Who am I and what have I done with my real self?

For many years I have had little interest in my feminine side.  Hair has had to be functional - wash, a quick blast with the hair dryer, brush, and go - and clothing has had to be comfortable - and stuff the 'fashion' of the season.  So it is with some shock and excitement that I find myself becoming more interested in the clothes side.  The hair still has to fit those criteria so I am going to get my hair cut shorter and have some highlights put in.

Clothes, however, are beginning to intrigue me.  Today I even caught myself looking at skirts and dresses.  Earlier in the week I was contemplating shaving my legs for the VERY FIRST TIME!!  I haven't plucked up the courage yet but I think I might have to if I'm going to wear more feminine attire.  I've got the shaver; my armpits get a short back and sides every so often.  This is increasing as I have a new shaver that doesn't pinch and nick.  I also have had a re-fit at M&S - and I hope the upcoming exercise and weight loss regime takes a bit off the cup size.

I've been told what colours are good for me, and they certainly seem to work for me.  These are the summer colours - fuchsia pink, purple, teal, and things like that.  I have to avoid earthy tones, including orange and terracotta.

Maybe it's a midlife crisis.

What I did today

I went clothes shopping with Ros.  The original spec was to find a 'business' top to go with my black jacket and trousers.  We eventually (read several shops later) found some nice tops but realised that the jacket's cut and style just wasn't 'me'.  Coincidentally in that same shop there were some lovely purple short coats which, although outside what I was looking to pay, was absolutely perfect.  We ummed and ahhed over lunch then went back and bought it, along with 3 nice workwear t-shirts for £12.  Then we decided to look for a simple business-style white blouse.  Do you know how hard it is to find one?!  We drew a blank.

Ros told me she thought I was 'summer' colours and after trying some of them on today, I have to agree.  These are nice bright pinks, purples, certain reds and blues and a little bit of black.  I'm to avoid orange tones.

Also, what is it with the sizing of clothes.  In Bon Marche I needed size 16, which was one heck of an ego boost.  In Peacocks I would have needed a size 20!!  Tell me girls, which place would you rather shop in?  Right, the one that allows you to wear the smaller size.  So I shan't be going to Peacocks again in a hurry.