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Regaining lost fashion mojo

Janet

(website)

Veteran

After a month that has included traveling in ultra-casual, almost disposable clothing, and hanging out on a very messy, muddy ranch (my most-worn footwear is a pair of Muck boots), I am very much in the style doldrums. It doesn't help that I am feeling out of shape too -- I walked a lot in Cuba, but the weather has not been cooperating with my plans to run and bike while in Texas!

I'll be back home in a few days, and I'll be hugging my closet, and with luck, the first-day-of-spring snow we had will be melted and gone. I'm hoping to get back to feeling fab, but right now it seems pretty remote.

I know that a lot of you from colder climes have been through a long, brutal winter that is still very much in play for another month, so I'm not complaining about winter (after all, I did have 10 days sweating in a tropical climate!). Just feeling like I've lost my style mojo.

Any words of advice or encouragement? I'm asking for myself as well as for anyone else who is feeling the slump!

General

28 replies

Latest reply was from

Joy

Veteran

I will be returning home in a week and feel your slump. I hope that, in switching my closet at home to spring and more color, inspiration will come.
You might try a different color or neutral. Maybe use Angie's Picasso paintings or some of your photos as inspiration. Add a new accessory like a hat or sunglasses.

kkards

Veteran

i'm trying hard to get my spring fashion mojo, but the snow yesterday didn't help. nor has the little shopping i've done…..

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Joy! Sorry you're feeling it too.

You're right, I think the start of spring weather and reuniting with my wardrobe will help. I have a lot to do when I get home too -- preparing for an upcoming art exhibit, starting my training for RAGBRAI (a weeklong bike ride across Iowa), etc.

I have also figured out that I usually have a post-travel mood slump. Even though I absolutely love to travel and I love to come home, there's something of a let-down after the excitement and novelty of travel is over. I'll bounce back.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

kkards, my shopping lately has been limited to a new packable travel hat (so not fashiony -- just something to keep sun and rain off my head), and a pair of lightweight $25 Sketcher walking shoes that I absolutely beat to heck while in Cuba. But boy am I glad I got those shoes! My reptile print slip-on sneakers gave me blisters after just a few hours of walking in Miami, even though they were totally comfortable all last summer. That's what I get for putting my winter feet in summer shoes with no socks. Good thing I had time to hit Walgreens and pick up some moleskin! That is one of many things you will NOT find anywhere in Cuba.

Peri

Veteran

I have been feeling this too but my mood actually perked up a bit when I got a haircut. I had been feeling so bad about my hair that it was coloring my feelings about how I looked in general. Weird, but a few inches off and cleaned up layers and I feel so much better.

The other thing that helped was starting to put away winter and realizing that I was going to miss those outfits! That made me realize I do like my clothes after all. I had been thinking I looked awful in everything but it was really just a mood.

Summer is my challenge, and it's coming, but I feel better anyway. Make one small change and see what happens!

cheryl

Veteran

I'm feeling the same way. Long winter, lots of life changes and just not feeling my normal fashion spark. I'm hoping with the seasonal changes and picking up a few new pieces I will perk back up fashion wise.

kkards

Veteran

janet --my heels feel your pain. we had one day in the 60s and i ditched the socks, and just going to work gave me blisters…spring fever caused the brain to shut down, i forgot to use the blister preventing rub stuff.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Janet, it's the dead of Winter that has set in - along with being away from your killer wardrobe and not getting your sporting activities in either.

DON'T WORRY. Spring is on the horizon, the snow is melting, and SOON you will be back to your killer stylish inner self. Hang in there. Do the next forum challenge. Much love to you.

columbine(erin)

Veteran

I missed you! Hope you get your mojo back. Couldn't help thinking that you have some pieces that would be fun for the Picasso challenge.

crutcher

Veteran

Sometimes, I, too, just get tired of trying...I get tired of having to always consider the healthiest approach, the best exercise and eating...I get tired of fashion..Heaven forbid...I just get tired...
So, I do understand how you feel your style is in the funk...Maybe you are just tired...My enthusiasm always returns and for the most part, it comes back renewed...Allow yourself permission to just be right now...

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I hope you find your mojo soon Janet.

I haven't been feeling much interest in fashion since I went on a shopping ban in fall. I would like to care again but can't seem to muster up any enthusiasm. Much of the snow has melted and I can see my patio again so perhaps that will help.

viva

Veteran

It's officially spring and you're back home again! Allow yourself the luxury of adjustment time to settle back in. I'm sure before long you will be feeling the itch to be creative in your closet.

Kirstjen

Veteran

Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure. Buy a new scarf or lipstick that says Spring has come. Sometimes just a few cheap treats can revitalize your spirit and encourage you to tweak your look.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I feel your pain! Rural life will do this to you. I fight this feeling all the time. As soon as you get back to city living and good weather, you will feel rejuvenated.

