Stress pants

Have you heard of retail therapy?

A quick google tells me that retail therapy is shopping with the primary purpose of improving the buyer's mood or disposition. Often seen in people during periods of depression or transition, it is normally a short-lived habit. Items purchased during periods of retail therapy are sometimes referred to as "comfort buys".

Recently I fell into this category, and went on a big splurge. Amongst the many acquisitions was a pair of skinny purple jeans. They are quirky and fun and really lift the spirits. This was subconsciously what I was searching out. I wanted something I could wear that would trigger this frame of mind.

Interesting enough, the same week, a friend who is going through a tough time also went on a buying splurge and bought some red skinny jeans. She sent me a photo of herself (on my request) in her new red skinny jeans. They looked gorgeous. Really happy and upbeat.

So we named our new rainbow coloured purchases "stress pants". Note to the Brits, pants equals trousers.

We made a pact that we would wear them, when we need to de stress and they would inject a sense of fun and lightness into our day. They would make us feel good and put us into a great mood. They would possibly even give us a sense of feeling invincible, ready to take on the world. All that in a pair of bright skinny jeans!  Not bad eh?

Do you have a favourite item of clothes, a favourite piece, that puts you in a certain mood? Does it really work?

Do you own something that when you out it on, it triggers, positivity, calm and happiness?

Do share......

The suit

I have a ritual that goes something like this. Before I put an article of clothing into the charity bag for our monthly drop-off, I wear it one more time.

My thinking is that I need to be sure that the skirt, top or shoes really are no longer part of my wardrobe. So as I pull the item out of the wardrobe, for one last time, I smile and wear it, knowing shortly it will be just a distant memory.

Often I recall, with a rather silly nostalgia, all the times I wore the clothing. I think back to how I got hold of it in the first place. Was it a gift from a relative? A mad purchase during a meeting abroad? Was it an impulse buy in the Christmas sales? Usually I can recall a whole lot of memories, often fond ones.

So today, I followed my ritual. I pulled out that blue suit that I bought years ago. In the nineties suits were THE thing to wear if you wanted to get on in the work place. As I put it on, I smiled one last time in my mirror.

I have to admit that wearing a suit did seem odd, as dresses and cute little top and trousers with nice dangly necklace are more my thing these days. But I was assured that someone somewhere would benefit from receiving this decade old suit, as it was in good condition just not the look I was after.

People don’t generally comment on my attire at work, it’s possible to receive the odd compliment on an unusual colour or style, but once a week would be the max.

Today I got 5 comments!!!

“Have you got an interview today?
“Wow, you’re wearing a suit
“That colour looks great on you, is it a new suit?”
“That’s an unusual look for you”
“Are you going to an interview today?”

To all of them I replied honestly and said no, it was my last outing of this attire, until I put it in the charity bag. This clearly made my colleagues laugh out loud, they thought I was insane.

I have to say, as I was a little taken aback, about how much attention my colleagues clearly have been paying to what I am wearing over the past few years!!!

So as anyone else out there got any traditions, on how to part with old or unused clothes?

Some books I just don't buy

There are a number of Alopecia books on the market.

I have read none of them. Not one.

I mentioned in an earlier post, "Investing time in living with alopecia", that I genuinely know very little about my condition of alopecia. This is just my way of coping with it I guess.

However since having the blog, I have done more research than ever before, as I quickly realized, many people expect me to have answers to their questions on the condition.

In addition, a friend recently challenged me on my lack of knowledge. She could not understand why I would not be reading all the latest literature on alopecia and at least reading about other the journeys of other people, their learnings and their experiences. She really felt I needed to understand more and know my facts on my condition. Yes ma'am!

So I had to really think about my rationale. Why had I not done much research?  Why did I not own any of the books on this subject?

Was it just my way of coping? Was I too lazy? Was it time? Maybe I didn't really care.

I decided my reasoning was as follows. I just don't want books about alopecia on my bookshelves. It's as simple as that. I love looking through other peoples bookshelves that are on display in their living space, perusing through the genres, the authors and the range. And somehow, I just couldn't see copies of alopecia books being part of our collection. Oh look, Macbeth, Shades of Grey and Bald women. Mmm, not really my vision.

I realize how silly that may sound, especially given the fact that there are no rules on the fact that books have to displayed. But I found it interesting to understand what was holding me back.

So following this insight, I have now made a different decision. I am going to go and buy two alopecia books right now. I am going to see what I can learn from others.

As to where I will display them. Not so sure, maybe under the bed for now.