes! Contact me!
WOW!! Thank you for sharing this post, its exactly what I needed to read today after leaving the house in my pajamas for the third day in a row… Oh my, I even has a closet and dressers full of beautiful clothes that I am struggling putting together. Love the outfit idea, I think I start trying this with the clothes that I have. Thanks for sharing again. LOVE
YAY! Fun post! If you ever need help with hair and make-up ideas, I’m far away but I’m more than happy to share my favs as well as ideas. I’m a hair stylist and also do makeup. Know that a Christian sister is more than happy to share ideas if you’d like ;0)
Love in Jesus,
Kirsten
Oh yeah…and I was also a personal trainer too if you need any ideas there ;0)
Kirsten
So they say confession is good for the soul. I am almost in tears after reading this but I am in the exact same place. And I don’t know what to do about it and I so wish I knew an Ella. I am afraid that if I go to someone they will try to re-invent me like my Mom and daughter do with fashion. I hate tailored preppy clothes. They love me in Talbots. gag
Next time we are together ( which I am hoping is going to be rather soon) we are talking!! And your job is to slap me around a bit and get me motivated to get myself back together and lookin on the outside like I feel on the inside. K?
Oh what fresh, talented eyes can do!
Cool you look marvelous darling. Sometimes I think I should have done that. With 38 years in retail. So many style show presentation and workshops on how to dress. Why did I not get in to this biz