(Weeklong bike trip across Iowa -- impressed!)

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Agreeing with the others that the winter doldrums can really put a damper on the fashion mood. Didn't help that I've been sick most of the new year so far. But...spring is coming! I did buy a sleeveless summery top recently that I'm looking forward to wearing and have been trying to assess my other spring/summer items and that planning ahead helps some. At least you know you're not alone.

Runcarla

Veteran

The Picasso challenge came just in time, and provided motivation for my last week of work before 2 weeks of vacation! When I go back to work after Easter some new aquisitions will go into rotation.

There are a pile of winter coats ready for the cleaners, and winter footwear lined up for some TLC. However, before tackling any of this, I spent some quality time with my aesthetician getting tidied up! Got the first pedi of the year, since I will be baring my feet on a beach next week!

Self care might be a first step for getting in the swing for spring. A little pampering, hair, and beauty is a nice way to kick start a season and get your fashion mojo back!

merwoman

Veteran

Have missed your posts Janet! Excellent advice has been posted, and I'm inclined to agree with you, that it's always a bit difficult getting going again when you come home from a wonderful vacation. I read some advice (somewhere) that said you should always have the next trip planned to avoid the post vacation doldrums.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Aw, Janet, don't worry -- you'll get it back. It's just the weather and the fact that you've been on a ranch, where fashion is definitely not a priority.

I lose my fashion mojo halfway through every summer. There comes a point where all I care about is not being hot.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Yes, the after trip let down is real. Try to hang onto the upcoming biking event, sounds exciting.... Reconnecting with a full closet after a suitcase especially at season change may be just the thing you need... Wishing your Mojo returns!

Jjsloane

Veteran

Janet - let's do a Spring DC area meetup! We'll toast to regaining our Mojos!

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

I think once you've washed and packed away your travel wear, your passion will return. Packing and travelling can be so mentally draining, even when you enjoy it, and even when the weather is cooperative. Hang in there.

AM

Veteran

It's no fun to loose your mojo. And a post trip low is an unfortunate reality. Hair, make-up, nails all seem like nice options. And if you need a little down time to refuel, maybe purchase some fashion mags and curl up with some tea under the covers. And I'd be very interested in a Spring DC meet up. I hope that might lift your spirits.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Huh, I generally want to purge after coming back from a trip. I realize I can do just fine with less.

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

Janet, I wish I didn't know what you were talking about WRT to mud boots and farm style. Sometimes I wonder about Mary Jane Butters' sanity or laundry minions-her magazine farm photos don't even approach my rich fantasy life of dressing out here, LOL. Field pants and fleece, day after day. Plus your jaunty hat in clement weather.

Then I get to go to the city. Friends! Restaurants! Shops! You'll be right back in the swing of it with the renewed stimulus. I like the idea of a haircut and some airport fashion mags. Texas airports have got to have some of the best people-watching in the world. Plenty of examples of what I do not want. Safe travels!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, all!

Some excellent points made here. I think I will be ready for another closet evaluation/purge, as I start to put winter stuff away and move warm-weather pieces back into rotation. I might refresh a few things that are feeling stale. I did a great overhaul of my sandals last year, but I think I may justify a new pair of summer shoes as well.

We have such a short spring season before it gets downright hot that I always need to remember NOT to get caught up in spring/transitional pieces. They just don't get worn enough.

I love the idea of a mani/pedi. Maybe I'll spring for a facial -- I haven't done that in years. It will feel good to get back into my workout routine too! Il feeling dumpy and flabby, which is not helping.

Thanks for the ideas and commiseration! Onward to spring!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Janet, I think when you get home and hug your closet your fashion mojo will come back. You have such a fab wardrobe that it is inevitable. Spring arrival is another catalyst for sure - you will be fine!

Aziraphale

Veteran

You know, Janet, we had a model the other day who was stunning. She was beautiful, like you, with a full bust, defined waist, and sturdy legs with gorgeous full thighs. I know you don't love your thighs sometimes, but I tell you, they probably look lovelier than you think. I know we're not supposed to make comments about models, but this woman was my favourite model to draw all season. My drawings of her were 10% better than they normally are.

So don't feel flabby. You are gorgeous.

(One of the nice things about drawing artists' models is that you get to see the beauty in a wide range of body types!).

Anonymous

I've totally lost mine too. Unfortunately, what gets me going are two things not necessarily always achievable and don't always work together: having some new clothes/shoes to wear, and being the weight/size I want to be. I don't like buying clothes when I don't like the way I look, and for the first time in my life, I'm not losing weight as quickly as I would like. Clothes for me need to take a backseat while I workout harder and focus on food....so the fashion mojo just disappears - the way I wish I would sometimes.