So I have a very casual lifestyle, even though I'm working on a big project at home. Casual jeans and tee shirts are the norm. Cooking, cleaning, organizing at home, while also working on a fairly big project.

This morning, I was up and out the door by 8am - even though I didn't need to be. I was just going to do some grocery shopping before starting on my day.

That said - I decided to try something a little different. Dressed as if I were going to the office. I wore light, summer-weight grey dress pants, a smoke-blue button down dress shirt, a fancy statement necklace, and carried my nicer oxblood MK handbag. Even dabbed on Narciso Rodiguez "For Her" cologne (for the grocery store!) behind my ears and on my wrists. Put my hair up in a chignon, added matte silver stud earrings, and for a bit of "jauntiness" added some Ray-Ban (knock-off) style sunnies. I'm just going to the grocery store and coming right back home. This is dumb, right? I even added some red lipstick atop my usual lip balm.

You know what? I got more done on my project in one day than I've gotten done in two weeks!!!

I'm shocked!

Seems slouching around the house in shorts and tees isn't very good for me or my self-esteem.

I think there is something to be said for dressing in a way that is appropriate for one's lifestyle, while also dressing "up" a wee bit if you're moving on. I'm moving on, but have been kind of 'stuck' in my "at home" wear.

Bad news/good news? I was well prepared (ie. much stronger) when I got the call at 10:30 am this morning that my Mom's "further testing" at the imaging place didn't go so well - she'll need a biopsy. This is a mammogram, followed by ultrasound testing (today) - and now biopsy stuff. She sounded scared and upset, and I was somehow able to come across as reassuring and confident.

Hate to say it, and while it might sound stupid - I would have fallen apart if I hadn't been wearing my dress pants and crisp shirt. I just know I would have started crying and ended up in a heap on the floor or something. Because of my "I'm going to work" outfit, I was able to stay strong and confident-sounding on the phone with my Mom.

Moral of the story?

• sometimes you have to show up for something that you're not expecting
• what you're wearing can affect your productivity, confidence and clarity
• what you're wearing can actually affect how you "sound" to others - my Mom sounded relieved after we talked on the phone. No, she couldn't see me - but the clothes I was wearing today had an effect on my voice.

Not sure if this should be part of the main forums or moved to "off topic" (insert awkward, embarrassed, but still-confident smile here). Just thought I'd share - in case any one else finds it useful. Better to dress "up" than dress down, imo.

Now batting for Team Dressy. Don't care how hot it is outside, how 'casual' my lifestyle might be right now, or what the heck's going on out there.

Too casual makes me feel bad, makes me less productive and less confident. I'm very surprised at what a difference dressing up a little bit makes for me.